This year, I’ve been reminded again and again of why Ava’s Pathways exists: because none of us are meant to shoulder life’s challenges alone.
Not long ago, our board received a heartfelt note of thanks. A family had been on the verge of losing their only car—without it, work would have been impossible, and the ripple effect on their stability could have been devastating. Through the generosity of our supporters, Ava’s Pathways was able to step in and cover payments that kept that car in their driveway. That single act of support wasn’t just about money—it was a bridge. A bridge to work, to stability, and to hope. It was also a reminder that empowerment is never about one person doing it all; it’s about a community lifting together.
Stories like this are why our theme for the upcoming gala on **November 7, 2025—Pathways to Purpose: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers—**is so meaningful. When we talk about breaking barriers, we are talking about removing obstacles like financial hardship, fear, and isolation. And when we talk about building bridges, we mean creating pathways to opportunity, healing, and connection. True empowerment doesn’t only happen when walls come down—it happens when new doors open.
Looking back, 2025 has been a remarkable year. We hosted six health and wellness activities, reaching more than 100 women in our community. These included restorative circles, creative self-care workshops, and coaching programs—all designed to give women tools to believe in their own strength, become who they were meant to be, and belong to a supportive circle. None of this would have been possible without the people who believe in our mission and invest in our work.
And we’re not slowing down. In 2026, our vision is to expand our reach, touching more than 200 women through six or more health and wellness programs. We’re also exploring the addition of a women’s retreat and other new initiatives that will deepen our impact. Alongside these plans, we’ve launched the Empowerment Sponsorship Program, providing awards of $500–$1,000 to women in transition who need financial assistance for critical next steps. Already, we’ve seen how even modest support—whether it’s keeping a family in their home, covering transportation, or easing the burden of unexpected expenses—can create lasting transformation.
This is the work ahead of us—and it can’t be done without partners who are willing to help build the bridges. That’s what our Gala is about. That’s what your sponsorship makes possible.
Together, we can break the barriers that hold women back. Together, we can build pathways to purpose.
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Alice Pryor
Vice President, Ava’s Pathways
