For adults with developmental disabilities, living independently is an important opportunity that allows them to erase barriers and build confidence. After many years of working with Pathway to Possible to empower adults and their families, Wellesley Village Church and the Babson Foundation helped to create a Pathway to Possible home in Wellesley, around the corner from Village Church. Established in 1998, the Paul T. Babson II Jubilee House hosts four residents who are able to live within a community while receiving assistance with reading, gardening, shopping, and meal preparation.
Pathway to Possible, formerly the Newton Weston Wellesley Committee for Community Living, maintains several group homes in Newton neighborhoods with a commitment to encouraging and enabling meaningful relationships within a community.
In support of these goals, Village Church members have shared monthly ecumenical fellowship dinners and social activities with residents, forging friendships and a deeper understanding of the gifts we all have to offer.
“Henri Nouwen writes, ‘The eternal community of love is the center and source of Jesus’ spiritual life.’ It is in our partnership that I have experienced this intimate community of love. Our eating and our praying; our teaching and our healing; our singing and our laughter—all create a spirit of love. There are no labels for those with abilities and those with disabilities in this community. There are just precious friends who share their abundant gifts with each other.”
Judy Mongiardo, former Village Church program leader
In this time of COVID19, Pathway to Possible is launching a Best Buddies program to allow volunteers to be matched with a resident for correspondence and socially distanced meetings. Connections during this time of social isolation are sustaining and volunteers are needed.
“It was hard to fathom the emotional toll this … would have on them and I could only think of the long-term implications on their mental and overall well-being. It is now mid-August and our residents are still at home; and they are thriving. They are busy, happy and healthy.”
Keavy Smith, MSW, LICSW, Chief Clinical Officer, P2P