COMMUNITY

Photo by: Matt Howell Farmhouse Creative; (From left to right) Deputy of Community Development Programs, Brandon Lien, Administrative Assistant, Angie White-Stone, Indiana Community Development Director, Annette Phillips, Financial Coach, Carol Jackson, Senior Homeownership Counselor, Gabriel Shetterley, MPA (Not pictured, Financial Coach Jacqueline Washington)

Creating a Pathway to Success

PathStone is a private, not-for-profit organization that accomplishes amazing things within the communities they serve. Their mission is to build family and individual self-sufficiency by strengthening rural, urban, and farmworker communities. PathStone provides a variety of services and programs that create opportunities for families and individuals to build better lives. “The communities we serve are made up of hardworking people whose labor-intensive efforts provide us dairy and meat resources. They provide an economic and agricultural landscape for our everyday living,” explains Annette Phillips, Community Relations Director for PathStone Housing Corporation of Indiana. PathStone currently operates in eight states, including Indiana. Annette and her team are responsible for overseeing the Indiana operations.

PathStone is funded by grants and donations which make programs available such as financial literacy, building and restoring credit, assistance with purchasing a home, money management, and educational and employment opportunities. PathStone works with a variety of programs including Affordable Housing and Financial Coaching to ultimately help create opportunities for individuals and families to establish financial means and secure homeownership.

“The biggest challenge we have is getting clients through the door for the first time,” said Annette. “These are proud, hardworking people. It can be difficult to accept help.” Annette’s team provides understanding to these individuals that PathStone exists to help them achieve their own success. PathStone provides resources, tools, classes, and plans – and as the client, they are responsible for doing the work.

“The promise we make to our clients is a life-long commitment. We are with them to answer whatever questions they may have, even after they go through our program,” said Annette. Everyone has different goals and moves through their individual program at their own pace. According to Annete, “ We make sure that participants understand that success does not happen overnight and that they must commit to consistency, hard work, and dedication. PathStone’s goal is to certify that everyone has the same tools available to reach their independent goals.” To learn more about PathStone, visit www.pathstone.org. Z