Toppsie's Story
We all encounter people who need help. Perhaps they’re facing some serious barriers to successfully navigating life—they might even become homeless.
However, not everyone needing help will agree with what “help” actually means. Often those who need it most perceive help as merely “assistance to do whatever I want to do”, which is seldom a good thing.
Genuine help should move people forward and upward; it should always endeavor to advance lives in a positive way. Any assistance not intended to accomplish such ends is rarely helpful and can easily enable bad behaviors.
Our clients must first reject false notions that help means unconditional assistance, and then they must participate in realigning their lives.
We’re proud to highlight someone who has done just that, and we celebrate her exceptional journey from a Pathway client to a treasured staff member.
Toppsie entered Pathway House almost 3 years ago, as she had become increasingly unable to maintain stable employment or living arrangements. Her emotional health had progressively declined due to a host of problems, some associated with past trauma.
But, she was immediately open to change and to accepting advice from staff. She was open, even eager, to trust God and to put words into action.
Right away our women’s ministry leader began counseling with Toppsie to develop appropriate goals and to address any medical issues that required professional attention.
She embraced our in-house devotions, Bible studies, and personalized counseling. She met her goals one by one with cheerful determination, and her faith became stronger each day.
Toppsie completed our intensive Trauma Reboot program, which shed healing light on old wounds.
Even so, her time at Pathway wasn’t without setbacks and obstacles; she’s had her share of bumps in the road. But she’s persevered through them all, never losing faith, knowing that God’s plan is not always smooth but is eventually perfected for our good.
As she continued making progress, she felt a calling to pursue a career in homeless ministry. In January of 2023, Toppsie began the first of two internships with Pathway House, each lasting 6 months.
She received on-the-job training and experience while completing classes and a Mental Health Coaching certification to prepare her for more advanced work.
Following her internships, during which she consistently excelled, we offered her a full-time position as a client supervisor in our family ministry. This allowed her to reside on campus until she could afford to move.
Obtaining a vehicle was her next hurdle and we were all praying for a resolution. One day, a donor called with a car he wanted to give directly to a deserving person.
We were grateful even before we saw it, but were overjoyed when we finally laid eyes on a cherry red VW Beetle convertible! Now it’s her signature, and we can spot her a mile away!
But she’s not going to be living a mile away, because a rental house came available one block from our campus and it’s now Toppsie’s, along with a great roommate to share expenses.
Not only is Toppsie now a beloved staff member, but she’s a living example to our Pathway clients of how God can restore our lives—if only we let Him!
