Who we are

Pathways Drop-In Center is a mental health consumer-run community center for people suffering from major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and other severe biological brain disorders.

Our staff all have the lived experience of those they serve and this gives them a unique insight not available to other providers. They know what is appropriate, what is not, what helps, and what hurts. They can be real, whether rewarding progress or setting limits on behavior, without worrying about political correctness or having people question their motives or sincerity. They are profiles in courage and compassion. We offer the basic life necessities that most people take for granted, food, clothing, a place to shower, and wash their clothes, a phone and computer and most importantly, companionship. In addition we do have a limited housing program, which gives a home to those who would otherwise be homeless. We are a safe haven for a very vulnerable population, the mentally ill.

Pathways members carry huge burdens. Not only are they living with a devastating illness, but also because of their illness, they live with the terrible burdens of stigma and poverty. We are the only organization of our kind in Orange County Florida that provides vital services free to those living with these illnesses. Most of our members cannot work because of their disability, have lost their families and homes as well as their self-esteem and self worth. Our staff helps and leads by example. They take responsibility for their recovery by being treatment compliant and by avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs. The staff teaches empowerment through responsibility and yet they recognize that while the science of treatment is not yet able to reach everyone, the still stricken deserve our love and compassion. Because of the services we offer, this population of disabled people are not in jails or institutions, or prematurely in graveyards but are clean, clothed, sober, free and happy.

Our Mission

Pathways is a community mental health center that delivers phenomenally cost effective services to the seriously and persistently mentally ill by using their peers to deliver those services with the special insight that the brutal experience of mental illness gives those who survive it. We are role models for the possibility of recovery. We have zero tolerance for illegal drugs, alcohol, and aggression. Our purpose is to solve problems. We are not about blame or guilt. However we are about responsibility.

Our services range from food to clothing and recreation, however for mental health consumers in need of help, the limit of our services is our time and other limited resources. All services are free except for rental housing. The only criteria for service is having experienced mental illness. We believe that we have created one of the safest places in Central Florida in a low income neighborhood that is sometimes troubled at night. We are located in this area because, this is where the mentally ill often live in Florida due to their frequent poverty.