Breaking the cycle of poverty: 11 graduate from Decatur's ‘Pathway of Hope' program
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — It's graduation season, but not everyone is celebrating the end of their schooling. Some are crossing the finish line of their time with a unique, transformative program that aims to break the cycle of poverty.
Pathway of Hope is personal for many as they earn recognition for completing a series of services through Decatur's Salvation Army. Of the 11 who graduated on Thursday afternoon, several didn't think they would ever reach this point.
Patrick Hahn was once battling a drug addiction and alcoholism. He was in and out of prison several times, until he said he reached a point of knowing 'I can't do it on my own. I need somewhere to go.'
That's when he found himself at the Salvation Army, working with Andrea Lewin, a case manager.
She brought the Pathway of Hope program to Macon County in 2013, helping 426 people so far.
'I've had people with bachelor's degrees, people who have been homeless with children, people who need housing and jobs,' she described.
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She wants the community to know her door is open to talk, learn about resources and get in touch with emotions. Of all the moments and interactions with clients, Lewin said graduation day tops her list of 'rewarding moments.'
'I get to see the process of someone having hope, who didn't have hope,' she said.
90% of those who start the program without homes end with stable housing. 88% achieve employment goals by the last day.
Hahn is a perfect example of that. He once never imagined being employed, but is now a professional custodian with Quality Plus Cleaners in Decatur.
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Following graduation, Lewin will check in with each client every three months. She and her team are also gearing up to help dozens of others reach their dreams in the future.
'It touches my heart. That I can develop a relationship,' she said. 'It's not just a client. It's a person, a human being. It's their feelings.'
If you need help or want to get involved, you can contact the Decatur location at 217-429-8050. More details can be found on this website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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