PathPoint

Support PathPoint's Services for People with Developmental Disabilities

Established in 1964, PathPoint is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports people to flourish. We partner with children, adults, and families to find hope and empowerment, build life skills, access systems of support, and develop meaningful relationships. In Kern County, PathPoint currently supports over 222 individuals through Employment Services (ES), Community Integration Services (CIS), Independent Living Services (ILS), and Transition Services. We continue to use innovative solutions and creativity while prioritizing person-centered practices to keep the people we support integrated, happy, and engaged. As we take this time to celebrate our individuals' accomplishments, we would like to share some of our highlights in Kern:

 Community Integration Services

• We continue our partnerships with our volunteer sites: All Seated in a Barn, Senior Center, and Discovery Shop. We also continue to run our in-house Connection Shop. The shop creates a controlled retail environment where individuals work on their customer service skills and money counting skills.
• Continue to connect the people we support with the right Assistive Technology, allowing them to increase independence and become part of their own local community in their own unique way.

Employment Services

• Continue to provide Employment Services in Kern County which include job development and on-site job coaching.
• Our Project SEARCH (PS) service celebrated their third graduation at Kern County Public Library, which resulted in two interns being hired. Also, PS has returned to Dignity's Mercy Downtown Hospital where our current interns are participating in the Environmental Services Department.

Independent Living Services

• Kern County recently launched Independent Living Services along with Coordinated Family Supports. The ultimate goal for both of these services is to support individuals in order for them to gain independence either in their own home or within their family home. Overall, the services are tailored to meet the specific needs of both the individual and their family (when it applies), respecting their language and culture.

Transition Services

• Throughout our PUENTES/BRIDGES service, we continue to assist transition-age youth with an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) to understand the transition process from school services to adult services, and into the workforce using transition planning.

PathPoint 2025 Highlights

 Your donation will support individuals like...

Rachelle joined PathPoint’s Integrated Work Service in April 2025 and initially, she was quiet, reserved, and unsure about her passions. Everything shifted when she began volunteering at the local garden hosted by the Apple Core Project in Bakersfield. Through hands-on experience, Rachelle learned how to care for vegetables and plants, and discovered the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Her dedication and determination quickly stood out as she consistently gave her best and became one of the strongest contributors on her team. Impressed by her work ethic, the garden’s owner offered Rachelle a part-time position assisting with setup and sales at the weekend Farmer’s Market. This opportunity was a direct result of her commitment and growth and marks a meaningful step forward in her employment journey. Rachelle continues to put her best foot forward in her new role and is hopefully for her future employment endeavors.

    Thank you for helping PathPoint support people with developmental disabilities in Kern County, like Rachelle!