PathPoint Recognized as a National Leading Nonprofit by Mutual of America

PathPoint was recognized by the Mutual of America Foundation with a prestigious Community Partnership Award and Luncheon hosted at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore in Santa Barbara.

Every year the Mutual of America Foundation recognizes and encourages national partnerships dedicated to the public good among businesses, government and social sectors. Of these candidates only 10 are chosen as Merit Finalist winners. The year Mutual of America celebrates their 20th anniversary commending these candidates.

Hosted by Mutual of America, PathPoint community partners, local businesses and individual supporters alike attended the affair, joining in the celebration of PathPoint’s innovative achievements in the area of Behavioral Health.

Mutual of America specifically acclaimed the successful impact of the Residential Support Service Program that PathPoint provides through their Behavioral Health Services. The leading efforts of PathPoint staff and leadership were commended through the Merit Finalist Award presented by Mutual of America for their annual competition. And in the spirit of the inclusive celebration, Mutual of America also took time to recognize special partners of PathPoint with certificates of appreciation. These collaborative organizations that support our mission and work to make our community strong include: the Housing Authority of Santa Barbara, the St. Francis Foundation Parish Nursing, Cottage Health Systems, Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness, and the Santa Barbara Foundation. Individuals in the community that further our mission were honored as well: Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider; Rob Pearson, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara Housing Authority; Jan Ingram, Direct of Parish Nursing; Ron Gallo, President/CEO of the Santa Barbara Foundation; and Jean Smith, PathPoint board member and loyal supporter of PathPoint for 40 years!

Mutual of America shares the importance of this Community Partnership Luncheon and Merit Finalist Award by saying “As a country, America is strengthened by the ideal of partnership – the fundamental notion that we’re better off as a society as people come together to achieve extraordinary goals.”

To echo this PathPoint shares that "The Behavioral Health Residential Support Services program has provided more than 200 formerly homeless individuals a pathway to recovery, wellness and hope," said Cynthia Burton, President and Chief Executive Officer of PathPoint. "By giving our most vulnerable citizens access to crucial social support services and a place to call home, the program is helping them to make healthy choices, realize new strengths and reach personal goals."

The event represented a culmination of efforts by PathPoint to impact the greater good of their communities – both locally and throughout five counties in Southern California.

As Mutual of America stated “the belief that every American deserves a life of opportunity is what drives us all.”