The History of
Pathway to Possible
Let’s dive deep into the history of Pathway to Possible and see how our agency got to where it is today!
1970’s
Pathway to Possible, formerly known as the Newton Wellesley Weston Committee for Community Living, started as a group of concerned parents who were committed to ending institutionalization in 1972. These parents wanted their adult children to transition to a comfortable home with caring support after moving out of their childhood home.
The beautiful Juniper House was bought by Pathway to Possible (formerly NWW Committee) in 1973.
Despite protests and petitions against their plans, the committee was able to transform a nursing home to a residence now known as "Juniper House". A news article from the time, states that "a hand vote [of the audience] showed 18 of those present favored the plan, while 12 were opposed." It was a close victory for Newton and the disability community! The home was one of 50 being established statewide under the auspices of the state Department of Mental Health as part of a program in an effort to halve the number of residents in institutions.
Eight individuals, from Wrentham State Hospital, ranging in age from early-30s to mid-40s, moved in to Juniper House. A news article from the time mentioned, "Their individual progress in adapting to community living after long years in institutions has been rated 'astonishing' by medical observers." In a few short years, initial distrust of these new neighbors has been replaced by genuine liking and respect. They entered new jobs, became beloved regulars of the Centre Street shopping area, regularly attended Sunday Service at the Eliot Church of Newton, and became adored friends by surrounding neighbors.
The opening of Juniper House was a significant milestone in the advocacy of individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities. The subsequent shift in the mentality of surrounding community members has remained positive from the 70s until present day. Our residents not only feel welcomed and liked by the Newton and Wellesley communities but they are supported through monetary and item donations, as well as friendship.
1980’s
In the 1980's, Pathway to Possible (P2P) maintained the thriving Juniper House, opened Orchard House in 1979, opened Grove Street in 1986, and supervised some apartments rented and maintained by the clients themselves. These locations were regularly supervised according to the needs of the folks that lived in them. The staff helped residents gain essential skills for the development of a reasonably independent lifestyle.
Residents developed and maintained great relationships with the surrounding community. Employment was a requirement for staying in the program and residents worked either competitively or in sheltered workshops. Some of their workplaces include New England Life in downtown Boston and Filenes at the Chestnut Hill Mall. One of the managers was so happy with our residents that he called former Executive Director, Nancy Slamin to ask "if we had anyone else who wanted to work".
Sevrin, a resident that still lives at Jubilee House in Wellesley, started a job in the kitchen of the Filene's restaurant in 1974 at the Chestnut Hill Mall. He washed dishes, cleaned chairs, set up the salad bar and more. Sevrin continued working at Filene's for more than 30 years until retirement!
At the age of 3, Sevrin was committed to Wrentham State School. He spent 27 years there and matured from a child to an adult. At this school, there was very little expected of him. He could not read nor could he speak very well. When he was sent to Charles River Workshop then NWW Committee, he bloomed and even became nearly independent. Sevrin now lives in Jubilee House, as part of our Independent Living Program. He makes fast friends with everyone who encounters him and loves being a part of the Wellesley community!
Sevrin poses for a photo in 1983 when he first started his Filene's job.
Sevrin poses for a photo at his home after retirement.
In 1983, NWW Committee hosted its first-ever Autumn Auction! They raised $2,500 from a silent auction and had 150 guests in attendance. Individuals and businesses contributed items ranging from gourmet dinners to patchwork quilts. This was a great first fundraising success for the agency!
This is the first-ever NWW Committee Autumn Auction Invitation!
1990’s
In the 90's, NWW Committee opened the homes of Walnut Street, Cross Street (now known as the Paul T. Babson II Jubilee House) and Bontempo.
Keith, Lin, David, and Kim excitedly tour their new home, the Paul T. Babson Jubilee House, in 1999! This was the first place that any of the four have lived for an extended time away from their parents.
Despite some pushback from the state, Bontempo was gifted to NWW from Carol and Richard Beard, ensuring housing for their twin sons and other adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities. Carol and Richard were two visionary leaders in the fight for disability advocacy. Pathway to Possible now has annual "Visionary Leader Awards" given out to a staff member and community member who embody the spirit of the Beards.
The Beard family (Lincoln, Richard, Forrest and Carol) stands in front of their family home on Bontempo Road that they gifted to NWW Community.
Juniper House, which was previously owned by the Newton Housing Authority, was officially bought by NWW Committee in 1996 for $300,000. They used a $373,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to renovate the home. They bought back the house in order to qualify for HUD grant, which will allow for the residents to continue to live there.
"Many of the people who are living there currently were the original residents, so this is really their room. They're part of the Newton Corner community. It's an opportunity for them to continue to live there and for the organization to be able to provide them with the quality housing they deserve." - Nancy Slamin, Former NWW Director
The original Juniper crew (Ina, Dorothy, Ricky Anne Marie, John, Joyce, Barbara, and Rose) from 1996.
NWW entered the world of Best Buddies in the 90's, when they established partnerships with Boston College (1991) and Wellesley College (1995). Anthony Kennedy Shriver, the founder and president of Best Buddies, visited our agency in 1993! Best Buddies is a program that pairs individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities to an adult without disabilities in a meaningful and consistent friendship.
Tina Jameson, NWW Volunteer Coordinator, Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder and President of Best Buddies, and Nancy C. Slamin, NWW Executive Director meet for the NWW Best Buddies Boston College Program.
Christine and Greg spend time with their Boston College student Best Buddies at a drop-in event.
In 1995, NWW Committee heard concerns from the parents of adults with disabilities when trying to find a roommate for their kin. They saw a need and decided to put together a roommate registry! Program clients who wish to be included in the registry would complete a questionnaire that polls them on a wide range of living habits and personality traits.
"The Newton-Wellesley-Weston registry helps individuals create a living situation that isn't crisis-driven. Having their name in a roommate registry gives consumers more choice; it isn't just someone handing you a couple of names." - Anne Lane, Department of Developmental Disabilities
Additionally, NWW began partnerships with the Village Church, The United Parish of Auburndale and the First Parish Church in Weston. These partnerships are still alive and well today! We are so grateful for their continued support throughout so many years.
NWW celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 1997!