This past Saturday, Visions and Pathways hosted their annual 5k and 2 mile walk at Duke Island Park in Bridgwater. The walk started promptly at 9:00 a.m. and the run started shortly after at 10:00 a.m. The 5k raised money in efforts to help homeless teenagers in the U.S. The run featured various forms of entertainment such as raffles, food, music and even had Bill Spadea as emcee, host of Chasing News and morning drive-time host on Radio Station 101.5. The 5k was a major success as there were hundreds of participants and everyone had a great time. 

Visions and Pathways is the first nonprofit run youth shelter in the state of New Jersey. The shelter was founded in 1973 and has been aiding abused, neglected, homeless, missing and at-risk youth ever since. They help teens with broken lives; most of  the children they help show no physical signs of damage as they have internal emotional scars. The organization helps put the teens on track and build their self-esteem in order to acquire the skills necessary to thrive. The organization provides food, housing, counseling, education assistance, arts and recreation activities, career and employment counseling, scholarships and financial literacy instruction. 

The organization runs various other fundraisers to raise money and awareness for their cause. In the past they have hosted fundraisers at Pinot’s Palette this past August and a charity event at Top Golf in Edison this past September. The next event will be an axe throwing event at Hatchet Stumpy’s House in Greenbrook Nov. 9. It will be from  3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and registration is $50 per person. 

This organization has a mission to provide abused, neglected and homeless youth with housing, a stable environment, and supportive services that will guide them in becoming self sufficient individuals who are capable of caring and providing for themselves. For more information on how you can become involved, please visit https://visionsandpathways.org.