One place. Helping people in our community.

This past month, our community experienced back-to-back winter storms—weather we rarely see in our area. As conditions worsened, Pathways moved quickly into full partnership mode to ensure the safety, dignity, and care of our guests. We live in a world where collaboration and partnership are words often used, but genuine partnership is far less common. At Pathways, we truly believe in partnership. We recognize that we are all serving the same population, that we all love our community, and that we all want the very best for those we serve. We also understand that each organization has a unique calling—to live out its mission fully without duplicating efforts. During moments of crisis, that shared understanding becomes visible and powerful. As the storms approached, partners came together to plan, communicate, and support one another. We engaged community partners such as the City of Rock Hill, the American Red Cross, and the Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen to help us expand capacity and respond to emerging needs. Shelter partners across the community accepted additional guests to ensure people could get out of the dangerous weather and into safe spaces. On our campus, Pathways staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to clear snow and ice so guests—many with limited mobility—could safely navigate the exterior of the building. Staff members slept on site to ensure uninterrupted care and coverage throughout the storm. The Day Shelter expanded into the auditorium to create additional space and warmth as the number of guests increased. Support flowed in from every direction. Manna House Food Pantry donated food for shelter guests. House of Agape served additional guests and opened their space to accommodate other meals being provided. The Soup Kitchen delivered extra meals. York Electric generously brought meals when the ice storm proved less severe than anticipated. Church partners adjusted quickly, bringing meals early when travel later became unsafe. When church partners could not be physically present to serve or preach, technology allowed us to continue sharing the Word, and our own guests stepped up to prepare meals for one another. For those who chose not to stay in shelter, we provided as much warmth and support as possible. While the storms disrupted daily operations, one thing never changed: our partners never stopped caring, loving, and serving our shared guests. This is the power of partnership—moving, shifting, sharing resources, and working together to serve the people we love. This is the power of our campus.

On any given night, thousands of women across America experience hardship. For Haylea Hoke, a mother and recent graduate of York Technical College’s Culinary Workforce Readiness Program, a pathway toward stability became possible through workforce training rooted in opportunity and strengthened by a network of community partners committed to walking alongside her. An integral part of Haylea’s journey toward self-sufficiency was her completion of the York Technical College nine-week Culinary Workforce Readiness Program, a hands-on training designed to equip participants with professional culinary skills, industry-recognized certification, and the confidence needed to pursue meaningful employment. For Haylea, the program represented more than job training; it was a turning point. When asked about the purpose of the program, Kimberly Massey, Workforce and Economic Development Activator for York Tech, said: “The Workforce and Economic Development Department at York Tech offers short-term training, certification, and licensure to help people find work or to advance in their work roles. Many people think of the Technical College as the place that offers 2-year degrees, and we do, but our department offers 2-week, 6-week, 4-month, etc. programs that meet the needs of our local citizens and local industry. Quite often, in cases like Haylea's, people do not have 2 years to become qualified for their next job. They need the knowledge and skills concentrated into a brief time period and assistance connecting with workforce partners who want to hire them.” Like many individuals navigating difficult circumstances, Haylea was already taking steps to care for herself and her family when she connected with local support services that helped stabilize her life and make participation in the program possible. In a recent interview, Haylea reflected on a pivotal season that led her to York Tech’s program. “At the time, I was homeless. I moved to The Life House Women’s Shelter,” she shared. “If it wasn’t for Amber and The Life House, I wouldn’t have been in the culinary program.” The Life House Women’s Shelter, located at Pathways Community Center in Rock Hill, provides women experiencing hardship with access to safe shelter, meals, hygiene services, fellowship, and case management. These essential supports allowed Haylea to focus on her goals and fully engage in York Technical College’s training program. Offered in partnership with Pathways Community Center, York Technical College’s Culinary Workforce Readiness Program blends technical instruction with professional development to prepare participants for success in the food service industry. Throughout the program, Pathways staff worked closely with students to provide encouragement, accountability, and ongoing support. “Mr. Taylor and Wanda support you in ways that I don’t think many people get supported,” Haylea said. “If it weren’t for Mr. Taylor constantly pushing us to go and keep going, I wouldn’t have stayed in the class.” In the kitchen, Haylea trained under the guidance of York Technical College instructor Chef Teshia, who challenged students to develop both their skills and their confidence. “It was truly amazing to watch Haylea’s confidence grow, not only in the kitchen but in every aspect of the program. At the start of the course, she was quiet and preferred to observe. By the end of the class, she was confidently cooking and helping lead discussions,” Chef said. Even while navigating personal challenges — including the loss of a family member — Haylea remained committed to completing the program, supported by her classmates, Chef Teshia, and Pathways staff. “Chef Teshia pushed us to the point where we knew we could do it,” Haylea shared. “She gave us the confidence that we needed.” On December 18, Haylea proudly received her white coat and Managerial ServSafe Certification during a graduation ceremony held at Pathways Community Center, marking the successful completion of York Technical College’s Culinary Workforce Readiness Program. “I don’t overthink anymore,” she said. “If I set my mind to something, I’m going to do it.” When asked what advice she would give to future students, Haylea offered simple but powerful encouragement: “Just keep pushing through. Don’t give up. It’s easy to give up, but just don’t.” Since graduating from the program, Haylea has been hired at Junior Varsity and will soon return to the kitchen at Eleven 11 Steakhouse in Rock Hill — continuing the momentum she built through York Technical College’s workforce training. Her story highlights the impact of workforce education when paired with intentional community collaboration. Through York Technical College’s Culinary Workforce Readiness Program — and the vital support of partners like The Life House and Pathways Community Center — individuals are gaining the skills, confidence, and stability needed to build lasting change. Written by Karl Vogl