Nate Zimmerman was among the first class of residents to enter Pathways Academy on March 17, 2014. On that clear crisp Saturday morning. Nate unloaded his duffel from his father’s truck and made his way up the driveway. His first words were spoken with an earnestness and intensity that we’ve come to learn is pure Nate. “It’s taken me 31 years to get here, but I made it.”

The “here” he referred to was Pathways Academy, the place that would be his temporary residence and training ground while he learned to develop and master the skills and abilities needed to live on his own. His acceptance into this innovative new residential life skills program marked a turning point in Nate’s life, just as it has for the 19 other graduates who came after.

From the very beginning, Pathways Academy has had as its mantra “Don’t do, show.”

The philosophy of Pathways Academy is that of a learning environment, where the staff are there to “teach” and not to “do.” In order to successfully graduate from the Academy, Nate and his housemates were required to develop adequate skills in targeted core areas of an extensive curriculum that included:

• • • • money management
      • consumer awareness
      • personal hygiene/appearance
      • health
      • interpersonal and social skills
      • housing and transportation
      • job-seeking skills
      • emergency and safety skills
      • digital awareness

        

On May 21, 2015, Nate became the first graduate of Pathways Academy. The occasion of the 2023 graduation provided a perfect excuse to check in with him to see how he’s doing.

“I can’t believe I’ve been on my own for 8 years.” Those were the first words out of Nate’s mouth when we met up again recently. He was excited to show off his cozy first-floor apartment in downtown Carlisle, so we sat and chatted for a bit. He explained that he had gone back to Cumberland Crossings in February after taking some time off during the COVID pandemic. After a period of time, he was struggling to wear the medical-grade N95 mask—which was a requirement at all times in the Continuing Care Retirement Community where he worked in the kitchen.

Nate, who turned 40 earlier this year, loves to cook, a talent he discovered at Pathways Academy. He prepares homemade meals most nights, including tuna and noodle casserole, pork chops with mushroom sauce, and pasta dishes. He also likes going for walks, hanging out with friends, and attending church events. A huge NASCAR fan, he said the biggest challenge he faces in living on his own is not having or being able to get a driver’s license (due to Cerebral Palsy) which forces him to rely on family or friends, or public transportation. Still, he says he’s “living the dream.”

Speaking of living the dream, Nate inquired about the most recent class of Pathways Academy graduates. He flashed a huge smile when told each of the four ladies will be moving on to live independently. Asked to recall what he remembers most of his own Pathways Academy journey, Nate reflected for a moment. “To be honest, I thought I would be living with my parents the rest of my life. There was nothing I wanted more than to live independently, but when it hadn’t happened by the time I was 30, I figured it never would. Then we learned about Pathways Academy.”

So who was more nervous about him going to the Academy, him or his parents? He replied, “My parents were supportive and nervous for me at the same time. But the supportive side won out. ME—I wasn’t nervous AT ALL. I was sure I had what it takes to live alone… until I moved into the home and started the program. Pathways Academy gave us necessary hurdles and hoops to jump through… important things to learn. I realized very quickly that it would take more than a DESIRE to live on my own. It was going to take time, and commitment, and hard work on my part. But I did it.”

“So I lived with my parents for 31 years, and at Pathways Academy for 18 months. Look at me now. I’ve been living in a one-bedroom apartment, on my own, holding down a job, for 8 years.”