How Pathways to Independence Is Fighting Isolation in St. Louis

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Feb 17

Mostly SUperheroes the Podcast is Live every Friday at Noon CT

What happens after work ends… and the loneliness begins?

In this episode of Mostly Superheroes, we sit down with Grace Murray from Pathways to Independence, a St. Louis nonprofit creating real-life social skills and community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Since 1987, Pathways has helped people:
• Build friendships
• Host their own small groups
• Gain social confidence
• Learn skills schools don’t teach
• Thrive in the community

We talk about:
• Why isolation is one of the biggest hidden crises today
• How “third spaces” save lives
• Social college classes (texting etiquette, dating, communication skills)
• Their upcoming Cowboys-Themed Trivia Night fundraiser
• How tax credits + local funding support disability services
• Why in-person community beats online every time

🎟 TRIVIA NIGHT (Cowboys for Community)
Saturday, February 21
Tables: $240 | Individuals: $30
Goal: $60,000

🌐 Learn more or donate:
https://ptistl.org

🎧 Listen / Watch / Support:
https://mostlysuperheroes.com

🔴 TITLED YOUTUBE TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Welcome Back to Mostly Superheroes
01:27 – Introducing Pathways to Independence
03:50 – The Mission: Real Life Skills Through Social Connection
08:13 – Small Groups: Helping Participants Host Their Own Events
10:19 – Cowboys for Community Trivia Night (Fundraiser Details)
15:05 – Social Growth Events in the Community
15:51 – “Social College”: The Skills School Doesn’t Teach
19:35 – The Importance of Third Spaces in St. Louis
22:32 – Why Online Communities Aren’t Enough
24:45 – Serving 4 Counties Across St. Louis
26:00 – 36-Hour Raise-A-Thon Explained
28:46 – Funding, Tax Credits & Children’s Services Fund
32:00 – How You Can Support Pathways