Just a Phase?

[Anonymous]

I have read and been disappointed by many of the thoughts that I have seen here today.

First of all, everyone needs to take a look at the dates that these statements were written. I can tell you first-hand that Straight (which for the record DOES NOT exist anymore) and Pathway Family Center are two different programs. Though, I do not know much about Straight, I can tell you that I know a whole lot about Pathway.

Pathway DOES NOT use restraints, they simply keep the door locked, and if clients do happen to run, the police are called immediatley. Pathway helps adolescents and their families through the tough times in regards to substance abuse issues, that actually many of the parents have issues with themselves. Obviously, no 15 year old is going to admit themselves into drug rehab, so they are not happy when they enter the program. But, Pathway's goals and their focus is on teaching the tools and learning how to deal with addiction.

Adolescents that come through the doors of Pathway have not tried drinking or smoking pot 1 or 2 times, these kids are harmfully involved in drugs that CAN and HAVE killed (Clawson High School, heroin) many kids who "don't know any better". Why put your own child and his/her friends in danger because you believe that this program is somehow compared to a cult? This is your child's life, research it for yourself to find the answers that you seek. Dont listen to what people say about a program (Straight) that existed X amount of years ago that is totally irrelevant to Pathway Family Center.

Secondly, I just wanted to end with a thought. This world is getting bad. Really bad. Drugs are passing through schools and alcohol is being drank in the basement of these kids own homes, with their parents upstairs, either aware or unaware of what is going on. This may or may not be what we Americans like to call a "just a  phase" that teenagers go through, and sometimes that is what it is--a phase. It was for me, I had a great time in high school, and drinking (not so much drugs for me) WAS a part of it. But, what if there is that addictive gene in one's personality. The gene that allows you to smoke pot until your hearts content, and then wonder what cocaine is like and then wonder what heroin is like. I got lucky that that gene did not get passed to me. Some kids didn't get as lucky as me. So, maybe it is a phase. But, what if it's not?

[webcrawler]

Everything that Pathways does to people is what they did to us in the Michigan Straight. I know you would not like to believe this, but it's true.

Lots of people were forced into my program that drank once or twice and were forced to confess to things they never did. It's strange how they left that place more messed up than when they entered.

Do you really think that Don, Vicki, Laura, and the rest from Straight just magically changed their techniques overnight? Please. Straight closed one day and Pathways opened. The shell game. The heat was on Straight so they set up shop under a different name.

Your snide remark on the previous thread about me not knowing what I'm talking about is ridiculous. I keep in contact w/ former staff members that were around for the change in locations from Plymouth to Southfield. I have been in contact w/ Pathways clients. I have read numerous accounts of how Straight, Pathways, Life, Seed, etc are all connected. I really suggest you research it.

Kids don't need to be mentally torn down to a pulp to get their act together. There are other places and forms of help out there.

Seems to me you have the same abusive attitude as all the other program pushers. I bet you really enjoyed motivating real hard in the plastic chair to rip and confront people in group. I can tell. Why don't you motivate real hard before you write another demeaning post.

Hey, I can't be mad at your insensitivy though, because we all learned how to be that way from the best. Didn't we?

[Anonymous]

If you are implying that I am a therapist, you are certainly mistaken.

But, it shows how much you know about the end of Straight and the beginning of Pathway, since a man named Don is not associated AT ALL with Pathway. I have never heard of him and it must be because he worked for Straight. You think you know SO MUCH about the business end of services such as these. You dont know shit, and I keep telling you that you need to KNOW what you are talking about before you type. You don't listen. Did it ever occur to you that whoever was the President/CEO, the "big shot", the leader, whatever you want to call the person who made the decisions at Straight, did it ever occur to you that THAT person did not join Pathway's staff? HELLO?? We are talking about a totally different operation here. The president of Pathway Family Center actually CARED about getting the kids "leftover" from Straight the help that they still needed. Do you know anything about non-profit organizations?? Ha ha ha. You think people who work for or own an organization like Pathway care about money?? I'll let you in on a little secret, non-profit means not for profit, which means the organization doesn't have much money. That is what grant writing is all about. But, you wouldn't know anything about the business end of things. You are just a washed up druggie who has nothing to do but spread a bad name about an organization that you know nothing about. I told you that I was sorry that your experience at STRAIGHT was so awful and we should all be happy that it closed. You don't have to take it out on Pathway because there is nowhere else to take your anger.

I also find it quite funny that you call me insensitive and abusive in my thoughts, when all I am trying to say that kids need help, Pathway provides help, and Pathway and Straight are not the same place and don't abide by the same rules. What in the world is so hard to understand about that? Maybe you are so bitter because you didn't know how to stop using and you lost family and/or friends because of it. I'm sure that many of us have lost a loved one to drugs or alcohol. So, why try to stop the people who care about helping out and making a difference? That's too bad that you have to go through life so angry. Try thinking positive for a change, you will feel much better if you do.

[webcrawler]

I have a copy of Pathways tax return listing Don Robinson and not long ago his pic was on the website.

Telling me to smoke crack, etc. WTH???!!!! On a different thread. You are one sick person and your mentality totally is a reflection of the jokers running that place.

Boo hoo.

So typical of your type. You always assume anyone that disagrees is on drugs or bitter. For the record I DO NOT use drugs, but yes I am bitter as I have every right to be.

When Vicki Winebarger and Don Robinson make a public apology for all the shit they put us through maybe I'll stop being "less bitter". Ha!

[webcrawler]

Don Robinson was listed as making $75,000 at Pathways. Hmmm the "profits" are going somewhere. I know all about non-profits as I work for one. Non profit does not mean there is no money flowing in.

[Anonymous]

Don Robinson does not and has not worked for Pathway in a considerable amount of time.

[Anonymous]

seriously.... shut the fuck up webcrawler, you miserable fuck. I dont like using such harsh words, but you are so off... the point is, pathway has changed a lot and is a lot more liberal nowadays. its a program that gives youths time apart to look at themselves and gives them an opportunity to become mature young adults instead of being oblivious to whats really goin on. quit your bitching and let go.

[webcrawler]

On 2005-07-27 09:35:00, Anonymous wrote:

"seriously.... shut the fuck up webcrawler, you miserable fuck. I dont like using such harsh words, but you are so off... the point is, pathway has changed a lot and is a lot more liberal nowadays. its a program that gives youths time apart to look at themselves and gives them an opportunity to become mature young adults instead of being oblivious to whats really goin on. quit your bitching and let go."

No, I think you rather enjoy speaking to me this way as that is how staff speaks to people. Your vulgarities are a reflection of Pathways. What a thing to be proud of you "successful grad" you.

[Anonymous]

exactly my point... let go. and by the way, who said i was a grad? Good call webcrawler, you straight survivor you!

[Antigen]

Well said, Webcrawler.

As democracy is perfected, the office of President represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people.   On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.
--H.L. Mencken

[Anonymous]

You love your quotes, dont you? use your own words, bitch!

[webcrawler]

On 2005-07-27 11:33:00, Anonymous wrote:

"You love your quotes, dont you? use your own words, bitch!"

The way you are speaking to people does no justice for pathways, so keep on speaking.

This is a total reflection of what all of us pick up from these programs. It's quite sad when one thinks about it. Where's the peace, love, and serenity there anon? If you gained any from that place it sure is not apparent by your posts.

[Anonymous]

On 2005-07-27 08:12:00, Anonymous wrote:

"Don Robinson does not and has not worked for Pathway in a considerable amount of time."

I graduated in Pathway in 2001 and Don Robinson was the CEO. I don't know if he is anymore, but your comment saying "no don has ever worked at pfc" is wrong. I was restrained numerous times at PFC and watched many others get restrained. There was a kid named Eric Berg who ran and tried to jump the fence behind the building. He was ripped off of the fence and had his hand ripped open. I've seen numerous nose bleeds and numerous chasings take place when "cop outs" were attempted. I'm not saying that this type of activity exists now, but it did when I was in PFC.