Personal Assistance Telephone Help (PATH) started answering phones in January 1971 through ISU students, faculty, and residents. It was a volunteer effort. The original mission was to provide accurate information and support for students with street drug issues.
The mission expanded to meet emerging needs from the Illinois State University and the Bloomington-Normal area. Our mission now included crisis calls, requests for information and referrals, and simply a safe, confidential place for people to talk to well-trained, non-judgemental, and caring volunteers.
While our legal name is still Personal Assistance Telephone Help, it did not capture the significant array of services. We were no longer limited to a phone contact only, and PATH began adding programs for specific populations. In the 1980s, the Board of Directors agreed that our Doing Business As (DBA) name PATH, Inc. could reference our enlarged mission: Providing Access to Help to improve and save lives.
On April 28, 2023, our CEO, Chris Workman passed away. The sudden change in his prognosis and recovery was very heartbreaking. However, he never wavered in the work and guidance he provided to our organization. Chris worked until the very end of his life, and we are indebted to his commitment to ensuring PATH’s continued success in all that we do.
Chris cared very deeply about the future of PATH, the staff, and most importantly, the communities that we serve. He always demonstrated servant leadership, from his assistance at Project Oz very early on in his career, to his work in Kentucky State Government, and finally to PATH. Chris constantly talked about the mission and vision until the very end of his life. He will be missed by all of us, but his vision will remain in our hearts.
Warmest Regards,
Martha Evans
Interim CEO
