Pathways Coalition celebrates wins, plans awareness events

Friends and volunteers of Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks gathered for their quarterly meeting on Tuesday, June 16, at the community room of the Stone County Health Department in Branson West. Attendees included area community residents wanting to help with the mission of the Coalition, as well as representatives from county agencies and from Sen. Josh Hawley’s office. 

Founder and director Veloris Juneman opened the meeting by reiterating the mission of the Coalition to educate the community about human trafficking and to protect the vulnerable. She then introduced Nikki Kinney, co-founder and Development Director, who in turn introduced other new staff members who will be valuable assets in carrying out that mission: Rebecca Barringer, Intake and Impact; Jamie Thomas, Survivor Support; Shylee Gasper, Ministry Assistant, and Amazing Grace “Gracie,” the new therapy dog in training to provide support and comfort to survivors. 

Recent “wins” celebrated at the meeting include continued progress at the Pathways to Hope Advocacy Center, a safe 30- to 90-day residential facility where survivors receive case management services and practical assistance for beginning their healing journey. Thanks to community partners and volunteers, several beautifully furnished bedrooms and comfortable living spaces help create a feeling of home and community. Ten women have been served so far, including two current residents, and survivors’ retreats were also held recently, an opportunity for the women to relax and build fellowship and supportive community. 

Another win is the recent work of the Stone County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with several area organizations, proactively conducting a Trafficking Demand Reduction Operation which resulted in several arrests. 

Coming events include “Stitch & Stay Safe,” an informative session taught by Nikki Kinney, combining a craft project with valuable social media safety training, starting on June 28. Check the Facebook page for availability as seating is limited. 

There are several ways to get involved in this important mission: Volunteer to staff a table or distribute resources at special events; provide items from the Amazon wish-list for survivor “Go-Bags” and speak to your church or civic group about hosting an educational speaker or a training event. Another great way to help is to talk with your children’s or grandchildren’s school administration about hosting an educational meeting for parents as well as age-appropriate student meetings, particularly emphasizing social media which is a primary entrance point for youth sex trafficking.

Wrapping up the meeting, Juneman reminded attendees that we can all do our part to become more aware and to help answer prayers such as that prayed by one desperate victim, “Lord, please send your people.” 

Stay up to date on resources and events by following the Facebook page or visiting https://pathwaysprojectmo.org. 

Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks announces organizational growth and new staff members 

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Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks is proud to announce a significant season of growth with the addition of several new staff members to its leadership and ministry team. As the organization continues expanding its mission to combat human trafficking through education, prevention, collaboration and survivor support, these new staff represent an important step forward in strengthening the services and community impact across the Ozarks: 

● Nikki Kinney, Director of Development 

● Rebecca Barringer, Director of Intake & Impact 

● Jamie Thomas, Director of Survivor Support 

● Shylee Gasper, Ministry Assistant 

● Amazing Grace (“Gracie”), in-training Therapy Dog for PTSD support & protection 

“These additions reflect not only the growth of our organization, but the growing need for compassionate, faith-driven support throughout the Ozarks,” said Veloris Juneman, Executive Director of The Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks. “Each of these women—and Gracie—bring unique gifts, leadership and heart for this mission. Their passion and dedication will help us continue building pathways of hope, healing and restoration for survivors and our community.” 

As Director of Development, Nikki Kinney will lead fundraising, donor engagement and strategic growth initiatives for the organization. With more than 15 years of marketing and leadership experience, including eight years as Director of Marketing at Branson Landing, Kinney is a co-founder of Pathways and is now making the transition from corporate leadership into nonprofit service. 

“As Pathways continues to grow, so does our responsibility to serve with excellence, compassion and purpose,” said Kinney. “Leaving corporate America to pursue this mission full-time has been a calling on my heart, and I’m honored to help build something that creates lasting impact throughout the Ozarks.” 

Rebecca Barringer joins the organization as Director of Intake & Impact, where she will oversee intake coordination, survivor-centered support processes and organizational impact tracking to ensure services remain effective, compassionate and community-focused.

As Director of Survivor Support, Jamie Thomas will lead program development and support for our survivors, helping expand educational outreach, prevention initiatives and survivor support efforts at the Pathways to Hope Advocacy Center. 

Shylee Gasper joins the team as Ministry Assistant, supporting day-to-day operations, outreach efforts and organizational initiatives to strengthen the mission and care provided through Pathways. 

In addition, Amazing Grace “Gracie,” the organization’s in-training therapy dog, will play a special role providing comfort, emotional support and encouragement to survivors and individuals served through Pathways programs. Gracie represents the organization’s commitment to trauma-informed, compassionate care and healing-centered support. 

The Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks was founded to address the growing need for awareness, prevention and support surrounding sex trafficking in the Ozarks region. Through community partnerships, education, advocacy and survivor-centered care, the organization is committed to bringing hope, healing and restoration to individuals and families impacted by exploitation. 

For more information about The Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks, partnership opportunities, or ways to support the mission, visit pathwaysprojectmo.org or follow the organization on social media.