About Us

Guiding your path to a brighter future

Pathway to Hope is dedicated to providing compassionate, holistic support for individuals facing mental health and addiction challenges. Our mission is to foster resilience, recovery, and a supportive community through comprehensive programs and resources designed to empower individuals on their journey to well-being.

Get to Know Us

At Pathway to Hope, our dedicated team of professionals is the heart and soul of our organization. Each team member brings unique experiences, skills, and compassion to their role, working tirelessly to support individuals on their journey to mental wellness and recovery. Below, you will find personalized stories that highlight the diverse backgrounds and unwavering commitment of our team.

Our
Team

Meet the Board of Directors and Executives

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Founder, Executive Director & Chairperson

Ishaq Khan

Ishaq Khan is committed to returning the benefits he has received from Canada through the Pathway to Hope organization. Recognizing the growing prevalence of mental health challenges, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic, Ishaq is dedicated to assisting Canadians in addressing mental health through accessible and educational means. Drawing from his experiences, Ishaq is acutely aware of the stigma associated with mental health and addiction and is committed to breaking down cultural and religious barriers through his unique perspective and background.

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Directory of Technology

Omid Ghiyasian

As the youngest of five children, including two brothers and three sisters, Omid dedicated his time and energy to establishing Pathway to Hope as a nonprofit organization. Leveraging his expertise in information technology, Omid spearheaded the organization’s development from its inception. His unwavering commitment is to create a user-friendly, accessible, and modular platform for Pathway to Hope, ensuring its long-term success and mitigating any potential technical challenges or debt in the future.

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Co-Founder, Director of Operations & Chairperson

Jessica Qubrossi

Before joining Pathway to Hope, Jessica Qubrossi worked in varies impactful roles across the Waterloo Region, where she gained a deep understanding of community challenges and the need for comprehensive support services. Her journey into the mental health and addiction field began with personal experiences and witnessing the struggles of loved ones. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, baking, reading, and watching movies, which keep her grounded and inspires her work at Pathway to Hope.

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Treasurer

Faridoon Fawad

Faridoon left Pakistan for Canada in search of a brighter future, only to encounter cultural and emotional hurdles. Struggling in an unfamiliar society while raising two young boys, she found herself isolated and overwhelmed, eventually facing depression and anxiety. Through personal determination and the gradual discovery of a supportive community, she reclaimed hope and stability in her life. Today, she openly shares her journey, driven by the deep desire to spare others the pain she once endured and to champion accessible mental health care for everyone.

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Pathway to Hope's Origin Story

Pathway to Hope was founded in November 2024 to address critical gaps in mental health and addiction services for youth in Ontario. The organization’s mission is to provide culturally sensitive, inclusive care that reflects Canada’s multicultural, multilingual, and interfaith identity.

The foundation of Pathway to Hope was inspired by the collaborative efforts of Jessica Qubrossi and Ishaq Khan. Jessica brought extensive hands-on experience as a youth addiction worker, offering invaluable insights into the shortcomings of existing systems. Despite her efforts to introduce meaningful change, organizational bureaucracy often hindered progress, leaving systemic gaps unaddressed. Ishaq, drawing from his personal experiences and innovative thinking, transformed these observations into a vision for a sustainable, adaptable organization that addresses these challenges head-on.

Pathway to Hope operates on three core principles:

Multiculturalism: Programs are designed to reflect the diverse cultural identities of the youth and families served. By hiring staff from various backgrounds and offering culturally relevant practices, the organization ensures that individuals feel represented and supported.
Multilingualism: Counselling and resources are offered in multiple languages, breaking down language barriers and making mental health care accessible to non-English and non-French speakers.
Interfaith: A safe, inclusive space is provided for individuals of all faiths—or none—where they can access support that respects their beliefs and values.

Since its inception, Pathway to Hope has become a vital resource in the Waterloo Region, offering education, mentorship, and culturally tailored mental health care. Designed to be both impactful and sustainable, the organization continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of a diverse population.

Pathway to Hope stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing systemic challenges. By fostering resilience, inclusivity, and cultural awareness, the organization is paving the way for a future where every young person can heal, grow, and thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page! Here, you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about Pathway to Hope, our programs, and our services. We hope this section provides you with the information you need. If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

General

Programs and Services

Volunteering and Careers

Donations and Support

Events and Community Involvement

Contact Information

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Pathway to Hope is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth facing mental health and addiction challenges through compassionate, holistic support. Based in the Waterloo Region, our mission is to foster resilience, recovery, and a supportive community by offering comprehensive programs and resources designed to guide individuals toward well-being. We provide online educational courses, mentorship programs, workshops, and related resources, all accessible through our Academy. Our approach emphasizes inclusivity and personalized care, ensuring that each individual receives the support they need on their journey to mental wellness.
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Pathway to Hope offers a range of services and programs designed to support youth aged 13 to 25 facing mental health and addiction challenges. Our offerings include:

1. Online Educational Courses
Through our Academy, we provide accessible online courses focused on mental health and addiction education. These courses are designed to help individuals recognize early signs of stress or addiction, develop effective coping mechanisms, and build stronger social and family connections. The curriculum integrates practical strategies, scientific insights, and real-world experiences to foster personal growth and resilience.

2. Interactive Workshops and Webinars
We regularly host interactive workshops and webinars that delve into various aspects of mental health and addiction. These sessions offer participants the opportunity to engage with experts, ask questions, and gain practical skills applicable to daily life. Topics range from stress management techniques to understanding the impact of cultural and religious factors on mental health. Our workshops are often conducted in partnership with esteemed institutions, ensuring diverse perspectives and comprehensive coverage of subjects.

3. Peer Support and Mentorship Programs
Recognizing the value of shared experiences, our peer support and mentorship programs connect individuals with trained mentors who have faced similar challenges. This peer-to-peer approach fosters a sense of community and provides personalized guidance, helping participants navigate their mental health journeys with support and understanding.

4. Community Engagement Initiatives
We actively collaborate with local communities to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma. Our initiatives include outreach programs, partnerships with schools and community centres, and public awareness campaigns aimed at creating an inclusive environment where mental health is openly discussed and supported.

All our services are designed with a holistic approach, considering the cultural, religious, and geographical backgrounds of the individuals we serve. By offering a diverse range of programs, Pathway to Hope strives to meet the unique needs of each person, empowering them to achieve mental well-being and lead fulfilling lives.
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Pathway to Hope is a nonprofit organization based in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. Our central location within the Waterloo Region allows us to effectively serve the local community and collaborate with regional partners to address mental health and addiction challenges among youth. While our physical presence is in Kitchener, we extend our reach beyond geographical boundaries through our online platforms. Our Academy offers accessible educational resources and support services to individuals across Canada and beyond, ensuring that distance is not a barrier to receiving the help and information needed. For more information or to get involved, please visit our Contact page.