OUR PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Our unique programs are tailored to respond to the expressed needs of our Pathfinders
Our small team is dedicated to providing a safe space for people to explore and question beyond the only Jewish community they know
Our Board
General Meet Ups
Our activities give Pathfinders the chance to meet like-minded individuals and build a safe and accepting community. Our peer lead Meet Ups occur monthly for people who may be questioning or transitioning away from their Orthodox or ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, or have already left. An open forum to discuss topics chosen by each group. Age 18+
LGBTQIA+ Meet Ups
Our small (but growing) community of LGBTQIA+ Pathfinders explore their evolving religious identities, and gender/sexuality questions in a safe and accepting space. Age 18+
Special Meet Ups
Our special events feature guest speakers with specific expertise (financial literacy, IT skills, health & nutrition etc.) as well as ‘lived experience’ from around the globe. Age 18+
SOCIAL & CULTURAL PROGRAMS
Coffee Club & Bushwalks
What’s the difference between a Short Black and a Ristretto? Our social indoor and outdoor events encourage Pathfinders to develop new support networks, while building their confidence in ‘everyday’ cultural situations.
Film Screenings,
Museum & Gallery Visits
Our series of casual (yet confidential) get togethers are designed to help Pathfinders develop their social networks and access ‘everyday’ cultural experiences in a fun and supportive environment.
Some Pathfinders struggle with real loneliness during the Jewish festivals
(due to personal or family challenges). Our Passover and Rosh Hashanah lunches offer an accepting space where Pathfinders can mark the ‘chagim’ in
their own way.
Writers Workshops
This new series encourages Pathfinders to explore and share their stories, learn to write and develop new skills guided by a professional editor and writer. Separate individual writing sessions are also provided to Pathfinders interested in publishing.
Culture Club
Led by an engaging moderator, Pathfinders will get together to discuss books, poetry, music, cinema, exhibitions and other cultural happenings of interest to the group. These sessions will provide an uplifting and casual forum to discuss stories and events relevant to Pathfinders' lives. Commencing in 2023.
Writers Open Mic Event
Pathfinders will share and celebrate their personal growth and writing achievements at this public ticketed event in mid-2023. The event will also accommodate Pathfinders who wish to protect their anonymity by having well-know authors read out their story on their behalf.
Festival Lunches
STORYTELLING PROGRAMS
PATH 4 LIFE | Mentor Program
The aim of the PATH 4 LIFE | Mentor Program is to empower Pathfinders to reach their full potential. All Mentors are Volunteers trained by Pathways Melbourne.
Buddy mentoring
This mentoring program matches an ‘experienced’ Pathfinder with a ‘new’ Pathfinder to provide guidance and support.
Professional mentoring
Volunteers with specific areas of expertise are matched to mentor Pathfinders in: writing CVs, applying for higher education & jobs, IT/tech support, financial literacy, academic tutoring, and more.
If you are a Pathfinder and would like a Mentor, please complete this form here and we will get back to you.
Our peer support WhatsApp groups are buzzing hives of discussion for our Pathfinders to confidentially explore ideas, current affairs and questions they would otherwise feel unsafe to discuss in public. Pathways runs a General Group, Women’s Group and LGBTQ+ Group. Age 18+
PATH 4 LIFE
Mentor Program
DISCUSSION FORUMS
WhatsApp Groups
Pathfinders commonly require referrals to:
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GPs, Psychologists and other mental health specialists
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Sexual assault and family violence services
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Food support services
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Legal advisers incl. Employment, Family Law and Gett support
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Vocational training services
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Emergency housing services
Community Education
& Advocacy
To strengthen ties with the broader Jewish community, we speak regularly to synagogues, community groups leaders and schools. We also represent the organisation at festivals, media interviews, forums and panels.