It was 50 years ago that Pathways Health Centre for Children welcomed its first clients to its Murphy Road site.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alison Morrison said the centre first opened its doors in 1975 on land still leased today from the Rotary Club of Sarnia for $1.
"When the building first opened, there was a small staff with an intention to serve 250 children a year on this Murphy Road site," said Morrison. "We've now grown to a staff of almost 200 in number, supporting over 5,000 children and youth yearly, in over 160 locations throughout Sarnia-Lambton."
She said they have a great deal of thanks to give to the Rotary Club of Sarnia , which had the vision to bring the centre to fruition, and has stood beside Pathways in every capital expansion over the years.
Morrison said as they mark the milestone, they want to hear what impact Pathways has had on area residents.
"We are planning on sharing 50 special facts about Pathways, one a week, over the next year on social media," she said. "But, we're also really wanting to harvest stories from the community and hearing from past clients about the impact that Pathways has had. So look forward to those opportunities to share with us how Pathways has made an impact in your life."
Pathways will also host a series of events and celebrations through 2025, kicking off with the first ever Pickleball for Pathways at Lambton College on January 25. In February, it's the Give the Kids a Lift-Bench Press Contest in partnership with Ironworks.
Events this summer include Cruise in the Park and the Sarnia Sting Golf Tournament.
Pathways also unveiled a commemorative 50 year logo earlier this month.
To find out more about the centre, its services and the 50 year celebrations visit Pathways' website.