Mission and History
About UsMission Statement
Since 1950, the AbilityPath Auxiliary has supported children and adults with special needs through the programs and services of AbilityPath. The Auxiliary strives to encourage and enhance personal growth in those we serve by providing financial support to AbilityPath and volunteering at special events.
Our History
The AbilityPath Auxiliary was established in 1950 as the Hillsborough Auxiliary for the Society for Crippled Children, now known as AbilityPath. Throughout the years, AbilityPath has undergone several name changes. Most recently, the organization was called Gatepath. To align with the evolution and name changes of the nonprofit organization it supports, the Gatepath Auxiliary officially changed its name to the AbilityPath Auxiliary in 2020. The purpose of the Auxiliary has remained the same since its inception: to serve and assist community members with special needs and developmental disabilities.
Founding member Ruth Heimann led the Auxiliary in establishing several social events for the children, youth, and adults who are part of AbilityPath’s programs. These events are still in place today. Additionally, the Auxiliary contributes funds in support of the organization’s mission of creating a world where people of all abilities are fully accepted, respected, and included from the classroom to the workplace, and everywhere in between.
Throughout its 100 years of service, AbilityPath has expanded its programs and increased the number of people it supports in the greater Bay Area with locations now in Daly City, Burlingame, San Mateo, Redwood City, Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Half Moon Bay. Thanks to the incredible support of the Auxiliary, AbilityPath has been able to offer innovative and diverse programs to address the scope of special needs in the community. Some Auxiliary members have expanded their volunteer hours to include participation in these programs.
The history and dedication of the Auxiliary’s first President Catherine Campbell Hearst
In 1957, the Auxiliary formally filed Articles of Incorporation with the State of California as a non-profit corporation and became a 501c(3).
Holiday Party
The AbilityPath Auxiliary holds an annual Holiday Party for adults in AbilityPath programs. You can be a part of this daytime event that is filled with fun games, a delicious lunch, and even a visit from Santa.
AbilityPath Auxiliary members dressed up in festive outfits for the annual Holiday Party in 2017
Members enjoy a sunny day in the park at the AbilityPath Auxiliary Summer Picnic in 2018
Summer Picnic
Each summer we plan and coordinate a summer picnic for the adult participants in Ability Path’s programs. The summer picnic is an enjoyable daytime event that brings together members of different AbilityPath programs, including teachers, job coaches, AbilityPath Staff, and AbilityPath Auxiliary members for games, dancing, and lunch.
The Auxiliary’s objective of offering support and assistance to the children and adults with special needs and disabilities in our community has remained constant. The Auxiliary membership continues its tradition of volunteerism and contributes more than 6,000 hours of service each year. Auxiliary funds are derived from Auxiliary sponsored fundraising events and from direct contributions derived from membership dues, donations, and the community.
The Auxiliary has proudly raised more than $3 million in support of the children and adults with special needs receiving services at AbilityPath who are striving to reach their full potential and live productive lives in our community.
Our Mission
Since 1950, the AbilityPath Auxiliary has supported children and adults with special needs through the programs and services of AbilityPath. The Auxiliary strives to encourage and enhance personal growth in those we serve by providing financial support to AbilityPath and volunteering at special events.