The PathStone Corporation — a nonprofit with a location in Kennett Square that is dedicated to eliminating poverty and strengthening individuals and families — boasts a long history of providing customized professional development that leads to enhanced employability.

Sandra Cintora-Lopez and Lucio Edy Arreola Monroy, two individuals whose lives were changed as a result of PathStone’s services, were recently honored by the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP) at its 23rd Annual Self-Sufficiency Awards Program.

CAAP is a statewide organization that represents 43 Community Action Agencies, one of which is PathStone. Its Self-Sufficiency Awards Program highlights how barriers to self-sufficiency can be overcome when individuals accept the challenge of pursuing the opportunities provided by their local Community Action Agency.

Cintora-Lopez’s and Arreola Monroy’s stories reveal not only the determination and achievements of those who persevere in their quest to become self-sufficient, but also show how Community Action Agencies like PathStone support individuals on their journey.

Cintora-Lopez, a single mother of three girls who was always told that driving tractor-trailers was only for men, aspired to one day be behind the wheel. However, the training was too expensive. She went to PathStone, seeking information about its Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program.

PathStone then contacted the AAA School of Trucking in Philadelphia, the only school Cintora-Lopez was able to attend during the evening to obtain her license. She struggled with the classes because she is not fully bilingual but overcame her obstacle with help of the instructor and PathStone staff.

Cintora-Lopez persevered, passing her permit exams, completing her road test, and eventually obtaining her Class CDL A License. Now, she is a driver for Avondale-based To-Jo Mushrooms in an agricultural upgrade position.

Arreola Monroy, who emigrated from Mexico when he was 19, was working seven days a week and making minimum wage when he turned to PathStone for help learning a new skill that would allow him to build a career. PathStone enrolled him into its training and employment program, where it was able to connect him with a company, MOBAC, Inc., that was willing to train him in construction.

Armed with a new job, Arreola Monroy now has a better salary, can spend more time with his family, and was able to purchase his first home.

“I cannot tell you what great pleasure it is to see Sandra and Lucio recognized for successfully changing their lives through training,” said Nita D’Agostino, PathStone’s Senior Vice President for Direct Services and a member of the nonprofit’s Executive Corporate Team. “We are so proud of their accomplishments.”

Learn more about PathStone Corporation.