Angela Dawson, Dr. Robert Thomas, Michelle Keterick, Brittney Hopkins, and Rachelle Woods honor Pastor Norva Ross at the Pathways Enrichment Center's annual commencement ceremony on April 13th. (Martin McConnell – Morning Journal)
For years, Pathways Enrichment Center has helped Lorain County residents focus more on their physical, mental and spiritual health. The program was originally founded by the Rev. Norva Ross and was taken over by Ross' daughter Brittney Hopkins and publicist Patti Sturman.
This year's Pathways Enrichment Center graduation ceremony, held on April 13th, was the first without Ross himself in attendance. Hopkins said Ross passed away on January 20 of this year, but she was still alive and well with her group of alumni.
“My mom is everywhere,” Hopkins said. “It's not unusual to have a conversation about her. Sometimes things come across a little differently. … She passed by in the middle of a Pathways Plate session series. It's a nine-month program, and maybe… I think she passed in the 6th month.”
Ross was the cornerstone of the program, and in her absence, Hopkins, Sturman and Angela Dawson, executive director of the Ohio Minority Health Commission, took over. Hopkins didn't miss the event, she said, as her mother had hoped.
“We're still going. We haven't missed a beat,” she said. “She never missed an event or canceled a class. …When she came to an event like this, she always got a little bit of enthusiasm, an extra push. It energized her. It gave me energy.”
Even without Ross and her mentor, the graduation ceremony was a special and celebratory time, Hopkins said.
“This show today is a graduation ceremony,” she said. “Every month we have classes that focus on physical health, mental health and emotional health. …Today is a graduation ceremony to celebrate everyone. There are about 40 graduates in all.”
All 40 graduates lost a total of 350 pounds during the nine-month program, Hopkins said. Specifically, he congratulated Josephine Smith and Rosa Garcia for their top placements.
According to Hopkins, it's often the subtle changes groups encourage that have the biggest impact.
“These subtle changes really go the distance,” she says. “Making a healthy lifestyle change can be difficult and scary. If you start small…over time, you'll start to see changes in your A1C levels, and you'll start to see changes in your blood pressure. It will be.”
Hopkins said commitment is paramount to recognizing change.
Hopkins said she is honored to continue the work her mother started. As Pathways Enrichment Center moves into its next year of operations, she hopes to build on what Ross has created and make it bigger and better.
“I'm honored,” she said. “It is my absolute duty to continue the work and legacy she started. I am honored to be here. It means the world to Pathways. …We all carry her mantle. , I think it's an honor to carry on her legacy and play some role in it.”
