CASSELBERRY | The care and compassion of parishioners from Nativity Parish in Longwood facilitated the purchase of 34 hospital beds for Pathways to Care, a non-profit assisted living facility for homeless persons recovering after illness or surgery.
Members of the Advocacy and Social Action Ministry and Nativity parishioners raised funds for Pathways because of the dedication of parish pastor, Father David Scotchie’s commitment to ministering to the vulnerable. The parish works with “Catholic community partners” and tithes a portion of the offertory, especially as part of their Lenten almsgiving focus, to support their partners. The ministry serves as “good custodians” of those funds.
After contacting Pathways, they learned of their need. The facility opened in 2003 and needed new adjustable hospital beds for patients, so Nativity parishioners stepped in and collected roughly $25,000 to buy nearly three dozen beds with electronic controls. Father Scotchie was able to find a matching grant to cover the rest.
William Bernardo, director of the Catholic Charities of Central Florida facility was grateful. At the annual Soup Bowl Supper event for Pathways hosted at St. Mary Magdalen Parish, Bernardo honored Father Scotchie and his parishioners with the Make a Difference award.
Marti Ladd, who coordinated the ministry effort said, “We are rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. We want to help the members of our parish understand those principles and be able to put them into practice.”
“Our residents receive compassionate support from the staff at Pathways to Care who work to help men and women strengthen their foundation by connecting them with essential medical and social resources including other ministries at Catholic Charities,” said Bernardo. “The men and women who come to PTC avail themselves of this opportunity differently. For many it’s a step in a better direction, for some it’s just a stop along their way.”
Bernardo added, “The beds, with their capacity to move up and down, make it easier for the residents to get in and out of them. The ability to raise the back of their head or elevate their feet not only maximizes comfort, it better manages any inflammation they might be working to reduce. They also enhance the cleanliness of the room as they are on wheels and can be moved for sanitization and more efficient changing of linens.”
He said residents have commented, “I’m sleeping and resting better. My legs don’t bother me as much since I can easily elevate them.”
By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, November 6, 2025