ORLANDO |  Pathways to New Hope received an Excellence in Regional Prosperity award from the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (ECFRPC) at the 2026 East Central Florida Diamond Awards at the Brannon Center in New Smyrna Beach Feb. 25, 2026.

“I think it’s very exciting because it’s a unique project where we’re not just housing people,” said Father John Bluett, who spearheaded the development of Pathways to New Hope, where residents are housed, receive educational opportunities, and are set on the path to a better life within a year.

In a press release announcing the winners of the 2026 East Central Florida Diamond Awards, Luis Nieves-Ruiz, director of economic development the council, commended Pathways to New Hope’s ability to help lift people out of poverty.

“Through their housing and educational program, (they provide) residents with critical support and resources, empowering those with the initiative to forge a new path toward stability and opportunity,” Nieves-Ruiz stated. “A truly prosperous region is one where all residents are provided with reliable housing, education, and economic opportunities.”

Joshua Weidenhamer, director of Pathways to New Hope, said the ministry not only provides affordable housing but also vocational training. Equipping residents with the skills and certifications that employers are looking for increases their opportunity for wage earning and employment so residents can move from transitional housing into a long-term housing situation.

At the awards ceremony, Weidenhamer announced they are developing a new enterprise out of the commercial kitchen located on the property. Not only will it subsidize the cost of some administrative expenses, but it may provide externships, on the job training, and part-time or full-time jobs through their in-house catering company.

Deacon Gary Tester, president of Catholic Charities of Central Florida, expressed gratitude for the recognition. “Pathways to New Hope provides housing and vocational training/education in an effort to help individuals stabilize their lives and become self-sustaining. Through the vision of Father John Bluett, the persistence of Russ Suddeth, the creativity of Joshua Weidenhamer and the many partners this project attracted, we now have a model program that promotes resilience. Pathways to New Hope continues to be a work in progress and a ministry that embraces the dignity of life and the dignity of labor. Receiving the Diamond Award from the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council is an incredible recognition and affirms the power of the model we have created.”

Located in Sanford, Pathways to New Hope offers 15 dormitory-style residential units within a community-based living environment designed to promote stability, vocational growth, and long-term housing readiness. Combining affordable housing, structured community living, and on-site vocational opportunities, Pathways to New Hope aims to reduce the risk of homelessness through a supportive and accountable environment.

By Lucas Blackwell of the Florida Catholic staff, March 5, 2026