In December 2019, Lighthouse Vocational Services (LVS) began offering a program called Strengthening Pathways. The program provides a variety of activities that are based on interests of LVS participants. Among the many activities is an art program that includes art lessons in painting and other crafts. Individuals taking part have produced watercolor greeting cards, painted canvases, decorated glassware, candles, and more.

The creativity of the Lighthouse participants inspired LVS staff members to schedule a maker's market to be held in the LVS parking lot, 144 Orlan Road, New Holland, on Saturday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market will feature items made by Pathways program participants, along with the work of 20 vendors selling jewelry, watercolor paintings, and build-your-own terrarium kits, among other items. Four food trucks will be on-site to offer food for purchase to hungry attendees.

In addition to the many handmade items that will be for sale, LVS is introducing its cookbook, which will be sold at a discount online prior to the event. "It will be available for presale (Sunday), April 18, through (Friday, April) 23, online," explained LVS events coordinator Katie Martin, who added that preordered copies may be picked up at the market, and regularly priced books may be purchased there as well. Cookbooks and other LVS items may be purchased online at http://www.lighthousevoc.org/shop. Those who would like to help LVS purchase art supplies for the market may visit https://a.co/0zyeUUS.

Many of the LVS programs shut down in March 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. For participants who work in the community under the Employment Services program, there was no break. Community Participation Services, which includes outings with staff members and volunteer work, is now up and running, and the Pathways program is partially open with both in-person and virtual activities. LVS program specialist Jen Swanson reported that Pathways online classes were back on track within two weeks of the shutdown. "We started on a small scale," said Swanson, who noted that now more than 25 classes are offered. Swanson shared that more than 25 participants are now taking part in classes that range from cooking to Bible studies. Other classes focus on music, theater, sign language, and School of Croc, which utilizes a program created by Gatorland USA. Individuals who are interested in helping with the classes may email jenswanson@lighthousevoc.org.