Thanks to a 2025 Community Engagement Grant from the Presbytery of Baltimore, First Presbyterian Church of Westminster has launched Inclusive Pathways: Fostering Friendships, a new initiative helping youth ages 14–21 in Carroll County build meaningful and lasting peer relationships.

The program is designed to bring together individuals of different abilities and walks of life for dialogue, collaboration, and mutual support. It is secular and welcomes participants of all faiths, spiritual traditions, and those who do not identify with any religion.

Phase 1 focuses on fostering authentic peer relationships within the church and broader community. Phase 2 will expand to support and equip faith communities to include and empower people with disabilities as active members and leaders.

A diverse steering committee, composed of church staff, educators, parents, and community professionals, is already hard at work developing applications, outreach materials, training, and event plans. The committee is still seeking additional volunteers, particularly a nurse and a counselor or psychologist.

The first event, filled with ideas, inclusion, and ice cream sundaes, marked an exciting start for this innovative program! Want to learn more? Visit fpcwest.org