Our Own Pace, a nonprofit serving individuals with disabilities across the Westside, has grown from a personal family journey into a program offering confidence, independence and life skills for residents in Newman, Gustine and surrounding communities.
Founded in 2012, the organization was created after Director and Owner Kathleen Lightsey recognized the lack of services available to local individuals with disabilities. Lightsey said the roots of the program stretch back decades, shaped by her mother’s lifelong commitment to caring for children with special needs through foster care and adoption. Lightsey’s sister also has Down syndrome, giving the family firsthand experience navigating the needs of individuals with disabilities.
“My mom was an amazing person,” Lightsey said. “She not only helped children with disabilities, she fought for them. When she passed away, those children became my responsibility, and we knew we needed something for individuals in our community. That’s how we started this program.”
At the time, Lightsey said there were no comparable opportunities on the Westside. The organization began by expanding on its Stable Living program and has since grown into a nonprofit offering individualized support based on each participant’s goals. Services range from communication and emotional‑regulation skills to employment preparation and small‑business development.
Rather than measuring progress by traditional milestones, Lightsey said success is often found in everyday growth — improved communication with family, better emotional tools or increased confidence. One participant’s transformation, she said, continues to motivate her.
“Success is having a young man who even their family was afraid of become someone who is now teaching other young individuals with frustration issues how to handle those frustrations and take responsibility,” she said.
The organization emphasizes abilities over disabilities, working closely with families to build stronger relationships and practical life skills. Community support also plays a key role in helping the nonprofit expand its services.
“Our Own Pace is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit,” Lightsey said. “Donations are appreciated so we can continue to offer more opportunities. More opportunities in our community are appreciated as well to help our individuals continue to grow.”
Participants’ creativity is showcased through projects such as the group’s fair garden, where about 85 percent of the plants and decorative items were grown or created by individuals in the program. The efforts paid off. Not only did they win several first, second and third place awards for individual exhibits, their garden piece nabbed the Best of Show prize.
More than a decade after opening, Lightsey said the mission remains the same: providing encouragement, patience and meaningful opportunities so individuals can succeed at their own pace. Through personalized support and community partnerships, Our Own Pace continues helping build brighter futures one person, one family and one success story at a time.
For more information about the programs offered or to make a donation, call Lightsey at (209) 620-0002 or mail at P.O. Box 797, Hilmar, Ca. 95324.
