Leadership & Board

DuWayne Sipper is the Founder and Executive Director of The Path, a rescue mission serving Citrus and Marion Counties (Florida) since 2001.

He recalls being awakened one night many years ago and hearing his calling: start a homeless shelter. When he began to walk out this calling, he was told there was no homeless shelter in Citrus County—only a domestic violence shelter. The rest is over two decades of faith and perseverance.

“I still remember waking up and thinking I was crazy getting the idea of starting a homeless shelter. This began a wonderful journey which I could never have been prepared for. Since then, we have had the privilege of helping people with all kinds of problems and addictions. I will be the first to tell you it does not always feel like a privilege. I describe our work like saving a drowning person who is so scared, they kick you all the way to the shore.”

“I believe God has placed all of us in this time and place, and there are no mistakes. Our work is important and our community partnership is what will make it succeed. Each of us has to do our share to make the incredible impact on each of the lives we touch. To touch and change these lives often takes a severe disruption to their style of living and yes, even an extreme disruption.”

“Together, we touch lives. We can help Citrus and Marion Counties change the way our homeless families are treated long after we are gone. Join with us in a battle to help our community’s least. People need jobs, food and shelter. With your help, we can provide these and teach our neighbors to provide for themselves. Together, we can do this! May God bless you greatly as we walk out His vision for His people.”

Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path.” Proverbs 3:4-6

A published author, Kathryn Sipper has served The Path as Development Director since 2006.

Prior to moving to Citrus County in 2006, Kathryn lived in New Jersey and spent over 20 years in management consulting for HR outsourcing firms and corporate benefits administration. Postgraduate work includes earning an MBA. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Michael Jones Scholarship Foundation and participated with various networks for professional women. Kathryn served in Christian Education as a Bible studies instructor and conference speaker for over 10 years.

Rachel Blair is a dedicated, service-driven professional whose career reflects both versatility and heart.

Originally from upstate New York, Rachel spent six years in the computer industry working in service management and government sales before relocating to Maryland, where she transitioned into the automotive field as a service writer. She continued her automotive service writing career in Texas until returning home to New York, later pausing her professional life to raise her family. When she and her husband moved to Florida, Rachel discovered her passion for advocacy work at the local Children’s Advocacy Center, where she served for five years and found deep fulfillment in helping vulnerable children.

In 2023, feeling called to make an even greater impact, she joined The Path Rescue Mission as the Client Services Administrator, where she now devotes her experience, compassion, and leadership to supporting individuals on their journey toward stability and hope.