74%
of participants experienced improved outcomes
80%
of participants reported increased social support
70%
of youth improved their engagement with school
85%
of parents improved their relationship with their children and caregivers
How We Measure Impact
We listen to our community in as many ways as possible, centering the voices of those most impacted by the justice system. Our approach to measuring impact takes many forms: data, stories, conversations, focus groups, listening sessions, surveys, anonymous feedback, and more. 89% of our staff report having lived experience, and our Advisory Board—comprised of individuals with lived experience, including current and former participants—provides ongoing feedback to shape our operations and programming. We use what we learn to co-create our internal processes and inform our vision for the future.
About PATHforward
PATHforward is our strategic plan—a commitment to prioritize and amplify the vision of people across our agency, with a focus on outcomes that create real, sustainable change. It outlines what we will do and who we will be in the years to come.
Our first 3-year plan, PATHforward 2026, was launched in 2023 and developed by and for the people who administer and receive services at The Pathfinder Network. It offers insight into who we are as an organization, how we want to grow, and what you can expect from us as partners, neighbors, and community members. Through intentional collaboration and effort, we met 90% of our goals by the end of 2026.
Our next strategic plan will be released in January 2027.
Our 2025 Impact Report
Stories of Impact
Healing and Wellness for the Entire Family
Two weeks into our Parenting Inside Out program, Zyrus learned his child custody case had been dismissed. By completing the program, he gained the tools and resilience to reunite with his four children—including holding his newborn son for the very first time at his Parenting Inside Out graduation.
“I melted when I met my son. It was a soul tie—when you make eye contact with your kid for the first time.” — Zyrus, Parenting Inside Out participant
Finding Belonging and Connection Through Creative Expression
After three years as a member of The PATHfinder Club, Ghost found a new confidence to pursue new opportunities—including getting creative work published in our 10th Anthology, Home and Away. She encourages other youth to get involved with The PATHfinder Club, our arts-based support club for youth impacted by incarceration, detention, and deportation.
“Club means a space of community… It’s somewhere where I can get out a lot of my feelings and creative energies.” — Ghost, PATHfinder Club member
Explore Our Impact
Strategic Vision
PATHforward is our strategic commitment to prioritize and amplify the vision of people across our agency, with a focus on outcomes that create real, sustainable change.
Impact Reports
Explore what we have been up to and the impact we are making in our communities. Our annual impact report offers a detailed look at the reach, outcomes, and growth of our work.
Year-End Videos
See recent years in review through the stories and moments that defined them.
Theory of Change
Learn about the framework that guides how we approach our work and measure meaningful change.