About Us
Learn more about our story and the people who make what we do possible.
About Us
Our Story
Facilitating the future of our youth is a crucial aspect of fostering a more equitable society. Regrettably, numerous young people in Virginia face the daunting challenge of navigating the juvenile justice system, which can disrupt their lives and impede their potential. In 2022, a group of Virginia leaders identified a critical issue hindering the commonwealth’s progress – the vast majority of teenagers (almost 80%) released from juvenile detention centers were re-arrested within three years. Further, the rearrest rate for justice-involved youth placed on probation exceeded 60% within three years. These startling statistics illustrate a severe problem – the potential of these young individuals is being wasted.
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In light of this, there was a critical need for local civic and business leaders to step in and intervene in the lives of these young individuals. Pathway to Promise was established to help these justice-involved youth unlock their full potential, providing them with the support and resources necessary to overcome the challenges they face.
At Pathway to Promise, we believe that every young person deserves a second chance. Our program offers a holistic approach that addresses the unique needs of each participant, including the coordination of community-based services, mentorship, and case management support. We recognize that the path to success is not always straightforward and that every individual’s journey is unique. That’s why we prioritize personalized service plans, tailored to each participant’s needs, to ensure that they receive the right support at the right time.
Our goal is to empower these young individuals to recognize and reach their full potential, building brighter futures for themselves and their communities. By unlocking their potential, we believe that they can overcome the obstacles they face and break the cycle of criminality and dependency. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these young people and create a brighter future for Virginia.
Who We Serve
Our program is designed for youth who are navigating the challenges of the juvenile justice system. There are various ways in which youth can become involved with the juvenile justice system. Some youth may be detained in juvenile detention centers following their arrest, while others may be placed on probation, which requires them to adhere to specific conditions and restrictions. In addition, some youth may be involved in the court system as a result of status offenses, such as truancy or curfew violations, and others may be referred to the juvenile justice system due to their involvement in delinquent behavior or criminal activity. Pathway to Promise caters to a diverse range of program participants, including males and females between the ages of 13 and 18.
Our Program
For each justice-involved young person who participates in Pathway to Promise, the relationship begins with an intake process after they are referred to us from a community partner (typically, senior staff members at either a Juvenile Detention Center or Court Services Unit). Referrals are screened, and then assigned to Case Managers. From there, the youth’s “pathway” proceeds through three different stages along the journey to fulfilled promise.
STAGE ONE – ASSESSMENT AND INTAKE
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- Case Managers conduct intake reviews with the participants, establishing trust and creating goals together.
- To get a holistic assessment of each participant, Case Managers interview legal guardians, detention facility staff, alternative caregivers, and other significant family members.
- Using a standardized assessment tool along with the developing relationship with the participants, Case Managers create an Individual Service Plan (ISP).
STAGE TWO – SERVICE MONITORING AND REASSESSMENT
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- Case Managers and mentors coordinate services for the participant, and progress is monitored through a variety of means, including phone follow ups, home visits, participant reports and more.
- Changes to the ISP are made on an ongoing basis in response to either rapid progress or significant problems.
- In the event of a serious incident involving the participant or his/her caregivers personally, Case Managers are trained and on hand to offer support.
STAGE THREE – DISCHARGE
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- Completion of the ISP is determined by the Case Manager, participant, mentor, caregiver(s) and any appropriate service providers.
- As a voluntary program, participants may choose to exit prior to completion of the ISP. Alternatively, they may be discharged involuntarily (due to conduct violations, moving, aging out or other factors). In either case, Case managers notify all relevant parties.
- Success is measured by ISP completion, behavioral change, reduced recidivism, gainful employment, completed education, and stable living. We continuously test and measure the effectiveness of our program and our partners.
Staff
At Pathway to Promise, we pride ourselves on having a diverse and highly qualified staff. Our team comprises of educators, individuals who have worked in juvenile detention centers, compliance and correctional facilities, and treatment specialists. With advanced degrees in Human and Social Services and Educational Psychology, our staff is well-equipped to provide exceptional support to our program participants.
We also ensure that our staff members are equipped with the necessary certifications to deliver top-quality services. This includes certifications in QMHP-C, QMHP-T, Crisis Management, Medication Administration, CPR and First Aid, O2 Administration, MANDT, and TOVA.
Our staff members bring a wealth of experience and expertise to Pathway to Promise, enabling us to provide exceptional service to our program participants. We are proud of our team and their unwavering commitment to empowering justice-involved youth and unlocking their full potential.
Chantel Wood
Case Manager
Darnell Woods
Virginia Program Director
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors at Pathway to Promise is comprised of a group of dedicated individuals committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of justice-involved youth. Our board members bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the organization, with backgrounds in business, law, social services, and education.
Their collective passion for serving their communities and making a difference in the lives of young people is the driving force behind our mission. They work tirelessly to guide our organization and ensure that our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of our program participants.
Our board members are deeply invested in the success of Pathway to Promise and the youth we serve. They provide invaluable leadership and support to our organization, helping us to remain innovative, effective, and impactful in our efforts to empower justice-involved youth and create a brighter future for Virginia.
Heidi Abbott
Counsel, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Frank B. Atkinson
Partner, McGuireWoods
Robert D. Barkley
Managing-Director, Retired,
Barrow Hanley Global Investors
Frank Batten, Jr.
Chairman,
Landmark Media Enterprises L.L.C.
Carly Fiorina
Chair & Founder,
Carly Fiorina Enterprises
Chair,
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Kenneth Johnson
CEO & Founder, Johnson Marketing
Thurston R. Moore
Special Counsel,
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Advisory Board Members
N.H. Cookie Scott,
Former Deputy Director of the Department of Correction for the Commonwealth of Virginia