Positive Pathways

About Positive Pathways

When you talk to kids in our program and listen to their stories, you hear one consistent theme: from their earliest memories, they were programmed to believe the system was against them. Most were never shown a path other than drugs, theft, and crime. They grew up visiting parents in prison—or worse, attending funerals for friends and siblings.

Positive Pathways exists to break that cycle. Our team of four staff members spends 100% of their time working with at-risk middle school and high school students. Two of them grew up as part of a gang and went to prison as teenagers and young adults. They're not teaching from a textbook—they're living proof that a different future is possible.

1. 150 at-risk youth served annually through in-school and after-school programs
2. Led by mentors with lived experience—including former gang members who transformed their lives
3. Focused on violence prevention, positive decision-making, and building real futures
4. Close collaboration with schools, community organizations, and families

How to Get Involved

These kids don't need another adult who disappears after a few weeks. They need consistent, reliable people who actually show up. If you're ready to commit to being that person—to mentor a young person through the messy, complicated process of choosing a different path—we want to hear from you.

Volunteers work alongside our staff in schools and after-school settings, building relationships with students and helping them see what's possible when someone believes in them. No perfect background required. Just consistency, patience, and the willingness to invest in a young person's future. Become a Mentor

What We Do

Positive Pathways runs programs during school hours and after school, meeting students where they already are. We focus on:

• Violence prevention and conflict resolution
• Decision-making skills and consequence awareness
• Goal-setting and future planning
• Building healthy relationships and communication
• Connecting youth with positive activities and opportunities

But more than curriculum, we focus on relationship. Our mentors know these kids by name. They know their stories, their struggles, and their potential. They've earned trust by showing up week after week—and by being honest about their own journeys. When a kid realizes their mentor used to be exactly where they are now, everything changes. Suddenly a different future isn't just a nice idea—it's proof standing right in front of them.When a kid realizes their mentor used to be exactly where they are now, everything changes. Suddenly a different future isn't just a nice idea—it's proof standing right in front of them.