Where Stories Lead: A Community Stands with Youth at Stories of Transformation 

Phoenix, AZ – March 9, 2026 

On Thursday, March 5, nearly 500 community leaders, mentors, partners, and advocates gathered at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn for New Pathways for Youth’s annual Stories of Transformation Breakfast, a signature event grounded in more than three decades of steady work alongside Phoenix youth. 

The morning opened with remarks from Adaliz Gimenez, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, who spoke to the organization’s impact across the Valley for more than 36 years. She reflected on the thousands of mentoring hours invested, the families strengthened, and the generations of young people who have stepped into adulthood with greater stability, confidence, and direction because someone chose to stand with them. 

Her message was clear: this work endures because the community continues to show up. 

Throughout the ballroom, Level Up distinctions such as Comfortable Being Uncomfortable and Thoughts Give Rise to Action were displayed prominently, sparking thoughtful conversations between attendees and staff. These distinctions are core elements of NPFY’s trauma-informed curriculum, equipping youth with practical tools to understand their experiences, regulate emotion, and make empowered choices. 

The program was led by Mark Garcia, Director of Training and Curriculum, who guided the morning’s storytelling with depth and intention. He invited three mentoring matches to share their journeys: Sarah and her mentor Rori Minor; Jhonathan and his mentor Rhesha Craigen; and Jeremiah and his mentor Allen Plunkett. 

Through structured conversation, each youth was supported in sharing not only what they have faced, but how mentorship has shaped who they are becoming. 

Sarah reflected on rebuilding trust and reclaiming her voice: “I feel like I finally have people who hear me and see me — my mentor, the staff, and all the caring adults at New Pathways. They will always be there for me.”  

Jhonatan spoke about growth, accountability, and the steady presence of his mentor, Rhesha; while Jeremiah shared candidly about growth and responsibility, and what it has meant to have unwavering support during one of the most challenging seasons of his life. 

It was especially poignant to witness the strength and stability Allen Plunkett has provided to Jeremiah through one of the longest-standing mentorship relationships at New Pathways for Youth. Their almost nine years together have built a foundation that could be felt in the room. 

Equally powerful was the visible pride and joy on Jeremiah’s mother’s face as he took the stage, an unmistakable reminder that mentorship strengthens families, not just individuals. 

Allen reflected on the responsibility of long-term commitment. 

“I plan to be in Jeremiah’s life forever, if he lets me. I want to see him succeed and grow into the great human being I know he is.” – Allen Plunkett. 

The morning also featured the premiere of the Stories Behind Transformation video, offering a powerful look at how the support of the New Pathways for Youth team sustains lasting change. 

Karen Johnson, Ph.D., CEO of New Pathways for Youth, underscored why storytelling remains central to the organization’s culture. 

“Stories are at the heart of our culture and our program. When we truly hear someone’s story—with curiosity and empathy—that is where healing begins. That is where transformation starts.” 

Guests were not positioned as observers alone. They were invited into a core Level Up practice: declaring the way they choose to show up in the world. Through guided reflection, attendees identified personal declarations aligned with who they intend to be. Many later shared their declarations online, extending the impact of the morning beyond the ballroom. 

Funds raised from the breakfast directly support mentoring relationships, wraparound services, and leadership development opportunities for Phoenix youth navigating economic stress and instability. 

For more than 36 years, New Pathways for Youth has remained steady in its belief that when a young person has a consistent, caring adult in their life, futures change, and communities are strengthened in the process. 

To learn more about becoming a mentor or supporting the mission, visit npfy.org/becomeamentor or support our mission with your donation.