PATHWAYS! March 2024
Showcasing Our 2024 Tribute to Leadership Honoree, Nina Franco
This month, our fantastic Bilingual Youth Enrollment Manager, Nina Franco, is being honored with the YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix’s Tribute to Leadership award. Throughout her time at New Pathways, Nina has shown an unwavering commitment to empowering BIPOC youth and families. She has led a number of initiatives to support Latinx families and to reframe Latinx family traditions towards the preservation of culture and resilience for bicultural children and families.
Nina’s commitment to eliminating racism and empowering women is evident in her active involvement, dedication, and leadership in multiple initiatives and programs. We’re so proud to call her a member of the NPFY family. Thank you to the YWCA for recognizing Nina’s incredible work, and congratulations, Nina!
You can learn more about Nina’s achievements and the Tribute to Leadership Awards here.
Last Call for Our Stories of Transformation Breakfast!
Our annual breakfast, Stories of Transformation, is coming up on March 28th! Every year, our breakfast brings together community members who are passionate about empowering youth and changing lives. This year will be extra special as we celebrate New Pathways for Youth’s 35th anniversary and the impact we’ve made during those 35 years.
Come hear transformative stories from Level Up youth and mentors, connect with other passionate community members, and support our mission to provide critical programs and resources to youth in need – all while enjoying a delicious breakfast spread. Come early at 7:00 a.m. to view a special gallery with photography from our youth. Grab coffee or tea, network, and enjoy the art. The formal program will start at 8:00 a.m.
To join in on the celebration and make a positive difference in your community, RSVP here by March 18th. We hope to see you there!
What Our Matches Have Been Up To
Community outings are a vital part of the Level Up program. We make sure our youth and mentors have regular opportunities to not only bond and have fun together, but also have an enriching experience that gives them new knowledge, teaches them new skills, and helps them find their path.
So far, our Level Up youth and mentors have had an active start to 2024! Here are some of the fun activities our matches have participated in the past couple months:
- Getting Professional Headshots
Job applications, college applications, and professional platforms like LinkedIn often require headshot photos, which can be expensive and time-consuming for youth to attain. However, thanks to Caitlin Imbimbo, a Phoenix-based photographer, we were able to give youth a headstart in their job search by offering them for free during Headshot Day!
- Creating Community Art
Our Level Up youth got the chance to create their own artwork with found objects and mono printing during the Xico Arts Experience in downtown Phoenix.
- Learning About Rescued Animals
Matches took a special field trip to Ironwood Pig Sanctuary, where they were able to explore the rescue home of potbelly pigs from all over Arizona and learn about how abandoned and abused pigs are nurtured.
- Exploring Spoken Word Poetry, Rhythm, and Rap
Our youth were able to learn about and create spoken word poetry, rhythm, and raps with a professional writer/rapper/performer at our Phonetic Spit Spoken Word Experience.
Good Luck, Seniors!
We currently have 60 high school seniors in the Level Up program who are working toward graduation this year – the most we’ve ever had! We’re thrilled to have so many teens about to reach this major life milestone, and we’re making sure they’re set up for success after graduation. We’ll be doing special goal-planning sessions with each of our seniors this year to help prepare them for their next steps after high school, including applying for financial aid and career exploration.
We’ll also be celebrating our seniors’ amazing achievement with a graduation party in May, which will feature a college & career fair to inspire youth to choose the path that’s right for them.
We wish our seniors all of the luck in having a smooth and successful spring semester – we’ll be rooting for you and supporting you every step of the way!
This Newsletter is Brought to you by These Incredible Investors
The 2024 Impact Award Voting Form for Nonprofit Champions of Change is Open!
Cast your vote for New Pathways for Youth as the Nonprofit Organization of the Year, and for our President and CEO, Dr. Karen Johnson, as the Nonprofit Organization Leader of the Year. AZ Big Media and BOK Financial is awarding $10K in grants to the winners. By voting for us, you can help us secure this grant to continue supporting the youth in our community!
Upcoming Events
Mentor Introduction Sessions | Multiple Dates
Learn all about the youth we serve, our program, and how we support mentors, along with the screening & commitment requirements and next steps.
Virtual: every Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. and every Friday at 12 p.m.
Stories of Transformation Breakfast | March 28
Come join us at our annual breakfast to hear unforgettable stories from our mentors and youth, and celebrate 35 years of transforming lives.
In Person: JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort, Thursday, March 28th from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m.