THE PATHFINDER PROJECT, INC., came into existence from the desire to touch lives and aid in making a difference.  Our mission  is to empower young people and their families to affect changes in their lives that will allow them to make responsible choices. 

The inspiration for the organization came while our founder, Gail Bethea-Jackson, was on her way to testify in a case involving a client who had been sexually abused. Ms. Jackson believes that nothing is by accident, but by Divine providence. As the Creator would have it, she arrived at the courthouse the same time the inmates were arriving from the youth facility. Her heart sank as she watched them unload the prisoners for their hearings; they were all handcuffed, they were all shackled, they all looked to be between the ages of 14 and 16, and they were all black. As the tears rolled down her face, she thought: what could have happened that would have enabled at least one of these young people to choose something differently.

That thought became an obsession. She woke up with it. She drove to work with it. She went to bed with it. That thought consumed her life.

As she reflected upon the needs of her clientele, which gradually shifted from primarily treating children, to servicing adolescents and adults; the following insights evolved.

• Those who are MOST "at risk," need a place and an environment which welcomes them and values them as gifts to the universe.

• Often, youth with behavior problems also maintain difficulties academically. There is a need for a place where the individual's academic, as well as emotional needs can be addressed.

• Children do not exist in a vacuum. It really does "take a village to raise a child;" and parents need support and help in understanding the emotional, as well as, physical changes in their children.

• Families need insight and guidance in combating the elements that so strongly rise up against families in our society today.

In essence, we need a place where hope can be renewed and restored in people who the stresses of life have rendered them basically hopeless.

THE PATHFINDER PROJECT, INC., and the various components of our programs, evolved from the desire to address those needs. We opened our doors for business August 1, 1995; and have serviced hundreds of individuals who were guided to us for assistance in finding their way back to the right path. It has been referred as the 'one stop shop' in Prince George's 's County. Our mission is to empower youth and families to be the best that they can be; as we allow the Creator to use us as instruments of healing to aid in that process.

Our staff consist of a dedicated team of clinical social workers, psychologist, counselors, educators, and mentors who specialize in addressing those traumas, and issues which often hinders one's success.

With our motto being "You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you." (Phil.4: 13); we believe all things are possible when you surrender your will to the Master's and reach out for help when you need it.

THE PATHFINDER PROJECT, INC. is here to help when the need for help arise.

 

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