Mission, Vision, Values, History, and Commitment to Diversity

Mission

PathForward’s mission is to transform lives by delivering housing solutions and pathways to stability.

Vision

PathForward’s vision is an inclusive and equitable community where all neighbors live stable, secure, and independent lives free from the threat of homelessness.

Values

Community – Community is… building and fostering an open, inviting, inclusive neighborhood of shared responsibility.

Dignity – Dignity is… the belief that everyone has inherent rights and qualities of self-worth and respect.

Impact – Impact is… profoundly and positively transforming the lives of those we serve.

Partnership – Partnership is… the active commitment to work with other organizations and individuals in the community to transform the lives of those most vulnerable.

Stability – Stability is… meeting basic human needs and achieving independence.

Strategic Plan Goals: 2024 – 2026

History

In the 1980s, PathForward (then A-SPAN) was borne out of Lora Rinker and Pam Juhl’s passion for ending homelessness and hunger. Two nights per week, Lora, Pam, and friends prepared and served meals to Arlington’s most vulnerable. This initial act of empathy and kindness led to the formation of A-SPAN in 1992, and the organization has grown significantly to become an innovative, industry-leading organization with a full continuum of compassionate care to meet the needs of adults experiencing homelessness, many of whom are veterans. In 2021, A-SPAN changed its name to PathForward.

Following the creation of Day and Drop-In programs in 1998, the organization expanded to include the Permanent Supportive Housing Program in 2007, Rapid Rehousing and Homelessness Prevention in 2009 and nursing services in 2010. Since PathForward’s initial supportive housing program began in 2007, we have helped 412 people get into an apartment of his or her own; 96% remain in housing five years after placement with the ongoing support that our case managers provide. In 2015, the Homeless Services Center (HSC) and Medical Respite Program opened. The Center revolutionizes homeless services as it houses all of the programs in one facility so that clients   can access services at one central location, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

PathForward’s Commitment to Diversity

PathForward is committed to Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB). On November 16, 2021, the PathForward Board of Directors adopted the following statement: “PathForward seeks to foster an environment where everyone has inherent rights and qualities of self-worth and respect regardless of their religion, age, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation.”

This statement was the creation of PathForward’s DIEB Task Force, which began in 2020 and is made up of staff members from each department who meet every other week for 90 minutes. The Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging (DIEB) task force is a vehicle focused on proactive systemic change to collaboratively foster a culture representative of the PathForward staff and the community it serves. The Task Force has successfully made suggestions on improvements in multiple areas of PathForward operations to create both internal and external change that directly and positively impacts our workforce and clients.