Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Arnold.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I believe that all individuals possess unique strengths, and my work at Pathfinders fulfills my passion for serving people struggling to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency.
I am dedicated to helping people develop the skills and tools necessary to attain their personal goals and create a vision for their future that is filled with hope. When I learned about Pathfinders I was struck with this thought, “Wow, a social program that really works, that really moves the needle in people’s lives!” I’ve been the Executive Director at Pathfinders for 13 years, and everyday I feel excited and privileged to come to work to see clients’ dreams become realities.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
We are proud that we’ve been on a growth trajectory over the last several years, but it has certainly not been without challenges. Our staff size has grown as has the numbers of clients we serve. As a result, we have sent time and resources building our infrastructure, including moving to a larger location.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pathfinders – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
For 20 years Pathfinders has empowered individuals and families to find their path from poverty to self-sufficiency. Pathfinders comes alongside individuals in Tarrant County who make a commitment to be pacesetters for their families-they want to be the first to break the cycle of poverty, homelessness or incarceration so their children and future generations will have better lives-by providing mentoring and financial coaching at pivotal crossroads. By helping individuals set and achieve their personal, career and financial goals, Pathfinders has played a large role in job retention, financial independence and deceased recidivism. In fact, the work we do with clients has been recognized as a best practice by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
I am most proud of the hard work that our clients do to make their dreams and goals a reality AND of our incredibly talented and caring staff.
We are the oldest adult mentoring agency in the area and are often asked to partner with other non-profits to provide this service. We are well respected, hard-working, collaborative, passionate and dependable. Our programs show very positive results.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
When I started at Pathfinders with only one other staff member and a Board of Director of three, I had a lot to learn. As the ED of a Mentoring organization, I know the impact that mentors have on the lives of their mentees, and as a result, I have actively sought mentors along my path. Some have been board members and some have been other non-profit professionals, and all have been critical to the success of Pathfinders. Just as our mentors tell our clients, “I believe in you, and I will walk alongside side you are you work toward your goals”, my mentors have done the same for me.
Our clients, staff, volunteer mentors and coaches and our Board of Directors are the heroes of Pathfinders!
Contact Info:
- Address: 6550 Camp Bowie Blvd., Suite 111, Fort Worth, TX 76116
- Website: pathfinderstc.org
- Phone: 817.731.1173
- Email: info@pathfinderstc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathfinderstc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pathfinders-155932054440830/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PathfindersTC
