Student success grows within a network of supportive relationships that surround young people every day. At Pathways Lawrence Heights, staff are intentionally nurturing this ecosystem by establishing a strong community presence and investing in personal connections.
Recognizing that trust, visibility, and consistency needed to be rebuilt after the pandemic, the team expanded its outreach strategy to ensure that staff are present where young people and families gather.
By increasing involvement in schools and community events, bringing programming directly into neighbourhoods, and supporting resident-led initiatives, the team has created more organic opportunities to connect with prospective students and their parents. As a result, program participation has increased, with staff observing how youth feel more comfortable approaching them and that families are re‑engaging with Pathways as a familiar and reliable support system
To stay responsive to evolving community needs, Pathways Lawrence Heights conducts annual student and parent experience surveys, which provide insights into the changing demographics, priorities, and motivation for participating in programming. These surveys help bring youth and family voices into program planning, supporting student success as a whole.
Highlighting insights from Pathways Lawrence Heights’ 2025 experience surveys, Program Director Sewit Tamene shares a community-centred approach to youth success. The findings reflect feedback from 26 parents and 125 students, representing about 44% of youth served by the local program.
Youth Engagement
Student voice plays a central role in shaping programming at Pathways Lawrence Heights. Students contribute to the planning of key events through committees, such as our year-end graduation celebration. We also offer peer tutor roles, where current students can volunteer to support their classmates academically and collect feedback to strengthen the tutoring experience. Our Youth Development Workers regularly gather input on programming during one-on-one check-ins, and these insights are brought forward in team discussions that directly inform improvements.
Pathways Lawrence Heights’ 2025 Student Experience Survey demonstrates the strength of these relationships and the impact that this responsive programming has on their journeys:
68 per cent of students report feeling more confident in their future since attending Pathways, and 90.4 per cent would encourage their peers to join.
The vast majority of students (87.2%) feel comfortable talking to their Youth Development Worker about challenges, indicating strong support relationships.
“I notice that l am more confident and excited for my future. Since I’ve joined Pathways, I have learned how to ask for help when I need it and put myself out there.”
– Pathways student
Family Engagement
At Pathways Lawrence Heights, we emphasize family support as a key factor in student participation and long-term success. Our team attends local events, collaborates with trusted neighbourhood partners, and creates informal touchpoints where parents can get to know us outside of formal program settings. These interactions help build familiarity, trust, and a sense that the program is not just offering services but also investing in the well-being of the whole community.
The practical day-to-day of engagement is centred around a family partnership approach that prioritizes presence, accessibility, and cultural respect. Our staff offer flexible meeting times, check-ins by phone or text, and hold clear, supportive conversations about how their child is doing. When youth and families feel that we are genuinely present and invested in their daily reality, they are far more likely to trust us, show up, and stay engaged for the long run.
Findings from Pathways Lawrence Heights’ 2025 Parent Experience Survey highlight how making parents feel included, heard, and valued can strengthen the trust they have in Pathways as an effective support system. Engaging families reinforces the circle of support around each young person, contributing to overall feelings of youth empowerment.
The top three outcomes that parents hope their child will achieve through the program:
- Building life and leadership skills
- Becoming more confident and motivated
- Preparing for post-secondary or a career.
“My child participated in the Pathways Program, and it was an incredibly positive experience. The support, encouragement, and opportunities they received made a real difference in their confidence and motivation. I truly believe programs like this are essential for helping young people succeed.”
– Pathways parent
Fostering a network of wraparound supports
We have also leaned into partnerships with local grassroots leaders, schools, and neighbourhood agencies to reintroduce ourselves in ways that feel collaborative and organic.
Working together with educators and administrators, our team seeks to align individual student support plans with what’s happening in classrooms, help families navigate school processes, and ensure that when a young person needs help, the adults in their life are coordinated and responsive.
Our impact depends on relationships. This means being visible in neighbourhoods, collaborating with local leaders, and creating spaces where young people feel safe. Without that connection, even the best programming struggles to reach those who need it most. Engagement also ensures that our work is grounded in the real needs of each community. By listening and staying embedded, we’re able to adapt quickly, respond to emerging challenges, and honour the identity and resilience of the youth we serve.