Path United, supporting youth in Franklin Estates in Franklin, TN

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Margaret Jane Strelecki, Regional Director with Path United in Franklin, Tennessee, who highlights the nonprofit organization "inspiring kids growing up in mobile home communities on their path to becoming flourishing adults." During the interview, Margaret Jane discusses her roots in the community, her background in education, and how she was attracted to Path United after seeing how valuable and impactful the programs were for the youth she was teaching and seeking to further support. She explains how the nonprofit organization serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade who live at the Franklin Estates mobile home park in Franklin, Tennessee. The organization serves about 120 students, primarily first and second-generation Latino immigrants, through a community center in the mobile home park.

Path United provides after-school programs and community activities to help youth flourish in five key areas. She describes their approach of developing social and emotional skills through various initiatives, including asset-based surveys and a high school leadership program that fosters mutual understanding among students and positive connections with adult leaders in the community. She describes the creation of a High School Advisory Board, which brings together young leaders and business leaders from Franklin to advise on program decisions and provide leadership opportunities for the students. Margaret Jane emphasizes the importance of building self-confidence and self-identity, as well as fostering positive adult relationships and family experiences to support the children's development. She talks about the importance of long-term relationships and community building, encouraging individuals to get involved through volunteering and donations to support the organization's mission. She also shares personal insights on the impact of her work on her family and the meaningful experiences volunteers gain from their involvement with the program.

Visit https://www.pathunited.org to learn more and to get involved with Path United.