Pathways to Independence and Empowerment is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Meraux, Louisiana, helping foster youth and other displaced young people, ages 16–24, make the transition into adulthood across St. Bernard Parish and the greater New Orleans area.

Too many young people age out of foster care or lose their housing with no safety net. Pathways walks with them: career and life-skills coaching through our Launch Pad program, GED and trade pathways, housing navigation, and help connecting to the resources they qualify for.

Founded in 2024 by Ashley Davis — a retired U.S. Air Force veteran and adoptive mother from Louisiana's foster care system — Pathways has already served more than 400 local families at each of its community toy giveaways. This yearar's event is on December 19, 2026, in Violet, Louisiana.

Your gift puts real tools in a young person's hands: $25 covers a work-readiness kit, $60 a month of coaching support, $100 certification exam fees, and $618 sponsors one young person through the full 12-week Launch Pad pilot in 2027.

Pathways to Independence and Empowerment is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 33-1777219). Every donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Support Foster & Displaced Youth in Louisiana | Pathways to Independence and Empowerment