Getting involved is life-changing — for the teens we serve and for those who choose to stand with them. We invite you to partner with us as we work to reduce the trauma young people face while living in and aging out of foster care.
Bright Soles Bash – NFocus Triple Award Winner: Best Special Guest (1st) · Best Emcee (2nd) · Most Fun Party (3rd)!
Jonathan’s Path bridges critical gaps in the foster care system by combining immediate access, individualized support, and a community committed to long-term impact. We move beyond crisis response to sustained stabilization — ensuring that no young person has to navigate adolescence or adulthood alone.
We are dedicated to breaking the cycle of repetitive trauma caused by multiple placements and systemic instability. By addressing both urgent needs and long-term development, we close the service gaps that often leave youth unsupported as they age out of care.
Our mission is to create lasting, measurable change in the lives of vulnerable teens — equipping them with the stability, relationships, and opportunities needed to thrive and build a secure, self-sufficient future.
“TEENS NEEDS A HOME NOT A HOTEL & A FAMILY NOT A STAFF” ~ Taylor DuRard
The Path Line provides rapid, barrier-free access to whatever a young person needs to move toward stability — from mental and physical health care to transportation, education, employment support, housing stabilization, and connection to a consistent, caring adult. Rather than limiting support to a single service category, we address the full ecosystem of instability — directly or through trusted partnerships. When a youth raises their hand, we respond immediately. No waiting lists. No wrong doors. No unnecessary barriers. When a youth raises their hand, we respond immediately — eliminating delays, removing barriers, and ensuring no young person has to navigate crisis alone.
Our Progressive Housing Model is a structured continuum that intentionally moves youth from dependence to independence through increasing levels of responsibility and support. We begin with family-style living environments that provide safety, consistency, and daily mentorship. As stability grows, young adults transition into supported independent housing where they learn financial responsibility, employment stability, and life skills with continued coaching and accountability. Even after formal housing support concludes, connection remains through ongoing mentorship and stabilization support.
Jonathan’s Path serves teens ages 13 and older who are currently in foster care, as well as young adults enrolled in Bright Futures (formerly Extension Foster Care - EFC) in Tennessee. While Bright Futures formally provides support through age 23, youth who are connected to Jonathan’s Path before graduating from the program continue receiving relational and stabilization support from us for two additional years. This extended runway ensures young people are not abruptly cut off at a critical transition point but instead have the time, guidance, and consistent adult presence needed to fully launch into independent adulthood with confidence and stability.
The outcomes are staggering. In Tennessee, approximately 80% of youth aging out of foster care will experience homelessness, addiction, trafficking, incarceration, or worse. Without consistent support, the cycle of instability often continues into adulthood — leading to delayed permanency, academic disruption, fractured relationships, and limited economic mobility.
Jonathan’s Path exists to interrupt that trajectory. Through rapid-access support and a progressive housing continuum, we provide stability earlier when systems fall short and remain present long after others step away. We replace instability with structure, isolation with belonging, and crisis with opportunity. Every young person’s path is unique — but the stability, dignity, and long-term connection we provide remains constant.
Watch this video to learn why we created Jonathan’s Path, directly from the people who inspired it.
Getting involved is life-changing — for the teens we serve and for those who choose to stand with them. We invite you to partner with us as we work to reduce the trauma young people face while living in and aging out of foster care.
In 2016, Jonathan tragically passed away from sepsis caused by abuse and neglect. His younger brother, Taylor, survived and has since dedicated his life to honoring Jonathan’s memory and co-founding this organization in his name. Hear their powerful story and learn how Taylor is creating lasting change to support other foster youth.
P 615.414.1876
E Hello@JonathansPath.org
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