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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 and so much more. 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 — eliminating delays, removing barriers, and ensuring no young person has to navigate crisis alone. REQUEST PATH LINE SUPPORT TODAY
The JP 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 practice 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. At every stage, support decreases as confidence and capability increase — but relationship never ends. We build capacity, reinforce dignity, and offer relational permanence.
Jonathan’s Path supports teens and young adults as they move from foster care into independent living—without losing the people who support them along the way. Through Path Forward and Path Beyond, youth receive stable housing support and ongoing guidance as they build real-world skills, from everyday tasks like hanging curtains and managing a home to securing employment and long-term career pathways. Anchored by The Path Line, our 24/7 support system ensures youth always have someone to call—someone who knows them and stays. Together, these programs create a family-based support network that fills the gaps, reduces isolation, and empowers young people to build stable, successful futures.
There are currently nearly 9,000 youths in Tennessee foster care—yet there are only homes for a little more than half of them. Within the first 12 months of being in this program, 30% of those youths are moved through three or more homes.
Without our help, the trauma of this unstable environment has been shown to have negative impact on these youths for the rest of their lives. Multiple placements have also been found to lead to delayed permanency outcomes, academic difficulties, and struggles to develop meaningful attachments.
We give Middle Tennessee teens in foster care a new path—with a place to call home and a chance to dream. Jonathan’s Path fills a huge void of consistency teens face in foster care including, housing support, direction and love. No paths are the same, but the love, stability, and support from Jonathan’s Path will be constant for every youth.
Watch this video to learn why we created Jonathan’s Path, directly from the people who inspired it.
Getting involved is life changing! We could use your help as we work toward our goal of reducing the trauma teens face living in and aging out of foster care. Join us as we build our long-term approach to reducing trauma for teens in state custody.
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
To make a donation please click here.
