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Pathways graduates cite life changes; ONEs seeks more housing, workforce partnerships to sustain gains
Summary
Current and former Pathways participants and ONEs staff described Pathways' extended model (now 10 months total) and strong graduation and employment outcomes for some cohorts, but flagged housing, ID and employer conversion of temporary placements to permanent jobs as persistent barriers.
Multiple PATHWAYS alumni and participants told the committee that the Pathways program and employer placements have been life changing, providing structure, case management and connections to jobs and community supports. "Pathways was more than just a program for me. It was structured when I needed stability," said Leroy Quarles, a Pathways graduate who testified in support of sustained funding.
Deputy Director Julia Irving and Director Sneed told council ONEs is expanding Pathways from a short classroom model to a 10‑month program with extended work‑experience and intensified case management; the office reported a high classroom graduation rate (roughly 80 percent) and has been pushing employers and the Department of Employment Services to increase conversions of WEX placements into unsubsidized positions. Housing remains the single largest barrier to sustained outcomes; ONEs reported partnerships with DHS and CFLS for emergency shelter and transitional placements and a $200,000 budget to support temporary housing in FY26 through ReloShare arrangements, typically capped at $3,000 per family stay.
