As we hit the midpoint of the year, we’re pausing to reflect, not just on the numbers, but on the people, partnerships, and progress that have defined the first half of 2025. And we’re proud to say: it’s been a season of growth, connection, and meaningful impact.

Reaching Our Community

In just six months, 1,518 individuals have come through our 80 external workshops, made possible through partnerships with 22 incredible community organizations. These sessions have taken place in barber shops and board rooms, schools and community centers, and each one represents real access to life-changing financial knowledge.

We’re thankful to organizations like Operation Breakthrough, Headlines Barber Academy, KCPS, Great Jobs KC, Miracle of Innocence, Transition Center of Kansas City, and the Housing Authority of Kansas City, among many others, for trusting us to serve their networks. These partnerships are a key part of how we extend our reach into communities where financial education can have an immediate, lasting impact.

Serving From Within

We’ve also welcomed 210 individuals into 34 internal workshops hosted at Pathway, led by a team of 22 volunteers (or 24, when you count our own LaTasha Jacobs and Angelique Cheatem), who continue to show up week after week with wisdom, warmth, and the heart of educators.

These workshops serve as a safe and supportive space for participants to ask questions, build skills, and take steps toward their goals. Whether someone is just learning the basics of budgeting or figuring out how to launch their own business, these sessions offer practical tools and encouragement.

One-on-One Conversations That Matter

In addition to group workshops, we’ve spent nearly 33 hours in individual coaching sessions with 37 different participants. These one-on-ones are where lightbulbs often go off, where someone finally makes sense of their credit score, understands their cash flow, or feels empowered to ask for what they’re worth.

“Pathway Financial has been a great resource to my financial journey! If it’s a 1:1, informational sessions, or event, there is a welcoming atmosphere and opportunity to build relationships!”
— Kiah Nesbitt, participant

This kind of support is deeply personal, and we’re honored every time someone chooses to share their journey with us.

New Partnerships, New Possibilities

We’ve also laid the foundation for even more impact by launching key partnerships:

  • In collaboration with DoorDash and the City of Kansas City, we launched the Accelerator for Local Businesses, a 12-week initiative supporting 10 local, independently owned businesses with grants, ad credits, mentorship, and access to workshops hosted at Pathway.

  • With Wounded Warrior Family Support, we will be kicking off a workshop series specifically for veterans and military-connected families looking to build strong, lasting businesses.

  • We also began our first semester with KIPP Legacy, planting seeds for a future where students graduate not only with diplomas but with real-world financial skills.

  • This summer marks our third year with Operation Breakthrough and our second with Lincoln University Extension, continuing to serve youth through workforce and financial education.

  • And most recently, we expanded our offerings with the help of Finance Mentor, providing participants with even more tools to plan, track, and grow their financial futures.

A New Chapter: Pathway to Possibility

In April, we hosted our inaugural Pathway to Possibility event in celebration of Financial Literacy Month. It was a powerful evening of storytelling, connection, and momentum. We honored partners, shared impact stories, and celebrated how far we’ve come together.

The event wasn’t just a milestone; it was a statement: that financial literacy is not just a program, it’s a pathway to freedom, stability, and opportunity.

What Our Participants Have Said

From returning citizens to first-time entrepreneurs, our participants are gaining tools that stick with them, and often, change the trajectory of their lives.

“I have attended other business plan classes, and you provided so much more information and specifics that I need at this stage in my business.  Via this presentation, I am able to ask myself deeper questions to expand my living business plan.”
— Jennifer Johnson, entrepreneur

“The impact that Ms. Cheatem and Ms. Jacobs is making at TCKC is a vital part of our programming.  The residents that attend enjoy the class, and are not afraid to ask questions, and stay after class if needed.   It gives them the opportunity to start making changes in their lives once they leave TCKC.  They are aware of saving money, and not spending it frivolously.  Their dedication to coming here is very much appreciated.”
— Eddis Jackson, Transition Center of Kansas City (TCKC)

“I have my car, steady employment, my own apartment, and my credit score is 700 already. Thanks to some of your previous classes, I made better decisions. Stay strong.”
— Tyrone Hill, TCKC participant

“This is a great class. I obtained knowledge I never knew about credit and how disputing works.”
— TCKC participant (anonymous)

“The best thing about this class is that it’s open discussion. I learned about fees and how pay stubs work.”
— Marley, high school senior, Operation Breakthrough

“I learned that a checking account is tied to a debit card and savings can move into checking. I felt less nervous and was able to ask questions.”
— Hailey, sophomore, Operation Breakthrough

What Comes Next

As we look ahead to the second half of the year, we’re filled with anticipation and determination. There’s still more work to be done, more lives to reach, and more systems to shift. But thanks to the incredible people who power this mission—our team, our volunteers, our community partners, and every person who walks through our doors—we’re ready.

We’ll continue to show up, teach, listen, and walk alongside every person building their path forward.

Thank you for being part of this work. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings.