JANUARY 2018 34 | GIVING BACK CONTINUED lower life expectancy than youth without adverse childhood experiences. “The research also indicates that one of the most powerful ways to reverse the effects of that trauma is a stable, consistent relationship with a caring adult, so we’re becoming extremely clear in our mission that it’s not a nicety the work that we do for kids to have mentors it’s an absolute necessity based on the circumstances that they are coming from,” she said. New Pathways for Youth’s programming has led to some incredible success stories — like the story of a young man who entered the program as a freshman with a 1.2 GPA. After participating in the program he went on to become the first person in his family to graduate from high school — graduating with a 4.2 GPA a semester early with a full-ride scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. “Mentoring works and the research shows over and over it’s one of the most effective, cost-effective interventions in the lives of youth,” said McClendon. THE EVENT Each year, New Pathways for Youth holds an annual breakfast to raise funds for its programming. This year’s event will take place on February 27. Last year’s breakfast hosted more than 450 community members and reached a goal of raising $300,000, which will allow the organization to serve more than 100 youth with its programming. New Pathways also hosts the Dave Trout Golf Tournament each year in memory of Dave Trout and his philanthropic spirit. This year’s tournament will take place on March 23. New Pathways for Youth fundraising breakfast