Harris County, Texas
Yara Pathway
A nonprofit transitional living organization serving foster youth and young adults ages 17–24 in Harris County. We exist to bridge the gap between foster care and independent living — providing not just a roof, but a community, a coach, and a path forward.
"You are not alone. You never have to figure it out by yourself again. That is what Where Belonging Begins means."
— Priscilla White, Founder & Executive Director
Our Mission
To foster personal transformation through education, coaching, and community support services — ensuring that every young person who walks through our doors feels genuinely connected, supported, and valued. Our approach is trauma-informed and youth-centered, grounded in the belief that every young person deserves a real chance to thrive.
Who We Serve
In Harris County alone, approximately 200 young people age out of the foster care system every year — often with no family, no housing, no safety net. Yara Pathway exists to change that reality.
We are intentionally small, serving up to 3 residents at a time. Because real transformation happens in relationship — not in numbers. Every resident receives dedicated one-on-one support, personalized coaching, and the full attention of our team.
See How We HelpWe serve youth preparing to age out of — or who have recently aged out of — the Texas foster care system, meeting them wherever they are in their journey.
Every resident receives housing, life skills coaching, educational support, career development, mental health resources, and community connection.
Our Core Values
You are the expert on your own life. Every decision about your journey will be made with you — not for you. Your voice shapes your plan, your goals, and your experience.
We do not give up on you. No matter what challenges arise — setbacks, struggles, hard days — our commitment to you does not waver. You belong here, even on your most difficult days.
Feeling truly known and connected is a basic human need. Everything we do is designed to help you feel that you belong — to this community, and to a broader world that is better with you in it.
We acknowledge the systems of inequity that have shaped the foster care experience — particularly for young people of color. We are committed to creating a space that is anti-racist and affirming of all identities.
Your Transformation
You move through the phases at your own pace. These are guidelines, not deadlines. What matters is that you are growing — not how fast.
Phase One
30–60 days
You arrive. We welcome you. This phase is about safety, stabilization, and settling in. There is no rush. You are allowed to simply feel safe for the first time.
Phase Two
60–90 days
We learn about you — your strengths, your goals, your dreams. Together we build your personalized plan and begin connecting you to the right resources.
Phase Three
90–180 days
You put your skills into practice. Employment, education, life skills, and financial independence — this is where the real growth happens.
Phase Four
30–60 days
You are ready. We build your transition plan together, celebrate your journey, and connect you to aftercare and alumni support.
What We Offer
A consistent, safe home where you can focus on growth without worrying about where you will sleep tonight.
Hands-on coaching in budgeting, cooking, household management, and all practical skills of independent living.
Help with GED prep, college enrollment, tutoring, and access to ETVs, tuition waivers, and scholarships.
Resume building, job search support, interview prep, and connections to workforce development programs.
Trauma-informed counseling referrals, emotional support, and wellness programming grounded in unconditional care.
Building your support network, participating in community life, and forming relationships that last beyond your time here.
The Name Behind Our Work
We chose this name intentionally. The butterfly is one of nature's most powerful symbols of transformation — a reminder that what appears to be an ending is often the beginning of something extraordinary.
Just as a butterfly cannot be rushed in its chrysalis, you cannot be rushed in your growth. Transformation is not a straight line. It is messy and nonlinear and deeply personal. We will meet you exactly where you are.
In Portuguese, yara carries the weight of this promise: that within every person who has survived the foster care system is a transformation already in progress. We are simply here to be part of it.
"This is the place where you start to feel, perhaps for the first time, that you truly belong somewhere."
Our Leadership
Jocelyn Ballard
President
Derrick Taylor
Vice President
Pamela Hicks
Treasurer
Shadiedra Gilliam
Member at Large
Priscilla White
Secretary · Founder & ED
Get In Touch
Whether you are a young person looking for support, a community partner, a potential funder, or a provider seeking to collaborate — we want to hear from you. Yara Pathway is in active formation and deeply committed to building the right relationships from the start.
Send Us a Message