March's Collective Impact Report
May 3, 2026
Collective Impact in Action
March continued to show what’s possible when a community stays committed to the work. Across the Pathways campus, partners, volunteers, and on-site agencies remained engaged, responding to needs and creating real opportunities for individuals and families to move forward.
Throughout the month, 404 services were delivered across our campus. Each one represents more than a moment of support. It reflects coordination, trust, and a shared commitment to showing up for our community in meaningful ways.
Access to food and nourishment remained a critical part of that support. In March, 1,756 hot meals were served, alongside 1,546 bags of fresh groceries distributed. These resources continue to meet immediate needs while helping create stability for individuals and families navigating uncertain seasons.
March also marked the close of another impactful VITA tax season. By the end of the month, 5,263 tax returns had been completed, serving 2,843 clients across York County. This work helped ensure individuals and families could file with confidence, access the credits they’ve earned, and keep more of what they’ve worked for.
The work continues to build. Not always loudly, but consistently. And that consistency is what creates lasting impact.
Welcoming Jericha Osborn, Intake & Engagement Manager Pathways Community Center is honored to welcome Jericha Osborn to our team as our new Intake and Engagement Manager. Jericha joins us with a deep calling to serve individuals experiencing homelessness and navigating life transitions. With more than two years of experience in recovery and community-based support, she has walked closely alongside individuals in some of their most challenging seasons, offering not only guidance, but presence, compassion, and unwavering belief in what’s possible. Her work is rooted in meeting people exactly where they are, honoring their dignity, and helping them take meaningful steps toward stability and restoration. Through her role, Jericha will help connect individuals to critical resources such as shelter, treatment, and community support, while also serving as a consistent source of encouragement and accountability along their journey. We are grateful for the compassion, strength, and hope she brings to Pathways and the many lives that will be impacted through her work. Please join us in warmly welcoming Jericha to the Pathways family.
Collective Impact in Action Across the Pathways campus, partners, volunteers, and on-site agencies continued to show up with purpose, meeting needs and cultivating real pathways forward. From workforce development and housing support to health, recovery, and community connection, the momentum continues to build. In February, 83% of individuals enhanced their health and wellness, engaging with healthcare providers, counselors, peer-support specialists, and Learning Lab programming to take meaningful steps toward stability and wholeness. We also celebrated three individuals transitioning into independent living, marking powerful milestones on their journey toward self-sufficiency. We also expanded access to nourishment through our partnership with House of Agape, adding breakfast service on Fridays and Saturdays. This expansion now provides nine hot, nutritious meals each week on our campus, helping ensure consistent care and support throughout the week. In total, 443 services were provided through our on-site agencies, each one representing care, coordination, and collaboration in action. February was a reminder that when community shows up consistently, transformation continues.
Written by Karl Vogl ll For many individuals and families, filing taxes can be a complicated and costly process. Between shifting tax laws, expensive preparation fees and confusing requirements, the process can deter people from filing altogether or reduce the refunds they depend on. In York County, a volunteer-driven program is working to change that. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, known as VITA, offers free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers, helping ensure they receive the full refunds and credits they have earned. Operated locally out of Pathways Community Center , and Winthrop University the service is staffed entirely by IRS-certified volunteers and is designed to make tax filing accessible, accurate and free. VITA also partners with the City of Rock Hill and United Way “We help the community file tax returns electronically, and we double-check everything to make sure taxpayers receive all the credits they’re entitled to,” said site coordinator Bill Perry. “There’s no charge, we’re 100% volunteers.” VITA sites generally serve individuals who earn about $69,000 or less, as well as people with disabilities, limited English-speaking taxpayers and those who need assistance navigating the filing process. Services include preparation of basic returns, W-2 income, most 1099 forms and access to key credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Some locations also assist with prior-year returns. For many residents, avoiding preparation fees can make a meaningful difference. Erin Freel, a York County resident and single mother, said she first learned about VITA while working at City Hall and has relied on it since. “I thought it was incredible that there was a place people could go and get help without being charged,” she said. “A lot of private tax services charge too much, especially when you have additional credits.” Those added fees can cut into refunds that families rely on for essential expenses. “As a single mom who doesn’t receive child support, the child tax credit is a big deal,” Freel said. “But some places charge more just to process those credits, the same money you actually need.” Using VITA has allowed her to keep more of her refund and better support her children. “Having a free service means I get to keep what I’ve worked for,” she said. “That allows me to provide more for my kids. That’s a big deal.” The York County VITA site recently relocated from City Hall to Pathways Community Center, a move that coordinators say has improved access and increased participation. “Being at Pathways has made it easier for the community to come in and get services,” Perry said. “It’s a space that’s already centered around serving people, so it’s a natural fit.” Since the move, the site has seen an increase in the number of taxpayers seeking assistance. Still, challenges remain. Assistant coordinator Janice Louttit said one of the most common issues is that filers arrive without the necessary documentation. To complete a return, taxpayers are typically required to bring a government-issued photo ID, Social Security cards or ITINs for all household members, income documents such as W-2s or 1099s, a copy of the previous year’s tax return, and banking information for direct deposit. Married couples filing jointly must both be present. Louttit said recent changes in tax laws have also added complexity for both taxpayers and preparers. “After COVID, there were a lot of new programs and ongoing changes to the tax code,” she said. “Even recently, some updates were implemented so quickly that people’s documents don’t always reflect what non-taxable W-2 income is like overtime and tips.” Despite those challenges, she said the work remains deeply rewarding. “When I retired, I knew this is what I wanted to do,” Louttit said. “This is my favorite time of the year.” For taxpayers like Freel, the value of the program goes beyond cost savings. “It’s a safe environment,” she said. “They’re honest, they explain everything clearly, and they’re there to help. It shouldn’t be complicated.” During the 2026 tax season VITA processed 5,263 returns representing 2,843 clients. Though the tax season is now over, the York County VITA site is seeking additional volunteers to meet growing demand. Community members can receive free IRS certification and training for next year, with opportunities to assist in tax preparation, client intake and site support. Those interested in volunteering for the 2027 tax season are encouraged to connect with the VITA program at Pathways Community Center and help ensure more families can access the support they need.
