Pathways Community Center Welcomes New Executive Director, Taylor Thomas
April 15, 2025
Pathways Community Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Taylor M. Thomas as its new Executive Director. With more than 12 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Taylor brings a wealth of knowledge, a servant’s heart, and a deep commitment to building a stronger, more connected community.
A native of Chester, South Carolina, Taylor’s career has been shaped by a lifelong dedication to service. From achieving the rank of Eagle Scout to receiving the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award at Wofford College for his integrity and humanitarian service, Taylor has always led with compassion and purpose.
His professional journey began with the Boy Scouts of America, where he advanced from District Executive to Assistant Scout Executive, managing programs and community engagement efforts across six counties. Most recently, Taylor served as the Marketing & Development Manager for Hospice & Community Care, where he directed outreach, donor relations, and community initiatives that uplifted and comforted families during their most vulnerable moments.
Taylor’s leadership extends beyond his professional roles. He currently serves on the board of the York County Council on Aging and is an active member of his church, where he teaches Sunday School and serves as Treasurer. He also provides full-time care for his aunt, exemplifying his belief that service starts at home.
Taylor holds a B.A. in Business Economics from Wofford College and is currently pursuing his MBA at Winthrop University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Taylor to the Pathways family,” said Ben Ganson, Board Chair of Pathways. “His heart for people, strategic mindset, and commitment to collaboration align perfectly with our mission of reducing the impact of poverty and homelessness in our community.”
At Pathways, Taylor will lead the organization’s efforts to serve as a centralized hub for essential health and human services. By fostering collaboration among on-site partners, Pathways connects individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty with resources that support stability, dignity, and long-term self-sufficiency.
“I’m honored to step into this role at such a pivotal time,” said Thomas. “Pathways is more than a place—it’s a lifeline. I look forward to working alongside our partners, staff, and community to make sure everyone has access to the support they need to thrive.”
With Taylor M. Thomas at the helm, Pathways Community Center enters a new chapter of leadership grounded in compassion, connection, and a bold vision for change.
A Recipe for Hope Begins Here Standing in the Larry Bigham Kitchen, Taylor shares what we believe will become a transformative space—home to our soon-to-be Culinary Workforce Readiness Program. This initiative is designed to equip individuals with hands-on training, life skills, ServSafe® certification, and guaranteed job connections, creating true pathways to self-sufficiency. But to make this vision a reality, we need your support. Your sponsorship of our Recipe for Hope Luncheon will directly fuel this program—turning compassion into opportunity and opening doors to brighter futures. Together, we can transform a kitchen into a launchpad for change. Will you join us? Recipe for Hope Luncheon Thursday, September 25, 2025 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Drop-In Lunch Remarks at 12:00 PM & 12:45 PM Pathways Community Center | 546 S Cherry Rd, Rock Hill
Reflecting on July: Collective Impact in Action July reminded us once again that when we come together with shared purpose, real change happens. Through the dedicated efforts of our on-site partners, eleven individuals successfully transitioned into independent housing . Each transition represents far more than a change in address—it’s a bold step toward stability, self-sufficiency, and a renewed sense of possibility. And housing is just one piece of the puzzle. In June: 100% of participants achieved goals related to obtaining essential documentation —a critical step on the path to employment, housing applications, and long-term stability. Over 50% of clients working to improve their employment situation made measurable progress , including maintaining current jobs, moving from part-time to full-time, completing job training programs, or securing new employment opportunities. But impact is also found in the everyday—the shared meals, the quiet encouragement, the practical skills passed along in our Learning Lab, or the moment someone feels seen and supported. Let’s continue building a community where opportunity is accessible, dignity is upheld, and forward is always possible.
Monthly Giving Moves the Mission Forward At Pathways, real change happens when community members, partners, and donors come together with one shared vision: helping people move from crisis to self-sufficiency. That’s the power of monthly giving. Your recurring gift—no matter the size—provides consistent support that keeps our collaborative campus strong. It allows on-site partners to offer vital services like housing support, job training, addiction recovery, and mental health care, all under one roof. It also ensures that the people we serve don’t just receive help—they find hope, stability, and a path forward. Click above to hear how your giving is the the next step toward building something that lasts. Together, we can transform lives—month by month.
