A Connections to Success Pathways Partner agency works with a participant

A Model Built for Real-World Impact

For more than 25 years, Connections to Success has been helping individuals move from instability to independence. And in 2001, we launched Pathways to Success: an evidence-based, holistic program model developed to support the whole person, not just the résumé.

It’s designed to address the full scope of challenges participants face – not just employment, but a changed mindset that brings improved confidence, relationships, and life stability.

The results are both human and measurable:

  • 74% of participants secure employment
  • 70% retain jobs after nine months
  • 82% earn a wage increase within six months
  • 87% report improved relationships and parenting skills
  • 14% recidivism rate (compared to 44% nationally)

For organizations, these outcomes translate into something equally important:

Demonstrable impact.
Credibility with donors.
Stronger grant applications.

What Makes the Approach Different

Pathways to Success works because it doesn’t rely on a single intervention. It’s a structured, multi-phase journey:

Prepare: Building the Foundation

Participants begin with an intensive, 60-hour personal and professional development training focused on building confidence, communication, and career readiness.

Pursue: Guided Action

Ongoing life coaching, mentorship, and job search support help participants apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings.

Persevere: Long-Term Stability

Participants have continued access to support, resources, and community long after employment – because long-term success requires consistency.

This model ensures participants aren’t just prepared for a moment; they’re supported for life.

More News

Connections to Success Announces 2026 Tribute to Success – St. Louis With Keynote Speaker, Tamara Keefe, Founder and CEO of Clementine’s Ice Cream

Connections to Success Holds Missouri’s First-Ever Father-Daughter Dance Inside a Correctional Facility, Bringing Families Together for a Night of Connection