Brightpath Strategies

?? From Theory of Change to Theory of Growth: A Paradigm Shift for Greater Impact ?? At Brightpath Strategies, we believe in encouraging those who work with and serve our local communities to go beyond solving problems. While theory of change maps the steps to address challenges and achieve outcomes, a theory of growth takes it further—it focuses on building strengths, fostering capacity, and achieving scalable, sustainable progress. Here’s why this shift matters: ? Strengths-Based Approach: Growth centers on expanding what’s already working, highlighting potential and resilience rather than just problems to fix. ? Scalability: Growth emphasizes sustainable, community-driven solutions that evolve over time. ? Sustainability: By aligning with community strengths, organizations foster ownership and collaboration, making impact more enduring and inclusive. For organizations invested in prevention, equity, and long-term transformation, a theory of growth ensures efforts are adaptable, relevant, and community-centered. Let’s reframe the conversation - not just changing, but growing together. Interested in exploring how a theory of growth can transform your mission? Let’s connect! ?? #Leadership #PreventionScience #TheoryOfGrowth #CommunityEngagement #PositiveChange #ConsultingForImpact

Recently Michael Emmart, Ed.D., CRP, Syeisha Byrd and Regina Durbin facilitated a session of Brightpath Strategies' Shifting Power for Equity and Results (#SPEAR) framework with leaders from throughout Albany, New York.? Over the coming weeks, this cohort will grow to include more than 100 #community members working to drive transformative change in #juvenilejustice - and greater #equity in outcomes for impacted communities. We’re excited about the amazing work SPEAR teams are doing throughout the country and are especially proud to see several SPEAR cohorts in our home state of #NewYork! #CommunityEngagementContinuum

Doing the work with James Czarniak of Brightpath. Presenting to Annie E. Casey Foundation Executives and Technical Assistance Providers for various jurisdictions across the nation. Had the amazing opportunity to recom ect with Clinton Lacey, President & CEO of the Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement (CM3), former Deputy Commisioner of Probation NYC, and Director of Washington DC’s DYRS (Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services). Telling the Onondaga County story of how Good Life Foundation, Inc emerged and grew in partnership with local systems to create a strong viable solution for youth development. My first visit to the headquarters despite working with them for a bit. We followed the presentation with a quaint meeting about potential synergy across their various Juvenile Justice portfolios, including probation reform and equity cross-site work.

Brightpath Strategies, in cooperation with The Institute for Just Outcomes through Conversation, is excited to announce the development of the SPEAR Assessment tool which will provide agencies with a quantitative measurement of tendency for #communityengagement as well as measures of readiness for community engagement across important domains identified within the literature: governance, approach to risk, partnership, communication, and responsivity. We look forward to seeing how it's used to support #communityvoice and #livedexperience in #childwelfare and #juvenilejustice.

Brightpath Strategies, in cooperation with The Institute for Just Outcomes through Conversation, is excited to announce the development of the SPEAR Assessment tool which will provide agencies with a quantitative measurement of tendency for #communityengagement as well as measures of readiness for community engagement across important domains identified within the literature: governance, approach to risk, partnership, communication, and responsivity. We look forward to seeing how it's used to support #communityvoice and #livedexperience in #childwelfare and #juvenilejustice.

Brightpath Strategies' Founder and CEO James Czarniak traveled to the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy this past week, partnering with Hasan Stephens of the Good Life Youth Foundation to share their story of work to achieve increased equity in the results experienced by youth impacted by contact with the juvenile justice system. Thanks to the Annie E. Casey Foundation for helping create the space for Jim and Hasan to share!

Brightpath Strategies, in cooperation with The Institute for Just Outcomes through Conversation, is excited to announce the development of the SPEAR Assessment tool which will provide agencies with a quantitative measurement of tendency for #communityengagement as well as measures of readiness for community engagement across important domains identified within the literature: governance, approach to risk, partnership, communication, and responsivity. We look forward to seeing how it's used to support #communityvoice and #livedexperience in #childwelfare and #juvenilejustice.

Doing the work with James Czarniak of Brightpath. Presenting to Annie E. Casey Foundation Executives and Technical Assistance Providers for various jurisdictions across the nation. Had the amazing opportunity to recom ect with Clinton Lacey, President & CEO of the Credible Messenger Mentoring Movement (CM3), former Deputy Commisioner of Probation NYC, and Director of Washington DC’s DYRS (Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services). Telling the Onondaga County story of how Good Life Foundation, Inc emerged and grew in partnership with local systems to create a strong viable solution for youth development. My first visit to the headquarters despite working with them for a bit. We followed the presentation with a quaint meeting about potential synergy across their various Juvenile Justice portfolios, including probation reform and equity cross-site work.

What an amazing two days with the management team and staff at the Good Life Foundation. It was great to do training around Boundaries of Authority, Roles and Task for an agency and workforce that is growing exponentially and leading real change. Hearing from the staff their challenging roles of supporting youth and families while balancing the expectations of funders and community partners is critical so that the agency can support them so they can do what they do best. It was an honor to share space with them today and I look forward to supporting them in the journey ahead. Syracuse, NY is doing some great things! I am so proud of the work that we do supporting community grass roots agencies meet their goals and navigate the challenges. Brightpath donates more than $25,000 annually in free training and small grants to community agencies because they have the solutions and strategies that will make the difference we all seek and want.