Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Yoder.
Hi Sarah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was a special education teacher and administrator for nine years before becoming a stay-at-home after our youngest was born. My passion has always been about making a difference and helping others, so I knew one day I wanted to start or run a non-profit. But I wasn’t sure what that would look like or if it would even happen.
Then in January 2021, I watched a TikTok with my daughter and saw a video of a girl in Oregon who created a program to help teen girls in need by providing them with personal care items, clothing, and luxury items. I loved her concept and couldn’t get it out of my head. After praying and talking about it with my husband and close friends, I decided to take a leap of faith and started Path & Green.
Path & Green started in April 2021 and we partner with school districts in Lorain County to provide fourteen personal care items, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, deodorant, face wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, mouthwash, chapstick, tampons, sanitary pad, and menstrual cups to teen girls in need. We have been serving girls since February 2022 and have served over 200 girls and given away over 1000 items.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been smooth sailing, but I have learned a lot about myself and how to run a successful non-profit. Luckily, with my background in education and administration, my skills transferred well into running a 501(c)(3). I have been lucky to have incredible family, friends, and board support.
However, I run the daily ins and outs of Path & Green on a solo basis. This makes it challenging to get things done as quickly as I would like, bounce ideas off of others, and ensure every area of Path & Green is thriving. I have learned to give myself grace, prioritize what is most important, connect with other non-profits doing similar initiatives, and bring committed volunteers on board.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Path & Green’s mission is to end hygiene insecurity and period poverty among Lorain County teen girls in need. Beyond giving them items, we want to make a positive difference against the mental health crisis teen girls are facing today. We believe restoring their dignity and self-confidence will give them hope and a future where they feel worthy, valued, and loved.
What makes us different from other non-profits is we go above and beyond to make the girls feel extra special by making it seem less like a handout and more like they just shopped for themselves at a boutique. With each order, we include a personalized encouragement note, wrap each product in tissue paper, and when available, we give luxury items like makeup or hair accessories. We have also purchased a truck which, in the future, we plan on transforming into a mobile boutique.
Our mobile boutique will allow us to pull up to every high school in Lorain County so students can come “shop.” This will also allow the girls to pick out what they need and offer more items like clothing. We will also be able to do special events like prom makeovers! The future looks bright for Path & Green!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was outgoing and involved in a variety of activities. I was involved in sports (gymnastics, basketball, softball, & cheerleading), drama club, leadership & volunteer activities (“Just Say No!”, National Honor Society, and a camp counselor), and my church’s youth group. Being involved with my church youth group allowed me to go on three life-changing mission trips.
In Constanta, Romania, I fell in love with helping others, especially children with disabilities. My mission trips are why I decided to get a bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Special Education and later my master’s in Educational Administration. Besides my relationship with Christ, my mission trips are the reason why I have a deep passion for helping others in need.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pathandgreen.org
- Instagram: @pathandgreen
- Facebook: @pathandgreen
Image Credits
@memoriesbythemartins
