Our story

It started with one family.

In 2008, Jim and Melinda Hollandsworth became friends with the Ramirez family, who lived in Gwinnett Estates, a mobile home community in Loganville, Georgia.

Jim was serving as an executive pastor. Melinda was a second-grade and special education teacher. As the friendship grew, they found a neighborhood full of love and determination, and kids with enormous potential who needed more support to finish high school and thrive.

So they did what good neighbors do. They started helping with homework. Then they invited a few friends to help. Week by week, more kids came to the table, and more friends pulled up a chair. Those first homework nights, known as the Hope Center, became the seed of everything Path United does today.

Jim Hollandsworth Founder & Executive Director

Melinda Hollandsworth Founder & Regional Director

Our story, continued

From one friendship to a community of belonging.

What began with one family grew into a network of community centers, with a character enrichment curriculum and afterschool programming designed for every age. Each one is rooted in partnership with the families, park owners, churches and neighbors who call it home.

2008

A friendship with the Ramirez family at Gwinnett Estates in Loganville sparks the Hope Center, the first chapter of what began as the Path Project.

2017

Peachtree Village in Sugar Hill opens its doors, alongside Sugar Hill Church.

2018

Pine Valley in Lawrenceville opens a center made possible by citywide support. Baker & Glover in Gainesville moves into its own center after ten years of programs hosted by Gainesville First United Methodist Church.

2021

Auburn launches with Bethlehem Church and Barrow County leaders.

Today

Seven community centers, six in Georgia and one at Franklin Estates in Franklin, Tennessee, serving more than 500 students every week.

"No two kids will follow the same path, and that's something to celebrate."

Melinda Hollandsworth, co-founder