Today we’d like to introduce you to Nyya Bethay.
Hi Nyya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The idea for S.H.I.F.T.I.N.G Paths first came to me in 2005 when I was a 20-year-old correctional officer for the State of Florida. While working in the prison system, I regularly spoke with incarcerated men who shared how deeply incarceration affected their children. Working visitation on weekends and holidays, I saw firsthand the emotional toll it took on both parents and young children when visits ended, and those moments stayed with me.
I also worked with youth offenders close to my age who often shared stories of growing up without consistent support. One young man told me he felt he had no choice but to survive on his own. That conversation reinforced my belief that many young people don’t lack potential—they lack guidance and support. I made it a point to encourage them and remind them that their past didn’t have to define their future.
In 2007, I ran into a former youth offender and his mother, who thanked me for the encouragement I gave him while he was incarcerated. That moment confirmed that even small acts of support can make a lasting impact.
Fast forward to 2023, I recognized a growing need in my community and decided to finally move forward with the vision God placed in my heart years earlier. I shared the vision with two amazing women, T. Jackson and D. Mirjah, who became co-founders and shared the same passion for youth advocacy. That’s when S.H.I.F.T.I.N.G Paths was officially birthed.
Today, we are working tirelessly to establish our presence in the community, launch group mentoring sessions, and build partnerships—including hopes of working with the Department of Juvenile Justice to support youth development & Florida Department of Corrections to support family bonding and reentry journeys. Our youth are searching for guidance, connection, and hope, and S.H.I.F.T.I.N.G Paths exists to remind them that roadblocks don’t have to stop them—they can simply SHIFT paths.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This road has not been smooth at all!
One of the main struggles we face as a new nonprofit is building awareness and establishing a strong presence in the communities we serve. Even with a clear mission, it takes time to get our name out, build trust, and reach the families who need our support most.
Funding is another major challenge. Having the proper funding is essential for us to afford the resources, programs, and support services we want to offer. We often see the needs firsthand, but as a growing organization, securing sustainable funding to meet those needs is an ongoing process.
Despite these challenges, what keeps us moving forward is the belief in our mission and the clear need for Shifting Paths in our communities. Every obstacle reminds us why this work matters and why building something sustainable, ethical, and community-centered is worth the effort.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
S.H.I.F.T.I.N.G Paths is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children whose parents are currently incarcerated, as well as youth who are at risk of falling through the cracks in school or becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. Our work focuses on building strong support systems, restoring family bonds, and empowering young people to make positive, lasting changes in their lives.
We will focus on bridging gaps—between incarcerated parents and their children, between youth and stable support, and between reentry and successful reintegration into society. By partnering with Florida prisons, local school districts, and the juvenile court system, we will be able to provide guided parental support, reentry resources, and youth-centered programming designed to promote healthy relationships, accountability, and growth.
What I am most proud of is our preventative approach. We don’t want to just respond after something happens—we work to identify youth who are facing turbulent transitions and intervene early with mentorship, resources, and consistent encouragement. We recognize that one decision can change a family’s trajectory, and we are committed to being present for both the child and the parent throughout that journey.
What sets S.H.I.F.T.I.N.G Paths apart is our emphasis on connection, continuity, and community. We are building a learning environment that serves not only youth and parents, but also mentors and the broader community—creating paths to healing, stability, and long-term success.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice to anyone just starting out is to be very clear about what you want to do and who you are trying to reach. Knowing your purpose and your audience helps guide every decision you make and keeps you focused when challenges arise. A clear vision for your organization is essential—it becomes your anchor when things feel uncertain.
I also learned not to be afraid to step out on faith. When I first shared the idea for S.H.I.F.T.I.N.G Paths, some people thought it was crazy, while others thought it was brilliant. What I’ve come to understand is that the vision was given to me for a reason. It’s okay if everyone doesn’t see it or understand it—it wasn’t meant for them. What matters most is staying true to the mission and trusting the process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shiftingpaths.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shifting_paths/
