Building Pathways, Not Just Programs.
As the Youth Intervention Pathways (YIP) Program Manager, Samantha Mistar is a passionate advocate whose personal commitment is helping transform a pilot program into a powerful, community-rooted force for change.
Since joining YOS in May 2023, Samantha and her team have been at the forefront of building the YIP program, a voluntary service that engages young people referred to YOS by law enforcement after an arrest. With her background in public health, youth services, and foster care advocacy, she brings a wealth of experience and empathy to her work.
“It’s about meeting families during some of their hardest moments, building trust, and showing up consistently,” Samantha explains.
The Youth Improvement Program (YIP), like other YOS programs, focuses on flexibility, restoration, and adaptability. Samantha and her team are dedicated to connecting with young people and helping them achieve their personal goals. For the YIP team, each day presents different challenges and opportunities. Sometimes, they assist a young person in finding mental health counseling; other times, they help with seemingly simple but meaningful tasks, like obtaining a library card or stocking a community fridge. These small actions often serve as the foundation for lasting change. Samantha describes their approach as “building the plane while flying it,” emphasizing the innovation and determination that drive her team’s work.
A major part of Samantha’s role is building trust with participants who may initially be hesitant or unsure whether YOS services can truly support them. Through patience and persistence, she and her team have a unique ability to transform “no thanks” into “maybe” — and eventually into meaningful milestones.
“We’re not here to force anything. We’re a resource, not an obligation. Sometimes it takes time — but when they start to believe in themselves, that’s where the real success begins.”
What motivates Samantha is simple but powerful: the potential for change and the people she serves. She understands that victories don’t always come in big, sweeping moments — often, the most important successes are the small ones that spark hope and momentum.
“You can’t just talk about it; you have to be about it. Change takes time. But if we keep showing up for families, for partners, for each other — we’ll keep moving forward.”
It’s no surprise that Samantha was chosen for our very first YOS Staff Spotlight. Her diligence, compassion, and drive embody the spirit of YOS, and the impact she’s making with the Youth Intervention Pathways program is already inspiring change across our community.