TO BE APPROVED
Pathways Melbourne was born from a simple yet powerful encounter.

The explanations and information provided on this page are only general and high-level explanations 

Founder and CEO, Leah Boulton, grew up in a secular, humanistic household and was educated at Mount Scopus College, a modern-Orthodox Jewish school. While her own upbringing was culturally Jewish rather than religious, Leah maintained close ties with friends who had become part of the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) world.

In 2013, at the engagement party of a friend’s 17-year-old daughter, Leah respectfully covered up to blend into the Haredi environment, speaking with the women and listening to their stories. That night, she met “Malki” (name changed), a young woman who longed to rollerblade, go to university despite never completing Year 12, and one day choose her own partner after a brief arranged marriage had ended. More than anything, Leah recognised Malki’s deep isolation — and the risks she faced simply for questioning her world.

Seeking guidance, Leah reached out to Footsteps, a New York organisation supporting people leaving ultra-Orthodox life. While Footsteps could not assist outside the USA, their example strengthened Leah’s resolve to act locally. She began meeting regularly with Malki, listening to her hopes and helping her explore possibilities beyond traditional boundaries. During this time, Leah started shaping a vision for a Melbourne-based network of ‘Pathfinders’ — people from insular Orthodox communities quietly seeking connection, freedom, and self-determination through peer-to-peer support and professional guidance.

In 2014, Footsteps introduced Leah to Dr. Mark Cherny, a Melbourne local who became integral to Pathways’ early development. Together, with a small group of passionate volunteers — many with lived experience — the foundations of Pathways Melbourne were laid. 

By 2017, Pathways was formally incorporated and achieved DGR and PBI status. Since then, it has confidentially supported over 100 Pathfinders through tailored social, cultural, and skills-based programs, including the PATH 4 LIFE | Mentor Program, alongside professional referrals.

How we are growing

​In 2024, growing calls from Jewish teens unable to safely remain at home, and from adults advocating for at-risk youth, led Pathways to commission the first independent needs analysis of Jewish youth mental health and homelessness in Victoria. The findings revealed alarming rates of homelessness and housing instability among Jewish young people. In response, Pathways expanded its scope to include youth and families and began spearheading culturally specific crisis housing and kinship care for Jewish children who cannot safely live with their immediate families.

From that first friendship between Leah and Malki grew Pathways Melbourne: a place where Jewish people can find understanding, safety, and community — and the courage to build lives true to themselves. 

What We Do

​Pathways exists to promote freedom, choice, and connection for people from the Jewish community. We provide critical support services for those questioning their religiosity and for young people who do not feel safe at home. 

 
Who We Support

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Pathways Melbourne empowers Jewish people to build lives of choice and self-determination. Whether they are ADULTS or TEENS questioning their religiosity, FAMILIES navigating religious conflicts, or young people requiring YOUTH CRISIS HOUSING, we provide safe, confidential support. We respect all expressions of Jewish identity and never seek to influence religious values or observance. Based in Melbourne, our services are available nationally. 

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We comply with the  Victorian Child Safe Standards and uphold strict privacy at all times. From the first conversation to ongoing support and community connection, Pathways ensures no one needs to walk their journey alone. 

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How We Help 

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Our team of volunteers and professionals, many with lived experience, provide: 

• Culturally attuned youth crisis housing options in partnership with Lighthouse Foundation

• Safe, confidential spaces to ask questions 

• Peer support, skills workshops and mentoring programs 

• Education, financial, and career guidance 

• Referrals to professional services (health, legal, counselling, housing & more) 

• Social and cultural events to reduce isolation and mark Jewish holidays 

• Personal storytelling programs 

• Community education and advocacy
   

Our Approach 

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• Life  –  We value safety, personal choice and self-determination  

• Changing  –  We are a first point of contact for people in crisis in a supportive, non-judgmental manner 

• Support  – We offer tailored programs, referrals, and tools to support and empower each individual reach their full potential