Finding Holiday Support
From food assistance and utility help to family support programs, many organizations offer expanded services during the holiday season. Knowing where to look can make a real difference.
Pathfinder can help connect you with organizations offering seasonal support across Tennessee.
Learning & Information
Whether you’re looking for guidance on school breaks, transitions, or family routines during the holidays, having reliable information helps you plan with confidence.
Explore articles, webinars, and resource fairs shared by Pathfinder throughout the season.
Reading & Recreation
Libraries, community programs, and reading initiatives offer opportunities to stay engaged during colder months. These options can be enjoyed at home or in familiar community spaces.
Pathfinder can point you to organizations and programs that provide books and activities in different reading formats.
Need Help Navigating?
If you’re not sure where to start, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Sometimes the most helpful step is talking it through with someone who understands the system.
Pathfinder’s team can help connect you to trusted organizations and statewide resources.
INTRODUCING: Two New Toolkits
The Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) has released two free toolkits and online courses, created by TRIAD and the Vanderbilt Consortium LEND Training Program.
1. Telehealth for Caregivers
Guidance for families preparing for an autism evaluation via tele-assessment, including what to expect before and after the appointment.
Access the toolkit PDF and explore the free online course at triad.vkclearning.org (Caregiver folder).
2. Teaching School Readiness Skills
Strategies to help preschoolers build classroom participation and learning skills before kindergarten.
Access the toolkit PDF and find more resources in the free online course at triad.vkclearning.org (Early Intervention folder).
For printed copies or questions, contact mary.dangerfield@vumc.org.
Sensory-Friendly Santa Visit
Join We Rock The Spectrum Kids’ Gym – Madison for their 4th Annual Sensory Santa Event!
Date: December 20
Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Cost: Free
This cherished tradition offers a calm, welcoming environment for children to meet Santa without the hustle and bustle. Space is limited. Reserve your spot today!
RSVP here: https://forms.gle/5MVqukWunZYN3mrx8
Kids’ Art Contest – Win a Bike!
Children ages 4–10 in the 37210 ZIP code are invited to submit an art piece, essay, or poem about why families need to visit the doctor or have food.
Deadline: December 19, 2025
Prizes: Winners receive a new bike, thanks to Experian!
Need supplies? Visit Turnip Green Creative Reuse (1013 3rd Avenue) for free materials.
Submit finished projects to TJC at 155 Lafayette Street, Nashville, 37210
Ride Free with Journey Pass
WeGo Public Transit’s Journey Pass offers eligible Davidson County residents free rides on local buses, WeGo Access, WeGo Link, and WeGo Star for up to three years.
If you receive services through Metro partner agencies, you may qualify. Sign up at an outreach event and start riding for free!
Learn more: wegotransit.com/journey-pass
Free Monthly Legal Clinic at Pruitt Branch
Nashville Public Library’s Pruitt Branch now offers a free legal clinic each month, hosted by the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and Bass, Berry & Sims law firm.
The clinic helps with civil legal issues such as landlord-tenant disputes, debt collection, custody matters, and more. It’s open to all Nashvillians. No appointment needed.
Clinics are held on Thursdays, starting December 2nd, alongside free lunches and haircuts.
Location: Pruitt Branch Library, next to Napier-Sudekum housing in South Nashville.
For details, visit library.nashville.org or call the Pruitt Branch.
Employment Mentorship Pathways – New Pilot Program
Vanderbilt University is launching Employment Mentorship Pathways, a program pairing employed adults with IDD with job seekers who have IDD for monthly Zoom sessions. Mentors share experiences and tips for finding work, while parents participate in separate parent-to-parent sessions.
Meetings run for 6 months, and participants are matched based on location, job interests, and support needs. Each job seeker and parent will receive a $100 Amazon gift card.
VU’s previous mentorship project helped 66% of families connect to paid employment—this new program builds on that success by adding peer mentorship.
They’re seeking 5 pairs of job seekers and parents to join starting in January. Interested? Contact us to be linked with Dr. Ben Schwartzman.
See flyer for details here: Employment Mentorship Pathways Flyer