Project Pathfinder: The Southwest Virginia Legal Aid (SVLAS)’s Reentry and Community Impact Program
Established in July of 2024, Project Pathfinder provides free legal services to residents of southwest Virginia affected by opioid use/substance use disorder (OUD/SUD) to help strengthen their recovery journey. Those affected by OUD/SUD often face destabilizing challenges including unemployment, transportation limitations, inadequate housing, familial discord and debt. Our attorneys and staff address these challenges and help to remove barriers to employment, driving privileges, housing, family harmony, and financial health. In this way, Project Pathfinder can help clients focus on their recovery, remain on the path of recovery and successfully reenter society and the workforce.
The Project serves 17 counties and 4 cities from Montgomery County to Lee County; the same jurisdiction as Southwest Virginia Legal Aid. Counties providing OAA direct distribution funds include Smyth, Russell, Lee and Wise. Other partners to the project are Dickenson, Wythe and Tazewell. Together, these counties formed a Cooperative Partnership which enabled SVLAS to apply for a grant from the OAA.
SVLAS is just one partner in the regional Recovery Ecosystem that works with many others in providing services to those affected by OUD/SUD. Project Pathfinder partners include Community Service Boards, Probation and Parole Offices, Recovery Courts, treatment providers, state agencies, and others.
In 2024, SVLAS proposed assisting 150 clients per year. As of February 2026, SVLAS has provided legal services to over 900 clients. The most heartening stories include the reunion of parents with their children and families and of individuals who successfully reenter society and the workforce. However, there are some challenges when working with this population, as approximately 30% of individuals referred for legal services either do not, or cannot, follow up when contacted for representation. But that has not stopped the team from continuing to offer free legal services to those in need.
Some of the services we offer include:
+ drivers’ license restoration
+ criminal record expungement of eligible charges
+ housing/tenancy representation
+ divorce
+ child custody and visitation
+ official documents requests
+ bankruptcy
+ debt collection and consumer protection litigation
+ protection of benefits
If you or a loved one in the Southwest Virginia Legal Aid region are in need of Project Pathfinder services check out the Pathfinder Digital Pamphlet.pdf or call 1888-201-2772 or visit the website at www.svlas.org. You can also contact Joseph R. Carico, SVLAS Executive Director, jcarico@svlas.org; or Pathfinder Paralegals Josh Crowley (jcrowley@svlas.org) and Kate Perdue (kperdue@svlas.org); 276-783-8300.
