May 12, 2016 — Crittenton Women’s Union, a Boston-based nonprofit that helps low-income families move permanently out of poverty, has renamed to Economic Mobility Pathways, which it announced at its recent gala that raised $376,000, surpassing its goal for the annual event and more than doubling last year’s results.

Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath) said the new name reflects its “transformative impact and methodical approaches” while emphasizing its individualized focus on families it serves.

“Our new identity is built upon of the triumphs, setbacks, and feedback of the women who have passed through our programs,” says Elisabeth Babcock, president and CEO of EMPath.

She added, “Participants’ insight, coupled with the experiences of a diverse group of social service providers who have embraced Mobility Mentoring through our Economic Independence Exchange, have poised us to reach more women and families across the country.”

Mobility Mentoring is a program model developed by EMPath that provides metric-based, mentor-led, incentivized programming, and is now used in Washington, Kentucky, Minnesota, Tennessee, and California.

The name change culminated a process that began in July 2014, which involved an external consultant guiding board members, donors, staff, participants, policy advocates, and others associated with the organization. Input from those constituencies, including their perspectives on EMPath’s work, mission, and goals, led to consensus on the new identity.

A spokeswoman said, “Overall, the process strengthened relationships across the organization.”

A new website was launched in connection with the new name, and a mailer was sent to donors, vendors, and policy partners, informing them of the change.

**New Identity Introduced at Annual Gala **

The new EMPath name and identity was introduced at the organization’s annual Live! Work! Thrive! gala, held May 6 at The State Room in Boston, which raised $376,000 to support its ongoing work.

The event raised $20,000 more than the $350,000 goal, which drew 347 people, about 13% fewer than the 400 organizers had looked to attract.

However, this year’s event far surpassed last year’s $148,000 raised and 290 attendees.

Sponsorships and ticket sales raised approximately $324,000, a silent auction raised $15,600, and donations at the event generated another $36,000.

Founded in 2006 as Crittendon Women’s Union, EMPath, with a staff of 120, reaches 1,400 people in Boston annually through its mentoring, housing, education, and workforce development programs, and 3,500 individuals through the Economic Independence Exchange, a network of 50 organizations.

According to EMPath, a recent study conducted by Brandeis University found that participants in EMPath’s most rigorous economic mobility program have, over a 60-month period, increased their income by 72%, reduced their dependence on subsidies by 20%, and increased their tax payments by 120%.

MassNonprofitNews