Our Mission–Gathering Neighbors, Growing Trust. We bring communities together. Paths to Understanding (PTU) is a Washington State-based 501(c)3 non-profit organization, with strong roots in the Skagit County/Mount Vernon area, dedicated to building community trust and reducing prejudice. It works by connecting neighbors through face-to-face, multifaith, and multicultural initiatives, such as the “Let’s Go Together” program, which promotes unity across diverse backgrounds.

Terry Kyllo is the Executive Director of Paths to Understanding: Gathering Neighbors, Growing Trust. He is passionate about renewing civil society and democracy by helping communities build trust across deep divides—because he believes we are living too divided, and we do not have to live this way. A Lutheran pastor, Terry works through local practice, media, and public leadership to bring neighbors back into relationship, so we can build a world where everyone belongs and everyone can thrive.