Enable every child in Bellevue to achieve a productive, fulfilling life. This is the bold vision of Eastside Pathways. Visions are meant to be a stretch, right? This is definitely a stretch, but we strongly believe it’s a real possibility.
This is the bold vision of Eastside Pathways. Visions are meant to be a stretch, right? This is definitely a stretch, but we strongly believe it’s a real possibility.
We believe in the possibility of achieving this vision in Bellevue because of the powerful elements of people, talent, and passion that exist in this community. Adding these ingredients and aligning them with the providers, schools and the City around common goals, measurements, and strategies will take this possibility and turn it into a reality.
Now, how does a relatively young (one-year-old) and small (one staff with a number of dedicated, hard-working volunteers) organization begin to tackle this daring goal? One step at a time.
Here is directionally what we’re focusing on:
These focused initiatives stand on the foundation of the organizational pillars of Collaboration, Community, and a strong organizational Backbone. Given the one-step-at-a-time approach, they’re also a first step in achieving the previously identified six strategic goals.
The first pillar, Collaboration, is geared towards mobilizing around connected programs to create a system of support. To help organize the work three areas of focus have been identified: 1) System of Support Birth – 3rd Grade, 2) System of Support 4th Grade – Career and 3) Health providers work group.
Looking one layer deeper within Birth – 3rd Grade, Eastside Pathways has chosen to focus on 3rd Grade Reading. Of all the initiatives of work, this is the most developed. There’s more detailed information on this initiative in this month’s newsletter.
The pillar of Community is important to ensure that all of the necessary parts of the community are mobilized. All members of the community are essential and Eastside Pathways will be making a targeted effort to reach out to and communicate with parents, businesses, youth and multi-cultural communities in the coming year.
Lastly, the pillar of a strong organizational Backbone is critical as this will help ensure that Eastside Pathways creates and maintains the foundation necessary to keep working towards the vision and mission of its work.
The Six Strategic Goals:
- Every child has a healthy start.
- Parents and significant adults are supported in their efforts to help their child succeed.
- Every child attains optimal physical and mental health and safety.
- Every child develops social and emotional skills for life effectiveness.
- Every child is prepared for academic and work success.
- The community plays an active role in the success of Bellevue’s children.