The challenge currently before us is daunting, but one we will get through by pulling together. I have seen the community come together like never before and it gives me great hope. At Eastside Pathways, we are using our unique competency to convene, connect, and facilitate not only our core Partnership, but other community stakeholders. We’ve been convening twice-weekly meetings for several weeks, helping connect needs with resources while focusing on equitable results.
Each week participation in these meetings continues to grow, and we will convene and facilitate them for as long as they are of value to stakeholders. To date, we’ve had seven virtual meetings attended by 105 unique individuals representing 55 organizations. During these meetings, vital connections have been established and solutions shared – all while ensuring we continue to center equitable action.
For example, one organization was offering food assistance but was considering shuttering the service for lack of use. Another community stakeholder on the call raised the issue of concern over immigration status as one reason for the under use of the opportunity. As a result, more equitable solutions were designed.
Stakeholders from around the community are coming together to co-develop solutions to address our most vulnerable populations. If you are a member of one of these organizations, ask yourself how you’re ensuring all of these voices are being heard.
For more details on these meetings, I invite you to visit our COVID-19 response video calls page here.
This situation impacts all of us professionally as well as personally. Please remember to take care of yourselves and your loved ones during these times. The circumstances imposed upon us are dire, but working together we’ll see this through.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Cherrington
Executive Director
P.S. Please read our April newsletter for more detailed information on these calls.