The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.

– Albert Einstein

 

Happy New Year!

As I reflect on the past year and think about the opportunities that lie ahead for Eastside Pathways as a partnership, I am particularly drawn to this quote above. It resonates with me because lately, I have been asked if we, the partnership, are doing too much.

My initial instinct, in a time of feeling particularly overwhelmed (not unlike many of you), is to say yes! But after careful reflection, I realized that our collective work in Eastside Pathways is work that most of us have been doing in our different organizations for years. Except now, with our Partnership, we’re no longer doing that work in isolation. We’re able to identify, share and utilize data that we can all use to make better decisions, create more relevant programs and course correct when necessary; and we can leverage existing organizational and community resources, to make a bigger impact, faster.

Sometimes taking on one more task or adding another meeting to our calendar can seem overwhelming. Now, imagine if we shift the way we think about our mutual work. By doing the work that aligns to our agreed upon goal areas as a Partnership, we can reap the benefits of working collectively, making a greater positive impact on the lives of children, cradle to career.

I believe that “working together is the work”.

I believe that this shift in thinking can accelerate the outcomes for our individual organizations and create better outcomes for the children in our community. I look forward to working with you to shape systems which make our community a better place in 2018 and beyond.

 

Warm wishes,

Stephanie Cherrington

Executive Director