Since it’s founding Eastside Pathways has been committed to bringing together people and orgamizations to change the lives of children and youth in East King County. Over the years it has become clearer that our greatest assets aren’t people but their will and commitment – the will to adapt in one-on-one conversations, to minute-by-minute competing commitments, and the ways in which we get things done.
Often, it’s the people who are volunteers that play the most critical role. Where systems lack, where organizations run out of hours to give, and where programs are too constricted to bend – its volunteers who step in. But it takes a special volunteer to see the potential to create last change and not just fill in the gaps.
Chris Enslein embodies all these qualities and more. Playing a critical role as one of the first collaborative facilitators, she led several campaigns impacting children, families, services providers, and schools within early learning.
In 2020 Chris joined a group of folks focused on Remote Learning and Living to figure out how they could chip away at the inequities exacerbated by the impacts of Covid-19 and quarantining. She leaned into the role of the facilitator to help weave the pieces together and ensure that each one in the room had what they needed. With her facilitation the Remote Learning and Living group continues to connect Spanish speaking students and families to the critical information and relationships they need ensure their students continue to engage and learn.
Our deepest gratitude to Chris, and others like her, who step in courageously with compassion and skill to guide the way through this adaptive work. And to the individuals and organizations who are stepping out of business as usual to make the changes necessary that lead to big results.
– Eastside Pathways Board & Team