Lifeline Quarterly – Spring 2020
Unexpected Blessings
These past weeks have proven to be a time of uncertainty and change. Each day brings new challenges and sad statistics; but in spite of this time of turmoil, people around the globe are rising up to give their best self to others. We have heard the stories of unprecedented acts of bravery, kindness, dedication, and compassion. Neighbors helping neighbors, businesses recreating themselves to meet medical supply demands, and young children cheering up the elderly. In spite of the unfamiliar ground we find ourselves standing on, blessings still abound.
The Pathways community has been feeling very blessed these past weeks. Pathways volunteers and staff have remained healthy and have continued to help those who need the resources and services Pathways has to offer. Like other agencies and businesses serving communities, Pathways’ staff and volunteers have also adjusted their way of serving clients.
Pathways volunteers continue to offer their time and talent, except now, they are helping from home and following distancing guidelines. When an “all call” went out for help in finding wipes for Pathways clients, a flood of donated wipes poured into the clinic for distribution. Not an easy feat during this time of empty shelves! Other volunteers blessed the Pathways community by sewing medals for the upcoming Run For Life event.
Technology proved to be a blessing for both clients and staff. Through the use of texts and emails, clients were able to use the resources offered through the HopeSync program when looking for assistance for housing, food, insurance, and other such needs. A blessing indeed, during times such as these. Technology was also the delivery source for Bright Course, the pregnancy and child development curriculum offered through Pathways. This program not only is an educational resource, but it is also the way clients earn redeemable Baby Bucks for the clinic’s boutique. Through emails or text, clients continued their learning and earning from home. With curbside delivery, clients were able to receive needed formula, diapers, and wipes.
Another blessing, for both staff and clients, was the ability to meet the needs of clients needing pregnancy tests. Staff members were able to complete the pregnancy tests while observing the six-foot social distancing rule.
Yes, even though this time in our history is unlike anything we have experienced during our lifetime, there is still plenty of good news. The Pathways staff is grateful for the many blessings they have witnessed during this time and look forward to witnessing many more as they continue serving the Pathways community.
From Our Director: Reality Changed in the Blink of an Eye
By Kimberli Swenson, Executive Director
Not in my wildest dreams could I have ever imagined that we would find ourselves in a situation like we are facing now. In the blink of an eye, our reality changed, and our way of life was uprooted. Things like personal contact with our family and friends, going to work every day, going to the store without a care in the world, sending our kids off to school — all became things we didn’t even know we were taking for granted.
With such a sudden change, it can be easy to give in to the worry. We worry if we can pay our bills, we worry for our health, we worry for our future. We turn our focus to survival and taking care of our families as best we can. It is easy to rationalize setting aside or letting go of the things on our plate that do not feel essential to us when we are facing a crisis.
While we are all trying to come to terms with this new reality, and balance our lives during this pandemic, it can be easy to get lost in social media and news reports, trying to decipher between truth and misinformation. It is disheartening to see the division this situation is causing in our community and our country, and we may feel at times that we are being attacked or judged for our understanding of and reaction to what is happening around us.
It wasn’t until I sat back and remembered that God is in control that I was able to let go of the anxiety. I encourage each of you to refocus your eyes and your thoughts on Him during this time. He is so faithful. He knows the outcome and His plan is perfect and for our good!
We have been truly blessed at Pathways, even through this crisis. He has continued to provide through the faithful and generous support of our donors. Your gifts through our Spring Appeal allowed us to implement our digital version of the Earn While You Learn program, Bright Course, as well as Hope Sync, a digital resource that allows us to text information, resources, and videos to our clients. With these resources in place, we have continued to serve our clients with social services while maintaining the Stay Home Stay Safe recommendations.
Our Medical Director, David Paik, provided us with guidelines for meeting with clients in the clinic, allowing us to continue to provide pregnancy testing and ultrasound exams, as well as car-side service for emergency supplies of diapers and formula. Never doubt that Pathways provides essential services for our clients and community. There is no more essential cause than protecting LIFE!
We are truly grateful to have the ability to continue to serve during this time. God is so good. Even in the darkest of times, you can see His hand at work and find the blessings within the storm.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
A Client Shares…
“Pathways has helped me with being a better father by understanding my child’s needs. Pathways has helped with formula, food, clothing, and diapers for our youngest of 4 children.”
— Brandon, Pathways Client
Ways to Help
Are you looking for ways to be more involved with the ministry of Pathways? During these difficult times, Pathways remains committed to providing diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food to our clients. In an effort to limit the number of times clients need to come to the clinic during the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, we are currently providing a full package of diaper wipes when clients come to the clinic for diapers.
Currently we are running low on larger size diapers (sizes 3, 4, 5, 6) and diaper wipes. If you have been blessed, please consider partnering with us through a diaper or wipe donation. Contact our Clinic Manager, Angie, at (360) 834-2829 to find out more.
Run For Life 2020 is Officially Going Virtual!
We might not be able to come together in person for this event, but we can still join together in our efforts to support life and raise funds for Pathways Clinic. Run For Life is one of our biggest fundraising events, so we hope that you join in and support us virtually.
As a virtual event, you get to pick your course and even your start time! Depending on social distancing guidelines, you may be able to meet up and run/walk as a team, with friends, or family members to show your support for LIFE!
Registration is only $35 and includes a tech shirt, race bib, and a finishing medal. We understand that times are difficult right now, so you can even commit to raising funds for Pathways to waive your registration fee. Register today to create your own online fundraising page and ask others to help you support life by sponsoring your walk or run. This event is a great way for everyone to get involved and show their support for LIFE — and a perfect example of how small individual donations can add up and make a big difference.
Virtual Run For Life: June 6–13, 2020 — Any Time, Any Place!
Upcoming Events
- Virtual Run For Life — June 6–13, 2020
- Annual Fall Banquet — October 15, 2020 at Grace Church
📄 Download the original Lifeline Quarterly Spring 2020 newsletter (PDF)