Mid-Year Reflections with Eric Mitchell, President & CEO

As I reflect on the first half of my first year as President and CEO of Pathways for Children, I am struck by how much the organization has persevered to innovate and serve our families in new and needed ways.

We've gathered for events, including our in-person healing garden dedication, our sold-out golf tournament, Head Start graduations, and three book fairs to brighten up summer reading lists. 700 sector professionals gathered virtually for the Youth at Risk Conference, newly under our program umbrella. And we are looking forward to Countdown to Kindergarten events coming up soon!

We launched new programs, including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which is now serving more than 700 children locally.

We distributed bicycles, tricycles, and scooters (and helmets!) to all of our enrolled students to help keep them healthy and moving this summer. 

Through our new partnerships with the YMCA of Cape Ann, Art Haven, and Back Yard Growers, our School Age Care students are exercising their bodies and brains this summer with crafts, gardening, and lots of swimming.

With an eye to the future, we created a new position to help with teacher and teacher intern recruitment. This position will enable us to fill our own talent pipeline in this highly competitive market and help train teachers for the future too.  

We've released several important new resources, including the YAR Resource Guide and FY2020 Gratitude Report, both enhanced by a refreshed mission statement and core values. 

I am proud to be a part of the Pathways' team and am thankful to be surrounded by such a dedicated and hard working group.

This is just the start–there's much more to come. Thank you for joining us on our journey forward.