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Visit the NEW Pathways 2020 Website!
www.pathways2020.org
In 1997, Cowlitz County Health Department published its first
report, Project 2020: the Health of Cowlitz County. More
than a year had been devoted in researching various health indicators.
Focus groups and local agencies gave their input for current emerging
health concerns and a leadership committee called Pathways 2020
provided oversight and guidance to the project. In the fall of 1997,
the Cowlitz County Community Report Card was issued. This had an
immediate impact on agencies and policy makers regarding the health
of families and the local economy. The Report Card served as a road
sign to help the community to decide how best to respond to these
needs.
Pathways 2020 has evolved from its initial leadership committee
to a non-profit, tax-exempt organization with an independent board
of directors. Cowlitz Economic Development Council provides management
oversight with key support provided by Kaiser Permanente, PeaceHealth,
and the Cowlitz County Health Department.
In 2002 Pathways 2020 produced its third Cowlitz County Community
Report. Data collection, analysis and planning are now underway
for the fourth Cowlitz County Community Report Card to be released
in 2004.
Pathways 2020 has taken on new responsibilities for substance abuse
reduction in Longview in partnership with the Police Department
for the Drug Free Communities Project. This project mobilizes resources
in the Highlands and 33rd and Dorothy neighborhoods to reduce youth
substance abuse and to involve residents in asset based community
development. Pathways 2020 also contracts with the Lower Columbia
College Head Start/ECEAP program and provides services for their
community relations, volunteer recruitment, community presentations,
and parent advocacy. A new project in 2005 will be a partnership
with the Cowlitz County Health Department to create a countywide
nutrition and physical activity plan and support a local collation
to improve consumer knowledge and understanding of nutrition, physical
activity, and healthy lifestyles.
On going services through Pathways 2020 include grant writing,
facilitation of community meetings, strategic planning, program
evaluation, research, and communication of community events.
The development of a One-Stop Work Source Center for Cowlitz County
is a project involving the Southwest Washington Work Force Development
Council, Employment Security, and Lower Columbia Community Action
Council. Pathways 2020 assists the project with facilities search
and development and integration of WorkSource services.
MISSION STATEMENT
"Pathways 2020 will promote and improve the health and well
being of Cowlitz County by fostering community partnerships that
provide the fabric and support each person needs to be a healthy
and contributing member of the community."
Adopted January 10, 2000
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