WHEREAS, Pathways for Women YWCA is a group of people who strive to assist women who have endured physical, mental, emotional, and financial hardship; and
     WHEREAS, Founded in an old house in Edmonds in 1976, prior to being named Pathways for Women YWCA, they were first called the World for Women; and
     WHEREAS, A small group of women rooted in South Snohomish County set out to help women find counseling, education, and employment services, improve parenting and relationship skills, and escape domestic violence; and
     WHEREAS, This same group of women began its housing programs to serve homeless mothers and families, one of the first of its kind in Snohomish County; and
     WHEREAS, In the 1980s they changed their name to Pathways for Women; and
     WHEREAS, Pathways for Women made a commitment to provide its own shelter and in 1993 constructed the 18-unit Homeward Bound Shelter in Lynnwood; and
     WHEREAS, In 1995, Pathways for Women joined forces with the YWCA, sharing the common goal and mission of helping women reach self-sufficiency; and
     WHEREAS, Together, the agency still maintains the Pathways for Women YWCA Homeward Bound Shelter, plus 40 units of off-site transitional housing; offers motel vouchers for families waiting for other housing; and provides homelessness prevention services such as rent and utility assistance; and
     WHEREAS, Last year alone, more than 14,000 individuals of many different ethnic and cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds received services from YWCA in Snohomish County; and
     WHEREAS, 509 families including 855 children received safe shelter and housing; and
     WHEREAS, 688 adults received individualized employment assistance; and
     WHEREAS, 1,002 individuals participated in low-cost mental health counseling; and
     WHEREAS, 91 children received school supplies and clothes through
the School Days program, and 138 families, including 294 children, received food and gifts through the Holiday Adopt-A-Family Program; and
     WHEREAS, Pathways for Women YWCA will continue to expand, adding additional units to the existing transitional housing program through the Trinity Way Apartments; and
     WHEREAS, Pathways for Women YWCA has continuously made the effort to help improve the lives of those in need and has become a place of trust, comfort, and healing;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Washington recognize and express its appreciation for Pathways for Women YWCA for their 29 years of outstanding achievements and contributions to the citizens of Snohomish County.