Julian Pathways:
Making a Difference One Family at a Time
By Amber Ward

Julian Merchants Association sponsored a decorating contest for local businesses. Winners are: first place, King Leo Confections in Wynola; second place, Julian Pie Company; and third place, Julian Book House; both located on Main Street in downtown Julian.

Together with school staff, families, public and private agencies, local businesses and community members, Julian Pathways is meeting student and family needs by providing a variety of free programs. Pathways goal is to ensure that each child receives the physical, emotional, and intellectual support - in school, at home and in the community - to learn well.

Established in 2000 as part of the Julian Union School District, Julian Pathways provides several programs to students and families that have resulted in better grades, improved attendance and increased parent involvement.

Some of Pathways programs include In-Class Prevention, Counseling, Character Education, Mentoring, Parenting Workshops, Wellness Classes with a Resident Pediatrician, Links to Resources including Health Insurance Sign-Up Assistance, and several other activity groups such as Club Live and Club Timberwolf.

Photos by Ruth lepper

Recently, Pathways began to offer Tabacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) to Julian sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders. Debbie Gernandt, behavior/prevention specialist, educates youth about the effects and consequences of tobacco use.

The Julian Union School District was one of 10 recipients of the TUPE grants that were issued statewide in order to implement this curriculum.

Dr. Tammy LaDou, a licensed psychologist, offers individual counseling for kids at Julian Pathways. Group counseling is also available for kids who are going through some of life's big changes. On the last Thursday of each month, parents are invited to "Coffee with Tammy." This is a topic discussion, but it is also open to questions parents may have about their child's development.

Julian Pathways was also awarded a Character Education Grant where Pathways staff go into the classroom to teach daily lessons that reinforce good character. If you look at the elementary school campus you will see words of good character painted on building walls, and each month a new word is added, reminding kids the importance of good character.

Charlie Redmond, King Leo, accepts the award from Scott Baker, JMA director.

Pathways and the Partners for Community Access are sponsoring a mentor program for elementary and middle school children.

Julian Pathways also offers Parenting Workshops once a week. Every Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. parents are invited to come to the office, have some coffee and spend some time with the staff.

The first Thursday of the month is Baby Pathways. Andrea Sissons, resource specialist, and Donna Linton, Indian community liaison, lead parents in baby-oriented discussions. The second Thursday of each month, Debbie Gernandt leads a parent forum focused on building children's assets.

This "recipe for success" program utilizes the 40 developmental assets, and each week a different assets is talked about in detail.

"This is a recipe for raising healthy kids. It is about feel good parenting, we focus on what we are doing right," says Gernandt. The third Thursday of each month a Resident Pediatrician is available for open questioning.

Julian Pathways helps kids be successful, but they also help families with health insurance and a variety of social services. They work directly with the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as other local agencies.

If you would like more information about Julian Pathways call 760-765-2228 or stop by the office located on the Julian Elementary School campus.