Our Story

Every Child Thrives

Julian Pathways, Inc. began with a simple idea - rural children deserve to learn, grow, and thrive.

Our roots trace back to 1998, when the Julian Union School District was awarded Healthy Cities and Communities grants. These grants helped our small rural town take a close look at community needs. This peek into community needs sparked a movement to improve the wellbeing of rural youth organized by schools, families, and local partners.

Laying the Foundation (1998-2000)

The early surveys, reaching more than 1,500 residents, revealed what mattered most to our neighbors:

- - Safe after-school activities and programs
  - Access to health care and social services
  - A strong, connected school community

From those conversations, we launched Julian Healthy Start. We opened doors to new resources, student supports, and community health programs. In 2000, another expansion funded by the California Healthy Start Grant, allowed us to introduce mental health services and establish a nutrition program for students and seniors.

That same year, our network grew into the Julian Backcountry Collaborative. Our network, to this day, is united by one goal: to promote wellbeing throughout the Julian community.

Becoming Julian Pathways (2001-2015)

In 2001, our team officially became known as Julian Pathways. With every partnership our mission grew stronger. Every connection we provided families to healthcare resources, and learning opportunities strengthened our drive and desire to support our neighbors. We continued to strategize and service the community based on our in-depth knowledge of the needs.

Partnering with healthcare providers and service agencies was a natural part of our growth. Through a partnership with UC San Diego's Community Pediatrics program (2002), medical residents began to teach health education and learn about rural health firsthand.

Even when faced with difficult situations, we are there to serve our families. In 2003, the Cedar Fire devastated our community. We were there to help the 104 students and families that lost their homes.

That same year we launched our first after-school program, Club Timberwolf, through the After-School Education and Safety (ASES) grant. By 2014, we introduced Club Jaguar afterschool programs funded by the 21st Centuary Community Learning Centers grant. Both programs continue to help students thrive by offering free expanded learning and enrichment opportunities, in safe and supportive environments.

Rising to Every Challenge (2016-Present)

As we grew, so did our impact. New grants supported initiatives in drug use prevention, school gardens, and social-emotional learning. Our team expanded to include dedicated specialists in behavioral health, character education, and garden-based learning. All driven for a passion for student well-being.

In 2016, we took the next big step: Julian Pathways became an incorporated nonprofit organization. This transition opened new opportunities for funding and partnerships, while reaffirming our mission to ensure every child receives the physical, emotional and intellectual support they need - in school, at home, and in the community.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, our focus shifted quickly to support community food security and virtual enrichment for youth. Through all the uncertainty, our purpose never changed. We serve our families, however and wherever they need us most.

Today, Julian Pathways, Inc., continues to build on decades of community partnership, adapting and expanding our programs to meet the evolving needs of our community.