Pathways Clinic, which has been serving Clark County for 31 years, offers advice, free medical care, and more for those on a pregnancy journey, promising women that there is someone who will listen to them

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

For those who serve at Pathways Clinic, every person who walks through the door is considered a “divine appointment,” according to Kimberli Swenson, the executive director.

Pathways Clinic is there for all who are seeking information, care, and more during a journey through pregnancy … and beyond.

“We are about truth. We are about letting people know that they have options. We are about supporting people no matter what they decide. We are about sharing God’s love and grace to everyone who walks through the door,” Swenson said.

Pathways Clinic, located in Washougal and in preparation of opening a new location in Vancouver, is holding its biggest fundraiser of the year next week. Dr. Ben Carson will be the featured speaker at the event to be held at the Hilton Hotel in Vancouver on Oct. 23. Also scheduled to speak is Georgene Rice, the recently retired radio broadcaster who was on the air for more than three decades, promoting Christian values.

To reserve a seat at the dinner, go to: Pathways Pregnancy Clinic – Pathways to Freedom Gala

Pathways Clinic is celebrating its 31st year serving Clark County with its pro-abundant life ministry.

“We are here to show them that they are supported,” Swenson said. “We want people to know that they can come in and tell us what they are going through and know we are going to listen.”

Prenatal care. Ultrasounds. Counseling. Healing. And more. All medical services are provided by medical professionals.

“We are a clinic that supports women and families facing crisis situations,” Swenson said.

All care is provided free of charge.

Of course, that means the nonprofit organization needs to raise funds to serve the community.

“We are being provided, in God’s timing, with a second clinic location,” Swenson said. 

There has been a 300 percent increase in patient appointments in the last year, she added. That also means Pathways needs to increase its budget to fill the need.

Beyond the immediate needs of a woman in crisis during pregnancy, Pathways also provides many other services after pregnancy.

“We have volunteers who have walked in the shoes of the women we serve,” Swenson said. “They share their experience. It lends credibility to the conversations. … We want people to know there is someone out there who knows, who has been there, who cares. We are here to walk them through for as long as they have a need.”

Pathways also has a boutique that offers maternity clothing and baby clothing, baby supplies, diapers, formula, baby food and more. There are also emergency food baskets. Plus Pathways has relationships with a number of resources in Clark County for other needs.

“We have families who continue to come back to us for support services for years,” Swenson said.

Some of the women who come to Pathways are concerned about the reaction of family members or perhaps a boyfriend who is upset. Or maybe there are economic concerns, worries of the costs associated with pregnancy, with raising a child. Many in crisis feel like they don’t have anyone to turn to for help.

“We’re just about loving people and giving them an opportunity to have somebody listen,” Swenson said. “It’s about having somebody listen objectively and help them make their best decision.”

For more than 30 years, Pathways Clinic has provided that helping hand. 

Next week, Pathways Clinic is looking to raise money which will help the organizatio continue with its mission.

“We’re super excited that Ben Carson has agreed to speak on our behalf. He is a longtime proponent of babies and children,” Swenson said. “He has a heart for the people we serve. I’m excited to meet him. Kind of like a dream come true.”

For more on Pathways Clinic, go to: Home | Pathways Clinic

For more on donating to Pathways Clinic, go to: Pathways Pregnancy Clinic Partners.