Faces of Inclusion May 2021
"Here at Pathfinder Services, know that your support makes a difference, and our mission continues! " -Christina West
As the weather warms up, I am hopeful you and those you love are safe and well. It has been quite a year of change and adaptation with the pandemic. Here at Pathfinder Services, know that your support makes a difference, and our mission continues!
I want to update you on upcoming annual events and their status in these continued unprecedented times.
We begin with Toast to the Arts on August 19. We are cautiously optimistic we will have this wonderful event in person at Two EE’s Winery. Either way, due to the overwhelming success of our online art auction last year, we will again host this as part of the event. The important thing is there will be an opportunity for people to buy amazing works created by our artists.
We are moving our Annual Celebration to September 30. Our plan is to have this dinner and program at the PAL Club. It will be a night of fun and festivities to celebrate successes, show recognition to dedicated staff, and thank those who create opportunities for those we serve.
Our largest event is the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. We are planning this 5K Run/1 Mile Walk to be in-person with our new course and race start at the Huntington University Fieldhouse.
These plans, of course, depend on the health status and guidelines for our community at the time of these events. We are all hopeful that we can have these events in person and we hope you can attend or participate in one or all of them. We will be sharing more details of each event as we get closer to the planned dates. If you have any questions, please call me at 260-355-2573 or email me at [email protected]
Disability Awareness Month Celebrations
A Proclamation, Story Time, and Art with the Mayor
Pathfinder Services and City of Huntington Mayor Richard Strick pulled out all the stops to celebrate Disability Awareness Month in March!
On March 8th, Mayor Strick and COO Carrie Blackham held a ceremony at Pathfinder Services, where Strick read an official proclamation designating March as Disability Awareness Month in Huntington.
On March 12th, Mayor Strick read the book, “A Very Special Critter” to 4-year-olds at Kids Kampus. The story about a character in a wheelchair moving to a new class opens conversation about disabilities.
On March 15th, Mayor Strick worked on a painting with nine artists and Activity Specialist Sarah Schwab at Pathfinder Services Creative Abilities Art Studio. Everyone was surprised to learn that the secret painting the group chose happens to be one of Mayor Strick’s favorites...The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh.
Celebrations in Wabash
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies in Wabash: Pathfinder Services President and CEO Danielle Tips and Wabash City Council President John Burnsworth held a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 23rd for the new Pathfinder Services Office at 407 South Cass Street. The new structure more than doubles the space of the pervious facility and allows for more services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Burnsworth also read a proclamation from Mayor Scott Long officially designating March as Disability Awareness Month in Wabash. The City of Wabash contributed $20,000 to the project to help with the installation of water and utility services.
On Tuesday, March 30th, Pathfinder Services President and CEO Danielle Tips and City of Wabash Mayor Scott Long held a ceremony officially cutting the ribbon on the new Pathfinder Services Group Home at 260 Half Street. The new 4,000 square foot structure nearly doubles the area of the previous home and allows more space for activities for the seven ladies who live there.
Pathfinder Services had many partners in this project. The land was purchased by Rayco Home Services and donated to Pathfinder Services. PNC Bank representatives helped write the grant for the home. Mayor Scott Long led the City of Wabash in doing infrastructure work to ensure the site was ready for a new residence.
5 Ways You Can Get Involved
GIVE
Your financial support makes what we do possible, by filling the gap between government support and the actual cost it takes to serve people with barriers.
VOLUNTEER
No matter your interests or passion, there are opportunities to make a difference in the lives of our friends.
DONATE
In-kind gifts of paint, pencils, craft paper, and more go a long way to inspire new artists and young learners.
PARTNER
Monthly giving provides reliable revenue and helps sustain our work.
VISIT
Attend an event, visit one of our sites, and bring your friends! This is the best way to see our mission up-close.