Pathfinder Services Disability Self-Advocates Donate $5,000
May 8, 2023
Pathfinder Services Disability Self-Advocates Donate $5,000
Huntington, IN ─ Self-Advocates with disabilities at Pathfinder Services, with the support of AWS Foundation, presented $5,000 in donations in celebration of Pay it Forward Day on April 28. Self-Advocates are people with disabilities who work to make their communities more inclusive and accessible.
The Pathfinder Services Self-Advocates were proud to present: Café of Hope- $750, Parkview Huntington Family YMCA- $1000, United with Love - $1,500, Huntington County Humane Society - $1,750. In addition, the AWS Foundation chose one nominated organization to receive an additional $1000. They awarded that to the Huntington County Humane Society for their amazing work alongside Pathfinder Services.
Melissa Anderson, a self-advocate, shared this about the animal shelter where she volunteers, “They always have a smile on their face when we walk in. They love to teach us about animals and how to care for them. It felt great to know the animals would be taken care of. Also, it was great to see them get more money for the animal. They need it.”
Self-Advocates nominated local nonprofits they volunteer with, who provide services to them, and who positively impact Huntington County.
“[Organization] has so often benefitted from the generosity of others,” says Patti Hays, AWS Foundation CEO. “The idea of celebrating Pay it Forward Day in this way is to allow those with disabilities to experience the joy and internal satisfaction that comes from giving to others.”
Pay it Forward Day was started in 2007 to show that a small act of kindness can make a significant impact. AWS Foundation tasked Self-Advocates with selecting nonprofits in their communities that have made an impact on their lives to make a donation.
About AWS Foundation
Founded in 2007, AWS Foundation supports a wide range of organizations and service agencies in northeast Indiana, working to develop a community in which people with enduring intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities are engaged fully and meaningfully in all aspects of community life. For more information, visit awsfoundation.org.
