Assembly Resolution No. 244

BY: M. of A. Salka

COMMENDING Pathfinder Village upon the occasion of
its designation as recipient of the Distinguished
Business of the Year Award by the Otsego County
Chamber of Commerce on May 2, 2019

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality
and character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched
by the faithful efforts of those outstanding businesses which have
positively impacted their communities and serve the public need; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Pathfinder Village upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the Distinguished Business of the Year Award by the Otsego
County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, May 2, 2019, at The Foothills
Performing Arts and Civic Center, Oneonta, New York; and

WHEREAS, Pathfinder Village is receiving this prestigious award for
demonstrating resilience, courage and commitment as well as the ability
to find new solutions and working space; and

WHEREAS, Pathfinder Village is a unique organization with a four
decade long commitment to providing community based, highly
individualized services to residents/students/day service members,
allowing them to grow in skills attainment and independence, and to
foster opportunities for new interests and wider circles of
acquaintances; and

WHEREAS, In 1996, Pathfinder Village opened the Kennedy Willis
Center, its outreach, training, life planning and research arm, which
supports people with developmental disabilities and their families
through workshops, seminars and a conference on topics related to Down
syndrome and other developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, In recent years, Pathfinder Village has taken a regional
leadership role in bringing workforce issues to the forefront and
working with local and national partners to model staffing solutions for
the non-profit/human service sector; and

WHEREAS, This vital organization also developed a thriving niche
business, Pathfinder Produce, which meets the fresh-produce needs of
families in rural parts of the county, as part of local collaborative
community health efforts; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, Pathfinder Village has created services to
provide greater support and appropriate residential care settings for
older persons with Down syndrome; and

WHEREAS, Pathfinder Village has also partnered with leading
researchers and best-practice groups to provide training for direct
support staff working with older individuals with dementia; and

WHEREAS, With more than 200 employees, Pathfinder Village has
brought recognition to the region as it fulfills its role as a leading
human services agency and advocate for people living with Down syndrome
and other developmental disabilities; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
businesses of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of the great State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Pathfinder Village upon the occasion of its designation as
recipient of the Distinguished Business of the Year Award by the Otsego
County Chamber of Commerce on May 2, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Pathfinder Village, Edmeston, New York.