Pathfinders for Independent Living, Inc
About Pathfinders for Independent Living, Inc.
In the fall of 1994 funding was provided under Title VII, Part B, to provide Philosophy Training for citizens of Harlan County. In April of 1995, this training was provided at the Methodist Church on Mound Street. This was one of the few buildings, which was accessible to persons who had disabilities.
A team from the Center for Accessible Living in Louisville came and presented the training. This training introduced the philosophy of independent living to the community. Several persons who attended this meeting expressed an interest in establishing a center for independent living in the area. A small core group was formed and the members proceeded with the groundwork to establish the center.
A Board of Governors was established which provided direction for determining the Mission, writing the Articles of Incorporation, and filing for recognition as a 501 (C) (3). In FY 1995/1996 funding was granted which enabled the center to obtain space which would be adequate and which could be renovated to be accessible by all persons. Work to make it fully accessible took until May of 1996. During the building renovation the Board prepared By-Laws, Policies and Procedures, Job Descriptions and other basic documentation necessary to put the center on a firm foundation.
The first position filled was that of Executive Director. Gradually other employees have come onboard and in FY 2009/20010 the positions filled are: Marketing Administrator and Peer Facilitator, Independent Living Specialist and ADA Coordinator, Office Manager, Program Developer and ½ time Independent Living Specialist, IT Director (Internal) and IT Director (External). These professionals are working to provide the services needed by persons who have disabilities to enable and empower them.
As Pathfinders grows in size and scope it is critical that we unify along common principles and philosophies so that our philosophy truly is that of “can do”. Our employees are proactive, responsive, co-operative and farsighted individuals who understand that they are team members with consumers to advance the goals and dreams of persons with disabilities. Our core value is “Promote Self-Reliance”.
Pathfinders is an ever-changing, fluid and flexible organization. These characteristics are essential to our “can do” philosophy. This means doing what it takes to get the job done. Remaining focused on the needs and desires of our consumers and delivering high quality results under their direction. We are problem solvers, not problem makers or problem observers. We always seek to be “part of the solution” in any situation.
Through our philosophy and approach to doing our jobs, we are becoming a leader in independent living, exemplifying an effective services company. We understand we exist only for the benefit of our consumers. To be of benefit, we know we must continually provide information, peer leadership, independent living skills training, and advocacy information to our consumers and the community to insure a reliable record of performance. We recognize that our consumer base is diverse and needs unique solutions to individual problems; therefore, we operate on a one-on-one basis and preserve consumer confidentiality.
A team from the Center for Accessible Living in Louisville came and presented the training. This training introduced the philosophy of independent living to the community. Several persons who attended this meeting expressed an interest in establishing a center for independent living in the area. A small core group was formed and the members proceeded with the groundwork to establish the center.
A Board of Governors was established which provided direction for determining the Mission, writing the Articles of Incorporation, and filing for recognition as a 501 (C) (3). In FY 1995/1996 funding was granted which enabled the center to obtain space which would be adequate and which could be renovated to be accessible by all persons. Work to make it fully accessible took until May of 1996. During the building renovation the Board prepared By-Laws, Policies and Procedures, Job Descriptions and other basic documentation necessary to put the center on a firm foundation.
The first position filled was that of Executive Director. Gradually other employees have come onboard and in FY 2009/20010 the positions filled are: Marketing Administrator and Peer Facilitator, Independent Living Specialist and ADA Coordinator, Office Manager, Program Developer and ½ time Independent Living Specialist, IT Director (Internal) and IT Director (External). These professionals are working to provide the services needed by persons who have disabilities to enable and empower them.
As Pathfinders grows in size and scope it is critical that we unify along common principles and philosophies so that our philosophy truly is that of “can do”. Our employees are proactive, responsive, co-operative and farsighted individuals who understand that they are team members with consumers to advance the goals and dreams of persons with disabilities. Our core value is “Promote Self-Reliance”.
Pathfinders is an ever-changing, fluid and flexible organization. These characteristics are essential to our “can do” philosophy. This means doing what it takes to get the job done. Remaining focused on the needs and desires of our consumers and delivering high quality results under their direction. We are problem solvers, not problem makers or problem observers. We always seek to be “part of the solution” in any situation.
Through our philosophy and approach to doing our jobs, we are becoming a leader in independent living, exemplifying an effective services company. We understand we exist only for the benefit of our consumers. To be of benefit, we know we must continually provide information, peer leadership, independent living skills training, and advocacy information to our consumers and the community to insure a reliable record of performance. We recognize that our consumer base is diverse and needs unique solutions to individual problems; therefore, we operate on a one-on-one basis and preserve consumer confidentiality.
