Pathfinder receives gift for expansion

Edmeston, New York, August 23, 2019 … Through two anonymous gifts totaling $2.2 million, Pathfinder Village will embark on an expansion at Pathfinder School for a new integrated preschool, new spaces for the Village Enrichment Department, and to complete renovations to existing classrooms and other enhancements.

“In the coming months, planning and contractor procurement will take place,” said Chief Executive Officer Paul C. Landers. “The main entrance and administrative offices will be relocated to the east side of the building to accommodate student drop-off and pick-up, and to provide a single, secure point of entry for all students, staff, parents, and visitors.”

Construction will commence in spring 2020, with expected completion in the fall. Pathfinder Village is a residential community and services provider that offers individualized, high-quality services to people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities.

“The new preschool will be on the west side of the existing building and will accommodate up to 24 students in an inclusive setting that will serve all children, regardless of their abilities,” he said. The new preschool will also have a new outdoor play area, specifically designed for young children. A new art room and therapy rooms will be built to accommodate services for older students and Enrichment programs for adults with developmental disabilities.

Pathfinder School first opened in 1980 as part of Pathfinder Village’s initial phase of construction. Over the years the school has become a valuable resource to the state’s public school systems. Numerous students attend Pathfinder School from area school districts that are unable to meet students’ specialized needs or provide individualized supports. Students at Pathfinder School are evaluated and specially tailored Individual Education Programs (IEP) are developed in conjunction with their home districts and Pathfinder School staff.

Mr. Landers noted that Pathfinder Village was approached over a year ago by an anonymous donor inquiring about funding a preschool on the Pathfinder campus. At the same time, a second donor approached Pathfinder about a planned gift to be used exclusively for educational purposes.

“After careful thought and consideration, our Board and Leadership Team thought it was a wonderful opportunity to bring these two generous gifts together to make important renovations to the school’s existing structure, which will meet our current students’ needs, as well as allow us to keep up with current learning trends,” said Mr. Landers. “The opportunity to serve a new population of children through the preschool will be a great addition to the Pathfinder campus and the community at large.”

Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected open-access community and services provider in upstate New York and was founded in 1980 to provide people living with Down syndrome and other disabilities an independent and fulfilling lifestyle. As it works to provide quality supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Village also offers highly successful educational, day services, pre-vocational and outreach programs. To learn more, visit, or visit our fan page on the popular social networking site, Facebook.