Embracing community is a large part of
who NYCM Insurance is at the core. While we extend our roots throughout New
York state, we are lucky to have local friends up the road from our Edmeston,
NY headquarters at Pathfinder Village. Known as “an internationally renowned
open-access neighborhood where individuals with Down syndrome and developmental
disabilities make lasting friendships, learn about community, and gain
independence,” NYCM employees and the Pathfinder community have come together
for various events throughout the years. To learn more about our relationship
with our next-door neighbors, continue reading below.
A Nearly 100-Year-Old Friendship
Pathfinder Village is a place where those
who have Down syndrome, as well as other developmental differences are able to
live, discover their own talents, values, and interests while being a part of a
large community. Pathfinder’s mission is to promote a healthy,
progressive environment that respects each individual by supporting a life of value and independence.
Pathfinder President and CEO, Paul
Landers, described the long standing relationship between NYCM Insurance and Pathfinder Village, “The story actually dates back to the Otsego
School in 1922. The school operated in the Village of Edmeston, NY from 1922 to
1980 and many NYCM employees who lived in Edmeston interacted with the students
on a regular basis. In 1980, the school
relocated to its current location and became Pathfinder Village, an expanded
model of education and care for the Down syndrome community.” Paul continued, “The
model became an international success quickly attracting students, residents
and professionals from over 20 US States and 23 Countries.”
Communities Coming Together
In years past, the NYCM and Pathfinder
communities have teamed up in many ways. For the last several years, NYCM has
hosted antique car shows, helped decorate the Pathfinder gym
for their annual prom, thrown Halloween haunted house parties, and have been able to interact with the
community on a daily basis by visiting the Pathfinder Bakery and Produce Market. “In my 35 years of working in the disability community, I have never
witnessed such a genuine and sustainable relationship between a business and a disability provider agency.” shares Pathfinder CEO Paul
Landers. “Our communities happen to be in the same town, but we are true
neighbors.”
Our annual “3/21 Blackjack Event”
typically takes place at NYCM’s Edmeston headquarters and has been held at
NYCM’s Sherburne, NY office as well. The event’s purpose is to get creative in celebrating
the number 21 on World Down Syndrome Day, recognized on March 21st (as the goal
of Blackjack is to get to “21”). This created an additional opportunity for the
Pathfinder and NYCM communities to come together and have some fun. “I think the Pathfinder residents look forward to it as much as we
do,” shares NYCM Casualty Team Member, Pete Smith, when asked about
participating as a blackjack dealer for the event. Inspired after a very
successful 3/21 event, Pete later reached out to Pathfinder CEO Paul Landers,
to see what more he and the rest of the Casualty Team could do to engage
with residents. Paul and Pathfinder team member Kelly Meyers mentioned that the
Pathfinder annual prom was quickly approaching. Without a moment’s hesitation,
the Casualty team was able to assemble a group of NYCM employees to help decorate the entire Pathfinder Gym in time for prom! Since then, they have
gone back each year to help decorate. One year, they were able to raise enough money
ahead of time to bring in horse drawn carriages to escort residents off to a
dreamy prom night.
Shortly thereafter, the idea to host an antique car show rose to fruition. These car shows
have been an annual event with the exception of 2020 due to COVID-19. “The car
shows usually include DJs, ice-cream stands and dance parties” shares Pete. “Anything we can do to bring
smiles to their faces and continue the beautiful connection that we have is
worth it.”
In 2019, Pathfinder Village was able to
help one NYCM employee’s dream come true by providing campus space for their Hot-Air
Balloon to launch as the employee was in need of a wide open field. The
relationship between NYCM Insurance and Pathfinder Village truly grows stronger
with each passing year.
How We Are Staying Connected
Today, NYCM Insurance and Pathfinder
Village are truly a part of each other’s day-to-day lives. Although this past
year has looked different than we originally expected, there are several ways
in which we are working to stay connected. For example, much of the NYCM community is participating in
Pathfinder’s 21 Day Challenge, where people are encouraged to share photos online participating
each day while wearing the assigned colors.
This year, NYCM Insurance was excited to
recognize World Down Syndrome Day like never before. Inspired by the global
#LotsOfSocks Campaign which raises awareness around Down syndrome, unique and fun-colored socks were sold amongst both NYCM employees and the
Pathfinder Village community. With 739 pairs of socks being sold between the
two communities, a total of $2,097 was raised to be donated back to our local Pathfinder Village.
Another way in which we are staying connected while apart is through the NYCM Causality Department’s new pen-pal
program. Monica Clark of Pathfinder reached out the Pete Smith and the Casualty
team to create a pen-pal program where each Pathfinder Village participant is
paired with an NYCM employee to exchange letters, birthday and holiday cards, or anything they feel like sharing with each other to keep in touch. Over
the years, strong relationships have been formed between NYCM employees and the
Pathfinder residents which has made this time apart
especially difficult and sometimes emotional. When asked what inspired the pen
pal program, Pete says, “While we are looking forward to future events with
our friends, we knew we needed a way to get connected and stay connected during
these uncertain times. The pen pal project felt like the perfect way to bridge the
gap in the meantime.”
To learn more about
Pathfinder Village or for more information about how you can donate, click here.
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