John Niederman, CEO of Pathfinder Services, Inc., grilled hot dogs for their kick off for the United Way campaign. Clients from Academy Group Home, Blake Hunter and Gloria Kabno, both of Culver, wait their turn.

08/21/07 -- Pathfinder Services, Inc. kicked off their United Way Campaign at their Plymouth office on West Jefferson last Thursday.

“Our overall goal is $28,000 for United Way. We consider ourselves a good contributor,” CEO John Niederman said. He was busy grilling hotdogs for their guests, employees and clients.

Incentives have long been an inducement to encourage their employees to participate. In addition to monetary enticements in drawings, there was also a full day off with pay.

Pathfinder Services, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that has provided various human services since 1966. They include:

• Community Connections home ownership counseling, down payment assistance and low-rate mortgages for lower income families;
• Group homes, supported independent living and weekday community integration services for adults who have developmental disabilities;
• Resource Connection vocational rehabilitation services for adults who have disabilities or other barriers to employment;
• Kids Kampus early intervention services for children who have developmental delays as well as childcare for all children.

The organization services four counties—Huntington, Marshall, Starke and Wabash. Their main office is in Huntington with offices in Plymouth and Wabash.

Locally, they offer day services with Marshall-Starke Development as they have for the last 25 years.

The Annual United Way Kick-Off Luncheon Wednesday, Sept. 12 will be held at Occasions Banquet Hall in LaPaz. The public is invited to the free luncheon beginning at 11:30 a.m. but reservations are requested.

Mike Lintner of Marshall-Starke Development Center will serve as master of ceremonies. Agency directors will highlight their programs and clients will offer the impact the agencies have had on their own lives.

Contact the United Way office at 574-936-3366 for more information and reservations.