Pathfinder, Community Foundation partnership

Pathfinder, in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Huntington County, proudly unveils the launch of the Accessibility Fund, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering inclusivity and accessibility throughout our community. The Accessibility Fund, created to address infrastructural barriers to our community, represents a significant step towards ensuring that all citizens of Huntington County have equitable access to the resources, services, and experiences that our community offers.

“The Accessibility Fund is more than just a financial initiative; it’s a commitment to building a community where everyone feels valued and included,” remarks Aubrey Eastway, chief development and marketing officer at Pathfinder. “The fund was created on the belief that all needs, even those of a single individual, hold incredible significance in our journey towards creating an accessible community for all,” she states. The fund underscores this belief by implementing a two-track application system which welcomes and allows applications from both individuals and businesses. “Accessibility for all, means accessibility for all – not just those with businesses or organizations in our community. As we developed this fund, it was important for us to ensure that all people had the opportunity to be heard, and their need considered, in our pursuit of a more accessible community.”

The Accessibility Fund announces its inaugural launch with a successful trial run, during which several projects were awarded grants. Among the recipients is Huntington Parks and Recreation Department, which has been awarded a grant of $10,000 towards its Drover Park Playground project. Steve Yoder, of Huntington Parks, expresses gratitude for the support, stating, “This funding not only enhances the physical landscape of our community but also fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance for all. Our goal is to transform the playground into an inclusive space where every child, regardless of ability, can play, learn, and thrive together.”

The Drover Park Playground project is one of three initiatives to receive grants from the Accessibility Fund, marking the fund’s first step towards a more accessible and inclusive community. The Huntington Historical Museum and the YMCA were among the others awarded funds for their projects. As Pathfinder and the Community Foundation of Huntington County continue to champion accessibility, they invite individuals and businesses alike to join them in building a community where everyone can participate and thrive.

The Accessibility Fund is scheduled to open another round of applications on June 3, 2024. If you have an infrastructural need that you’d like the fund to consider, submit your application at www.huntingtonccf.org.