KENNEDY WILLIS CENTER ON DOWN SYNDROME

The Kennedy Willis Center is a part of Pathfinder Village located in a beautiful setting on the outskirts of Edmeston in Otsego County. As their publicity notes, Pathfinder Village is unlike any other place on earth! It is a unique home where men, women, and children who have Down syndrome live in a lively, beautiful community. It truly is a village modeled after early New England communities with colonial style homes, a school, a café and bakery, sports and recreation center, and a chapel. The residents are encouraged to make choices in their lives determining their own friendships, leisure activities, and personal goals. There are vocational, educational, and social programs for everyone.

The Kennedy Willis Center offers outreach programs for individuals and families seeking hands-on education, direct counseling, and research information. There is a library which is a member of SCRLC. Currently their collection is not online, but if you have information needs related to Down syndrome, call Roseanne Westgate at (607)965-8388 X105 rwestgate@pathfinder.tzo.com or Dorothy Fazzina at (607)965-6356 X128 dfazzina@pathfinder.tzo.com. They will be glad to help you!

Check out Pathfinder Village at http://www.pathfindervillage.org to get more information and see some great pictures. There are also some excellent links to Down Syndrome Resources. And if you are ever out that way, stop by their bakery where you can buy really great goodies! (JC)