Pathfinder, seeks to provide the best possible programs and services for individuals we serve with developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs to expand their growth opportunities. Pathfinder’s focus always remains on helping to enrich the quality of life for the people we serve. Underlying these concepts are the beliefs that:
All human beings have intrinsic worth regardless of intellectual ability.
All human beings have potential for development.
With few exceptions, every human being has both the ability and the duty to contribute something of value to his fellow man.
24 years of
Fostering Independance
Since 1971, Pathfinder, Inc. has empowered individuals with developmental disabilities through education, care, and community-based support. What began as a small preschool has grown into a statewide network helping Arkansans of all ages live with dignity, purpose, and independence.
1971
Pathfinder, Inc. incorporated and launched an MR-DDS–licensed preschool for children with developmental disabilities, starting with six students.
Mid-1970s
Parents of adult dependents with disabilities approach Pathfinder to provide services for adults, signaling the organization’s growth beyond early childhood services.
Late 1970s
The Board of Directors sets a vision to provide lifelong community-based services for individuals with developmental disabilities, from infancy through adulthood.
1979
Pathfinder partnered with MR-DDS and the Division of Employment Development on a pilot to transition institutionalized individuals into community life. By emphasizing vocational training and self-help living skills, the program achieved strong results, placing many participants in competitive employment.
1980s–1990s
Pathfinder developed interdisciplinary plans targeting self-help, social, and vocational skills to promote independent living, and implements Active Treatment Plans for long-term support.
2000s–2010s
Continued expansion of community-based residential and day service programs.
By 2022
Pathfinder provides residential support via 10 ICF/IID facilities for 100 people and 8 apartment complexes plus 2 group homes for 114 more, and operates 7 adult day programs serving about 1,600 people daily.
Our Service Goals
To help the individuals with developmental disabilities become or remain self-sufficient by seeking to develop personal, social, academic and problem solving skills necessary to function independently in society.
To protect children and adults who cannot protect themselves from abuse, neglect and exploitation and to help families stay together by providing day programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.
To arrange for appropriate placement and services which provides the least restrictive environment and which is in the individual’s best interest.
Pathfinder’s Board of Directors
Jan Barker
Meredith Taylor
Lisa Bamburg
Board Members
Randy Lann
Baxter Drennon
John Burkhalter
Barbara McCreight
Andrew Branch
Matt McLendon
Tymothe Wooldridge
Pathfinder Program Directors
Charlie Green
Patricia Walker
Shana Fryar
Nate Wainwright
Dennis Schipper
Kimberly Cheek Sullivan
Kristen Walker
Scott Lovelady
Debbie Scharbor
Mitsy Thames
Lindsey Lang
