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August 23rd, 2021 | Press Release

An exterior view of the Pathfinder Associates, Inc. building in Derby, CT.

Trumbull, CT (August 23, 2021) – The Kennedy Center, headquartered in Trumbull, CT, is honored to announce that beginning August 16, 2021, the organization has assumed management responsibility for Pathfinder Associates, Inc. located in Derby CT. This partnership has been forged upon the decision of Pathfinder Founder and Administrator, Elaine Ricciardi, to retire.

Inspired by her daughter who has intellectual and developmental disabilities and driven by the desire to support her child and others to develop and thrive in their community, Ricciardi founded Pathfinder Associates Inc. in 1980. Pathfinder is a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) corporation that provides supervised homes as well as a daily Life Skills program that teaches the skills necessary to support engagement and employment in the community.

“Pathfinder has been a true passion of mine and our entire organization since we first opened our doors more than 40 years ago,” commented Ricciardi, “While the decision to retire has been bittersweet, I am uplifted knowing that I am handing over the reins to the dedicated team at The Kennedy Center. From senior management to daily service providers, the people of The Kennedy Center truly exemplify the service and compassion that has been the cornerstone of Pathfinder Associates since day one.”

2021 marks the 70th Anniversary of the Kennedy Center. Since first opening in 1951, The Kennedy Center has remained steadfast in its mission of serving and creating opportunity for persons with disabilities through its Adult and Community Services, Workforce Development, and Social Enterprise divisions.  Today, The Kennedy Center provides services, supports and employment to more than 2,000 individuals annually in more than 110 communities throughout Connecticut and the State of New York.

Pathfinder transition and management responsibilities will be directed by The Kennedy Center CEO, Rick Sebastian and Vice President of Adult Services, Mary Pat DeCarlo. Sebastian commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Pathfinder Associates to our family and to continue the legacy Elaine has worked tirelessly to build over these past 40 years. Our priority is to execute a seamless transition that will empower the Pathfinder staff to continue their remarkable work serving the adults in their care without disruption.”