Pathway Home of the FL purchases property

It’s been an exciting few weeks for the board of directors of Pathway Home of the Finger Lakes. The organization formally received its 501(c) 3 designation from the Internal Revenue Service and closed on a building which will be converted into the first and only comfort care facility in Seneca County.The property is the former DeCicca Insurance building on Marshall Road, Fayette. Gathering earlier this month at the new facility for a celebratory/business meeting, Board Chair Diana Becker said, “We have come a long, long way in just 18 months.” But she was quick to add, “Now the work begins.”As members of the board toured the T-shaped building, the vision started coming into focus. The facilities committee will concentrate on how to best use the available space.High on the priority list will be the work of the fund raising committee to provide the needed funding to make the concept a reality. Until now, fund raising was low key, but the committee will develop a long-range campaign to provide the revenue stream needed for the project.Having the 501(c) 3 in place is a huge plus, opening the way for applying for foundation grants and larger donations. Until now, United Way of Seneca County had partnered with Pathway Home acting as a conduit for donations while the organization’s application was pending.The group came together in the spring of 2009 with two objectives – improving the quality of life for the terminally ill and helping them and their families find grace for the journey. The board also is committed to helping families with the grieving and bereavement process.The home will fill a need for Seneca County residents who must travel outside of the county if they wish to use a comfort care facility. Currently, those seeking comfort care homes must travel to Auburn (Matthew House), Clifton Springs (House of John), Ontario (Pines of Peace), Penn Yan (Keuka Comfort Care) or even further.Comfort care is palliative care for those diagnosed with a terminal illness and no expectation of recovery. Comfort care homes are home-like facilities that can provide 24 hour care for residents who are unable to safely remain in their own homes. The vision is just that – a home away from home with hospital beds, private baths, amenities and room for family. Volunteers and staff will provide hands-on care; assistance with bathing, dressing and medication; cooking; housekeeping; and emotional and spiritual support for residents and families.There will be no fees for Pathway Home’s comfort care services, but residents must be associated with a licensed Hospice provider. In Seneca County, Lifetime Care’s Hospice of Wayne and Seneca Counties offers these services.Pathway Home Board members include Karen Beals, Stephen Beals, Diana Becker, Jim Clark, Rick Coe, Mike Kelly, Bob Kernan, Gail Lohr, Diane Macaluso, Jerry Macaluso, Deb Maher, Phyllis Motill, Martie Shields, Joe Siccardi, Tina Sullivan and Judy Young.