Empowered Pathways Celebrates Volunteers and Community Impact at Annual Recognition Dinner

Empowered Pathways recently welcomed staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners to its Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner and Annual Meeting, celebrating another year of service, collaboration, and community impact across the Mohawk Valley.

The evening highlighted the organization’s continued growth and the dedication of the volunteers, supporters, and partners who make Empowered Pathways’ work possible.

During the event, attendees reflected on several major accomplishments from 2025, including:

  • 699 cases closed through the Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC)
  • 1,671 individuals and 318 children served
  • 122 SDMC hearings conducted across 14 counties
  • More than 2,099 volunteer hours contributed
  • Record fundraising success through Come to the Table and Mohawk Valley Gives

Program highlights were shared from across the agency, including restorative practices initiatives with the NYS Unified Court System and Education Department, expanded community outreach efforts through No Hate NYS, workforce development successes through the Women’s Employment & Resource Center (WERC), and continued growth in collaborative partnerships throughout the region.

A central focus of the evening was recognizing the extraordinary contributions of volunteers and community leaders. Awards presented during the dinner included:

  • Volunteer Neutral of the Year: LJ Freitag
  • Community Partner of the Year: Jackie Nelson, Rome NAACP
  • SDMC Advocate of the Year: Robin Collins
  • Court Person of the Year: Kristen Curley
  • Executive Director’s Award: Ann Rushlo
  • Board President’s Award: Susan Gustafson
  • 2025 Luminary Award: Stephanie Eghigian

Empowered Pathways also recognized the critical role volunteers continue to play in advancing the organization’s mission. Volunteer service contributed an estimated in-kind value of more than $92,000 in 2025 alone.

“As we reflect on the past year, we are incredibly grateful for the volunteers, staff, board members, and community partners who continue to support our mission,” said Interim Executive Director Timothy Lyon. “Their dedication helps create meaningful pathways toward empowerment, conflict resolution, and community connection throughout our region.”

The evening concluded with a renewed commitment to expanding services, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to empower individuals and communities throughout the Mohawk Valley.