IN THIS ISSUE:

Santa Visits Bring Joy, Connection, and Inclusion Across Abilities First

OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer Visits Abilities First

Thank You for Making the Season Brighter

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS:

Warm Coats, Bright Smiles. When Generosity Meets Need

ABILITIES FIRST & FOUNDATION EVENTS:

A Year of Gratitude, A Future of Possibility With Your End of Year Gift

Save the Date: Rally in the Valley Is Coming!

Give a Gift with Paypal!

Santa Visits Bring Joy, Connection, and Inclusion Across Abilities First

This holiday season, Santa made special stops across Abilities First schools and program sites, bringing smiles, laughter, and moments of connection to individuals of all ages and abilities.

From excited conversations to quiet waves and gentle hellos, each visit was person-centered and inclusive, ensuring every individual could experience the magic of the season in a way that felt comfortable and meaningful to them. These joyful moments remind us that holiday traditions should be welcoming and accessible to all — creating memories that build connection, confidence, and community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Foundation for Abilities First NY and to the generous Holiday Helping Hands sponsors and individual donors whose gifts to the Foundation during our Holiday Helping Hands campaign helped bring Santa visits, special moments, and thoughtful gifts to life.

We are especially grateful to our community partners and supporters, including JOH Kids 360; Montfort Bros.; United Way of Dutchess and Orange Counties; Stewart’s Shops; Michelle Smith and Stephen King; the Preddice Family; Orange Bank & Trust; Price Chopper/Market 32; Operation Santa; A & R Security; and Beckmann Lawlor, Inc./Matt’s Auto Body. Because of you, every wish was heard and the season was filled with warmth and inclusion.

OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer Visits Abilities First

Abilities First was honored to welcome Willow Baer, Commissioner of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), for a meaningful visit focused on the impact of our programs, staff, and services.

During her visit, Commissioner Baer met with members of our Executive Team and Program Directors, gaining insight into the breadth of services Abilities First provides across education, residential, day habilitation, and employment programs. She also spent time speaking directly with our Direct Support Professionals and Employment Services staff, hearing firsthand about their experiences, dedication, and the vital role they play in supporting those we serve every day.

The visit provided an opportunity for open conversation around person-centered supports, workforce needs, and the importance of collaboration between service providers and state leadership. Commissioner Baer’s time with staff and leadership reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening services and expanding opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

We are grateful to Commissioner Baer for taking the time to visit Abilities First and for her continued leadership and support of programs that promote independence, inclusion, and dignity across New York State.

Thank You for Making the Season Brighter

Pictured above left to right: Abilities First Board Member Dr. Rachana Tyagi, Patricia Larkin, the HVFCU Santa's Helpers and Central Hudson Gas & Electric's Tatiana Joyner.

This holiday season was filled with joy, connection, and meaningful moments — and it was made possible by the incredible volunteers who stepped forward to support Abilities First during one of the most special times of the year.

From helping Santa deliver gifts to sharing smiles and spreading cheer across our schools and program sites, our volunteers played a vital role in creating memorable experiences for the children, adults, and families we support throughout the Hudson Valley.

We are especially grateful to those who joined us during the Foundation’s Cocoa & Claus days, generously giving their time to help Santa meet friends, distribute gifts, and bring the spirit of the season to life. A heartfelt thank you to volunteers from Central Hudson Gas & Electric, Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, our beloved friend Patricia Larkin, and dedicated Abilities First and Foundation Board Members, including Peter Setaro, John Farina, Marlo De La Rosa, and Dr. Rachana Tyagi.

These volunteer efforts were made even more impactful through the support of the Foundation for Abilities First NY and the Holiday Helping Hands program, which helped fund gifts, celebrations, and special moments shared across our programs.

From all of us at Abilities First, thank you for helping make the holidays meaningful for everyone we support.

Pictured below left to right: Foundation for Abilities First (FAFNY) Board Members Steve Domber, Marlo De La Rosa, Michael Mazzuca, Abilities First President & CEO, Jeffery Fox, FAFNY Board Chair Peter Setaro, Chief Program Officer, Mark Nace and FAFNY Board Member John Farina.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Warm Coats, Bright Smiles. When Generosity Meets Need

This season, a special act of generosity helped keep our community warm — inside and out. Thanks to Steve Domber, a Board Member of the Foundation for Abilities First NY, coats and shoes were donated and shared with adults and students across Abilities First programs, ensuring that anyone in need received support.

The moment was made even sweeter as friends proudly modeled their new coats, posing for photos with big smiles and plenty of confidence. These joyful images capture more than winter essentials; they reflect a community that looks out for one another and celebrates kindness in action.

We are deeply grateful to Steve Domber for his thoughtfulness and generosity, and for stepping into his role as a Foundation Board Member with such heart. Gifts like these make a meaningful difference and remind us that compassion, when shared, has a powerful and lasting impact.