Our Community, Our Mission | |
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Meet the Abilities First and Foundation for
Abilities First NY Board of Directors
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As we embark on a new year in 2025, we are proud to reintroduce the dedicated individuals who make up the Board of Directors for Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First NY. Their leadership, expertise and unwavering commitment to our mission continue to guide us as we empower individuals with disabilities to thrive.
Each member brings unique perspectives and skills that strengthen our organization and help us meet the growing needs of the communities we serve. Their passion for inclusion and innovation is at the heart of everything we do.
Take a moment to meet the faces behind the mission in the photos below. With their guidance, we look forward to making 2025 a year of growth, impact, and opportunity.
Stay tuned as we showcase the outstanding work of our Boards throughout the year! To learn more or explore board membership opportunities, contact JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org.
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Members of the Abilities First DEIA Committee joined President & CEO Jeffery Fox, Chief Program Officer Mark Nace, and Mid-Hudson News Reporter Todd Bender at the 34th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast. | |
Celebrating Progress: Honoring Dr. King, Black History Month, and DEIA Goals for 2025 | |
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At Abilities First, we proudly honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of equality, justice, and inclusion. This year, we attended the 34th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast hosted by Catherine Street, Inc., where community leaders and students were celebrated for their impactful contributions. Events like these inspire us to continue breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for all.
As we move into February, the Diversity Equity Inclusion & Accessibility, (DEIA) Committee at Abilities First is excited to celebrate Black History Month by highlighting milestones in Black history, honoring influential Black leaders, and sharing resources to encourage reflection. Our initiatives include:
- Story Spotlights: Weekly profiles of inspiring Black figures.
- Educational Resources: Sharing books, documentaries, and articles to spark discussions.
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Community Engagement: Promoting local events celebrating Black culture and heritage.
Looking ahead, the DEIA Committee is committed to advancing equity and inclusion across Abilities First. Our 2025 goals include expanding Employee Resource Groups, providing DEIA workshops, strengthening community partnerships, and improving communication with quarterly updates.
The work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility requires all of us. As we celebrate Black History Month and honor Dr. King’s vision, committed to building a more inclusive world—together.
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Making An Impact Together - Our Community Partners | |
Pictured above left to right: Violet Mackey makes special Valentine's cards for Abilities First individuals, Josh Mackey, Jana Fezza, partners Cara Whalen and Robert B.Dietz at Mackey Butts & Whalen at Abilities First school naming ceremony, Josh Mackey at Santa visit at the Hyde Park Education Center and Jana and Christina Mazzarella volunteering at the Golf & Tennis Classic event. | |
Thank You to Josh Mackey and the Team at Mackey Butts & Whalen for Their Unwavering Support
When business leadership meets a heart-centered mission, extraordinary things happen. Just ask the team at Mackey Butts & Whalen where embracing Abilities First's mission has transformed not just their workplace but their entire perspective on what's possible when we champion inclusion.
At the heart of this partnership stands Josh Mackey, Chair of the Foundation for Abilities First NY Board, whose family's dedication to our mission extends far beyond traditional corporate support. Step into their offices, and you'll feel the warmth of true inclusion at work. Among their valued team members is a proud Abilities First individual who brings his talents to their dynamic workplace, proving that everyone flourishes when we open our doors to diverse abilities.
"It's about creating opportunities that matter," shares Josh, whose leadership has inspired other local businesses to reimagine their approach to inclusion. Whether they're brightening our annual events, holiday celebrations as volunteers or championing our cause in the community, the Mackey Butts & Whalen team shows us that meaningful support isn't just about resources – it's about rolling up your sleeves and being part of the change you wish to see.
Their story reminds us that every business has the power to create ripples of positive change. By weaving inclusion into the fabric of their company culture, they've created a blueprint for how local businesses can make a lasting difference in our community. Want to learn how your business can join our mission of possibility? Reach out to JoAnn at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org.
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Pictured above: LaGrange School Teachers Nancy and Tiffany enjoy reading time with students, while Kathy MacCarthy, a volunteer with AAUW, delivers books and reading kits to Abilities First. | |
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AAUW-Poughkeepsie Empowering Young Readers!
Abilities First is incredibly grateful to the American Association of University Women (AAUW) - Poughkeepsie for their generous donation of over $2,500 worth of books and reading kits to our students at the Myers Corners Education Center and LaGrange (Firemens Way) School.
Since 2004, Leading to Reading (LTR), a volunteer-run early literacy program by AAUW, has donated and distributed more than 53,000 books to children from low- and moderate-income families throughout Dutchess County. Their mission goes beyond providing books—they are committed to promoting literacy through access to quality reading materials and educating parents on the importance of reading to children.
This incredible gift will provide our students with engaging, age-appropriate books that foster a love for reading and literacy. Access to quality reading materials plays a vital role in student success, and thanks to AAUW’s generosity, our classrooms now have even more resources to support learning and growth.
On behalf of our students, families, and staff, thank you, AAUW-Poughkeepsie, for your commitment to education and for making such a meaningful impact on our schools!
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What's Ahead at AF & FAFNY | |
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Join Us: Rally in the Valley – March 7th!
Abilities First, alongside our sister agencies across New York State, is taking a stand for fair funding and essential resources for individuals with disabilities. We acknowledge and appreciate the significant investments made by Governor Hochul and the Legislature to strengthen our system. These investments have been a crucial step forward, but they are not enough to ensure our dedicated employees receive a living wage.
We urge our leaders to keep these investments going. Nonprofit providers face serious challenges—inadequate funding, rising costs, and growing community needs. Now is the time to make our voices heard!
At the Rally in the Valley, we’ll come together to amplify our voices for sustainable funding, demand equitable resources for essential services, and advocate for policies that support our mission, including:
- A 7.8% Medicaid Rate Increase
- The creation of a Worker Wage Commission
- Increased Capital Funding Investments
Let’s show our state leaders the power of our workforce, families, and community. Every voice matters—join us in the fight for a stronger, more inclusive future! Register by scanning QR code below or click HERE!
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Meaningful Guide to Leaving a Lasting Legacy | |
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Scan the QR code to donate today!
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