IN THIS ISSUE:

Features:


Celebrating our Q1 2026 Abilities First Inspiration Award Recipients


Welcoming New Board Members to Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First NY


Expanding Opportunities to Support Abilities First



Community in Action:


Community Connections Needs Your Help!


What's Ahead (Events):


Save the Date! Rally in the Valley for Disability Rights


Hannaford Community Bag Program


Empowering the Journey Together with Abilibee!

  Celebrating Our Q1 2026 Abilities First Inspiration Award Recipients 

Please join us in giving a huge round of applause to our Abilities First Inspiration Award recipients for the first quarter of 2026! These outstanding team members exemplify what it means to show up, step up, and inspire others—every single day.


Shahla Tariq, Residential Coach, is a steady and compassionate presence in our residential programs. With care, kindness, and consistency, Shahla ensures things run smoothly while always putting the individuals she supports—and her teammates—first. Her willingness to step in wherever needed makes a meaningful difference every day.


Joy Phillips, Teacher’s Aide at the Straus Family Pavilion School, brings heart, dedication, and unwavering support to her students. Whether in the classroom or lending a hand wherever she’s needed most, Joy’s commitment shines through in everything she does, creating a nurturing and encouraging environment for students and staff alike.


Sam Flynn (not pictured), Physical Education Teacher at Straus Family Pavilion School, brings the energy and enthusiasm that lift an entire school community. From PE classes to school-wide events and beyond, Sam’s positivity, teamwork, and support help motivate students and colleagues, making every day a little brighter.


Thank you, Shahla, Joy, and Sam, for being the heart of Abilities First. Your dedication and passion inspire us all, and we are grateful for the incredible impact you make in the lives of those we serve.

Welcoming New Board Members to Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First NY

Pictured from left to right: Jeff Breen, Luis Delgado IV, Steven Domber and Roland Bloomer.

Abilities First is proud to welcome several new members to our Boards of Directors, strengthening leadership across both Abilities First, Inc. and the Foundation for Abilities First NY. Each brings valuable professional expertise, community perspective, and a shared commitment to advancing our mission of inclusion, opportunity, and empowerment.


Joining the Foundation for Abilities First NY Board of Directors are Steven Domber, Jeff Breen, and Luis Delgado IV.


Steven Domber is an Associate Real Estate Broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hudson Valley Properties and a founder and longtime leader within the firm. He brings a strong belief in building communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.


Jeff Breen serves as President and a licensed Insurance Broker at Ridgemont Inc. Insurance Agency, with extensive experience in life, health, and employee benefits across the tri-state area. His work is rooted in supporting individuals and families through thoughtful, people-centered solutions.


Luis Delgado IV brings more than a decade of experience in construction management and business development, overseeing complex projects across higher education, infrastructure, and community development. His background offers valuable insight as the Foundation continues to support programs that expand access and opportunity.


In addition, Roland A. Bloomer, Esq. has been appointed to the Abilities First, Inc. Board of Directors. A Principal and Partner at Johnson & Bloomer, LLP, Bloomer brings extensive experience in business, construction, real estate, and estate law, along with prior public service as Assistant County Attorney for Ulster County.


Jeffery Fox, President & CEO of Abilities First, shared his appreciation for the new board members, noting that strong and engaged leadership is essential to advancing the organization’s mission. "Their collective expertise and shared belief in what’s possible for the people we serve help position Abilities First for continued growth and impact across the Hudson Valley."



We are grateful for their willingness to serve and look forward to the positive contributions each will make as champions for inclusion and community.

Expanding Opportunities to Support Abilities First

We’re pleased to introduce a new way to support inclusive experiences through our Recreation Fund on JustGiving. Gifts made through JustGiving directly support recreational outings, enrichment activities, and community connections—creating opportunities for joy, independence, and belonging for the people we serve.


From community adventures and social outings to experiences brought directly to our programs, your support helps turn everyday moments into meaningful memories. Each gift opens doors to connection, confidence, and inclusion—reminding those we serve that they belong, today and every day.


To make a gift in support of the Recreation Fund, please visit JustGiving. Thank you for helping create opportunities, foster inclusion, and make possibility a reality at Abilities First.

Community in Action

Community Connections Needs Your Help!

Our Community Connections program is looking for donations of paints, paint brushes, adult craft activities, foam stickers, color-by-number sets, and puzzles (500 pieces or fewer—used are welcome!).



If you have materials you’d like to donate, please email Billie Jo Buttner at billiejobuttner@abilitiesfirstny.org or call (845) 527-7993. Thank you for helping make these moments possible!


What's Ahead at AF & FAFNY

Save the Date! Rally in the Valley for Disability Rights


Join advocates from across the region for the Rally in the Valley for Disability Rights on March 13, 2026 at 11 AM at Rockland Community College Fieldhouse in Suffern, NY. Hosted by Jawonio and the Hudson Valley Service Providers, this indoor event brings our community together to champion disability rights, protect Medicaid, support mental health, and invest in our children. Disability rights are human rights — let your voice be heard!


For more information or to register click HERE!

We’re excited to share that Hannaford has selected Abilities First as a beneficiary of its Community Bag Program throughout February.


When you purchase a $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Hannaford located at 3650 Route 9W, Highland NY, $1 is donated directly to Abilities First. It’s an easy way to support our mission while doing your everyday shopping—and to help spread awareness of the work we do across our community.


Thank you for helping make a difference, one bag at a time.

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