IN THIS ISSUE:

Celebrating Inclusive Employment Across the Hudson Valley

Pink for Possibilities: Abilities First Schools Show Their Support

A Season of Smiles: Fall Adventures Across Abilities First

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Walden Savings Bank Helps Make Halloween Inclusive for All

Celebrating Partnership and Possibility

at the Presidents’ Reception

Abilities First & Foundation Events:

Give Joy! Create Abilities Made Possible

Give a Gift with Paypal

Celebrating Inclusive Employment Across the Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley Service Providers (HVSP) — a consortium of 22 local agencies, including Abilities First — hosted the annual National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Employer Recognition Summit on October 16th in Newburgh.

The event honored six outstanding Hudson Valley employers who exemplify inclusive hiring practices and create meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This year’s honorees included Beck’s Hardware, AFYA Foundation, Resorts World Catskills, Town of Cortlandt Department of Environmental Services, Perkins Restaurant & Bakery in Wappingers Falls, and Target at the Poughkeepsie Galleria.

Dr. Jeffery Fox, Chair of HVSP and CEO of Abilities First, emphasized the importance of strong community partnerships in creating equitable opportunities. “People with disabilities can accomplish tremendous things and are filling important roles in the workplace all across our great state,” Fox said. “We need to continue preparing young people for employment, supporting adults in the workforce, and educating our communities to be more accommodating and inclusive.”

Keynote speaker Lynne Thibdeau of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities highlighted Employment First, a statewide initiative that promotes full inclusion in competitive, integrated employment.

The summit was made possible through the collaboration of HVSP member agencies and event sponsors, including Abilities First, Constructive Partnerships Unlimited, Gateway Hudson Valley, Jawonio, Independent Living Inc., Access: Supports for Living, In Flight Innovation for Developmental Achievement, and New Hope Community Services.

Together, these organizations are advancing the message that employment is the ultimate inclusion — and that the Hudson Valley is leading the way in creating workplaces where everyone belongs.

Pink for Possibilities: Abilities First Schools Show Their Support

Throughout October, students and staff across Abilities First Schools joined together to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month — proudly wearing bright pink t-shirts and sharing messages of hope, strength, and unity.

This year’s theme, “Pink for Possibilities,” reminds us that awareness and compassion create the foundation for change. From classrooms to hallways, the sea of pink was more than a color — it was a symbol of support for survivors, loved ones, and the ongoing fight against breast cancer.

We’re so proud of our school communities for coming together to show that kindness, courage, and inclusion make a difference — one pink shirt at a time.

A Season of Smiles: Fall Adventures Across Abilities First

Fall has been full of color, creativity, and community across Abilities First programs! From pumpkin patches to costume parades, our students and participants have been soaking up the season with smiles and excitement.

Our Community Connections friends enjoyed farm visits and pumpkin picking adventures, while at the Executive Drive Preschool, students created their very own pumpkin patch right on their playground!

At the Myers Corners Education Center, students took part in a fun-filled Trick-or-Treat Parade, visiting the Abilities First administrative office for candy, cheers, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. We were also thrilled to welcome our friends from Cuddy & Feder LLP, who joined the fun for their fourth year in a row and helped hand out treats alongside our staff.

Meanwhile, Community Connections brought the Halloween spirit to life with their annual Halloween Party — costumes, music, and all! And, of course, fall wouldn’t be complete without our much-loved trip to Bethel Woods’ Peace, Love & Pumpkins, an annual favorite day for our Residential group that combines art, lights, and a little magic.

These joyful seasonal moments are made possible in part through the Foundation for Abilities First NY’s Recreation Fund, which helps create opportunities for connection, community, and fun all year long. To keep these festivities going, consider giving HERE.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Walden Savings Bank Helps Make Halloween Inclusive for All

This Halloween season, Walden Savings Bank once again showed its incredible community spirit by supporting the Blue Pumpkin Initiative — helping make trick-or-treating more inclusive for children and adults with autism or sensory sensitivities.

Through the initiative, Walden Savings Bank distributed Blue Abilities First Halloween bags at its Montgomery branch at Scott’s Corners, inviting community members to join in creating a sensory-friendly and welcoming Halloween experience for all. Each blue bag is a simple yet powerful symbol of understanding — letting every trick-or-treater know they are welcome to participate in the fun at their own pace and comfort level.

The Foundation for Abilities First NY (FAFNY) and Abilities First extend heartfelt thanks to Walden Savings Bank, President Derrik Wynkoop, and VP Crystal Johnson, pictured above with Abilities First Director of Development JoAnn Parker, for their continued partnership and leadership in promoting inclusion across the Hudson Valley. Their ongoing support helps Abilities First share awareness and build connections that make holidays brighter for everyone.

Together, we’re proving that community inclusion isn’t just possible — it’s happening, one blue pumpkin at a time.

Celebrating Partnership and Possibility

at the Presidents’ Reception

On a perfect Fall evening, members of the Abilities First and Foundation for Abilities First NY community gathered at The Hudson House & Distillery for this year’s Presidents’ Reception — an evening filled with connection, gratitude, and inspiration.

Guests were treated to a stunning finale — the Accessible Skies Drone Show. This spectacular display lit up the Hudson Valley sky in celebration of what’s possible when our community comes together. Each light told a story of impact, partnership, and shared purpose.

This past year has been remarkable. Together, we’ve celebrated meaningful progress and the difference inclusion makes in the lives of over 1,400 individuals and families supported by Abilities First. But what excites us most is the vision for 2026 — one where even more people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have access to employment, independence, and belonging.

Thank you to everyone who made this night so special! Your belief in what’s possible — and in the mission of Abilities First — inspires everything we do. See all the event photos HERE.

A night to remember — watch the Hudson Valley sky light up in celebration!

Abilities First & Foundation Events

This giving season, every act of kindness helps create Abilities Made Possible — empowering children and adults of all abilities to learn, work, and thrive.

Here’s how you can make an impact this season: