A Holiday Letter from the CEO
Abilities First Celebrates 60th Anniversary at the Community Partners Breakfast on Giving Tuesday
Dr. Jeffery Fox Appointed to NY Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council
Community Connections
Community Spotlight
Follow Us on Social Media
We’re Hiring!
|
|
A Holiday Letter from the CEO |
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for your support and partnership throughout 2022. As we close this year out and look forward to the next one, please join me in reflecting on how fortunate we all are to have this great organization and the services we provide to our communities. While we continue to be mindful of the impact that illness from COVID-19 and other conditions can have on people we care about, it is safe to say that 2022 was the year that we emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our programs and services look much more like they did prior to 2020.
This year we also celebrated our 60th anniversary. Many of you joined us to celebrate this milestone at our Community Partners Breakfast on November 29, 2022, where we recognized the six decades of caring and service provided by Abilities First and also illuminated our path forward for the next 60 years. As long as children and adults in our communities face developmental challenges, we will be here to help.
Thank you again for helping to create communities where all people are recognized and valued for their Abilities First!
Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!
|
|
Abilities First Celebrates 60th Anniversary at the Community Partners Breakfast on Giving Tuesday
|
|
This year’s Community Partners Breakfast, held on Giving Tuesday, kicked off the 60th anniversary celebration of the mission of Abilities First and recognized our prestigious list of 2022 honorees that included: Viking Packaging, Joshua Mackey, Stephanie Hourani, Theodore Prenting and the Prenting Family, Senator Mike Martucci, Senator Sue Serino, Senator James Skoufis, Assemblymember Didi Barret, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus.
The morning of gratitude brought together so many supporters of Abilities First, and highlighted their shared commitment to enriching the lives of others.
Everyone came together to honor the work and history of Abilities First, and to recognize the many contributions of our volunteer leadership, dedicated staff members, community partners, and donors. These often unsung heroes remind us every day of the meaning of dignity, generosity, and kindness.
In 1962, a handful of visionary parents started the “Little Red Schoolhouse” to help their children with disabilities reach their full potential. As the children grew, Abilities First kept pace with community needs and now serves over 1,400 individuals and families spanning across seven Hudson Valley counties and 25 school districts.
With community support, Abilities First looks forward to the next 60 years of serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Hudson Valley.
Watch “Illuminate our Future!"
|
|
Dr. Jeffery Fox Appointed to NY Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council |
|
DDAC provides recommendations for statewide priorities and goals, comprehensive planning, resource allocation, and evaluation processes for state and local services for people with developmental disabilities.
DDAC is made up of self-advocates, family members, provider representatives, and other stakeholders: the Self-Advocacy Association of New York State; provider associations and provider councils; the Statewide Family Support Services Committee; the County and Local Mental Hygiene Directors; and the Real Choice Systems Committee.
"I am honored to have been appointed to this important group and look forward to participating in ways that enrich the system of supports for people of all abilities and the important Direct Support Professionals who work in our field," said Dr. Jeffery Fox.
|
|
Abilities First is pleased to partner with regional resources to support our families and programs. |
|
Abilities First Preschool at Executive Drive Principal Camille D’Amico and Director of Philanthropy JoAnn Parker welcomed NYS Senator Mike Martucci — representing The Michael & Erin Martucci Family Foundation — with a naming plaque and much thanks on behalf of Abilities First for the Martucci Family Foundation’s commitment of financial support for the Executive Drive Preschool playground. The generous funding provides ongoing support to playground projects and equipment for students ages 3-5 at the preschool.
The Michael & Erin Martucci Family Foundation’s drive and mission is to inspire and empower members of the community to develop innovative ideas that address the many needs of children and adults in the Hudson Valley and Catskills regions.
|
Each year, Holiday Helping Hand (a joint project of the Poughkeepsie Journal and United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region) provides assistance to Dutchess County individuals and families in need for the holidays. Abilities First is grateful for the continued support, which allows us to distribute holiday meals and gift cards to some of our families for the holiday season. |
|
Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First NY would like to thank Jeff Bass, a senior professional lecturer of Media Arts at Marist College and chair of the college’s Film, Television, Interactive Media & Games Department, and his students for generously donating their time and skills to create the “Illuminate our Future” video that was featured at the Community Partners Breakfast. The talented crew also filmed and produced the Hyde Park High School music video, which was created exclusively for the event.
Marist College has had a long history of commitment to the mission of Abilities First. In 1969, with community members' support, Abilities First (then Rehabilitation Programs) moved into the newly opened Dutchess County Mental Health Center. The property on which the Mental Health Center is located today was donated by Marist College. Throughout the decades Abilities First has also had numerous Marist College staff and educators serve on the Abilities First Board of Directors and the Foundation for Abilities First NY Board of Directors.
Many thanks to Jeff and the incredibly talented Marist students!
Listen to the Hyde Park High School song below!
|
|
Happy Holidays from Kyle & His Arctic Fox! |
Abilities First would like to wish you Happy Holidays, but we’ll let our very own featured artist, Kyle, do the honors. Kyle’s artwork, “Arctic Fox,” was featured on the cover of this year’s Holiday Card!
Kyle is an Abilities First High School student at Hyde Park. He enjoys writing, dancing, singing, and classroom activities like Occupational Therapy and Speech Group. Kyle has a great sense of humor and loves hearing and telling jokes.
|
Many children in our program struggle at the local mall or photo center with big crowds, bright lights, loud noises, and long lines; it’s overwhelming for them. Many of our families sacrifice this time-honored tradition in order to spare their child from the ordeal. That’s where Santa Sam comes in!
When Santa Sam comes to town, he knows all the right ways to make our students feel safe and comfortable. He speaks in a quiet voice, respects each child's personal space, and gives them time to prepare for that special picture moment. Santa Sam brings the magic of the holidays to every child here, and we can't thank him enough for the gift of his affection and understanding of our kids.
Thank you, Santa Sam!
|
|
Give a Gift & Make a Difference! |
There’s still time to make a difference! Give a gift today and help make an impact on the lives of those living with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Hudson Valley region.
Your gift goes a long way in helping the 1,400 individuals supported by Abilities First by improving our educational classrooms, adult day programs, and other services.
|
Donate Electronics to Abilities First! |
Our day hab programs and neighborhood centers are looking for donations of electronic games, accessories, and digital cameras.
|
|
For the latest in pictures, agency information, and happenings, follow us on social media! |
|
|
Support the Foundation for Abilities First NY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
