IN THIS ISSUE:

Features:

- A Perfect Day on the Course & Courts: Abilities First Golf & Tennis Classic

- Abilities First Day Hab Picnic & Residential Picnic Luau: Celebrating Community and Fun!

-What's the Buzz all about? Abilibee is here!


Community Connections:

TEGFCU’s Candy for a Cause: Sweet Support for Abilities First!


Community Spotlight:

The New Windsor Police & K-9 Marty Visit The Straus Family Pavilion School


Upcoming Events:

-Holiday Helping Hands


Give an Online Gift & Support FAFNY


Follow us on Social Media!

Abilities First Career Opportunities

PICTURE WEATHER SHINES ON GOLF & TENNIS CLASS EVENT

The Abilities First Golf & Tennis Classic Committee delivered yet another unforgettable event! With perfect weather, a sold-out crowd, and a spirit of sportsmanship, participants enjoyed a day full of fun while supporting a great cause. The event also marked a successful day of fundraising to benefit the Abilities First.


A big congratulations to the Passero Associates Team—Chris LaPorta, Stacey Kurian, Tom Ritzenthaler, and Joseph Parker—who took home the title of Classic Champions and 1st Place Mixed Team. In tennis, the Overall Winners and 1st Place Women's Team honors went to Heidi DeSiena and Mary Berezowsky.


A heartfelt thank you to all of our sponsors, power foursomes, golf and tennis players, volunteers, and special guests. Your support helps further Abilities First’s mission of providing critical services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to lead independent, fulfilling lives through education, employment, and community integration. We couldn’t do it without you!


A big thank you to this year’s Golf & Tennis Classic Sponsors—your support makes this event possible! Special thanks as well to our Course & Court Specialty Sponsors including: City Winery Hudson Valley, Sloop Brewing Co., Blend Smoothie & Salad Bar, Flores Food Truck & Catering, Hudson House & Distillery, Christiania Vodka, Aspire Brewing, and Equilibrium Brewery for treating our guests to great food, spirits, and fun.

View 2024 Golf & Tennis Photo Gallery

Abilities First Day Hab Picnic & Residential Picnic Luau: Celebrating Community and Fun!

This September, the Abilities First community enjoyed not one, but two incredible celebrations—the Day Hab Picnic and the Residential Picnic Luau! Both events were filled with fun, laughter, and connection, creating unforgettable memories for participants, staff, and families alike. For over 30 years, the Day Hab picnic has been a beloved tradition, celebrating the accomplishments and friendships that define the Day Hab program. This year was no exception, with participants enjoying a wide range of activities in the perfect outdoor setting, surrounded by supportive friends and staff. Abilities First CEO & President Jeffery Fox says, “This wonderful barbecue is so much more than a festive meal,” he said. “It’s a heartwarming representation of the relationships our families nurture with Abilities First, and vice versa, and how those shared bonds advance lives, inspire independence and empower change. Our dedicated staff is devoted to each and every individual, and we are honored to be an invaluable contributor to so many vibrant lives.”


Meanwhile, the Residential Picnic Luau brought a taste of the tropics to the Abilities First community! With island-inspired decorations, music, and delicious food, the Luau was a lively celebration of the spirit of togetherness. Participants and staff embraced the fun, donning leis and Hawaiian print outfits while dancing the day away to festive tunes.


These wonderful events would not have been possible without the generosity and support of the Foundation for Abilities First. Their commitment ensures that we can continue offering enriching experiences that foster joy, inclusion, and connection for all. If you would like to support events like these and help us create even more opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, consider making a donation HERE. Every contribution makes a difference and helps us further our mission. Together, we’re making a lasting impact!

What's the Buzz all about? Abilibee is here!

A groundbreaking new app, Abilibee, is here to support individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Whether you're navigating Early Intervention or transitioning into adulthood, Abilibee is designed to guide you every step of the way. Wondering what an IEP is? How to apply for OPWDD? Or what supported decision-making means? Abilibee has answers to all those questions—and even ones you didn’t know you had! Plus, a curated library of resources will help you stay informed and empowered.


With Abilibee, you can:


  • Access planning tools to help you advocate effectively
  • Get notified when it’s time to start important transition activities
  • Find valuable resources and information tailored to your needs
  • Navigate each transition stage, from Early Intervention to CPSE, CSE, OPWDD, and beyond
  • Decode terms and acronyms with a built-in glossary


Ready to learn more? Visit abilibee.org to explore or register for this innovative tool!

Community Connections

TEGFCU’s Candy for a Cause: Sweet Support for Abilities First!

Pictured: TEGFCU's Kaitlin Thomas & Abilities First Chief Financial Officer, Kim Ryder.

For nearly five years, TEG Federal Credit Union has been raising money for Abilities First through their Candy for a Cause initiative, and their efforts have truly made a difference. By selling sweet treats to the community, TEGFCU has provided essential support for programs and services that empower individuals to live independent and fulfilling lives.


This long-standing partnership highlights TEGFCU's commitment to giving back to the community, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued dedication. Every candy sold not only brings a smile but also directly supports the mission of Abilities First.


Thank you, TEGFCU, for your ongoing support and for making a sweet difference!

Community Spotlight

The New Windsor Police & K-9 Marty Visit The Straus Family Pavilion School

Students and staff at the Straus Family Pavilion School had an unforgettable day with a special visit from the New Windsor Police Department and their amazing K-9, Marty! The students were captivated as Marty demonstrated his impressive skills, showcasing the important role K-9 officers play in keeping our communities safe.


To make the day even more fun, the officers joined the students for some creative police-themed arts and crafts, turning the visit into a hands-on learning experience.


A huge thank you to the New Windsor Police and K-9 Marty for making the day extra special and bringing smiles, education, and creativity to our school!

Fall is Here, and the Holidays are Just Around the Corner: Holiday Helping Hands Program is Back!


As the leaves begin to change and the crisp fall air sets in, we are reminded that the holiday season is just around the corner! At Abilities First, we’re excited to kick off our annual Holiday Helping Hands Program—a cherished tradition that spreads joy to individuals and families in need in our community.


The Holiday Helping Hands Program provides gifts, gift cards for holiday meals, and holiday cheer to individuals and their families who may be facing financial challenges during this time of year. With your help, we can make the season a little brighter for those who need it most.


Every contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure that everyone can enjoy the warmth and generosity of the holiday season. To get involved or learn more about how you can support the Holiday Helping Hands Program, please contact JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org or call 845-275-2311. Or give directly HERE. Together, we can make this holiday season unforgettable for all the individuals we serve.

AF logo

Support the Foundation for Abilities First NY

To make an online gift to the mission of Abilities First, visit https://www.abilitiesfirstny.org/make-an-impact/donate.

For additional information on gifts, sponsorships, events, volunteering, or hosting a fundraiser, contact JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org.



Did you know you can give a gift online with PayPal


Scan the QR code to donate today!

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