Features:
Celebrating the 33rd Anniversary of the American Disabilities Act
Abilities First Summer Fun & Activities
Community Spotlight:
Abilities First & the Learning Exchange for the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Host A Conversation for Providers
Community Connections:
Dutchess County Hosts the 3rd Annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY Fitness & Field Day
Operation Updates:
Abilities First & the Foundation for Abilities First Earn Gold Status
Upcoming Events:
Ways to Support Golf & Tennis Classic!
August 1 Hiring Event in Poughkeepsie
Follow us on Social Media!
Give an Online Gift & Support FAFNY
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VOLUNTEERS
WANTED!
Abilities First is looking for committed, great people who want to make an impact!
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Calling all golf & tennis enthusiasts and volunteers! We're teeing up for our sold-out Golf & Tennis Classic fundraising event on Monday, September 11thand we need your help to make it a smashing success! So many fun positions on the course or off! Contact Teresa Walsh at teresawalsh@abilitiesfirstny.org for more details.
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Celebrating the 33rd Anniversary of the American Disabilities Act |
On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law. This landmark legislation aimed to eliminate discrimination against individuals with disabilities, ensuring their equal participation in all aspects of society. As New York State commemorated the 33rd anniversary of the ADA's passing, Abilities First CEO & President, Dr. Jeffery Fox, with other leaders and advocates were on hand with Governor Kathy Hochul to celebrate in Albany on July 27, 2023.
The impact of this monumental legislation has allowed significant progress in the areas of: Accessibility and Accommodations, Employment Opportunities, Education and Access to Services and Public Awareness and Advocacy.
As New York celebrates the 33rd anniversary, we are grateful for the progress but stay steadfast in the fight for continued commitment and advocation for a more inclusive and equitable society for every person, regardless of their abilities.
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Abilities First Summer Fun & Activities |
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Pictured here: Com Hab sun fun at Splash Down Water Park, Annual Summer BBQ at Mews, Renegades Baseball, Myers Corners Preschool Splish Splash Fun and Olivia & Freddie, With Out Walls II gardeners. |
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Summer is in full swing, and we just had to share a peek at the summer fun and activities happening around Abilities First. From baseball, BBQ's & summer harvests we sure have been keeping busy!
Thanks to the unwavering commitment of the Foundation for Abilities First, the Prenting Family Recreation Fund, donors, sponsors, and partners many of our unforgettable experiences and enriching opportunities are made possible for our community during this vibrant season!
As we move forward, we remain committed to our mission of enhancing lives and strengthening community bonds. With your continued support, we look forward to providing more opportunities for growth, enrichment, and shared experiences in the seasons to come.
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Abilities First & the Learning Exchange for the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
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Topics Covered:
- What is domestic violence, sexual violence, and consent?
- Statistics on the pervasiveness of gender-based violence
- Risk factors that lead to alarmingly high rates of victimization
- Barriers to accessing domestic and/or sexual violence services
- Agency needs and capacity
- Recommendations for future training, resources, and technical assistance.
Presented by Kelly Weiss, Project Coordinator , NYS Office
for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
To register for the in-person or virtual event, CLICK HERE.
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Celebrating the Success of the 3rd Annual ThinkDIFFERENTLY
Fitness & Field Day
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Our Abilities First volunteer crew was grateful to join the incredible success of the recent ThinkDifferently Fitness & Field Day held by Dutchess County at Bowdoin Park. So many great local organizations came together as a community to celebrate inclusivity, joy, and the power of fitness and fun!
The Fitness & Field Day was filled with an exciting lineup of inclusive activities, ensuring that there was something for everyone to enjoy. From adaptive sports demonstrations, accessible games, and dance and aerobic activities to art workshops and animal exhibits.
One of the highlights of the day was witnessing the power of inclusivity in action. Participants with disabilities, families, volunteers, and supporters joining forces to create an environment where everyone felt welcome and celebrated.
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We are thrilled to share some exciting news with all of you! Thanks to your unwavering support and dedication, Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First has achieved GuideStar Gold Status charity rating. This is a significant milestone that reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficiency in utilizing the resources entrusted to us.
What is a charity rating? GuideStar is an independent organization that evaluates nonprofit organizations based on various criteria, including financial health, accountability, and transparency. Achieving Gold Status indicates that our organization has met or exceeded their rigorous standards, demonstrating our commitment to responsible stewardship of the donations we receive.
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Supporting the Abilities First
Golf & Tennis Classic Event
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We are gearing up for our upcoming Golf & Tennis Classic event at the Powelton Club on Monday, September 11th! The event promises to be a day filled with excitement, friendly sport, and generous support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The event is sold-out to our delight but there are still ways to participate, support and win!
We are still accepting Tee-Sign submissions through August 15th. As a Tee Sign Sponsor, your company's logo or message of support will be prominently displayed on a custom-made sign placed strategically on one of the tee boxes during the tournament. This means exposure to a wide audience of golfers and event attendees, providing you with excellent brand visibility throughout the day. For more details, click here!
Our Silent & Live Auctions during our Cocktail Reception offers a delightful opportunity for guests to engage in friendly bidding wars while contributing to our mission. We have curated an array of fantastic items and experiences generously donated by our community partners and sponsors. From exclusive golf experiences, New York Yankees tickets, Ocean City, MD condo week stays, a one of a -kind wine making opportunity with City Winery and an evening with a private chef…just to name a few! There's something for everyone. Stay tuned for details on how you can place a proxy bid if you can't join us in person!
Tickets to our Cocktail Reception are available too! Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to join fellow event attendees and supporters for an unforgettable evening. Join us for signature cocktails, delicious hors d'oeuvres and gourmet bites and our spirited silent and live auction events. Whether you're a golfer, tennis player, a philanthropist, or simply love good company, this event is not to be missed! For more information on Tee-Sign sponsorship opportunities or to purchase a reception ticket, contact JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org or call 845-275.2311.
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For the latest in pictures, agency information, and happenings, follow us on social media! |
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Support the Foundation for Abilities First NY |
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