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Abilities First DSP Shavonna Holman Wins NYSDSP
2024 Leadership Award!
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Pictured: Mark Nace, Abilities First Chief Program Officer and Director of the Southeast region for NYSDSP; Brenda Douglas, Abilities First Director of Day Hab Programs; Shavonna Holman; and Bruce Drake, President of the NYSDSP and CEO for Exceptional Family Resources. | |
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Abilities First congratulates Shavonna Holman, Day Hab Program Coordinator for room 23 at Overocker for receiving the prestigious 2024 Leadership Award at the New York State Association of Day Service Providers (NYSDSP) Annual Symposium in Saratoga, NY.
This distinguished award is given to leaders across the state who demonstrate exceptional dedication, innovative thinking, and a profound commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities. Shavonna is one of only six leaders statewide to receive this honor, reflecting on her remarkable contributions and leadership within the Abilities First community.
Shavonna’s recognition highlights the extraordinary work being done at Abilities First to empower individuals and their families. Her unwavering commitment to excellence exemplifies the values we hold dear and inspires us to continue striving for greater impact. Please join us in celebrating Shavonna’s incredible achievement as we honor her dedication to advancing our mission and making a difference every day.
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JoAnn Parker, Foundation Director of Development and Volunteers Honored on National Philanthropy Day | |
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JoAnn Parker, Director of Development for the Foundation for Abilities First, was honored with the prestigious Joan Gambeski Legacy Award for Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP): Greater Hudson Valley Chapter. The award, presented at AFP's annual National Philanthropy Day celebration, recognizes excellence in fundraising leadership and dedication to strengthening non-profit organizations in our region. The award holds special significance as it honors the memory of Joan Gambeski, a beloved AFP member who served as Director of Giving and Legacy Planning at Marist College.
Abilities First’s leadership staff, Jeffery Fox and Mark Nace, Foundation Board members Michelle Smith, Anthony Morando, Carla Alfieri, Michael Pine, and Marlo De La Rosa, JoAnn's family and friends attended the celebration to honor Parker’s remarkable contributions. Her efforts exemplify a commitment to advancing philanthropy and fostering meaningful relationships that support individuals and families in the community. "This honor reflects the collaborative spirit of our entire organization," Parker shared. "It celebrates not just one person's efforts, but the dedication of our staff, board members, and generous donors who make our mission possible and help create opportunities for those we serve."
Adding to the day’s celebration, Abilities First had another reason to shine! Two dedicated volunteers Giovanni & Julian De La Rosa, sons of Foundation Board Member Marlo De La Rosa, were recognized with the Youth in Philanthropy Award for their outstanding service and commitment to volunteering. "We volunteer as a way to show our gratitude to God, our family, and our community. Giving back not only allows us to express our thanks but also brings us so much joy to see the direct impact it makes on others' lives", said Giovanni & Julian. Their contributions exemplify the heart of volunteerism and the power of community in supporting Abilities First and other local non-profits.
The event highlighted the collective impact of those who give their time, talents, and resources to make a difference. Congratulations to JoAnn Parker and volunteers Giovanni and Julian for their well-deserved recognition!
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Pictured above left to right, top to bottom: Jermaine Barber, AFP-GHV Chapter President, Michelle Smith, JoAnn Parker, Giovanni & Julian De La Rosa, Doug Parker, Jeffery Fox, Mark Nace, Carla Alfieri, JoAnn Parker, Michelle Smith, Keynote Speaker, Genevieve Piturro, Anthony Morando and Michael Pine. | |
Advancing Special Education: A Celebration of Advocacy and Growth | |
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Abilities First is proud to celebrate significant strides in advancing special education this month, both through advocacy and expansion. Jeffery Fox, President & CEO of Abilities First, was recently featured in the Times Union of Albany, where his guest column emphasized the urgent need for increased resources in special education. His compelling insights highlighted the critical role investment plays in ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. To read the full article, click HERE.
This message resonates deeply with the milestone celebrated at the Myers Corners Education Center, where Abilities First hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of a major renovation. Thanks to a generous grant from Empire State Development, the addition of two new classrooms will enable us to serve more students and meet the growing demand for educational services for children with developmental and intellectual disabilities in our community.
This expansion reflects our mission to provide quality education and underscores the power of collaboration and community commitment. We were honored to welcome representatives from Empire State Development, local officials, community partners and members of the Abilities First Board of Directors and Executive Staff to celebrate this achievement. Together, these efforts—both in advocacy and action—demonstrate our unwavering dedication to empowering children and families and creating opportunities for all to thrive.
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Grateful for a Spooktacular Trunk or Treat!
Abilities First transformed school parking lots into Spooktacular celebrations this Halloween season with our annual Trunk or Treat events, creating unforgettable student memories! These festive gatherings showcased the power of partnership and inclusion, bringing together families, staff, and community supporters for a day of Halloween magic.
We're especially grateful to Walden Savings Bank for their steadfast commitment to our Halloween tradition, providing trick-or-treat bags to every student for the fourth consecutive year. Their generosity ensures that each child has a special way to collect their Halloween treasures.
The events flourished thanks to the enthusiastic participation of our business partners, including Cuddy & Feder LLP, whose team members dove into the Halloween spirit with creative costumes and decorated trunks at multiple locations. Fit & Fun Playscapes added an interactive dimension to the festivities, creating engaging activities everyone could enjoy. Our dedicated Abilities First and Foundation for Abilities First NY (FAFNY) Board Members—Michael Mazzuca, Michael Pine, Jeanine Agnolet, and Pamela Gunther—joined the celebration, demonstrating their hands-on commitment to our mission.
Each thoughtfully decorated trunk served as a gateway to adventure, while inclusive activities ensured that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families could fully participate in the Halloween fun. The joy reflected in every smile, and the laughter echoing through the parking lots reminded us of why these events are so special.
The success of our Trunk or Treat events beautifully illustrates how community collaboration creates meaningful experiences for all. To our participating families, dedicated staff, generous community partners, and enthusiastic volunteers. Thank you for making this Halloween celebration extraordinary. Together, we've created an event and a cherished tradition that celebrates inclusion, community, and the pure joy of Halloween.
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Meaningful Guide to Leaving a Lasting Legacy | |
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Bring holiday magic to those who need it the most. Through Holiday Helping Hands, we create moments of joy that extend far beyond the holiday season. For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, the holidays can be a time of extra challenges and financial strain.
Your support provides essential items, family-centered holiday dinners, and memorable experiences that may otherwise be out of reach. Every dollar you give goes directly to this initiative, ensuring your generosity makes the greatest impact for those in need. Click HERE to give!
For additional information on ways you can give or how to become involved with the Holiday Helping Hands program, please contact JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org.
You can be the reason someone experiences the magic of the holidays.
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We are less than a week away from Giving Tuesday, December 3rd! Donations on Giving Tuesday have the power to make a real difference in the lives of 1,100 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Hudson Valley. Your generosity helps Abilities First provide critical services, resources, and opportunities for those we serve—fostering empowerment, inclusion, and hope.
Why wait? Make your gift today and become part of this important mission. Thank you for being part of the Abilities First family and for helping to build a world of possibility.
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Did you know you can give a gift online with PayPal?
Scan the QR code to donate today!
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