IN THIS ISSUE:

Features:



Hudson Valley Gives: A Community Effort to Support Nonprofits


Community Partners: Robert Dietz of Cuddy & Feder, LLP Honored at Abilities First


Generosity In Action


Community Spotlight: Celebrating National Nurses Month


Abilities First & Foundation Events:


Welcome Feldman, Kleidman, Collins & Sappe LLP!


Abilities First Bloomin' 4 Good Partnership with Hannaford


Volunteers Needed!

Hudson Valley Gives: A Community Effort to Support Nonprofits

Each May, the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan hosts Hudson Valley Gives, a 24-hour initiative designed to support hundreds of nonprofits across the region. This annual event provides organizations like Abilities First with an online platform to connect with donors and rally support for our mission.


This year, our HVGives – Give Where You Live has raised over $12,000. Contributions to the HVGives campaign directly fund a range of vital services, including educational and clinical therapy programs, innovative pre-vocational training, daily community centers, and employment support. These services are dedicated to empowering the individuals and families we serve.



Although May 31st marks the end of this year's HVGives campaign, you can continue to support Abilities First throughout the year. Your generosity helps us sustain and expand our critical work--Thank You!

DONATE TO ABILITIES FIRST

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Robert Dietz Honored at LaGrange School

In photos: Top, Cara Whalen, Bob Dietz, Joshua Mackey, Foundation for Abilities First NY Chair and JoAnn Parker, Foundation for Abilities First, Director of Development.

This spring, Mackey, Butts & Whalen LLP participated in a dedication and naming ceremony of two classrooms at the Abilities First LaGrange School, honoring their Partner, Robert B. Dietz. With over 50 years of legal practice in the Hudson Valley, Mr. Dietz is a role model for young lawyers. He is actively involved in community service, having held volunteer leadership positions with the Salvation Army, Greystone Programs, Kiwanis Club, and Mid-Hudson Workshop for the Disabled.



We sincerely thank Mackey, Butts & Whalen for their steadfast support and dedication to the mission of Abilities First. A special congratulations to Bob on his well-deserved recognition!

Generosity in Action

With the support of the Foundation for Abilities First NY and a partnership with Taconic Sport & Racquet, Michael who participates in Abilities First programs, had the thrilling opportunity to receive pickleball lessons as a first-time player, immersing himself in the excitement of the sport.


Thank you, Taconic Sport & Racquet, for creating moments that highlight the power of inclusion and the universal joy of sports! These experiences not only foster community but also inspire others to embrace new challenges and opportunities. Together, we are making a difference one game at a time.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Pictured left to right: Nursing staff at the LaGrange School, Pamela Petrelli, Tanika Pittman, Caroline Strong, and Louis Morgiewicz. Nurses at Abilities First Residential and Adult Services! From left to right: Melanie Metzger RN, Emily Loehr RN, Cynthia Specht RN, Rachel Torgersen RN, Jill Kreiger RN supervisor, Gail Armstrong RN DON, Jamie Belding RN. Missing: Julia Dugas LPN, Dyanne Martinez RN & Maureen Sinisgalli RN and the Myers Corners Preschool Nurse, Miss Lorie.

Celebrating National Nurses Month at Abilities First


May is National Nurses Month, and we are proud to celebrate our dedicated nursing staff who serve the students and individuals of Abilities First schools and programs. Their commitment to providing exceptional care and support plays a crucial role in the well-being and development of those we serve.


Their compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication have a profound impact on the lives of the Abilities First students and individuals.



This National Nurses Month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to these incredible nurses for their extraordinary contributions. Your hard work and passion do not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do.

Upcoming Abilities First & Foundation Events

Welcome Feldman, Kleidman, Collins & Sappe LLP!

The Foundation for Abilities First, NY is thrilled to announce that Feldman, Kleidman, Collins & Sappe LLP is joining us as the Presenting Sponsor at this year's Tennis Classic! This highly anticipated event, which has sold out, will bring together players from the Hudson Valley and New Jersey area to support our Foundation's largest fundraising initiative.


Golf & Tennis Classic Co-Chair Peter Setaro adds, "We are so excited to welcome Feldman, Kleidman, Collins & Sappe LLP, long-time supporters of Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First NY, as our Tennis Classic Presenting Sponsor! Their commitment and generosity help us continue to make a positive impact in our community." See you on the courts!

For sponsorship opportunities or more event info, please contact

JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesifrstny.org.

Abilities First Bloomin' 4 Good Partnership with Hannaford

Spring is here and so are the flowers! Get ready to brighten your space and support our mission as we become Hannaford's Bloomin' 4 Good Program Nonprofit Partner for the month of June. Abilities First N.Y. will receive $1 from every specially marked Bloomin' 4 Good bouquet sold throughout June 2024.


Visit the New Windsor location at 2636 Route 32 to participate.



Thank you for your support!

AF logo

Support the Foundation for Abilities First NY

With a Gift Today!

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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