IN THIS ISSUE:

Features:

#Giving Tuesday is Today!

Hudson Gateway REALTOR® Foundation Presents $1,500 Donation to Abilities First

NYS Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative Fuels Expansion for Myers Corners Preschool

Community Spotlight:

Empowering Independence & Having Fun!

Advocacy in Albany

Community Connections:

Cuddy & Feder LLP Spreads Cheer & Supports Holiday Helping Hands

Still Time to Give to Holiday Helping Hands

FAFNY News:

Welcome New Board Member, Carla Alfieri

Upcoming Events:

Pickleball 2024 - Save The Date!

Give an Online Gift & Support FAFNY

WE NEED YOU!

We are on the lookout for a talented and enthusiastic photographer to volunteer their talent and time to capture the smiles, personalities,

and memories of our amazing students for our annual School Yearbook.

If you have a passion for photography and a knack for bringing out the best in individuals, we want to hear from you!

Contact Teresa Walsh at teresawalsh@abilitiesfirstny.org for more details.

#GivingTuesday is Today!

Giving Tuesday is a movement that began in 2012 as a response to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It's a day dedicated to giving back, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading kindness. It's a day to celebrate the spirit of generosity and to support the causes and organizations that matter most to you!

Your Gift - Your Impact – One Goal!

Your support and continued generosity have allowed Abilities First to make a positive impact in the lives of 1,100 individuals here in the Hudson Valley. With your gifts, we can continue making a difference for the individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community. Will you join us for Giving Tuesday and help us continue to make a difference?

GIVE TODAY and please share your love for Abilities First and invite friends and family to give today on #GivingTuesday!

Give to #GivingTuesday

Hudson Gateway REALTOR® Foundation Presents $1,500 Donation to Abilities First

In a touching demonstration of community spirit and generosity, the HGAR Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors recently presented a check to Abilities First. Denisse DeLeon Freytes, Maryann Tercasio (HGAR Foundation Trustee), and Carole McCann were on hand with JoAnn Parker and Erica Mills of Abilities First for the check presentation at the Straus Family Pavilion School.

Abilities First is so grateful for the continued support of The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS. “After 60 years of hard work, love, laughter, and accomplishments, we are more committed to our mission than ever before. Together, we have built a cherished and thriving resource for our community. Thank you to the Hudson Gateway REALTOR® Foundation for your help in making Abilities First what it is today, “said Jeffery Fox, Ph.D. President & CEO, Abilities First.

The Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® is a not-for-profit trade association representing over 13,000 real estate professionals doing business in Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange counties, as well as the Bronx and Manhattan. It is the second largest REALTOR® Association in New York, and one of the largest in the country.

NYS Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative Fuels Expansion for Myers Corners Preschool

Governor Kathy Hochul announced this month that more than $57 million has been awarded to support 238 projects across New York State through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative. Abilities First is thrilled to announce it was awarded $100,000 as part of the Not-for-Profit Capitol Grant program.

The grant is a transformative investment that will enable us to create a more conducive and enriching learning space for our Myers Corners Preschool students by sizing the MCPS gym and creating new classrooms with bathrooms and HVAC. The project will provide the community with more preschool seats for children with disabilities.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to the NYS Regional Economic Development Council initiative for recognizing the importance of inclusive education and for entrusting us with this incredible opportunity. This grant is a testament to the collective commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape. Abilities First is proud to be the one recipient of fifteen awards the Mid Hudson Regional Economic Council made in our seven county region. Stay tuned for updates on the progress of our expansion project.

Community Spotlight

Empowering Independence & Advocacy In Action!

At Abilities First, every step towards independence is monumental. Meet John. He just purchased his very own E-bike! John relies on his own transportation to get to his workplace and needed a safe and reliable way to get there. Ken & Randy at Pleasant Valley Bicycle Shop, guided John every step of the way and showed him how to safely charge, store and care for the e-bike. John still must peddle but the motor aids ascending hills and traveling flat roads.

This achievement is not only a personal victory for John but also a collective success for our entire community. It exemplifies the positive impact that genuine support and an inclusive environment can have on individuals with diverse abilities.

A powerful day of advocacy on Capitol Hill in Albany! Abilities First staff and individuals made the trip to our state's capitol to show their support for a call to action to invest in the future of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the people who support them. Great job everyone!

Community Connections

Cuddy & Feder LLP Spreads Cheer & Supports Holiday Helping Hands

Raising spirits and funds! Foundation Board Member Anthony Morando and Cuddy & Feder LLP hosted an evening of cocktails and food to raise support for the Abilities First Holiday Helping Hands that assists over 400 families during the holiday season.

Holiday Helping Hands provides holiday meals and gifts for families at Abilities First who are in need.

Anthony explains, "As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded of the importance of giving back to our community. That's why we at Cuddy and Feder LLP have partnered with the Foundation for Abilities First Holiday Helping Hands. As a board member of the Foundation, I am honored to be a part of this

effort to bring joy and happiness to those who need it most."

To date the Cuddy & Feder LLP Holiday Helping Hands event has raised nearly $2,000! To donate to the holiday campaign, please visit HERE.

Still Time to Give to Holiday Helping Hands

Help us reach our goal of supporting families in need this holiday season.

HOW YOUR GIFT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

❤️ $25.00 can provide for a holiday meal for an individual

❤️ $50.00 and up can provide a gift card towards a child’s holiday gift

❤️ $100.00 or more can provide a gift card towards a family holiday meal for four

Give to Holiday Helping Hands

FAFNY NEWS

Please join us in welcoming the newest member to Board of Directors for the Foundation for Abilities First NY (FAFNY), Carla Alfieri. Carla is 1st Vice President and Senior Private Banker for Orange Bank & Trust Company’s Wealth Management Division.

When she is not advising clients, Carla volunteers her time as a board member for the Eva Fini Fund resources go to the Rett Syndrome research, Warwick Chamber of Commerce Board and a member of the Junior Leadership Orange Committee.

Exciting times await us, and we are eager to embark on this journey with our newest board member---welcome Carla!

SAVE THE DATE!

For registration or sponsorship opportunities, please contact JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesifrstny.org.

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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Wappingers Falls, NY12590