NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities’ 2023-2027 Strategic Plan
Meet the FAFNY Board of Directors!
Adult Day Services “WOW” in the Community
Unplanned Journey: What do you want to talk about?
Start a New Career Path at Abilities First
Weather & Closure Announcements
Follow us on Social Media
Support FAFNY
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NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities’ 2023-2027 Strategic Plan |
The New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced OPWDD’s 5-year (2023-2027) strategic plan, which provides a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen supports and enhance services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities.
The plan organizes OPWDD priorities according to stakeholder input (collected starting 2021) and identifies the following three overarching goals, which have narrower objectives and initiatives that will support OPWDD’s mission:
- Strengthening workforce technology and collaboration
- Transforming the agency through innovation and change
- Enhancing person-centered supports and services
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The Foundation for Abilities First New York (FAFNY) recently welcomed Brianna McKee to its Board of Directors, which works closely with Abilities First President/CEO Dr. Jeffery Fox and the Foundation Department to help organize fundraising and community events, steward corporate sponsorship, and support and promote the mission and work of Abilities First.
Brianna serves as the director of finance for McKee Construction and works as a financial analyst for Quavo Fraud and Disputes. She graduated from Spackenkill High School and went on to attend Marist College, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing. Brianna is dedicated to giving back to her community and staying involved.
“I’m honored anytime I have the opportunity to give back to my community; I am especially humbled to be able to serve on the Foundation for Abilities First NY Board of Directors,” said Brianna. “The mission of Abilities First is very near and dear to my heart, and I look forward to contributing and making a positive impact.”
This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Foundation for Abilities First New York (FAFNY), which was founded to establish a stable commitment of philanthropic support for Abilities First, to assure that programs, services, and opportunities remain strong and available, and to ensure the organization's fiscal resiliency during unexpected changes.
Welcome, Brianna!
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Adult Day Services “WOW” in the Community |
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Abilities First’s Community-Based Adult Day Services, commonly known as Day Habilitation Without Walls (WOW), takes a special approach to community service. The term “without walls” describes the flexibility of community service. WOW program participants meet daily at an Abilities First facility, then travel to places in the community to engage in community sights and experiences, partake in community projects, and contribute volunteer work.
The WOW program has volunteered for Abilities First Golf & Tennis Classic events, local Meals on Wheels services, and senior centers. Participants have visited the Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Westchester County, The National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, and other Lower Hudson Valley attractions. As of today, the Abilities First Day Habilitation WOW program has nearly 60 participants, and anywhere from 20 to 25 daily active participants.
The mission of the WOW program is to enrich our participants' lives, to help everyone be productive volunteers, and to encourage building lasting relationships with their peers, staff, and members of the community.
“The hope is that the WOW program is a place where our individuals can come to gain independence,” Day Habilitation Services Director Brenda Douglas said, “and also to exercise their right to make choices and build long-lasting friendships in the program and the community.”
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UNPLANNED JOURNEY:
What do you want to talk about?
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The “Unplanned Journey” is a monthly online series designed to help preschool parents facing the everyday challenges a family with a child with disabilities experiences.
What are you interested in learning about? Topics can be anything, from understanding your child’s IEP process to tips on better sleeping and eating habits.
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Are you ready to start your new career path today? If yes...
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WEATHER & CLOSURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
To stay up to date about weather/emergency announcements for cancellations, delays, or early dismissals, make sure you are following Abilities First on Facebook and Instagram, and/or that you are registered with your classroom's Remind app.
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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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