IN THIS ISSUE:

Features:

- Celebrating Abilities First Annual Day Hab Picnic


-Abilities First 2023 Golf & Tennis Classic


Community Spotlight:

9/11 Remembrance with Sergeant MaryKay Messenger


FAFNY News:

FAFNY Board of Directors Welcomes New Members


Upcoming Events:

- 1st Annual Color FUN Walk/Run/Pus


-Holiday Helping Hands



Give an Online Gift & Support FAFNY

Celebrating Years of Togetherness: The Enduring Legacy of Our Annual Day Habilitation Picnic

As we celebrate this year’s Annual Day Habilitation Picnic with friends, families, volunteer staff, music and sun, we can't help but reflect on the remarkable journey this tradition has taken us on over the years.

 

For over three decades, our Day Habilitation Picnic has been a cornerstone of our organization's mission to foster a vibrant and inclusive community. It all began in the mid-80’s with a small gathering at one site with a volunteer crew of case workers, support and clerical staff. As years passed the Day Habilitation Program, formerly known as Day Treatment, has evolved into multiple sites across Dutchess County and the picnic turned into a beloved and eagerly anticipated event that brings everyone

together for a day of fun. This year's picnic saw an unprecedented turnout of Day Hab participants and was fully supported by an enthusiastic team of Abilities First volunteers, including both our dedicated staff members and

administrative office personnel.

 

Over the course of our picnic's longstanding tradition, countless volunteers and supporters have dedicated their time and resources to make this event possible. A very special thank you to DJ Erick Santana with Right On Cue, who provides an unforgettable event with music and joy! And we are most grateful beyond words to Billie Jo Adsmond who has worked tirelessly to organize this special event for over eight years!

 

As we celebrate our picnic's history, we also look forward to its future. We envision continued growth, more incredible moments of connection, and an even stronger commitment to our

mission of inclusivity.

2023 Golf & Tennis Classic's Smashing Success!

We're thrilled to share the exhilarating success of our recent Golf and Tennis Classic event! It was a day filled with thrilling matches, remarkable sportsmanship, and a strong sense of community support. The event saw participation from over 160 Golf & Tennis players, all dedicated to supporting Abilities First's mission to meet the financial resources to provide life-changing experiences for over 1,400 individuals and families here in the Hudson Valley.


A special thank you to our presenting sponsor, DVM Industries, the Silvestri Family, sponsors, raffle and auction winners, course vendors, community donations, the Abilities First staff, Lunch 'n Putt guests, and our dedicated volunteers.


Please view Tennis Classic pictures here and Golf Classic pictures here.


A heartfelt THANK YOU to all who participated and supported in making our Golf & Tennis Classic a success.


Community Spotlight

9/11 Remembrance with Sergeant Major MaryKay Messenger 

This year's Golf & Tennis Classic event fell on a Monday, observing the 22nd anniversary of the September 11th. 


All in attendance were in solidarity to remember lost lives and pay tribute to those who serve to keep us safe. Thank you to the Middle Hope Fire Department and Sergeant Major MaryKay Messenger, the West Point Band vocalist who joined us to commemorate the day. 


The day reminds us of the strength that emerges from tragedy and the importance of coming together as a community. Let us stand in solidarity, reflecting on the past, and working towards a future filled with hope and resilience.

FAFNY News

FAFNY Board of Directors Welcomes New Members

The Foundation for Abilities First NY (FAFNY), the fundraising arm for Abilities First, Inc., is pleased to announce the addition of two community leaders Michelle Smith and John Farina to its Board of Directors. 


Michelle Smith is the Founder and CEO of Source Financial Advisors and Smith Divorce Strategies based in NYC. Ms. Smith a fierce advocate for and was successful in helping to change the child support statute in New York State to enable the Courts to extend child support to age 26 for children who qualify as having special needs. As a co-founder of the ideal school of Manhattan, an inclusion K-21 school and program, Michelle understands the critical need for ongoing fundraising to properly staff and support programs and schools for people with different abilities


John Farina, an electrical engineer at Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation serving as the Electric Operations Engineer for the Fishkill District. Born and raised in the Hudson Valley and now residing in Fishkill NY, he has made meaningful connections with community members through numerous places of local employment and volunteering to assist in various events for the town of Wappingers.


Dr. Jeffery Fox, Abilities First President & CEO, “We excitedly welcome Michelle and John to our Foundation Board and thank them for their commitments to support our great mission. In the years to come, they will add value and resources to our organization that will help so many children, adults, and families in our region.”

Upcoming Events &

Ways to Get Involved with Abilities First

Abilities First Color FUN Walk/Run/Push


Join us for a Color Fun Walk/Run/Push and support the Abilities First Myers Corners Preschool & UPK programs that provide essential education and services. Let's come together as a community and add a splash of color to their lives! To register, CLICK HERE!


Can't attend the event but still want to support our cause? Consider making a donation or becoming a virtual participant by visiting JUST GIVING! For sponsorship opportunities, please contact JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org.

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As the holiday season approaches, we have a unique opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most. It's a time for giving, sharing, and coming together as a community to spread warmth and kindness. 

 

The Holiday Helping Hands initiative provides over 220 families with food and toys during the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Please consider contributing to share the joy of abundance and help us support struggling families and individuals. A donation of any size would help us assist families receiving services at Abilities First with a holiday meal and small gifts for the children.

 

To make a gift to the Holiday Helping Hands program or find out how your business can partner on this initiative, don't hesitate to get in touch with  JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org or DONATE HERE.



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