Spotlight on Wally: A Creative Journey from Crafting to
Music Mastery at Abilities First
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Meet Wally, a shining star at Abilities First! Since his preschool days, Wally has been showcasing his creative talents, whether through crafting or his deep passion for music. With the support of Wendy Pyburn, Wally's Abilities First DSP, Wally was able to pursue his hope for becoming an aspiring luthier and learn the craft of making and repairing stringed instruments.
Wally enrolled in a luthier’s course in Ulster County, and has completed his first guitar and is thrilled for the next step to play it through an amplifier. His teacher, a seasoned educator, is a perfect fit, and Wally is fully immersed in his lessons, always eager for more skills.
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Abilibee is Social!
Coming Soon. Abilibee, an app developed by Abilities First, Inc. and the New York State Council on Developmental Disabilities, is designed to help individuals and families smoothly navigate transitions through NYS systems from Early Intervention to adulthood. Stay updated with the latest info and connect with Abilibee on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM & LINKEDIN.
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Honoring Sachit Baichwal: A Legacy of Love and Inspiration on the Abilities First Legacy Wall | |
Pictured: Mark Nace, Chief Program Officer, JoAnn Parker, Director of Development, Sucheta & Anand Baichwal, Baichwal friends and family and Kim Ryder, Chief Fnance Officer. | |
As the beloved son of Sucheta and Anand Baichwal, and cherished brother to Sameer, Sachit’s legacy continues to shine brightly, touching the hearts of all who knew him. A recent donation made in his memory has been added to the Abilities First Administration's Legacy Wall, a place that commemorates the lives and contributions of those who have made a difference in our community. This heartfelt tribute is more than just a name on a wall—it is a celebration of Sachit’s life, his enduring impact, and the inspiring spirit of individuals with different abilities.
To learn more about the Legacy Wall and how you can make a gift, contact JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org.
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Orange Bank and Trust Grant Boosts Our Mission to Strengthen Community Services | |
We are excited to share that the Foundation for Abilities First has received a significant grant, thanks to the support of Foundation's board member Carla Alfieri,1st VP Service Private Advisors of Orange Bank & Trust Company. This grant, made possible through a partnership between Orange Bank and Trust and the Federal Home Loan Bank, will play a crucial role in advancing our mission to enhance the programs and services we offer to the community.
We sincerely thank Orange Bank and Trust, the Federal Home Loan Bank, and our dedicated board member, Carla, for their unwavering commitment. Together, we are making meaningful strides toward fostering a more vibrant, supportive, and thriving community.
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Pictured below: Carla Alfieri 1st VP Service Private Advisors of Orange Bank &Trust Company, JoAnn Parker, Director of Development for the Foundation for Abilities First NY, Mark Nace, Abilities First Chief Program Officer, Straus Family Pavilion School Principle Michael Troeger, and Candice Varetoni, AVP Marketing Officer of Orange Bank &Trust Company. | |
Abilities First & Foundation Events | |
Teeing & Serving Up for a Great Cause | |
The Golf & Tennis Classic is just around the corner, and we invite you to join the fun and show your support! You can be a champion for us by purchasing raffle tickets, attending our cocktail reception, and exploring the fantastic items available in our silent and live auctions. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a great event! For more event information and to purchase Reception tickets, click HERE. | |
Join the Fun Walk/Run/Push Event in the Hudson Valley!
Mark your calendars for September 21st and join us for the Color Fun Walk/Run/Push in support of the Abilities First Myers Corners Preschool & UPK programs. All are welcome! For more information or to register for event, contact Kristi Plass at kristiplass@abilitiesfirstny.org or 845-298-2090.
If you can't attend in person but still want to support our efforts, you can donate or participate virtually by visiting HERE. If you are interested in volunteering at the event, please contact Teresa Walsh at teresawalsh@abilitiesfirstny.org. Every contribution counts!
Color Blast Sponsorship Stations are still available, email JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org.
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Annual Day Hab Picnic
Day Hab Participants, Friends, Family, and Staff—get ready for our cherished annual picnic! Join us on the scenic field at Firemens Way as we celebrate the Day Hab family with an afternoon of fun, food, and music. Dance to the beats of DJ Erick Santana and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by our very own Abilities First staff—grill masters extraordinaire!
Planning to attend or volunteer? Please RSVP to Billie Adsmond at 845.485.9813, ext. 6350. Don’t miss out on this wonderful event!
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GIVE A GIFT TODAY WITH PAYPAL | |
Giving an online gift to Abilities First is easy with PayPal!
- Scan the QR code.
- Sign into your PayPal account.
- Fill in the amount you’d like to give.
- SEND!
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