IN THIS ISSUE:

Summer School Bids Farewell with a Sizzle


Spotlight on Wally: A Creative Journey from Crafting to Music Mastery at Abilities First


Abilibee is Social!



Foundation Connections:


Honoring Sachit Baichwal: A Legacy of Love and Inspiration on the Abilities First Legacy Wall


Orange Bank and Trust Grant Boosts Our Mission to Strengthen Community Services


Abilities First & Foundation Events:


Abilities First Golf & Tennis Classic


Abilities First Color FUN Walk/Run/Push Event


2024 Annual Day Hab Picnic



Summer School Bids Farewell

with a Sizzle & Treats

Abilities First Preschools say goodbye to Summer with a sun-soaked BBQ bash! The summer session ended on a high note with bubbles, hot dogs, and plenty of fun. Celebrating our progress is essential, but so is enjoying a little fun along the way. Executive team members Jeff Fox, President & CEO, and Mark Nace, Chief Program Officer, joined in the festivities, mastering the grill and serving up delicious treats.


We extend our heartfelt thanks for gifts to the Foundation for Abilities First, and our community partners, Stewart's Shop and Hannaford Supermarket for making special celebrations like these a reality! These celebrations wouldn’t be possible without your commitment to our community, and we are truly grateful for your ongoing dedication.

Spotlight on Wally: A Creative Journey from Crafting to

Music Mastery at Abilities First

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.

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.


FOUNDATION CONNECTIONS

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.

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.

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.

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!

To make an online gift to the mission of Abilities First, visit https://www.abilitiesfirstny.org/donate.



For information about gifts, sponsorships, events, volunteering, or hosting a fundraiser, contact JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org.

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