Holiday Magic at Abilities First:

A Season of Joy and Connection

This holiday season at Abilities First was a heartwarming celebration of joy, creativity, and community spirit.

Our halls were decked with festive flair during Door Wars, where staff and students transformed doorways into stunning holiday displays.

Residents enjoyed a cheerful Holiday Party filled with sweet treats, holiday tunes, and cozy moments. At the LaGrange School, students hopped aboard a magical Polar Express adventure, complete with interactive activities and seasonal surprises that sparked imaginations.

Adding an extra dose of festive fun, our community gathered to craft holiday cards and built creative Batman-themed gingerbread houses—a perfect mix of imagination and holiday sweetness.

The festivities continued as students and staff from the LaGrange School shared holiday cheer and joyful tunes with friends throughout the community. Themed dress-up days added a playful touch, with holiday sweaters, festive hats, and cheerful outfits bringing smiles to every corner.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our incredible staff, families, Board Members, and supporters who made these joyful moments possible. Here’s to a bright and beautiful new year filled with continued growth, connection, and celebration!

The Spirit of Giving Shines Bright: Celebrating the Success of the Holiday Helping Hands Initiative!

This holiday season, Abilities First's magic of Santa was alive and well! Students, program participants, and staff across Abilities First welcomed Santa with open arms, warm smiles, and hearts brimming with joy.

The Holiday Helping Hands Initiative was a tremendous success, ensuring that every participant experienced the warmth and magic of the season. Thoughtful gifts, joyful surprises, and heartfelt moments made this year’s program memorable.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our amazing partners and supporters who made this possible: Operation Santa Claus, JOH Kids 360, Stewart's Shops, Prenting Family Fund, NFP, Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region, Hudson Gateway Realtor Foundation, Inc. and Cuddy & Feder, LLP.

Your kindness and generosity not only brightened the holidays but also made a lasting impact on the lives of everyone this season. Each gift, smile, and moment of joy was a testament to the power of community and compassion.

Honoring Lorraine Heneka: A Legacy of Strength, Compassion, and Dedication

As we honor the passing of beloved board member Lorraine Heneka, fellow Abilities First board member Jeanine Agnolet reflects on her unwavering courage, steadfast guidance, and the profound impact she had on Abilities First during its most challenging moments.

When I became Chairman of the Board in 2013, our former Executive Director, John Thoman, called to tell me that he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and had two months to live. I will never forget that devastating moment. It catapulted the organization into an emotional frenzy, meaning that my volunteer position would immediately transform into a full-time job. The board would need to be unified, make important decisions, and act swiftly. Lorraine asked if she and I could attend John's funeral together, which we did. It would be challenging for her since she had just been newly diagnosed with breast cancer herself. Lorraine was truly courageous.

Through this tumultuous time at Abilities First, Lorraine was always there for me--steady and unwavering. My decision to launch a national search to fill John's position was not a popular one, and during this process, I leaned on Lorraine at times when I felt that I could no longer stand alone. I asked her to join our selection committee to interview potential candidates, such as Jeffery Fox. The outcome was quite positive as we now know.

Through that difficult process, where I was largely fueled by emotion, Lorraine provided a calm and matter-of-fact approach. With challenging financial times and the threat of our schools closing, I threw my hands up in despair and felt like giving up on more than a few occasions. At times, I left board meetings in tears...but Lorraine told me to keep going---so I did.

Thank God for Lorraine. She knew all too well how to keep going.

Keep going, Lorraine. Keep going...

--Jeanine Agnolet

Pictured above: Abilities First Board Member Jeanine Agnolet, FAFNY Board Member Peter Seator and Lorraine Heneka.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Spreading Holiday Cheer with Our Community Heroes

This holiday season, joy and kindness filled the halls of the Straus Family Pavilion School as our community heroes from the New Windsor Police Department delivered smiles, laughter, and heartfelt holiday cheer. With gifts generously donated by the First Responders Children's Foundation and delivered by CSX, students experienced the magic of the season in a truly special way.

A very big thank you goes out to the New Windsor Police Department, First Responders Children's Foundation, and CSX for making this holiday season brighter for our students. Your generosity and dedication to spreading cheer remind us all of the true spirit of giving.

Empowering Leaders: Celebrating FLS Cohort 10 Graduation and NADSP Training Success!

Congratulations to Jessica Tryon, Shavonna Holman, Rebecca Powers, and Shanalee Henry Gordon on their graduation from Frontline Supervisor (FLS) Cohort 10 this month!

Abilities First is proud to be part of a collaborative effort offering the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Frontline Supervisor Training Curriculum. In partnership with ARC of the Greater Hudson Valley, Cardinal Hayes, Devereux, and New Horizons, this initiative provides Frontline Supervisors (FLS) the opportunity to connect, train, and grow alongside other professionals. Together, they develop essential tools and skills to excel in their vital roles.

Frontline Supervisors play a key role in managing direct services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their leadership is instrumental in advancing Abilities First’s vision—to elevate the caregiver role into a recognized profession through continuous growth and support.

This training not only strengthens their expertise but also empowers them to lead with confidence and compassion. We’re excited to see the positive impact this program will continue to have on our team and the individuals we serve! Congratulations again to our FLS graduates—you make us proud!

Abilities First & Foundation Events

Support the Foundation's End-of-Year Appeal Campaign

DONATE TODAY

During this season of giving, we extend our heartfelt thanks to those who have already contributed and warmly invite others to join us in shaping an even brighter 2025.

Your gift creates ripples of positive change, touching lives in ways that extend far beyond what we can see. Together, we ensure that every individual, regardless of ability, has the chance to shine and share their unique gifts with the world.

This year, your support has helped us achieve so much: enhancing our playground, introducing new learning and recreational resources, celebrating special holidays, improving caregiver spaces, updating essential furniture, and offering enriching experiences beyond our walls. Each accomplishment is a testament to the power of your generosity.

You have until December 31st to make your gift count for this year’s campaign. Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue creating opportunities, building connections, and empowering those we serve.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for being a vital part of our journey forward.