IN THIS ISSUE:

A Year of Giving: Celebrating Achievements and Looking Ahead - A Letter from our CEO

A December to Remember: Your Impact in Action!

Community Spotlight - Thank You! To Our Holiday Season Community Partners

Program Updates - Celebrating Excellence: Double the Inspiration as Two of Our Staff Receive Prestigious Awards

Congrats to Our 8th Cohort Class of NADSP Frontline Supervisor Training

Holiday Ornaments Made with ❤️

DEIA Message

AF & FAFNY Events

Support FAFNY

Give a Gift Today with PayPal

Letter from CEO A Year of Giving: Celebrating Achievements &

Looking Ahead

Dear Friends,

Happy Holidays! As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, it's time to reflect on the incredible journey of giving, compassion, and impact that defined the past twelve months. At Abilities First, 2023 has been a testament to the power of collective goodwill and the unwavering spirit of generosity and hard work.

This year, we achieved significant milestones, thanks to the committed support of our staff, community, and dedicated volunteers here in the Hudson Valley. From successful fundraising events like the Golf & Tennis Classic Event and the inaugural thinkPICKLEBALL Classic, to impactful community projects like the Life Skills Lab to help individuals work towards living independence. Each accomplishment is a testament to the commitment of everyone involved in our mission. Together, we've made a lasting difference in the lives of the 1,100 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities we serve.

The dawn of a new year brings with it a renewed sense of hope and opportunity. In the coming months, we look forward to expanding our impact, reaching new milestones, and creating even more positive change. Stay tuned for exciting updates on upcoming projects, events, and initiatives shaping the path ahead.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season and a New Year filled with hope, happiness, and fulfillment.

With heartfelt thanks,

Dr. Jeffery Fox

President & CEO of Abilities First

CLICK HERE to see more of our Impact in 2023.

A December to Remember: Your Impact in Action!

As we close the chapter on another year filled with compassion and goodwill, our hearts overflow with gratitude to our community partners for the extraordinary support you've showered upon our Holiday Helping Hand initiative. Your benevolence has made a difference and illuminated the lives of those in need during this festive season. From heartwarming Santa visits to joyous holiday celebrations, thoughtful gifts, and essential meal support—every magical moment has been made possible through generous donations to the Foundation for Abilities First and the Holiday Helping Hands initiative. This year alone, your kindness has touched every corner of our community.

A heartfelt thank you extends to many individual donors and corporate partners whose generosity has transformed this season into a true spectacle of magic and joy! We are especially indebted to the support of Cuddy & Feder LLP, Dean P. Gleeson Family Fund, Hudson Gateway Realtor Foundation, Inc., JOH Kids 360, NFP, Operation Santa Claus headed by Senator Nick Spano, Price Chopper's Market Golub Foundation, Stewart’s Foundation of Stewart's Shops, Toys for Tots and the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region.

Your unwavering commitment and generosity have not only brightened this season but have sown seeds of hope and joy that will endure throughout the coming year. We stand in awe of your compassion and are profoundly grateful for your positive impact on our community.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Thank You! To Our Holiday Season Community Partners

We give our deepest thanks to all those who thought of Abilities First and shared the spirit of giving this season. Your generosity has touched our hearts and made a meaningful difference. Pictured here is the Fishkill branch of the Mid-Hudson Valley Credit Union with Dr. Jeffery Fox, the New Windsor branch of Walden Savings Bank with JoAnn Parker and the HGAR Hudson Gateway Associatio n of Realtors Denisse DeLeon Freytes, Maryann Tercasio and Carole McCann with JoAnn Parker and Erica Mills of Abilities First.

Your support not only meets immediate needs but also builds bridges of hope for a brighter future. By standing with us during the holiday season, you've become a beacon of light for those navigating challenging circumstances. Your kindness is a reminder that, even in difficult times, there is a community that cares. Your partnership is not just about financial support; it's about building stronger, more resilient communities.

Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most, fostering a sense of belonging and unity during the holiday season and beyond.

Pictured below, individuals from Abilities First recently enjoyed a delightful complimentary Peace, Love & Lights holiday reception and drive-thru experience at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

Program Updates

Celebrating Excellence: Double the Inspiration as Two of Our Staff Receive Prestigious Awards

The Abilities First CEO & President, Dr. Jeffery Fox, and the Board of Directors are pleased to announce the Abilities First Inspiration Awards. Once per quarter, staff members can nominate a staff member from our Education Services and one from Adult Services whose outstanding achievements, positive impact, and dedication inspire the community we support.

Our first two distinguished winners presented at our December's Abilities First Board of Directors meeting were Raina Levy & Nancy Besio! Raina is a residential coordinator, and Nancy is a Firemen's Way teacher. Nominated by their peers, Raina and Nancy are the driving forces behind some of the most inspiring initiatives that have touched the hearts of many. Their dedication, passion, and creativity have elevated our team and ignited a spark of motivation across the organization.

Congratulations, Raina & Nancy--your hard work, innovation, and commitment to excellence genuinely make you shining stars here at Abilities First!

Congrats to Our Recent NADSP Frontline

Supervisor Training Graduates

It is with great joy that we announce the graduation of our FLS Frontline Supervisor participants and Abilities First staff members Breanna Tessman and Patricia Tryon! This remarkable achievement represents not just the culmination of an educational journey but also a significant step toward enhancing the leadership capabilities of our dedicated frontline staff.

Abilities First is proud to participate during these trainings twice a year with fellow organizations ARC Greater Hudson Valley NY, New Horizons, Cardinal Hayes, and Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health. Each Frontline Supervisor class represents the diversity that makes our organization strong. Hailing from different departments and backgrounds, these individuals bring a wealth of perspectives and experiences to the program, enriching the learning environment for everyone involved. Brian Gelb, an Abilities First Trainer states, "These trainings are great opportunities to learn not just from the curriculum but for our FLS to interact with other agencies to see their not alone. Some great ideas come out of these groups."

With the knowledge and skills gained during this program, our Frontline Supervisors are better equipped than ever to lead their teams with confidence and compassion. We are excited to witness the positive impact they will undoubtedly have on our organization's success and the well-being of their teams. Congratulations Breanna & Patricia!

Holiday Ornaments Made with ❤️

The Christmas tree at the Freedom Neighborhood Center is filled with love and personalized homemade ornaments created by the site's Coordinator, Jessica Tryon. Thank you Jessica; the handmade ornaments you crafted have infused the holiday spirit into our space, creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.

Special Message from Andrea Massi, DEIA Committee Member

The DEIA committee is a group of Abilities First employees from various backgrounds and departments who share a common goal in creating a more inclusive culture. We are a committed group of individuals who meet monthly to discuss various topics on race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability and socioeconomic status.

Our organization values diversity and our vision is living in a world where all people are valued and recognized for their Abilities First. As a committee we want to extend valuing and recognizing all people for their abilities first to other populations and groups that have experienced systemic bias and oppression. We actively work on DEIA initiatives.

We invite you to join us if you are just as passionate as we are about these issues and want to take on an active role in shaping our policies and practices. We welcome everyone’s ideas, suggestions and experiences related to DEIA. If you encounter or witness any issues related to discrimination or inequity within our organization, we want to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to report them as we take all reports seriously and work together to address them properly. Please visit the DEIA SharePoint page for more information and how to contact members of the committee!

Abilities First & Foundation Events

DONATE TODAY

Registration is OPEN for the thinkPICKLEBALL Classic, proudly sponsored by thinkWEALTH LLC!

Prepare to smash and make a difference on February 10th at Sportsplex NW. This year, we're not just playing for points but to fund recreational and community social activities for over 1,100 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For more information or to register, please CLICK HERE.

Sponsorship Opportunities are available! Please contact JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org to learn more.