The Latest News From Abilities First

Abilities First Launches

Life Skills Lab

Abilities First was awarded $700,000 to launch the Life Skills Lab as part of OPWDD’s Supportive Residential Transformation Program. Abilities First is one of 17 agencies statewide to be funded. The Life Skills Lab includes three initiatives to help individuals build their skill levels for greater independence: a digital annotated cook book of healthy recipes for meal planning and preparation, a Teaching Kitchen to focus on healthy food preparation and nutrition, and enabling technology to add support and enhance communication skills.

In our first Teaching Kitchen session, Cornell Cooperative nutrition educator Megan Dhanabala, led a small group of residents who want to improve their eating habits and cooking skills. The group met at Hudson River Housing’s Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory to make a healthy dinner of black bean quesadillas, avocado and tomato salad, and apple crisp for dessert.

Through the Life Skills Lab, Abilities First will embark on a year long focus on reducing health disparities through healthy eating choices and cooking.

Inaugural Color FUN Walk/Run/Push A Colorful Success!

In a world where inclusivity and community engagement are more important than ever, our recent Color FUN Walk/Run/Push at the Myers Corners Preschool in Wappingers Falls was a resounding success!

With vibrant colors, a few raindrops, endless smiles, and boundless support, this event showcased the beauty of unity and the limitless potential within each child.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this event possible. The parents, the children, staff and volunteers, the Foundation for Abilities First and our incredible sponsors Walden Savings Bank, Mackey, Butts & Whalen LLP, the Wren Listwan Family, Essence of Life Therapy and Rhinebeck Bank.

AF Holiday Helping Hands Receives $5,000

Operation Santa Claus Grant

Dr. Jeffery Fox, President & CEO of Abilities First was on hand this month with Operation Santa Claus and Honorary Chair, Nick Spano to receive a $5,000 grant in support of our Holiday Helping Hands program.

Operation Santa Claus is a charitable bi-partisan organization made up of public officials, local merchants, civic groups, and residents that began over sixty years ago whose mission is to raise money for organizations who serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. "Operation Santa Claus is a Yonkers tradition that began more than sixty years ago" said Senator Nick Spano, Operation Santa Claus Honorary Chairman. "The money fundraised from the generosity of our residents and businesses show their vested interest in building our community and commitment to our city."

Each holiday season, Abilities First celebrates the season of giving by providing meals and holiday gifts to those in need who rely on our services: from gift cards to local supermarkets at Thanksgiving and Christmas, gifts from Santa so no child will go without, and hosting Friendsgiving shared holiday meals in our group residences. Hence, everyone has a place at the holiday table. Last year, Abilities First fed 240 families at Thanksgiving and another 250 families at Christmas, making 2022 the third year in a row of an increase greater than 5%.

To donate directly to the Holiday Helping Hands initiative, click here.

Welcome New FAFNY Board Members!

We are delighted to introduce our newest Foundation for Abilities First NY board members, who have graciously stepped up to serve as stewards of our foundation's mission.

Michelle Smith is the Founder and CEO of Source Financial Advisors and Smith Divorce Strategies based in NYC.

A divorced mother of a special needs child, Michelle has also been active assisting the AAML publish a booklet titled ‘Navigating the Divorce Process When You Have a Child with Special Needs’. She was 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.

Mr. Farina says, “I was introduced to Abilities First through a coworker of mine. Upon meeting many members of the organization, it was immediately evident how dedicated each and every person was to the goal of improving the lives of people with disabilities and supporting them and their families. Amiable and compassionate efforts like this deserve all of the help they can get. An opportunity to make a direct, positive impact in the community I grew up in is one that I am very thankful for. I am honored to join the FAFNY board of directors, and I am looking forward to working with all of you!”

“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.” - Dr. Jeffery Fox, Abilities First President & CEO

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Walden Savings Bank Continues Halloween Tradition

The spirit of Halloween is about more than just costumes and candy; it's a time for communities to come together and create memorable moments for children. Walden Savings Bank has always been a cornerstone of our Abilities First community, providing support and actively participating in local initiatives that strengthen our bonds and elevate the lives of our students and program individuals. And their sponsorship of our Halloween bags is another testament to their dedication.

The blue Halloween bags are more than just containers for treats; they symbolize an important message. Families can use blue bags to signal that their little pumpkin may require additional understanding, patience, or sensory considerations while trick-or-treating.

Students at the Executive Drive Preschool were delighted to spend some spooktacular time with Derrik Wynkoop and the Walden Savings devilish team during their Halloween party fun.

PROGRAM UPDATES

DEIA & Our Mission

In our commitment to foster a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable organization, we are happy to announce the establishment of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Committee. This important initiative is a significant step forward in aligning our values with concrete actions that will create a more welcoming and accessible environment for all.

The DEIA Committee's primary mission is to:

Promote Diversity: Actively encourage a diverse workforce and ensure that all voices are heard and valued.

Enhance Equity: Identify and eliminate systemic inequalities within our organization.

Foster Inclusion: Create an environment where all individuals feel a sense of belonging and respect.

Improve Accessibility: Make our services, programs, and facilities more accessible to individuals with disabilities.

The DEIA committee has over 15 Abilities First staff members who meet once a month and is dedicated to addressing the complex issues surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. They will work alongside our staff and leadership to implement tangible changes in our organization, ranging from policy improvements to educational initiatives.

We invite all members of our organization at dg-deicommittee@abilitiesfirstny.org to engage with the DEIA committee. Whether you have ideas, experiences, or insights to share, your involvement is essential. Together, we can drive progress and cultivate a more inclusive and equitable environment for everyone.