DURING APRIL’S AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH, SUPPORT ABILITIES FIRST:
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Collaboration Strengthens Futures
Inspiring Growth in Challenging Times
Thank You's
A Lifetime Commitment to Those with Disabilities
Shout-Out
Mission of Abilities First
Support & Commitment: A 36 Year Journey
Save The Date
Pledge To Power
We Want to Hear from You
Now Hiring
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Sample!
2020 Golf Sponsor
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Collaboration Strengthens Futures |
Ashley and Dana with their midterm projects [L: Ashley, R: Dana] |
Ashley A. and Dana A. both attend Think Ahead, a college program for young adults with disabilities at Dutchess Community College. The program’s purpose is to help students develop job and life skills while enjoying a college experience. They both love the program, and recently completed midterm projects exploring their heritages.
“They both did a wonderful job and put a lot of hard work and thought into their projects,” said Robin Brownell, Community Pre-Vocational Program Coordinator at Abilities First.
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Inspiring Growth in Challenging Times |
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Sean Fox has had a long journey through his autism diagnosis that led him right to Abilities First. He has especially thrived during the pandemic; in fact, a time that has been challenging for so many has actually brought out some of the best in Sean.
“Sean has made such wonderful progress since starting at Abilities First,” said Lucy Fox, his grandmother and guardian, as well as a retired teacher and school administrator. “He has thrived in an environment that supports the whole person.”
It has brought out a different child in Sean, one who is more talkative, more confident, more independent, and able to adapt to his environment and understand what we are asking or telling him,” she added.
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THANK YOU TO OUR MISSION SPONSOR |
For more information on SEEING YOUR BUSINESS LISTED HERE as a sponsor, contact Melissa McCoy by emailing
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April is Autism Awareness Month. You can start your own fundraiser for Autism Awareness Month in support of Abilities First here.
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AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT
Sharon Gyurits
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Have a question for Sharon? Send an email with the subject Ambassador Question
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A Lifetime Commitment to Those with Disabilities |
[Dr. & Mrs. Leonard Pine] |
The Pine Family has been dedicated to serving those with disabilities for over 50 years. They founded the Foundation for the Handicapped, the mission of which was to provide long-term, meaningful employment services for adults with developmental disabilities.
Since its inception, Sondra and Leonard Pine have nurtured the Foundation, supported the individuals who depended on it, and appreciated the customers who chose the Foundation for the Handicapped for the assembly of their products. The workshop was more than an employment opportunity. It became a place for individuals to grow skills, foster friendships, and find an extended family. “The kids," as Sondra fondly referred to the individuals who attended, “were like family." There were some individuals who even attended the workshop for over 30 years.
The doors to the Foundation may be closed now, but their legacy and goodwill to those with disabilities continues with Abilities First.
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Mission of Abilities First |
WHAT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES DOES ABILITIES FIRST HAVE AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN AGES 5 – 21? |
WHAT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES DOES ABILITIES FIRST HAVE AVAILABLE FOR ADULTS? |
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SHOUT-OUT
Congratulations Ryan Lugo!
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Ryan Lugo recently earned the rank of EAGLE SCOUT within the Boy Scouts of America. Ryan’s father, Ray, has been a long-time friend and advocate for those with disabilities, and even received the Abilities First Innovation Award in 2017.
To learn more about Ryan,
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Support & Commitment: A 36 Year Journey |
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The Prenting family has had a lasting and invaluable impact on Abilities First. Their story with Abilities First began when Theodore (Ted) Prenting and his late wife Bernardine were searching for a program for their son, Peter. Since then, the Prenting Family has supported and served Abilities First for over 36 years. Bernardine Prenting and Mary Nell Prenting-Palumbo, who also passed away, have served on the Board of Directors for Abilities First Inc. in the past. Ted Prenting continues their commitment to the mission of Abilities First by serving as Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Abilities First NY.
[Theodore Prenting]
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Join us in fundraising for Abilities First on
MAY 19, 2021
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We are looking ahead to a great day of golf and tennis at one of the country’s oldest private clubs and to reconnecting with community and business leaders while making a lasting impact to the Abilities First mission. From the moment you arrive, golfers, tennis players, and sponsors will experience an outing that is clearly a one-of-a-kind experience. Enjoy an array of course specialties including food and beverage samplings, cigars, silent auction and more. |
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NEW THIS YEAR: Our Classic is getting even more exciting with the addition of tennis! |
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NOTE: Non-sponsorship foursomes and individual golfer spots will open on June 26. |
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Please join our Power Campaign by signing the Pledge to Power! The Pledge is a commitment that you can make as an individual, an organization, or a business. When you sign the Pledge, you agree to keep in mind the interests and needs of people with disabilities.
You also agree to support to do your part of help people with disabilities attain independence, self-determination, integration and acceptance by others. Please join us in celebrating our vision that all people are recognized and valued
for their Abilities First.
If you would like to go beyond the Pledge, we can provide a presentation, training or other kinds of guidance on how to implement inclusion and accessibility in the workplace, place of business, or other part of your community. Contact the Advancement Department at 845-485-9803 or info@abilitiesfirstny.org.
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We are currently seeking new employees to fill a variety of positions. To learn more and apply now, please visit our career page:
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Support the Foundation for Abilities First NY |
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