We hope each Abilities First Newsletter provides you with more insight to the mission of Abilities First and all those involved in our Abilities First community. |
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Executive Drive Preschool
YOU Helped Give Jaime A Future
Michael Pine Secures $10,000 MassMutual Foundation Grant
Thank You's
NEW Abilities First Ambassador
Lots of Love to Go Around
What Is The Foundation for Abilities First NY (FAFNY)?
2021 AF Golf & Tennis Classic
Parent Resources
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Cutest Little Students Bring Life To New Preschool |
The newest Abilities First Preschool opened its doors this month at Executive Drive in New Windsor, N.Y. The school will support the needs of children 3-5 years old.
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YOU Helped Give Jaime A Future |
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After many years of advocating and searching for a school to support the intensive needs of her son, Jaime, Gabby was feeling desperate and thought she had exhausted all available opportunities in the region. At one clinical pre-admission evaluation of Jaime, she had been told there was likely no school or program in New York State which would be able to support Jaime’s needs, nor one that would likely accept him into its program. And then Gabby was referred to the Abilities First School in LaGrange.
"As a parent, I couldn’t be more grateful that a school like this exists for children and families who need them, when I felt no hope existed,” Gabby said.
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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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THANK YOU! William Van Ornum, Jr. |
You contributed greatly to leading your peers and representing the mission of Abilities First as its Ambassador. |
Over one million people in the U.S. are living with cerebral palsy, and no two people have CP the same way. Still, those with CP are like anyone else, but with a few more challenges than most others. |
It’s our responsibility to raise awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in our day-to-day life and to highlight the barriers and challenges people with developmental disabilities sometimes face. |
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Michael Pine Secures $10,000 MassMutual Foundation Grant |
Michael Pine, a director for the Foundation for Abilities First NY and Managing Partner & Co-Founder at thinkWealth, LLC, first learned about the expansive mission of Abilities First when he attended an Abilities First Golf Classic several years ago. He was truly inspired upon hearing about the many ways Abilities First supports adults and children across the Hudson Valley.
It reminded him of the Foundation for the Handicapped in New Jersey, to which his parents Leonard and Sandra have committed a lifetime. (Read more on the Pine Family in the APRIL AF Newsletter.)
For Michael, the Abilities First mission is personal. Michael knows firsthand the challenges that those with disabilities face. Several of his family members are disabled, and his nephew passed away from complications related to his special needs.
Truly inspired by his parents' commitment to others, Michael became more involved with Abilities First and, in 2019, joined the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Abilities First NY. His commitment and outreach to ensuring the future of the mission has been extraordinary, and in 2020 resulted in a $10,000 unrestricted grant to Abilities First from the MassMutual Foundation in recognition of Michael’s volunteerism and the work of the mission.
“The Boards of Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First NY are very grateful for Michael's leadership and commitment to ensuring the future of the mission,” said Melissa McCoy, Chief Advancement Officer for Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First NY.
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NEW Abilities First Ambassador |
The Abilities First Ambassador of the Year Award is presented annually to recognize an individual from a program for their enthusiasm and accomplishments in continuing to reach their greatest potential. In December 2020, Abilities First welcomed Sharon Gyurits as its new Ambassador.
Sharon has been part of the Abilities First family for many years. She is a friend to many and extends her cheery personality to her friends in her Day Hab program, where she always has a smile on her face and enjoys helping her friends and letting them know they can rely on her. Sharon says that "She works hard to make good choices, eat well, and continue to grow in her independence."
As the Abilities First Ambassador, Sharon will help advocate for her peers and serve as a role model. Sharon expressed her excitement in “doing what she can to help her friends, and to make things better for others.” Sharon, congratulations on being selected the new Abilities First Ambassador!
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Lots Of Love To Go Around |
Caring about others is a family affair for the Mackeys. The four Mackey children - Dash, Brooks, Violet, and Sofia - recently hand-made personal valentines for the residents at Abilities First, making them feel very special. Danielle and Foundation for Abilities First NY Board President Joshua Mackey, their parents, were incredibly proud.
Thank you to the whole Mackey family!
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What is the Foundation for Abilities First NY (FAFNY)? |
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Founded in 2018, the mission of the Foundation for Abilities First NY (FAFNY) was established to garner the financial resources necessary to meet the programmatic interests and to assure the sustainability of the mission of Abilities First, Inc.
FAFNY will establish a stable commitment of philanthropic support to assure the programs, services, and quality of life opportunities remain strong and available, as well as ensure the organization’s fiscal resiliency during unexpected changes. FAFNY is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization from Abilities First, Inc.
Gifts can be made at all levels of contribution, and through planned giving, bequests, stock, and real estate. To make an online gift to the mission of Abilities First go to www.abilitiesfirstny.org/donate. For additional information on sponsorships, events, volunteering, hosting a fundraiser, or making a gift, contact Melissa McCoy, melissamccoy@abilitiesfirstny.org at 845.485.9803 ext. 1223.
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Joshua Mackey, President | Theodore Prenting, Vice President | DeForest Howland, Treasurer | Amy L. Bombardieri | Craig Irwin | Renee Giordano MacDonald | Anthony Morando, Esq. | Michael Pine | Pete Setaro
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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 26th. |
Take a look at some of the fun memories from our 2020 Golf Classic! |
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This little spot is here to give us tips about online learning! |
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eNinja: Read aloud about the expectations of virtual learning |
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Coping with separation anxiety and loneliness |
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Here and Now: A story about mindfulness |
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Charlotte the Scientist Finds a Cure |
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Support the Foundation for Abilities First NY |
The mission of the Foundation for Abilities First NY is to serve as the philanthropic arm of AFI by garnering the relationships and financial resources necessary to perpetuate the goals of the mission of Abilities First, Inc. |
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