WE'RE HIRING!
For personal insight into what it’s like to work at Abilities First...
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A Family's Time & Support Express Appreciation
Abilities First & In Flight, Inc. Launch Partnership Corporation
Shout-Outs
FAFNY & Entergy: Working To Provide Emergency Assistance
Golf & Tennis Classic
44 Years Of Shaping Lives At Abilities First
Community Member Entrusted With Board Leadership
Abilities First Welcomes Its First Director Of Grants
We're Hiring!
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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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A Family's Time & Support Express Appreciation |
On July 26 at the 2021 Abilities First Golf & Tennis Classic’s tennis luncheon, Mr. Dimitri Dolgov shared his, his wife Anna-Marie, and their son Michael’s journey with Abilities First. They were joined by a full room of family and friends, who were there to support them and what Abilities First has provided their son.
“Our son, Michael, has been supported by the Abilities First community for over 20 years. He started in the early intervention program with therapies in our home. He then progressed to the preschool program and eventually the school-age program, where he was a student until he turned 21. He is currently a participant in adult day services and programs," Mr. Dolgov told the guests. "The Abilities First family allowed our son to meet new children, develop friendships, and progress through the school system with other children who are still his friends today, just like students in other school systems.”
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MISSION OF ABILITIES FIRST, INC. |
Abilities First & In Flight, Inc. Launch Partnership Corporation |
Abilities First, Inc. and In Flight, Inc., both nonprofit entities that provide services and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, recently announced the establishment of a new parent corporation called Abilities Partnership of the Hudson Valley, Inc. (APHV).
APHV was incorporated as a nonprofit entity on August 11, 2021 “to serve as a governing body for one or more affiliates that provide services and support to people with intellectual and developmental challenges.”
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FAFNY & Entergy: Working To Provide Emergency Assistance |
When times are challenging, the Foundation for Abilities First NY (FAFNY) is here to help. Recently, an individual within an AF program was in a difficult position, one without financial resources to secure their next housing. FAFNY was able to approve and provide funding to this individual so they could secure an apartment for their family. The individual and their family have moved into their new home and are now taking steps to repay FAFNY for the support. THANK YOU FAFNY for all that you do to assist those in the community!
As challenging emergencies continue, such as those above, FAFNY submitted for, and was awarded a $25,000 grant by Entergy to support ongoing emergency situations. FAFNY and AFI are most grateful to Entergy in seeing the need and responding with such generous support.
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Paul Conrad, a Long-Time Friend of Abilities First |
The Foundation for Abilities First NY (FAFNY) and Abilities First, Inc. (AF) are most appreciative for the long-term friendship and support from Paul Conrad, of Real Property Abstract & Title Services, LLC, in Poughkeepsie. Paul has a great interest in advancing the needs of individuals supported by the mission of Abilities First, and regularly attends events and maintains contact with the agency. Most recently, Paul’s gift established the naming of the printing room at the administrative offices in Myers Corners for Real Property Abstract. Thank you, Paul, for your personal interest in doing good for others! |
NYS Senator Martucci Visits Executive Drive Preschool |
This month, Abilities First welcomed New York State Senator Mike Martucci to the Executive Drive Preschool in New Windsor. Senator Martucci, the ranking member of committees on Disabilities & Commerce, Economic Development, and Small Business, is a friend and supporter of Abilities First. He is also an advocate for individuals with disabilities. During his recent visit, he emphasized his pursuit of keeping the needs of children and adults in the forefront of state conversations.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT, SENATOR MARTUCCI.
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Commercial Vacancies Available in New Windsor |
Abilities First has two spaces available for rent at its 59 New Windsor Highway location in New Windsor. View our video to get a glimpse of the space.
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Thank you to all who supported the 2021 Abilities First Golf & Tennis Classic on July 26. The sold-out event and the beautiful weather made for a fabulous and successful event. Over 160 individuals attended the day at the Powelton Club in Newburgh!
For the inaugural tennis component, guests enjoyed a USTA-supported tournament complete with refreshments, great giveaways, and the addition of a new progressive trophy to which we can add the winners’ names each year. Golfers were treated to a buffet breakfast, fun and delicious course specialties, lunch on the turn, and a lavish cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception and awards ceremony.
The sponsors, vendors, in-kind donors, volunteers, and attendees were extremely supportive of the event, which netted $59,000 for the mission of Abilities First!
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44 YEARS OF SHAPING LIVES AT ABILITIES FIRST |
Gloria O’Leary was a teacher in the Abilities First school programs for 44 years. Although she’s retired, her impact is long-lasting and is seen by many, including her students, their parents and families, and of course, by Abilities First.
Her classroom was structured and organized, allowing both the opportunity for self-discipline and the freedom for students to explore their innate interests and desires. She engaged the students to help create their classroom rules and boundaries so they could work as a team. She helped students grow and learn by redirecting behaviors when needed, which allowed the individual to gain skills and make good choices.
She saw each of her students for who he or she was as a whole person, never by his or her disability. She saw the potential each and every student had, and encouraged each one to reach it and show the world all he or she could be.
“[I hope that] today’s teachers and future teachers truly see the child they teach, understand all are different and wonderful, and take the interest to teach them to be kind to themselves and others. Every moment is a learning opportunity.”
- Gloria O’Leary
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COMMUNITY MEMBER ENTRUSTED WITH BOARD LEADERSHIP |
Michael Oates joined the Abilities First, Inc. Board of Directors in 2017 and has since provided guidance and support to Abilities First. He was presented the 2019 Abilities First Innovation Award for his long-term advocacy for equal access to employment for all, and he has worked with our organization to connect businesses with AF’s Employment Services Program.
Being a member of the Board of Directors for a nonprofit organization has the distinct responsibility of representing the interests of a community and ensuring an organization's operation and mission remain vital and endure into the future. Michael Oates certainly embodies all the qualities of a strong board member, and Abilities First is most grateful for his commitment and support to its mission. We all look forward to his continued leadership.
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ABILITIES FIRST WELCOMES ITS FIRST DIRECTOR OF GRANTS |
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Abilities First is pleased to welcome Marcy Handler to Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First NY as the new director of grants, a position recently created to support Abilities First’s essential strategic needs.
“I couldn’t ask for a more inspiring place to be than with Abilities First, and I’m excited to add another dimension to an already dynamic advancement team,” Marcy said. “It’s wonderful to jump in on day one to support great projects focused on expanding school capacity, building playgrounds, and enhancing the quality of life for an underserved population.”
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Support the Foundation for Abilities First NY |
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