Abilities First & In Flight, Inc. Launch Partnership
Back To School
Shout-Outs
Commercial Spaces In New Windsor, NY
Focusing On The Mission Of Abilities First
Thank You To Our DSPs!
What's Happening at Abilities First
Mark It In Your Calendar: NYDA & HVSP Virtual Workforce Crisis Rally
SAVE THE DATE: Golf & Tennis Classic 2022
Community Connections
Follow Us On Social Media
We're Hiring!
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Abilities First & In Flight, Inc. Launch Partnership |
Abilities First, Inc. and In Flight, Inc.—both nonprofit entities that provide services and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities—recently launched a new parent corporation called Abilities Partnership of the Hudson Valley, Inc. (APHV).
APHV was incorporated on August 11, 2021 as a nonprofit entity “to serve as a governing body for one or more affiliates that provide services and support to people with intellectual and developmental challenges.”
“This partnership is made possible by the acute vision of my friend and counterpart, Matt Bateman, who is at the height of an inspiring career in nonprofit leadership,” said Jeffery Fox, president and CEO of Abilities First. “Affiliation and consolidation will enhance the strength and positioning of two already exceptional organizations and solidify our common missions for the future and for the benefit of those we support.”
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Abilities First Schools reopened for the 2021-2022 school year in September! Both students and staff were eager to get into the classrooms and begin the school year. As part of this year’s kickoff, each school has the opportunity to host an online fundraising campaign promoted by families, friends, and the community to raise funds for their school site. Information will be sent directly to families, but if you need additional information, you can visit the links below for your school site or contact JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org.
FUNDRAISING LINKS TO EACH SCHOOL SITE:
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We’d like to extend our great appreciation to TEG Federal Credit Union for its annual support of Abilities First through its Candy for a Cause campaign. Each August, TEG purchases candy that is made available for customers to purchase in all branches. Proceeds from the August campaign directed $600 to Abilities First. TEG is a great community partner and we thank the TEG Federal Credit Union for keeping the AF mission in its community outreach.
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Commercial Spaces in New Windsor, NY |
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FOCUSING ON THE MISSION OF ABILITIES FIRST |
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On a beautiful September evening, the Board of Directors of Abilities First (AFI) and the Foundation for Abilities First NY (FAFNY) joined the AF leadership staff, sponsors, donors, and community partners at the Milea Estate Vineyards in Staatsburg in celebration of fellowship, to strengthen relationships, and to foster understanding of the mission of Abilities First.
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Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are a dedicated and committed group of individuals who care for and support the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We applaud their commitment to those entrusted to their care and to furthering the mission of Abilities First.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!
DSP Appreciation Week was September 12 - September 18, and Abilities First held nominations to recognize the DSPs in our organization who deliver exceptional service and care. The grand prize winner was Amanda Adney from Overocker Day Hab and she won $500.
The runner-up nominees—Megan McFarland from the Rhinebeck IRA, Mone Hatchett from Myers Corners Preschool, Adrienne Sturdivant-Miller from New Windsor School SFP, and Priscilla Taylor from Community Habilitation—received a $100 prize.
Thank you ALL for your exceptional care and service!
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What's Happening at Abilities First? |
There have been a lot of activities recently in the AF programs! Here are some of the recent happenings at Abilities First. |
This summer, our Abilities First friends were able to make a special trip to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. |
Last month, we had a Slumber Party Day where everyone wore loungewear and pajamas to Day Hab, enjoyed Chinese food for lunch, and had a great time! |
We celebrated Direct Support Professional Appreciation Week in September by treating our DSPs to ice cream at some of our Orange County locations. |
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MARK IT ON YOUR CALENDAR! |
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On behalf of New York Disability Advocates (NYDA), you are invited to attend the Hudson Valley Regions Virtual Workforce Crisis Rally on October 19 at 11 a.m., to address the critical Direct Support Professional (DSP) staffing shortage which is impairing the quality of care for New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
New York State has failed to invest in sustaining essential workers and services for the I/DD community. Without adequate funding, I/DD providers are unable to offer competitive wages to recruit or retain the skilled support staff that provide critical life altering care for more than 140,000 New Yorkers with I/DD.
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Abilities First is pleased to share regional resources to provide families with information that may be of interest. For families with youth interested in pursuing higher education, there are often financial resources within the community. We are pleased to introduce the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan. The organization manages a multitude of educational scholarship opportunities.
For further information about these resources, visit the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan’s website at www.cfosny.org.
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For the latest in pictures, agency information, and happenings, follow us on social media! |
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Support the Foundation for Abilities First NY |
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