IN THIS ISSUE: Abilities First Turns 60!  Abilities First Golf & Tennis Classic: Thank You! Community Connections: Abilities First Community Connections: In Flight Community Spotlight EVENTS: In Flight's Cornhole for a Cause EVENTS: Abilities First 60th Anniversary Community Partners Celebration Volunteer with Us! We're Hiring! Call for Story Submissions Follow Us on Social Media Join our 60th Anniversary Giving Society! Support FAFNY August Holidays

Abilities First Turns 60! This year, Abilities First is celebrating 60 years in service to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families across the Hudson Valley. Yesterday’s Vision  In 1962, a handful of visionary parents started the “Little Red Schoolhouse” to help their children with disabilities reach their full potential. As the children grew, Abilities First (then known as Rehabilitation Programs), grew as well. Now, Abilities First serves more than 1,400 individuals and families across seven Hudson Valley counties and 25 school districts.  Today’s Commitment  Throughout the year, we look forward to recognizing the many contributions of our volunteer leadership, dedicated staff members, community partners, donors, and unsung heroes who remind us daily of the meaning of dignity, generosity, and kindness.   Tomorrow’s Impact  Please join us in celebration as we kick off a year of joy and gratitude at our 60th Anniversary Community Partners Celebration on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, honoring our community partners past and present who share our commitment for greater community impact.

THANK YOU FOR A SUCCESSFUL EVENT! The 2022 Abilities First Golf & Tennis Classic, presented by DVM Industries, was a smashing success, raising more than $75,000 for the mission of Abilities First!  Luck was on our side that afternoon, as stormy skies cleared up just as golf and tennis players prepared for the day. The day was full of great fun, great sport, and great opportunities for local business and community leaders to network and connect over the value of our mission.  This incredibly successful event would not have been possible without the support of our volunteers, vendors, and generous sponsors. All proceeds from the event will benefit the services and programs of Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First NY. 

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!

GOLF WINNERS: 1st Place Men's Team Dan Stafford, Mike Rostanzo, Anthony Tucci & Terry McGuire 2nd Place Men’s Team Patrick Mullen, Jim Dittbrener, Peter Glass & Mark Gualandi 1st Place Women's Team Lynn Melby, Cheryl Ogles, Tara Lee & Bonnie Turturro  1st Place Mixed Team Sarah Levine, Robert Levine, Josh Mackey & Chip Simon 2nd Place Mixed Team Amy Bombardieri, Alex Rabar, Todd Tresser & Pat Kennedy Women’s Longest Drive Amy Bombardieri Men’s Longest Drive Cameron Leonard Women’s Closest to the Pin Sarah Levine Men’s Closest to the Pin Brian Foster TENNIS WINNERS: 7.0 Women’s Tennis Lori Kaplan & Susan Denicholas 6.0 Women’s Tennis Kelley Briggs & Maggie Pedziwiatr 3.5 Men’s Tennis Steven Howell & Tim Tamsen Mixed Tennis Doubles Kimberly Hunt Lee & Mark Cukaj Abilities First Spirit Award Carolyn Frankel, Sarah Frankel, Diane Paladino & Liz Graham 2022 Abilities First Tennis Classic Champion Team Kimberly Hunt Lee & Mark Cukaj

-- COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS --

Abilities First Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First NY (FAFNY) are proud to partner with regional resources to support our families and programs, and we are most appreciative for their support in return. Marist Students “Pay to Play” for Abilities First UPK Students   Students from Marist College, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program participated this spring in an education observation program at the Abilities First UPK school in Hyde Park. The Marist students made meaningful connections with the UPK staff and students. Under the leadership of student Sean Harkin they returned back to campus and created a campus fundraiser to benefit the school and children. Sean Harkin, pictured here with a fellow Marist student and UPK preschoolers, was excited to present a check for the funds raised.

In Flight DSP Uses Newly Acquired CPR Skills to Save Stranger’s Life While out on a Community Habilitation outing, an In Flight, Inc. staff member, Keith, and the person he supports, ended their day at Barnes & Noble in Poughkeepsie. While in the bathroom, they found a man on the floor not breathing. While a Barnes & Noble employee was calling 911, Keith made sure the person he supports was safe and proceeded to jump in and start CPR on the distressed man. Keith took turns with a nurse, who also came to the rescue, and together they performed CPR until paramedics arrived. When help finally arrived, the man was still alive and breathing due to the dedication of our well-trained DSP and some other good humans! In Flight, Inc.’s Red Hook ISAIL program went to Dutchess County’s ThinkDIFFERENTLY Field Day. It named its team the Zombies and had a blast at all the events. The attendees met service dogs, horses, and even Rascal – the Hudson Valley Renegades Mascot! In Flight, Inc.’s Riozzi Residential Program went to the 27th Annual Soap Box Derby in Kingston. The program members loved seeing them race and even got to meet the Kingston Fire Department!

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Thanks to the Prenting Family Recreation Fund, Millbrook residents were able to enjoy a warm and sunny day on the Hudson River. We want to share our sincere appreciation to our former Foundation for Abilities First NY (FAFNY) Board Member Ted Prenting for his continued support in creating the Prenting Family Recreation Fund, established in 2017. If you would like to support or create funding for educational or community programs, contact the Foundation by emailing joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org or DONATE HERE.

-- UPCOMING EVENTS --

Are you the Boss of the Toss? Join us on Saturday, August 27 at Dutchman's Landing in Catskill, N.Y. for In Flight, Inc.’s Cornhole for a Cause! The first tournament begins at 11 a.m.!  The day features three tournaments: Competitive (Pro) | $50 per team Social (Recreational) | $50 per team Mixer (Partner with one of the folks of In Flight, Inc.) | $15 per person This event is open to the community and spectators enjoy FREE ADMISSION! Spectators can also enjoy a small food truck, vendors, raffles, an Airmail contest, and more.

Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are still available!  To learn more, visit our website, or contact Jill Rodriquez by emailing jrodriquez@inflightinc.org or calling 518-267–3070 ext. 143. Want to help? We are looking for volunteers!  To learn how you can get involved, contact Lily Schaub by emailing lschaub@inflightinc.org or calling 518-267-3070 ext. 147.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Presenting Sponsor

Social Sponsors

Abilities First 60th Anniversary Community Partners Celebration Tuesday, November 29, 2022 | 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. The Grandview, Poughkeepsie NY Join us as we kick off a year of joy and gratitude to our community partners who have made and continue to make this mission possible. For sponsorship information and tickets, please contact JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org.

Support the Abilities First mission through volunteerism!

We appreciate your time and welcome your talents to help us enrich the nearly 1,500 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities we serve at Abilities First, either for a one-time or ongoing opportunity. Volunteer opportunities include: Participating in activities within our many programs or Abilities First schools Assisting the Advancement Department with marketing and publicity, serving on event fundraising committees, or helping cultivate donors and sponsors Providing general office support in any of our various administrative environments   For more information, email JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org.

JOIN OUR TEAM! We’re hiring to fill a variety of positions, including Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Teacher Aides, Teaching Assistants & MORE!  Find out how YOU can begin a NEW career at Abilities First by simply texting the word “APPLY” to 855-912-1334, or visiting our CAREERS PAGE for more info.

CALL FOR STORY SUBMISSIONS! Do you have any great stories about Abilities First or Rehab Programs? We are looking for stories over the past 60 years from Rehab Programs to Abilities First, which we will be featuring in our monthly newsletters and on social media. Please let us know if you are willing to share your family’s or community’s experience by emailing Teresa Walsh at teresawalsh@abilitiesfirstny.org.

FOLLOW US! For the latest in pictures, agency information, and happenings, follow Abilities First on social media! ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Join our 60th Anniversary Giving Society!

Support the Foundation for Abilities First NY To make an online gift to the mission of Abilities First, go to https://www.abilitiesfirstny.org/make-an-impact/donate/. For additional information about gifts, sponsorships, events, volunteering, or hosting a fundraiser, contact Teresa Walsh at teresawalsh@abilitiesfirstny.org or 845-485-9803 ext. 1223.

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