Abilities First extends its most heartfelt sympathy to the students, families, staff, and community of Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. |
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This year marks the 60th Anniversary of Abilities First, and we're recognizing this milestone with the AF CHALLENGE COIN!
Keep reading for more information.
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NYS Commissioner Of OPWDD Visits Abilities First
AF Challenge Coin Commemorates 60th Anniversary
AF Receives Dutchess Community College Award
Community Connections
Abilities First Offering Summer Programs
Congratulations, Ronald Adriello!
Thank You, Michael Garofalo!
Residential Services: Looking For A New Residence?
2022 Golf & Tennis Classic
Cornhole For A Cause
Follow Us On Social Media
Commercial Vacancies Available
Call For Story Submissions
We're Hiring!
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Commissioner of NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Visits Abilities First |
Abilities First was pleased to welcome New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Commissioner Kerri Neifeld to an Abilities First Day Hab Program and Senior Neighborhood Centers in Dutchess County in early May. Neifeld spent time with administration, staff, and those attending the program, learning about their activities and the innovative programming Abilities First provides to attendees.
The OPWDD is responsible for coordinating services for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, Prader-Willi syndrome, and other neurological impairments. It provides services directly and through a network of approximately 500 nonprofit service providing agencies. An est. 80 percent of services are provided by the private nonprofits and 20 percent are provided by state-run services.
Abilities First was most appreciative for the Commissioner's time in visiting its sites, learning about its operations, and hearing from its leadership.
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AF Challenge Coin Commemorates 60th Anniversary |
To commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the founding of its mission, Abilities First Inc. and the Foundation for Abilities First NY (FAFNY) are proudly to release a commemorative Abilities First challenge coin.
The newly minted Abilities First challenge coin will be presented in recognition to those with exceptional commitment and investment in furthering the mission of Abilities First through the Giving Society. We value the support of people who are passionate advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and we thank them for all they do. We also challenge them to be mission advocates of others.
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ABILITIES FIRST Receives
Dutchess Community College Foundation Award
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On March 26, Dutchess Community College Foundation held its Bridge to the Future Gala, where Abilities First was presented with the Bridge to the Future Award. Other recipients included Dutchess County Government, The Arc of Dutchess, Maplebrook School, and Taconic Resources for Independence for their collective efforts in launching the THINK AHEAD program.
This successful program provides staff support to meet the students’ needs, as they spend time in classroom instruction, work internships, and engage in social activities with college peers, student interns, class instructors, and DCC’s Office of Accommodative Services.
Chief Program Officer Mark Nace accepted the award on behalf of Abilities First NY, along with commendations from regional elected officials.
As this newsletter goes to release, students are preparing for this year’s graduation.
CONGRATULATIONS!
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Abilities First is pleased to partner with regional resources to support our families and programs. |
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Abilities First was awarded a $45,000 grant through the Dutchess County's Agency Partner Grant (APG) program to complete its Myers Corners Preschool playground.
The funding is awarded to organizations on a competitive basis to fulfill an unmet community need. The wood chip playground surface will be replaced with a safe poured-in-place rubber surface. Abilities First will complete the project with ride-on toys and playground toys accessible to non-ambulatory children.
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The Medline Foundation recently presented a gift of $5,000 in support of the mission of Abilities First.
Medline has its newest operation located in Montgomery, N.Y. Chris Morrow and Thomas Fallon made the presentation to Chief Advancement Officer Melissa McCoy and Director of Philanthropy JoAnn Parker.
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An anonymous community foundation made a gift of $15,000 toward the expansion project earmarked for 2023 at the New Windsor SFP school and the Firemens Way School. |
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With the $25,000 grant secured by Assemblymember Didi Barrett, Abilities First was able to install Smart Boards in five integrated classrooms at Hyde Park Universal Pre-Kindergarten (Hyde UPK). The Smart Boards are used extensively in the classrooms to help children—with and without disabilities—develop pre-math and early literacy skills, in addition to the music and movement activities that promote gross motor learning. The multi-sensory experience promotes a calming environment to give students a "brain break" to help them transition from one learning activity to another. |
Bob’s Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation, Bob’s Cares, donated patio furniture, allowing participants in the Day Hab Program to move their program outside. Both the Firemens Way and Patrick Lane Neighborhood Centers will be enjoying the beautiful spring weather! |
Abilities First was awarded $1,750 from Stewart’s Shops as part of its Holiday Match. Each year, Stewart’s Shops collects donations from customers and match those donations dollar for dollar, giving over $1 million to local nonprofit community organizations. |
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Abilities First Offering Summer Programs |
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To learn more or register, contact:
Jennifer Miller
845-452-0774
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To learn more or register, contact:
Andrea Massi
845-698-1072
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CONGRATULATIONS, RONALD ADRIELLO! |
Abilities First is incredibly proud of Ronald Adriello, an Abilities First dedicated bus driver who won the Dutchess County School Bus Driver of the Year award.
Thank you to the Dutchess County Traffic Safety Board and the Operation Safe Stop Project (supported by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee) and AF supporter County Executive Marcus Molinaro for recognizing Ronald’s commitment to the safety of students and safe driving practices.
Congratulations, Ronald, this award was well deserved!
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THANK YOU,
MICHAEL GAROFALO!
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Abilities First would like to thank Michael Garofalo, Marketing Manager at PKF O’Connor Davies, for his volunteerism and support to the mission of Abilities First, Inc. (AFI) and the Foundation for Abilities First NY (FAFNY). Michael shared WHY he commits his time and support to AFI & FAFNY.
“Abilities First does great work under often tough conditions. Its team held everything together during COVID-19 in an admirable way as each employee tried to navigate the challenges of masking and distancing in a learning environment that depends on communicating and socializing. I learned about the organization from Chief Advancement Officer Melissa McCoy, who has been an active networker in Dutchess County for several years. She is a great advocate for the services AF provides and I am happy to support the organization. You will not find me swinging a golf club at its annual Abilities First Golf & Tennis Classic event, but you may find me out there as a hole-in-one witness!”
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Looking for a New Residence? |
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Look no further! The Mews at Hopewell Junction is a great opportunity for affordable, income-based housing. Live as independently as possible with these beautiful and affordable 2-bedroom apartments. |
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Tennis Sponsorships Still Available!
We are most appreciative to DVM Industries for its leadership and support as the Title Sponsor of this year's Abilities First Golf & Tennis Classic.
In addition, we are most grateful to all of our other sponsors who have already made this a sold-out golf event. For more information on the other ways to participate and support this fundraiser, contact Teresa Walsh at teresawalsh@abilitiesfirstny.org.
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Commercial Vacancies Available in New Windsor, N.Y. |
Abilities First has two spaces available for rent at its 59 New Windsor Highway location in New Windsor, N.Y.
For more information and/or to get a glimpse of the space,
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WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR ABILITIES FIRST STORIES!
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For the latest in pictures, agency information, and happenings, follow us on social media! |
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JOIN OUR TEAM!
We’re hiring to fill a variety of positions, including Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Teacher Aides, and Nurses!
Find out how YOU can begin a NEW career at Abilities First by simply texting the word “APPLY” to
855-912-1334!
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Support the Foundation for Abilities First NY |
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