Abilities First, Inc.

We’re thrilled to announce the 2025 Abilities First Recognition Reception, which will be held on June 5 at Curry Estate in Hopewell Junction! 🌟Business Partner of the Year: Mr. Kim Constable - TRIO Community Meals - Elior North America 🌟Volunteer of the Year: Steven E Howell, CPA – RBT CPAs 🌟AF Participant of the Year: Joseph “ Wally” Domoulin 🌟Friend of Abilities First (In Memoriam): Lorraine Heneka Join us as we celebrate the champions of change who illuminate our community through their extraordinary commitment to inclusion, compassion, and meaningful impact. For tickets, sponsorships, or congratulatory messages, contact: joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org #AbilitiesFirst #RecognitionReception2025 #CommunityChampions #InclusionMatters

Big smiles and even bigger gratitude at Myers Corners Education Center with Stewarts Shops! We were proud to host a check presentation with Principal Marissa St. John, Director of Development JoAnn Parker, Development Coordinator Billie Jo Buttner, Stewarts Shops Red Oak Mills Store Manager Danelle with her coworker Sara and some little friends from class—celebrating a gift that truly makes a difference. These funds help strengthen our educational programs and support our Holiday Helping Hands Outreach, bringing extra joy and opportunity to our school community. Grateful for partnerships that keep the spirit of giving going strong all year long! #HolidayMatch #StewartsShops #CommunityGiving #HelpingHands #MyersCorners #EducationSupport #GratitudeInAction

Please join us in celebrating Iris Robles, Teaching Assistant at the Middletown Education Center. She was proudly nominated by her peers and honored with the Inspiration Award by the Abilities First Board of Directors for her exceptional commitment to our mission and services. With over two decades of service, Iris has touched the lives of countless students and families. Her dedication to children with disabilities, unwavering support for her team, and generous spirit shine through every day. Whether she’s lending her language skills to bridge gaps for families or quietly going the extra mile to lift up those around her, Iris leads by example and reminds us of all what true commitment looks like. Pictured with Iris are Middletown Education Center Principal Robert Wood (right) and Abilities First President & CEO Jeffery Fox (left). Thank you, Iris, for making Abilities First stronger, kinder, and more connected. 💙 #AbilitiesFirst #StaffSpotlight #InspirationInAction #MiddletownEducationCenter #ThankYouIris #CommitmentAndCompassion #InclusionMatters

Residential friends and team came ready to represent—rocking their blue and proudly showing their support for autism awareness! From staff to residents, the love, inclusion, and community spirit were on full display. At Abilities First, we believe in celebrating neurodiversity, embracing differences, and empowering every individual to shine. To support our mission of inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity, donate today: https://ow.ly/UtO250VtuMg Your gift helps fund vital programs and services for people with autism and developmental disabilities—giving them the tools, support, and confidence to thrive in school, work, and life. Together, we can build a more inclusive tomorrow. Every donation makes a difference. #AutismAwareness #LightItUpBlue #AbilitiesFirst #InclusionMatters #ResidentialStrong #CelebrateDifferences #SupportAbilitiesFirst #DonateForChange #NeurodiversityMatters

Our fantastic Education Learning Experience staff in New Windsor are proudly wearing their support for Autism Awareness, helping shine a light on inclusion, acceptance, and understanding. At Abilities First, we believe in celebrating every individual’s unique strengths—and that starts with awareness. Your support helps us continue creating opportunities for people with autism and developmental disabilities to thrive. 💙 To support our mission of inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity, donate today: https://ow.ly/RGA650VtukJ Together, we can build a more inclusive tomorrow. Every donation makes a difference. 💙 #AutismAwareness #LightItUpBlue #AbilitiesFirst #InclusionMatters #SupportAutism #ELEStrong #CelebrateAbilities #DonateForInclusion

Spotted at WOW: A Sea of Blue for Autism Awareness! 💙 Today, our amazing staff and friends at WOW proudly wore blue to show their support for Autism Awareness Day — standing together to celebrate neurodiversity, inclusion, and understanding. Every smile, every shirt, every shared moment helps raise awareness and reminds us that inclusion begins with awareness — and awareness begins with us. Thank you to everyone who joined in and helped shine a light on the power of acceptance! #AutismAwareness #LightItUpBlue #AbilitiesFirst #WOWCenter #InclusionMatters #CelebrateDifferences #Neurodiversity #ProudToSupport

💙 Today is World Autism Awareness Day 💙 At Abilities First, we believe that diversity is our strength. On this important day, we celebrate the uniqueness, talents, and voices of those with autism. Let’s continue to embrace differences, spread understanding, and build a world where everyone feels seen, supported, and included. Together, we move forward with compassion and purpose. #WorldAutismAwarenessDay #AbilitiesFirst #Neurodiversity #InclusionMatters #LightItUpBlue #EmbraceDifferences #CelebrateAbilities

🎤✨ The Stage is Set... Are You Ready? Join us for the Abilities in Motion Talent Show — a celebration of creativity, confidence, and the incredible talents of the people supported by Abilities First! Save the Date and RSVP today at: https://ow.ly/tckh50VsgR0. Enjoy an unforgettable event filled with music, dance, laughter, and inspiration as our performers light up the stage and show what it truly means to shine! Want to support the event? We’re now accepting sponsorships and virtual journal ads — reach out to teresawalsh@abilitiesfirstny.org to get involved. Interested in joining the cast? Talk to your Abilities First coordinator or contact cbogdanowicz@abilitiesfirstny.org for more info on how to participate! Let’s come together to celebrate inclusion, talent, and the power of possibility. You won’t want to miss it! #AbilitiesInMotion #AbilitiesFirst #TalentShow2025 #InclusionMatters #CelebrateAbilities #HudsonValleyEvents

A heartfelt congratulations to Michael Oates, honored as a recipient of the Caritas Award at last night’s 2025 Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster, NY Awards Dinner. JoAnn Parker, Director of Development for the Foundation of Abilities First NY, joined in the celebration, recognizing Mike’s unwavering commitment to the community he proudly lives and works in. In addition to his professional and philanthropic efforts, Mike also serves on the Board of Directors for Abilities First, where his leadership and compassion continue to make a meaningful difference. The evening was not only a celebration of service—it also raised vital funds that will stay within our local communities to support neighbors in need with food, housing, and other life essentials. Congratulations again, Mike, and thank you for all you do! #CommunityChampion #CaritasAward #MakingADifference #AbilitiesFirst #2025AwardsDinner #GivingBack

A big shoutout to Jessica (left) and Trish (right) from Day Hab Orock #4 with the Director of Day Hab, Brenda Douglas (center), for being recognized by our Quality Assurance team with the Golden Duck Award! This fun award celebrates their outstanding work in the quality of services and documentation, and they were treated to a well-deserved lunch, too! We are so proud of the amazing work our teams are doing every day, and excited to keep highlighting staff achievements like this. #TeamExcellence #GoldenDuckAward #StaffSpotlight #QualityMatters #DayHabHeroes