Abilities First

Abilities First The mission of Abilities First is Turning Abilities Into Opportunities.

Abilities First is an organization that promotes inclusive opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. We believe that everyone has abilities and by ensuring that people have the opportunity to use their abilities, we make our community better for all of us. Abilities First uses public and private funds to support the choices of individuals with developmental disabilities in Greene County to live, work, play, be active, and productive in meaningful ways in our community.

At our May Abilities First Board Meeting, we welcomed empower: abilities to share more about their Independence Kitchen,...
05/28/2026

At our May Abilities First Board Meeting, we welcomed empower: abilities to share more about their Independence Kitchen, a program which will focus on teaching cooking skills, building confidence and creating more independence.

The Abilities First board approved the requested funding to support this project, and we’re looking forward to sharing more as it moves forward!🍽️

Thank you to the empower: abilities team for joining us, and for the work you’re doing to help people of all abilities build skills that carry into everyday life💙💚

Betty Ethridge and Sarah Silkey presenting information and fielding questions and recently spent time in Buffalo with Ch...
05/27/2026

Betty Ethridge and Sarah Silkey presenting information and fielding questions and recently spent time in Buffalo with Children’s Division sharing information about the System Point of Entry Region 8 for the First Steps program alongside DD Health Home Director Kim Marple.

SPOE 8 helps connect families with early intervention services and supports for children from birth to age 3 who may have developmental delays or disabilities.

Thank you to Children’s Division for creating space for this important conversation and for the work you do to help families get connected to resources early. Early support can make a lifelong difference for children and the people who love them.

05/26/2026

More than 1,100 bags packed and a morning spent shoulder to shoulder with women who care deeply about this community. 💗

Last week’s Heart of SGF Women’s Network brought us together at Convoy of Hope for a service project followed by strong conversation around mentorship, leadership and what happens when women make room for each other.

Grateful for the chance to serve, listen and share space with so many women pouring back into our community 💕

Thanks for inviting us, Melanie Stinnett!

Today we pause to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.Their courage, sac...
05/25/2026

Today we pause to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their courage, sacrifice and devotion will not be forgotten.

Abilities First is closed today in observance of Memorial Day and will resume normal operations Tuesday, May 26.

05/21/2026

More than 1,100 bags of lasagna and shell pasta were packed this morning at Convoy of Hope during the Heart of SGF Women’s Network gathering. 💕

After serving together, we heard from a panel of women leading in different spaces across our community: Melanie Stinnett, Stephanie O’Connor with City Utilities, Laine Scholz with Garbo’s Pizzeria and Angie Mullings with Integrity Group C21.

The conversation centered on mentorship, leadership and what changes when women choose to encourage, challenge and support each other in the workplace.

Abilities First was glad to be part of a morning that brought together service, connection and meaningful conversation with women who continue to pour into Springfield and the people who call it home. 💗

This morning’s Heart of SGF Women’s Network packed over 1,100 bags of lasagna and shell pasta at the Convoy of Hope💕The ...
05/21/2026

This morning’s Heart of SGF Women’s Network packed over 1,100 bags of lasagna and shell pasta at the Convoy of Hope💕

The volunteer effort was followed up with a panel discussion regarding the power of mentorship, allowing us to hear from Melanie Stinnett, Stephanie O’Connor of City Utilities, Laine Scholz of Garbo's Pizzeria and Angie Mullings of Integrity Group C21.

These ladies shared important insights and messages centered on what can happen when women show up for each other in the workplace.

Abilities First is grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside others to support a positive mission and share space in a room filled with women investing in our community. It was a beautiful morning of connection, service and strong conversations.💗

05/20/2026

Alaina Bledsoe is one of those students you feel lucky to have on your team🥰

Through Missouri State University’s Leaders in Community Service program, Alaina has spent the last three years gaining career-relevant experience while serving with Abilities First.

She was recently nominated for Student Employee of the Year through LCS, a program housed under Missouri State’s Office of Student Engagement that connects students with nonprofit organizations throughout the community.

We’re grateful for the time, care and energy Alaina has shared with our team and the people we serve and we’re cheering her on as she prepares to graduate in December 2026!

TWO MORE DAYS!!Friday night, Art Academy students are taking over AcompañARTE.For the last six weeks, they have been cre...
05/20/2026

TWO MORE DAYS!!

Friday night, Art Academy students are taking over AcompañARTE.

For the last six weeks, they have been creating original pieces, building a body of work and learning what it takes to prepare their art for the public.

Now, they’re ready to share it.

Stop by the Art to Market Showcase & Sale from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to meet the artists, view their work and purchase pieces directly from them.

Sales are cash only, so plan ahead.

Art to Market Showcase & Sale
Friday, May 22
5:30 to 7 p.m.
Acompanarte
1530 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO 65804 🎨

Abilities First & Missouri State University continue to celebrate students! Alaina Bledsoe was one of the nominations fo...
05/20/2026

Abilities First & Missouri State University continue to celebrate students!

Alaina Bledsoe was one of the nominations for student employee of the year with Leaders in Community Service.

Leaders in Community Service (LCS), operates under the Office of Student Engagement. LCS allows students to gain career-relevant experience while working with non-profit organizations.

We are so happy to have worked with Elena three years in a row & are happy to celebrate her graduation this coming December 2026.

Congratulations Alaina!

05/19/2026

Love shows up in service💙💚

In the way people care for one another.
In the way staff keeps showing up, even on the hard days.
In the way a community chooses support, truth, kindness, choice and belonging above all else.

That is the story we are telling today, and every day💙💚

And it is a good one!

Address

3216 S. National Avenue
Springfield, MO
65807

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+14178860404

Website

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