Abilities First

09/02/2026

Join the Abilities First DD Health Home team on Friday, September 25 from 11 a.m. to noon for a virtual educational session with physical therapy consultant Dr. Alexis Wolfe, DPT!

Dr. Wolfe will discuss the relationship between exercise and neuroplasticity, including how physical movement can help the brain learn, grow and regulate.

The session is FREE and open to anyone interested in learning more.

Can’t join live? Register anyway and email [email protected] to request a recording after the session.

Register here:
bf56acca-c6ee-451e-af89-81ebe4979297@7e5eaf72-8aa5-4632-8a5b-708da2d9887c" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/bf56acca-c6ee-451e-af89-81ebe4979297@7e5eaf72-8aa5-4632-8a5b-708da2d9887c

09/01/2026

Craig recently welcomed Missouri State Representative Betsy Fogle for a conversation about his experiences, the support he receives and the importance of making sure people know what resources are available in their communities.

Craig shared both challenges and successes along the way while advocating for himself and others. His perspective helped show how access to disability services and support coordination can make a difference in helping people pursue the life they choose.

Thank you to Representative Fogle for taking the time to listen, learn and better understand the experiences of people receiving services in our community, and to The Arc of the Ozarks for joining the conversation.

08/31/2026

Last week, Logan had the opportunity to welcome Representative Bill Owen to his workplace and show him what a typical day on the job looks like.

During the visit, Logan shared the skills he uses at work and how the support he receives through disability services helps him build independence and continue succeeding in his role.

Visits like this give legislators the chance to see firsthand how services and supports connect people with opportunities in their communities.

Thank you to Representative Owen for taking the time to visit, listen and learn from Logan’s experience, and to The Arc of the Ozarks for joining us!

08/28/2026

Save the date! We’re opening our doors and inviting the community to spend some time with us at Abilities First.

Join us Thursday, October 1 at 9 a.m. for our Open House. Come by, meet our team and learn more about Abilities First, our programs and the work happening throughout Greene County.

3216 S. National Ave., Springfield

Check out our Facebook event for more information and let us know if you’re coming!

08/28/2026

Art Academy gives people a place to create, connect and spend time doing something they enjoy.

For Aaron Lewis, art has become an important part of his life. He especially enjoys acrylic painting and uses it as a way to focus, express himself and show his personality.

Outside of Art Academy, Aaron has worked at Hy-Vee for the past five years, lives independently with a roommate and participates in Special Olympics softball and track. He also enjoys dogs, socializing and helping others.

Through Art Academy, Aaron continues to build confidence while creating work that reflects who he is.

08/28/2026

08/27/2026

Please join us in welcoming Jayla Penick to the Abilities First team!

Jayla is one of the new Service Coordinators in our First Steps program. She brings seven years of experience working with babies through kindergarten-age children in preschool and school settings, along with a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health from Evangel University.

Jayla is looking forward to working alongside families, helping them navigate services and connecting them with resources and support.

Outside of work, Jayla enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids, reading, being out in nature, singing and serving others through volunteering.

We’re excited to have Jayla on the Abilities First team! We're so excited to grow together.

08/27/2026

Sarah Tilley, COO of Abilities First, will be a panelist for Springfield in Focus: Access in Motion this coming Monday, August 31.

The conversation will dial in on disability, transportation and independence in our community, with Sarah joining Matt Crawford, Director of Transit for City Utilities, along with local self-advocates.

State Representative Melanie Stinnett will moderate the discussion.

Mark your calendar:
Monday, August 31
5:30–6:30 p.m.
1839 E. Independence St., Suite K, Springfield

We hope to see you there!

08/26/2026

Save the date! 🗣️🗣️🗣️

The Season of Giving Bash is back this December.🎸🎤⚡️

Join us Saturday, December 19 at the White River Conference Center for an evening of live music by Members Only, great company and giving back.

Presented by Abilities First, the Season of Giving Bash is one of our favorite ways to close out the year together while supporting the work happening right here in our community.

More details are coming soon, but for now, mark your calendar for December 19!

Saturday, December 19, 2026
5:30–8 p.m.
White River Conference Center