Abilities First, Inc.

10/19/2026

Our Abilities First residential friends and staff spent this past Saturday night enjoying an exciting evening of live wrestling!

💙 A special thank you to the Foundation for Abilities First NY for helping make outings like these possible through its Recreation Fund.

Thanks to the generous support of Recreation Fund contributors, including the Troccia Family and Peter Kennedy, the fund helps create opportunities for the individuals we serve to enjoy new experiences, explore their interests, and make lasting memories.

✨ Want to help make more moments like these possible?

Support the Foundation's Recreation Fund and help bring more fun, friendship, and adventure to the individuals we serve!

💙 Give today: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/recfund

10/15/2026

As fall begins and New York State prepares for another budget year, Abilities First remains focused on what matters most: ensuring children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) have access to the quality programs, services, and supports they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Alongside disability service providers across New York State, we are advocating for three important investments:

🍂 A 3.4% Targeted Inflationary Increase to help providers keep pace with rising operational costs.

🍂 A CareForce Wage Investment to support the dedicated professionals who make our mission possible every day.

🍂 Restoration of the Healthcare Enhancement Program to help address increasing healthcare costs and support workforce retention.

At Abilities First, we see firsthand the difference that dedicated staff, quality programs, and consistent services make in the lives of the individuals and families we serve throughout the Hudson Valley.

Investing in the I/DD system means investing in people, opportunities, and stronger communities.

10/14/2026

Our 2026 Golf & Tennis Classic photo album is here! From the golf course to the tennis courts and all the wonderful moments in between, we're excited to share the highlights from an incredible day at The Powelton Club!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to our generous sponsors, golfers, tennis players, volunteers, and supporters who helped make this year's Classic such a success. Your generosity and commitment help Abilities First continue creating meaningful opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Check out the full photo album here: https://ow.ly/UYq050ZXJGq

Thank you for being part of another memorable year. We can't wait to see you back on the course and courts in 2027!

10/14/2026

10/13/2026

🍂 A Season of Giving. A Legacy of Possibility.

Meet Staci, our 2026 Abilities First Person of the Year!

Staci's story is a beautiful reminder of what generosity can make possible. Through the support of our community, the Foundation for Abilities First NY helps create meaningful opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to learn, grow, and thrive.

Her Story Inspires. Your Legacy Empowers.

This fall, take a moment to think about the legacy you want to leave. Through our partnership with FreeWill, you can create your will for FREE in just 20 minutes—and consider including a gift to the Foundation that will help create opportunities for generations to come.

🍂 A little planning today can make a lasting difference tomorrow- create your free will today: https://partner.freewill.com/fafny?utm_source=partner...

10/13/2026

Our beautiful ladies from Abilities First's Orange County Education Centers are proudly wearing pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Day! 💗

Today, we're showing our support for those currently facing breast cancer, celebrating the strength of survivors, and remembering those we've lost. More than just wearing a color, today is a reminder of the importance of awareness, early detection, and supporting one another through every step of the journey.

Together, we wear pink. Together, we make a difference.

10/12/2026

Please join us in congratulating John Farina, a dedicated member of the Foundation for Abilities First NY Board of Directors, on receiving Central Hudson’s Community Service Award!

This special recognition celebrates John's commitment to volunteerism and giving back to our community. As part of the award, Central Hudson is donating $2,500 to Abilities First in John's honor!

John, thank you for always showing up with a smile, lending a helping hand, and sharing your time, energy, and unwavering support of the Foundation and its mission. Your dedication makes a difference, and we are so fortunate to have you on our team!

Thank you, Central Hudson, for recognizing the importance of community service and supporting the organizations your employees care about.

Congratulations, John!

10/11/2026

💙 Celebrating Our Latest Inspiration Award Winners! 💚

We’re excited to recognize three more incredible members of the Abilities First team with our Abilities First Board of Directors Inspiration Awards!

- Bea Fornells
- Amber Dunlavey
- Dawn Morano

Our Inspiration Awards recognize employees who go above and beyond—bringing dedication, compassion, and heart to their work and making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we support and across our Abilities First community.

Bea, Amber, and Dawn, thank you for inspiring those around you in so many ways and for putting our mission into action every day. This recognition is so well deserved!

Please join us in congratulating our latest Inspiration Award winners! 🎉

10/09/2026

Join Hudson Valley Service Providers for the 2026 NDEAM Recognition Summit, themed “Celebrating Value & Talent,” as we commemorate 36 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act and recognize employers who are making a difference by creating more inclusive workplaces and opportunities for people of all abilities!

Congratulations to our 2026 Employer Honorees!

~Micro Job Site: Playtime Day Care

~Small Job Site: Marshalls, Kingston

~Large Job Site: Tops Friendly Markets, LaGrange

~Mega Job Site: Good Samaritan Hospital

~Employer of the Year: Calvin Klein

Join us for breakfast, networking, inspiring speakers, and success stories as we recognize the power of inclusive employment!

Reserve your seat today! Scan the QR code, or visit or email [email protected].

10/09/2026

Nothing says fall quite like pumpkins, apples and a little autumn adventure!

The gentlemen from our Abilities First Cottage residence headed out to enjoy some seasonal fun, picking pumpkins and apples and soaking up the beautiful fall weather!

Outings like these are about so much more than the destination—they're opportunities to enjoy favorite traditions, spend time with friends and make wonderful memories together.

Here's to crisp autumn days, good company and plenty of pumpkins! 🎃🍎