AbilityFirst

AbilityFirst Providing programs and resources for children and adults with disabilities, since 1926. Lawrence L.

AbilityFirst was established in 1926 and known as the Crippled Children's Society of Southern California (CCS) for many decades. Frank and Paul Dietrich, both Rotarians, were two of the original founders of the organization and they continued their loyal support throughout their lives. Operating in the greater Los Angeles area, AbilityFirst has 25 facilities which supports individuals with physica

l and developmental disabilities through after school enrichment programs, job training, community employment, accessible camping, and affordable and accessible housing. AbilityFirst is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and the American Camping Association (ACA). Some facilities are licensed by the California Department of Social Services and the Department of Developmental Services.

We are proud to recognize our 2026 Food & Wine Festival honorees for their dedicated support of the AbilityFirst mission...
04/23/2026

We are proud to recognize our 2026 Food & Wine Festival honorees for their dedicated support of the AbilityFirst mission. Each of this year’s recipients has played a vital role in empowering individuals with disabilities and fostering a more inclusive community. 🥂
Swipe through to learn more about the leaders and partners helping us build a world where everyone can thrive. We look forward to celebrating their impact with you this June! 🤝

04/22/2026

Food. Wine. 100 years.
Join the team behind it.
Help bring an unforgettable evening of food, wine, and community to life.
Bonus: Volunteers for during the event receive free food and nonalcoholic beverages!
Click the link to register! https://forms.gle/o9fFd9DqqxyGjpfcA

Want Krispy Kreme Donuts and to support the AbilityFirst Long Beach Center? With our digital fundraiser, now you can! 🍩✨...
04/20/2026

Want Krispy Kreme Donuts and to support the AbilityFirst Long Beach Center? With our digital fundraiser, now you can! 🍩✨

We're partnering with Krispy Kreme Donuts to raise funds. Here is how it works:

1️⃣ Place an order for a gift card by May 1st!
2️⃣ Receive your Krispy Kreme Donuts gift card by email.
3️⃣ AbilityFirst receives 50% of the proceeds.

Order here! 🔗 https://www.groupraise.com/oc/75785?utm_campaign=ocmp_copy_url&utm_medium=social&utm_source=offers_promo

Long Beach, who’s hungry? 🥞☕️ This Friday, April 17th, your breakfast or lunch can make a difference!We’re teaming up wi...
04/16/2026

Long Beach, who’s hungry? 🥞☕️ This Friday, April 17th, your breakfast or lunch can make a difference!

We’re teaming up with Loaded Cafe for a delicious fundraiser. Whether you’re grabbing a morning coffee or a midday meal, 20% of your purchase will go directly toward supporting the AbilityFirst Long Beach Center.

✨ When: Friday, April 17th | 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

📍 Where: Loaded Cafe, 1101 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach

Please have this flyer present and make sure to RSVP so we know you’re coming! See you there! 🍽️💙

04/11/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to Esther Lim and Through Peace for hosting our All Our Differences workshop series 💙

Throughout the sessions, participants explored respect, embraced differences, and built confidence for school, work, and life. It was inspiring to see everyone engage, support one another, and grow as a group.

Thank you for creating such a meaningful experience ✨

In April, Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc. is hosting a special promotion to support AbilityFirst. When you dine at Lawry’s The...
04/09/2026

In April, Lawry’s Restaurants, Inc. is hosting a special promotion to support AbilityFirst. When you dine at Lawry’s The Prime Rib, Tam O’Shanter, or Five Crowns, you can donate $20 to AbilityFirst—and Lawry’s will match your gift.

As AbilityFirst celebrates 100 years of impact, we honor a meaningful legacy. In 1926, Lawrence L. Frank helped establish what is now AbilityFirst. Today, that partnership continues to transform lives and strengthen our communities.

04/04/2026

Early bird pricing for our Food & Wine Festival celebrating AbilityFirst's Centennial is ending today! Don’t miss your chance to secure tickets at the best price before they’re gone.

Join us on Sunday, June 7 for an unforgettable celebration of 100 years of impact. Enjoy tastings from dozens of restaurants, fine wines, craft cocktails and spirits, exciting auctions, and inspiring stories that highlight the life-changing work of AbilityFirst.

Help expand opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their personal best!

Tickets: abilityfirst.org/festival

03/27/2026

Making memories at the farm! 🐥 Our participants from the East LA Center headed to Montebello Barnyard Zoo for a day of discovery and fun. Swipe to see some of our favorite moments! 📸

03/27/2026

Join a passionate community of food and wine enthusiasts to celebrate 100 years of AbilityFirst impact at our 2026 Food & Wine Festival Sunday, June 7, 2026. Your support changes lives and expands opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. You will shape the future of AbilityFirst and the next 100 years of greater inclusion, belonging, and impact.

Click here for tickets and sponsporship: https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-0018000000YOJhaAAH/events/vevt:0eb94d74-92ec-4604-83b8-84fcbfe52bf7/home/story

03/19/2026

Independence starts with a goal. 🚀

Our PossAbility program is designed for adults who are ready to take the next step in their journey—whether that’s entering the workforce or becoming a local leader through volunteering.

Jessica, our Program Director, breaks down exactly who this program is for and how we help participants navigate their path to independence.

Ready to learn more? Click the link in our bio to explore our adult programs. 🔗

03/13/2026

A century of impact, seen through the eyes of leadership 💙 Our PossAbility Program Director, Jessica, reflects on what 100 years of AbilityFirst means for the communities we serve and the future we’re building together.

Address

789 North Fair Oaks
Pasadena, CA
91103

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when AbilityFirst posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to AbilityFirst:

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Our Story

AbilityFirst provides a variety of programs designed to help people with disabilities achieve their personal best throughout their lives. We do this by: creating targeted programming to help an individual successfully transition from childhood to adult life; providing employment preparation, training, and experience; building social connections and independence; and, offering both our participants and their caregivers an opportunity to refresh and recharge through our recreational activities.

Mission:

AbilityFirst provides programs and services to help children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities realize their full potential throughout their lives.