AbilityFirst

12/12/2025

At the core of effective Intellectual and Developmental Disability support is person-centered planning. Too often, service plans focus on fitting people into existing programs rather than designing supports around unique dreams and talents. But when we force individuals into a one-size-fits-all model, we miss out on the transformative potential of truly personalized care. Therefore, AbilityFirst embraces a philosophy where every person is seen as the expert of their own life—one where listening deeply and following personal insights lead to real change. This approach isn’t always the easiest path; it challenges traditional structures and requires flexibility. But by making room for individual voices, we pave the way to authentic belonging and self-determination. Therefore, when systems shift from rigid templates to customized strategies, the outcomes are nothing short of transformative. What has your experience been with person-centered support? Let’s share and learn together.

12/05/2025

We’re honored that Southern California Edison’s Abilities Beyond Limits and Expectations (ABLE) Business Resource Group selected AbilityFirst as their partner for this year’s Season of Service. Thanks to Edison International for the generous funding and to Edison employees for volunteering their time to make this possible.

Southern California Edison (SCE)

12/03/2025

Final hours to make your Giving Tuesday gift! ⏰

We’re so close to reaching our $10,000 goal, and thanks to a generous supporter, your gift will be doubled through a $25,000 match.

Your support tonight helps fuel new opportunities including expanding our job training and employment pathways for adults with developmental disabilities.

This is your moment to make 2 times the impact.
Let’s finish strong together. 💙

12/02/2025

Giving Tuesday is a global movement of generosity that inspires people everywhere to give, share, and impact their communities. It’s one day dedicated to fueling nonprofits that create real change — and this year, AbilityFirst is focusing our Giving Tuesday support on one of our most transformative programs: Project SEARCH.

Project SEARCH is an intensive workforce readiness program that equips young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with real-life internship experience, job coaching, and the skills they need to succeed in competitive, integrated employment. For many participants, it’s not just training — it’s a doorway into confidence, independence, and community belonging.

Why does Giving Tuesday matter?
Because it reminds us that generosity is powerful — and that when we give, we help create opportunities where they’re needed most.

Why does Project SEARCH matter?
Because employment shouldn’t be out of reach. Because talent deserves a chance. Because young adults with disabilities deserve pathways, not roadblocks.

💙 Your Giving Tuesday gift directly supports:

On-site job coaching and one-on-one support

Workplace skills training and classroom instruction

Employer partnerships that open doors to real job opportunities

Tools, resources, and supports that follow participants into paid employment

When you give, you’re not just donating — you’re investing in someone’s future.
You’re helping a young adult step into the workforce with pride, purpose, and possibility.

👉 Join us this Giving Tuesday and support equitable employment for people with disabilities. Your generosity helps create jobs, change futures, and strengthen our community.

12/02/2025

It’s Giving Tuesday! 💙

Today, our impact has the power to go twice as far. Thanks to a generous supporter, every gift is DOUBLED through a $25,000 match.

We’re working to raise $10,000 TODAY ONLY to support AbilityFirst programs that empower children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Let’s make this day count.
Double your impact. Double the possibilities. 💙

https://www.abilityfirst.org/get-involved/donate-now/

11/28/2025

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Tap through our FAQs to learn more about our programs and who we support. 💙

11/27/2025

Today, we’re grateful for the community that makes AbilityFirst a place of belonging, growth, and possibility. Thank you for supporting us all year long.

🧡 Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at AbilityFirst.

11/19/2025

We’ve got so many exciting ways to support AbilityFirst programs this season!

🏈 Rams vs. Lions VIP Ticket Raffle
Enter to win two VIP tickets + parking at SoFi Stadium!
Last day to purchase: Nov 21 at 3PM
Contact Ms. Gwen: 323-753-3101

🫟 Slime Challenge — Raise $800 to slime a director!
Support the Claremont Center, College to Career program, and Long Beach Center before Nov 27 by donating through this link: https://www.abilityfirst.org/get-involved/donate-now/
Choose the center you want to support in the “Donate To” dropdown.

⚡ LA Chargers Tailgate Raffle Bundle — $260 value
Includes a rolling cooler, blanket, wine, and pretzels!
Last day to purchase: Nov 24
Contact: Darlene — 626-612-6963 or Magally — 626-612-6957

🍽️ Dine & Donate at Taboon Mediterranean
Join us Dec 17, 11AM–8PM, and 20% supports the Long Beach Center!

Your support fuels incredible programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Thank you for uplifting our centers in the most fun ways possible! 👏

11/14/2025

Sweet news! 🍫 You’ve got 3 weeks left to shop See’s Candies and support AbilityFirst!

Every bite gives back , helping children and adults with developmental disabilities reach their personal best.

🎁 20–50% of sales go to AbilityFirst
🎁 Free shipping on $75+
🎁 Order by Dec 5 and ship straight to your loved ones!

Give sweetness, share joy, and make a difference this holiday season! ✨

11/14/2025