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 physical 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.
10/09/2025
DAF Day is tomorrow! October 9 is a chance to turn intention into action and be a part of the giving movement through Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs).
Did you know you can receive immediate tax deductions and support and support AbilityFirst directly through your DAF?
How to make gifts through your DAF – you can "checkout" with your DAF faster than a credit card with DAFpay directly through our Donate Now link!
Your DAF gift helps empower children and adults with disabilities to reach their full potential through life-changing programs and services.
10/08/2025
Sand, sun, and smiles! Our participants enjoyed a beautiful Friday at the beach finding sea creatures, walking to Santa Monica pier, and soaking in the ocean views. The beach is better when shared with friends!
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10/06/2025
Every day at our Long Beach Center is filled with joy, learning, and connection! Our days include playing on the playground, sharing lunch, baking treats, and just simply being together. Creating memories that last from every moment!
10/03/2025
Our Social Advocates for Change made their voices heard! They visited Congressman Robert Garcia’s office to advocate against harmful Medicare cuts. Together, we’re standing strong for disability rights and accessible healthcare for all.
10/02/2025
Don’t miss your chance to be part of Rainbows for AbilityFirst!🌈There’s only one way to bid on these incredible live auction items— by coming to our event! We have limited spots left. Get your tickets today!
10/01/2025
Our Grupo de Padres brought families together for a special Spanish-only day at camp! For many, it was their very first time experiencing camp fully in their own language. This day at Camp Paivika was about advocacy, connection, and culture!
09/29/2025
Shaping memories and masterpieces at the Lawrence L. Frank Center where participants learned more about the art of ceramics and self-expression . Creativity met clay as participants brought out their inner artists!
09/26/2025
We’re excited to welcome back our Celebrity Ambassador and longtime friend, Jaclyn Smith, to this year’s Stroll & Roll! 🎉 Join us on Saturday, November 8th at Santa Anita Park to be part of this special event. Visit our event page to learn more--> https://p2p.onecause.com/25strollandroll/home
09/19/2025
⏰ The countdown is on — just a few hours left until Long Beach Gives ends at midnight!
There’s still time to make a difference. Every gift today helps the AbilityFirst Long Beach Center provide programs that empower individuals with disabilities to build skills, gain independence, and thrive. 💙
Don’t wait — your donation before 12am can help us finish strong!
👉 Donate now through the link in bio.
📲 Share this post and encourage your friends to give before the clock runs out!
09/18/2025
🌟 Long Beach Gives has started! 🌟
From now until midnight, the Long Beach community is coming together to support over 250 nonprofits and the individuals they serve. One of them is the AbilityFirst Long Beach Center — where every gift helps empower children and adults with disabilities to discover their strengths, gain independence, and thrive.
✨ Join us in this citywide day of giving.
👉 Donate today through the link in bio.
📲 Share this post to help us spread the word!
09/18/2025
It’s Here: Long Beach Gives 2025!
One city. One big impact.
🎉 The wait is over — Long Beach Gives is live today!
We need your help to raise critical funds for programs and services at the AbilityFirst Long Beach Center that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their goals and live more independent lives.
Our goal: $6,000 to support life-changing opportunities like:
🌱 Therapeutic gardening projects
🍳 Cooking and independent living skills training
🎉 Community outings — museums, ball games, yoga, Zumba
👟 Inclusive field trips and confidence-building classes
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.
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.
Vision:
At AbilityFirst, our vision is of a society that values each individual and provides the opportunity for all people to lead full and productive lives.
Values:
Trust Belonging Personal Best
AbilityFirst stands for, and alongside, people with developmental disabilities and their families. We create a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued. Our first consideration is always for the well-being of our participants, and — through the mutual trust that we share — each person is supported to achieve his or her personal best. At AbilityFirst we look beyond disabilities, focus on capabilities and expand possibilities.
