Abilities First

Abilities First The mission of Abilities First is Turning Abilities Into Opportunities.

Abilities First is an organization that promotes inclusive opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. We believe that everyone has abilities and by ensuring that people have the opportunity to use their abilities, we make our community better for all of us. Abilities First uses public and private funds to support the choices of individuals with developmental disabilities in Greene County to live, work, play, be active, and productive in meaningful ways in our community.

Mark your calendars โ€” the 2nd Annual Candy Crawl is almost here!Get ready for a spook-tacular afternoon filled with cand...
10/14/2025

Mark your calendars โ€” the 2nd Annual Candy Crawl is almost here!

Get ready for a spook-tacular afternoon filled with candy, costumes, petting zoo, door decorating contest, and a sensory-friendly haunted house.

๐Ÿ“… Thursday, October 30
๐Ÿ•’ 3:00โ€“5:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ 3216 S. National Ave., Springfield

This is one event you donโ€™t want to miss! Stay tuned for sneak peeks of whatโ€™s comingโ€ฆ ๐Ÿ‘€

10/14/2025
This week, we proudly celebrate our incredible Support Coordination Team, the heart of our mission at Abilities First. ๐Ÿ’™...
10/14/2025

This week, we proudly celebrate our incredible Support Coordination Team, the heart of our mission at Abilities First. ๐Ÿ’™

Every day, our Support Coordinators walk beside the people and families we serve, planning, coordinating, advocating, and connecting people to the opportunities and resources that help them thrive. Their dedication ensures that every personโ€™s path reflects their unique goals, strengths, and dreams.

Thank you, Support Coordinators, for your compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to turning abilities into opportunities. You make inclusion, choice, and belonging possible, one connection at a time. Thank you for leading with heart, anchored in mission and vision.

A special thank you to Mallory Gonzalez and the leadership team with The Next Step who work hard everyday to continuously improve. Everything we do is for the people we serve, our North Star!

๐Ÿ–Œ๏ธ The countdown is almost over โ€” just 2 days to go!Our artists are putting the finishing touches on their pieces and pr...
10/13/2025

๐Ÿ–Œ๏ธ The countdown is almost over โ€” just 2 days to go!
Our artists are putting the finishing touches on their pieces and preparing to share their work with you.

Each piece tells a story โ€” come see the creativity and passion that went into every brushstroke.

๐Ÿ“… Tuesday, October 15 | 5:30โ€“7:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ 1530 S Glenstone Ave

โœจ Letโ€™s show our support for these talented artists!

In observance of Indigenous Peopleโ€™s Day, the Abilities First office will be closed Monday, October 13. We will reopen o...
10/13/2025

In observance of Indigenous Peopleโ€™s Day, the Abilities First office will be closed Monday, October 13. We will reopen on Tuesday, October 14 at 8:00 AM. We wish everyone a meaningful day of reflection and respect. ๐Ÿ’™

Fall into Resources!5434 S. Tower Drive Battlefield, MO. 6561911 am to 2 pm today!
10/11/2025

Fall into Resources!

5434 S. Tower Drive Battlefield, MO. 65619

11 am to 2 pm today!




Congratulations Jason!
10/11/2025

Congratulations Jason!

After a year of applying for more than 50 jobs, Jason began employment with Neighborโ€™s Mill in Missouri last year. Howโ€™s it going?

โ€œIn February 2025, I received employee of the month!โ€

Congrats, Jason! Your hard work and perseverance have earned you this well-deserved recognition!

Read more Weโ€™re Here All Year stories in our gallery: https://bit.ly/WereHereAllYear

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) โ€” a time to recognize the contributions of people with disabilities in workplaces and communities across the country. But these stories matter all year long.

Want to share YOUR story? Submit here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=F8Ovxj-IqUyL4mb5waKudOJB8ZPuhhVBki5VKPDyAgJUODVZUTUzMlVWU0tJWFJSRUJNWldCSUpLNS4u

We Have Class Openings at Art Academy! โœจIs the holiday season your favorite? Then youโ€™re in luck โ€” weโ€™ve still got spots...
10/11/2025

We Have Class Openings at Art Academy! โœจ

Is the holiday season your favorite? Then youโ€™re in luck โ€” weโ€™ve still got spots available to help you jumpstart the holidays with creativity and fun!

Available Classes:
๐Ÿ’Œ Zoom Holiday Card Making (Ages 13+) โ€“ Create one-of-a-kind cards that spread cheer!
๐ŸŽญ Adult Improv Theatre: Holiday Microplay (Ages 13+) โ€“ Bring the holiday spirit to life on stage!
๐ŸŽญ Child Improv Theatre: Holiday Microplay (Ages 6โ€“12) โ€“ Kids explore imagination and joy through improv fun!

Donโ€™t wait โ€” spots are limited and filling fast. Sign up today and make your holiday season even brighter!

To register, email aiacademy@abilitiesfirst.net or call 417-886-0404 ext. 3

โฐ Less than ONE WEEK until our Art to Market Showcase & Sale!Our talented Art to Market students have spent six weeks cr...
10/10/2025

โฐ Less than ONE WEEK until our Art to Market Showcase & Sale!

Our talented Art to Market students have spent six weeks creating a cohesive collection of artwork โ€” and they canโ€™t wait to share it with the community.

๐Ÿ“… October 15 | 5:30โ€“7:00 PM
๐Ÿ“ 1530 S Glenstone Ave

๐Ÿ’™ Celebrate creativity. Support local artists. Be part of something meaningful.

๐Ÿ‚๐ŸŽจ Little hands, big imaginations! ๐ŸŽจ๐Ÿ‚ The Preschool Fall Art Class at CC Links is in full swing, and it's bursting with ...
10/09/2025

๐Ÿ‚๐ŸŽจ Little hands, big imaginations! ๐ŸŽจ๐Ÿ‚

The Preschool Fall Art Class at CC Links is in full swing, and it's bursting with color, creativity, and cozy autumn vibes! ๐Ÿโœจ

From leaf collages to pumpkin masterpieces, young artists are exploring the magic of fall through fun, hands-on projects

Address

3216 S. National Avenue
Springfield, MO
65807

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+14178860404

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