Abilities First

07/27/2025

At Abilities First, we are proud to spotlight one of our dedicated leaders within The Next Step Program. Since 2018, Anne has brought compassionate expertise to her role, first as a Support Coordinator, then as a mentor, and now as a Senior Support Coordinator guiding a talented team of professionals.

Her career began in a crisis nursery, where direct care and leadership roles laid a strong foundation in community connection and service. That early experience continues to influence their thoughtful, person-centered approach to leadership today.

Anne works in close partnership with the people we serve, families, and community agencies to strengthen support systems that reflect dignity, respect, and opportunity.

From day one, her passion for supporting people with disabilities has been clear, and her impact continues to shape the future of our work.

07/27/2025

Join the DD Health Home/Steps Forward team on Tuesday, July 29, from 10 AM to 11 AM for the live session, "Different Approaches to Weight Loss as We Age" with Registered Dietician and Consultant, Donna Webb.

"My passion is to help people discover that they can reach their health and wellness goals. You see commercials all the time for “quick fixes” that don’t often translate into long-term results. I want to help you achieve your health goals. And—best of all—it doesn’t have to be hard or complicated to reach long-term success! I am a licensed dietitian and a certified diabetes instructor. I have helped people just like you achieve their health and wellness goals for over 20 years. I look forward to meeting you and helping you in your nutrition journey!" Donna Webb

Prior registration is required. Please scan the QR code or visit https://ow.ly/qc5450WsJIH register before the event.

07/26/2025

Today marks the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

This landmark civil rights law, signed into law on July 26, 1990, affirmed that people with disabilities deserve equal access to public life, employment, education, and community spaces.

The ADA is about dignity.
It’s about recognizing the value of every person and building communities where everyone belongs and contributes.

As we reflect today, let’s celebrate the progress made, and recommit to the work ahead.

07/26/2025

Curious about sporting clays shooting? Now’s your chance - join Friends of Abilities First at our 2025 Sporting Clays Shootout for a day of fun and philanthropy!

Sporting clays is a type of clay pigeon shooting that can be described as “golf with a shotgun” because it requires players to move through a course with multiple shooting stations. At the Ozarks Shooters Sports Complex, you’ll experience a half-mile course with a variety of shooting experiences that are designed to mimic actual bird hunting.

We're thrilled to be hosting our annual fundraiser at Ozark Shooters Sports Complex on Saturday, August 9th from 8:00am-1:00pm. Shooters can sign up individually or part of a team. We also have sponsorship opportunities still available.

Register online by visiting https://forms.office.com/r/S6EZMcJ2bF or by contacting Jesse Rathbun at 417-988-8616 or jrathbun@abilitiesfirst.net. 🌟

Learn more about the facility here:
https://ozarkshooters.com/

07/26/2025

Happy National Disability Independence Day!

Today, we celebrate 35th anniversary of the signing of the American's with Disabilities Act. On this day we look back to celebrate the strength, resilience, and vibrant spirit of the disability community! Let’s honor the progress we've made while pushing for a future where everyone thrives. Together, we can create more inclusive spaces for all! 💪

07/26/2025

More engagement at the Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO Back to School Bash!

07/26/2025

Community Education is rockin’ and rollin’ at the SPS Back to School Bash!

We’re proud to partner with Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO as we kick off a new school year full of inclusion, learning, and connection.

Stop by and see how Abilities First is supporting students, families, and educators in building a more accessible and welcoming community for all.

Let’s make this year the best one yet!

07/25/2025

We know inclusive hiring might feel unfamiliar and that’s okay. At Abilities First, we’re not here to call anyone out. We’re here to call you in, into a conversation about building workplaces where everyone belongs.

Whether you have questions about accommodations, productivity, or just how to begin, we’re here to help.
Let’s talk.
Let’s learn together.
Let’s lead with inclusion.
Contact us at careers@abilitiesfirst.net
Learn more at www.abilitiesfirst.net

Hiring someone with a disability isn’t a risk, it’s a smart, forward-thinking step toward a stronger, more inclusive workplace.

Check out our new Art Academy Summer Class Schedule! Click here to register now! GET INVOLVED — Become a Volunteer or Make a Donation Today! 2025 Sporting Clay's Shootout Fundraiser More Information Sign Up Now

07/24/2025

Back in 2002, one of our own began her journey with Abilities First when her son was referred to the First Steps program while attending daycare at DCO. That referral opened the door to connection, early intervention, and an unexpected career path.

Today, she serves as the Lead Administrative Assistant for First Steps, supervising a team of eight dedicated administrative professionals. She finds deep meaning in helping her team discover and lean into their strengths, and in ensuring families feel welcomed and supported from the very first call. Her own experience as a First Steps parent gives her unique insight and empathy, and it's this full-circle perspective that helps families feel seen and understood.

This work is more than a job. It’s personal. It matters.

Outside the office, she cherishes time with her son (now a leader in disability services himself at The Arc of the Ozarks), his wife, and their two little ones. Whether they’re cheering on the Cardinals or the Packers, family is at the center of everything.

A simple referral became a lifelong calling, and we’re grateful it led her to the Abilities First team.

07/24/2025

With a strong foundation as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, Jessica Klingensmith went on to earn a nursing degree and began a career in the Medical ICU at CoxHealth South. The fast-paced, high-acuity environment shaped her identity as a clinician and deepened her commitment to patient care. Bedside nursing offered both challenge and purpose, work that was as intense as it was rewarding.

That same dedication led her to Abilities First, where she discovered a new and unexpected passion: community-based nursing and supporting people with developmental disabilities. Though she still misses the rhythm and intimacy of ICU care, she’s found lasting fulfillment in outreach, care coordination, and advocacy that truly makes a difference.

Since joining Abilities First, Jessica has grown from Nurse Care Manager to an Assistant Program Director. In this leadership role, she brings clinical insight, calm professionalism, and a strong patient-centered mindset to everything she does. Her approach is rooted in respect, collaboration, and a belief in the importance of helping people thrive in ways that are meaningful to them.
Outside of work, she enjoys time with her husband cheering on the St. Louis Blues and Cardinals, getting lost in a good book, or soaking up the sun outdoors.

We’re grateful for her leadership and heart, and proud to have her as part of our team.

07/23/2025

As part of the SPS Learn. Lead. Succeed. initiative, Springfield Public Schools, Springfield, MO hosted an impactful event for the SPS Senior Leadership Team, bringing together approximately 225 staff for a day of connection and collaboration.

The Partner Connections Expo highlighted the incredible work of our community partners and the vital role they play in supporting students, educators, and families.

This pilot event was born from direct feedback at our Community Partner Superintendent Solutions session, where leaders voiced a desire for deeper, more intentional engagement with school leadership.

Together, we’re building stronger bridges between our schools and the community.