Abilities First, Inc.

Abilities First, Inc. It presently serves over 1,400 children and adults throughout the Hudson Valley region of New York State. For more information, visit www.AbilitiesFirstNY.org.

Abilities First is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the needs of over 1,300 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from preschool through adulthood throughout the Hudson Valley. Founded in 1962, Abilities First is a not-for-profit organization serving the needs of the community, as well as those with developmental disabilities, from pre-school through adulthood. Abilities First has had a long-term commitment of providing a cohesive culture of compassion, empowerment and respect for people with a variety of disabilities through educational, vocational, residential and habilitation services.

Tune in to Voices of Abilities First on WTBQ!This month, we’re joined by Wendy Hof, Related Services Coordinator, as we ...
04/11/2026

Tune in to Voices of Abilities First on WTBQ!

This month, we’re joined by Wendy Hof, Related Services Coordinator, as we explore Autism Acceptance Month and Occupational Therapy Month—and the meaningful ways our team supports individuals in building independence, confidence, and connection every day.

We’ll also share more about the full range of Abilities First services and highlight opportunities to join our team and make a difference.

We’re excited to gather at Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie for a special evening celebrating community, impact, and the pow...
04/11/2026

We’re excited to gather at Locust Grove in Poughkeepsie for a special evening celebrating community, impact, and the power of abilities.

As we look ahead to this year’s event, we are proud to honor our incredible 2026 Recognition Reception honorees—individuals and partners whose dedication continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

A heartfelt thank you to our Champion Partners—NFP, an Aon company, Savant Wealth Management, and Cuddy& Feder LLP—for their ongoing support and commitment to our mission.

For ticket or sponsorship opportunities, please email events@abilitiesfirstny.org—we can’t wait to celebrate together!

👏✨ Celebrating those who make a difference every day! ✨👏We’re excited to launch our Residential DSP Employee of the Mont...
04/10/2026

👏✨ Celebrating those who make a difference every day! ✨👏

We’re excited to launch our Residential DSP Employee of the Month program—honoring the dedication and compassion of our incredible Direct Support Professionals.

Congratulations to our March 2026 honorees, Janet Orende and Denton Hayles from the Ermo IRA! 🎉

Janet and Denton both go above and beyond to provide respectful, person-centered care—bringing positivity, reliability, and heart to everything they do. Their impact truly makes a difference.

Join us in celebrating them and all of our amazing DSPs!

✨ That’s a wrap on the 2026 Abilities in Motion Talent Show! ✨What an incredible day celebrating creativity, confidence,...
04/10/2026

✨ That’s a wrap on the 2026 Abilities in Motion Talent Show! ✨

What an incredible day celebrating creativity, confidence, and the power of abilities. Stay tuned for a full catalog of photos—we can’t wait to share all of the unforgettable moments!

A heartfelt thank you to the The Culinary Institute of America for hosting the event and thank you to our amazing volunteers!

We are so grateful to our fellow day habilitation program friends from Taconic DDSO and The Arc, and of course to the incredible families and friends of our performers for coming out and cheering them on. Your support means everything.

TODAY IS THE DAY!Join us TODAY for an unforgettable day of celebrating creativity, confidence, and community spirit. Thi...
04/09/2026

TODAY IS THE DAY!

Join us TODAY for an unforgettable day of celebrating creativity, confidence, and community spirit. This inspiring showcase features incredible performances by the people supported by Abilities First—from high-energy dance numbers to moving musical moments and everything in between.

Each act tells a story. Each performer shines. And together, we celebrate the power of abilities.

Let’s celebrate ALL abilities—together! If you can’t join us, stay tuned for highlights of all the special moments!

We just had to share a little of the bunny fun!Easter joy was in full bloom at our AF Violet friends celebrated the morn...
04/09/2026

We just had to share a little of the bunny fun!

Easter joy was in full bloom at our AF Violet friends celebrated the morning with a fun-filled Easter egg hunt, a delicious breakfast, and of course—plenty of Easter sweets.

A heartfelt thank you to our sweetest staff for making moments like these so special and memorable. 🐰🌷

Abilities First is honored to celebrate Michelle Smith, our 2026 Volunteer of the Year, at the upcoming Recognition Rece...
04/08/2026

Abilities First is honored to celebrate Michelle Smith, our 2026 Volunteer of the Year, at the upcoming Recognition Reception on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

A dedicated volunteer, generous supporter, and trusted leader serving as both a Board Member and Treasurer of the Foundation for Abilities First NY, Michelle gives her time, resources, and vision to strengthen our mission and ensure lasting impact for the people we serve.

We are deeply grateful for everything Michelle brings to this mission and are honored to celebrate her well-deserved recognition.

Join us as we celebrate Michelle and our incredible community of honorees at the Recognition Reception on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Locust Grove.

🎟️ Get your tickets: https://ow.ly/1zM950YvrF0
Sponsorships available | 📧 events@abilitiesfirstny.org

Special thanks to our Champion Partners:

✨ Celebrating Leadership. Honoring Impact. Abilities First is proud to recognize the outstanding leaders honored at the ...
04/07/2026

✨ Celebrating Leadership. Honoring Impact.

Abilities First is proud to recognize the outstanding leaders honored at the 2026 Annual Excellence Awards, hosted by the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation.

We are especially proud to celebrate two members of our team:
✨Donovan Ashe, Director of Residential Services
✨Stacey Garland, Quality Assurance Director

Their leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence reflect the very heart of our mission and the impact we strive to make every day.

Please join us in congratulating Donovan and Stacey on this well-deserved recognition!

Walk-In Interviews – Join Our Residential Team! Looking for a meaningful career where you can make a real difference? Jo...
04/06/2026

Walk-In Interviews – Join Our Residential Team!

Looking for a meaningful career where you can make a real difference? Join Abilities First for a Walk-In Interview Event for Residential Direct Support Professionals in Dutchess County!

Tuesday, April 7, 2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Abilities First
99 Inwood Ave
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

No appointment needed—just stop in!

Flexible scheduling available (full-time & part-time) | Some weekend availability required | Competitive pay + incentives | Additional pay for certifications (training provided!)

✨ Build a schedule that works for you while supporting individuals in living meaningful, independent lives.

Learn more or apply:
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/4011954/ABILITIES-FIRST-INC/Walk-In-Interviews-Residential-Direct-Support-Professionals-Dutchess-County-4726

We were honored to welcome author Stephanie Lock, who shared her book If Goldfish Were Bluebirds: A story about self-acc...
04/04/2026

We were honored to welcome author Stephanie Lock, who shared her book If Goldfish Were Bluebirds: A story about self-acceptance. Through her message, students explored the importance of embracing who they are, celebrating differences, and finding confidence in their own unique strengths.

Moments like these are made possible through our Recreation Fund—supported in part by the generosity of the Troccia Family and The Peter Kennedy Fund. Their commitment helps ensure our students can experience enriching, joyful opportunities like this one.

If these moments inspire you, we invite you to support the Foundation for Abilities First NY Recreation Fund and help us continue creating experiences that matter: https://ow.ly/S0jO50YCqLx

Easter excitement is in the air at Middletown Education Center! Two of our amazing friends had a special visit with Jo ...
04/03/2026

Easter excitement is in the air at Middletown Education Center! Two of our amazing friends had a special visit with Jo Jo the Easter Bunny! 🐰💛

Something tells us the fun is just getting started!

Address

167 Myers Corners Road, Ste. 202
Wappingers Falls, NY
12590

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+18454859803

Website

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