IN THIS ISSUE:

Features:

Voices Heard at the Rally in the Valley

Advocacy in Albany - April 3rd

Spring Celebrations

Community Partners: Abilities First Recognition Reception Presented by

Cuddy & Feder LLP Announces 2024 Honorees

Community Spotlight: Join Our Community Connections Team!

Abilities First & Foundation Events:

2024 Golf & Tennis Classic

Welcome New Board Member: Carla Alfieri

Give an Online Gift & Support the Foundation for Abilities First NY

Advocating for Change:

Voices Heard at the Rally in the Valley

Abilities First staff including our executive team members President & CEO Dr. Jeffery Fox, Chief Operating Officer Mark Nace and Chief Administrative Officer Kelly Martinez and participants from Abilities First joined hundreds of advocates in Rockland County to demand increased funding from the New York State government for those who work tirelessly to support individuals with disabilities.

The message was clear and powerful: "What do we want?" A 3.2% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and a $4,000 wage enhancement for employees who dedicate themselves to providing essential care and support. Currently, next year's proposed state budget only includes a 1.5% COLA, falling short of meeting the needs of our dedicated workforce and the individuals they serve. This inadequate funding not only fails to recognize the invaluable contributions of our staff but also jeopardizes the quality of care and services provided.

At Abilities First, we firmly believe that fair compensation for our staff is not only essential for retaining skilled professionals but also for ensuring the highest quality of care and support for individuals with disabilities. Our staff members are the heart and soul of our organization, and they deserve to be recognized, valued, and compensated fairly for their dedication and hard work.

By participating in events like the one in Rockland County, we are standing up for what is right and advocating for positive change that will benefit our entire community. We refuse to accept anything less than the fair treatment and support that our staff and participants deserve.

As we continue to advocate for increased funding and support from the state government, we invite you to join us in raising awareness and amplifying our voices. To contact your representatives and make your voice be heard, click HERE!

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that individuals with disabilities receive the care, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. Thank you to everyone who joined us in Rockland County and to all those who continue to support our advocacy efforts.

Be Part of Our Cause - April 3rd NYDA Capital Rally

A call to action to invest in the future of individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities and the people who support them! Wear Orange and show lawmakers you support investment in the IDD Service Sector. The NYDA Capitol Rally is April 3rd,11:00 AM at the New York State Capitol Building-War Room, 2nd Floor on State St. & Washing Avenue in Albany. The event will serve as a rallying point for our shared commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and raising awareness for those whose voices deserve to be heard. To join us, REGISTER HERE.

Spring Celebrations at Abilities First

Pictured here, Abilities First staff Safia Ali and Yumna Haq and their families.

Ramadan Wishes & Blessings

This Ramadan, we extend our warmest greetings and best wishes for a blessed and fulfilling month to all who celebrate in our community and beyond. Ramadan is a time of reflection, spiritual growth, and community unity, and we are honored to join you in celebrating this sacred occasion. Wishing you a blessed Ramadan filled with joy, peace, and spiritual fulfillment. Ramadan Mubarak.

Spring Fling at Straus Family Pavilion

Our students and staff at the Straus Family Pavilion School took a creative and fun filled day before their Spring break to celebrate....Spring! Students had opportunities to engage in fun and enriching experiences alongside their peers that included a tie-dye project, ice-cream stations, a bright and vivid ball art mural project, and bubble and kinetic sand stations. Thank you to the generous partnership funding through gifts directed to the Foundation for Abilities First for support of celebrations like these!

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Abilities First Recognition Reception

Presented by Cuddy & Feder LLP

Join us as we recognize the outstanding achievements of the Abilities First's 2024 Honorees and celebrate our valued community partners.

For further information regarding event sponsorship, tickets, and congratulatory journal ad opportunities, please contact JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Join Our Team as a Community Connections Coordinator:

Embrace a Fulfilling Opportunity to Enrich Lives

We are thrilled to announce that we are expanding our team and seeking dedicated individuals to join us as Community Connections Coordinators.

What is Community Connections?

Community Connections is a rewarding program that empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve their goals, pursue their passions, and live life to the fullest. As a Community Connections Coordinator, you will have the unique opportunity to work one-on-one with individuals in their own homes and communities, providing personalized support and guidance tailored to their needs and interests.

Join the Community Connections team today and live your best life and get

paid while doing it!

Community Connections is having a Walk-In Hiring Event on April 25th from 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM at our 70 Overocker Road Abilities First location. For more information or to apply directly, click HERE!

See All Abilities First Employment Opportunities Here

Upcoming Abilities First & Foundation Events

For sponsorship opportunities or more event info, please contact

JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesifrstny.org.

The Foundation for Abilities First New York (FAFNY), is pleased to announce the appointment of Carla Alfieri as the newest member of its board. With a distinguished 35-year career at Orange Bank and Trust, Carla Alfieri brings extensive expertise to her role as 1st Vice President and Senior Private Banker in the Wealth Management Division. She holds an A.A.S degree in Business Administration from SUNY Orange and has completed numerous courses of study at the American Institute of Banking and the Center for Financial Training.

Carla's commitment to excellence extends beyond her professional achievements; she has been a classroom instructor for the American Institute of Banking's Business Communications, Banking and Financial Systems, and Principles of Banking programs.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Carla is deeply engaged in her community. She generously volunteers as a board member for the Eva Fini Fund, which supports Rett Syndrome research, and serves on the Warwick Chamber of Commerce Board. Carla is also an active member of the Junior Leadership Orange Committee. Carla Alfieri resides in Goshen, New York, with her husband Dominic and her three children Mario, Gabriella and Briana where she continues making meaningful contributions to the business and nonprofit sectors. "We are thrilled to welcome Carla Alfieri to the FAFNY Board," said Jeff Fox, CEO and President of Abilities First. "Her wealth of experience and dedication to serving others will undoubtedly strengthen our organization's mission and impact in the community."

Support the Foundation for Abilities First NY

With a Gift Today!

To make an online gift to the mission of Abilities First, visit https://www.abilitiesfirstny.org/make-an-impact/donate.

For additional information on gifts, sponsorships, events, volunteering, or hosting a fundraiser, contact JoAnn Parker at joannparker@abilitiesfirstny.org.

Did you know you can give a gift online with PayPal?

Scan the QR code to donate today!

Abilities First DEIA Work

At Abilities First, we are proud to continue on our journey that reflects our unwavering commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in all facets of our work. We believe that fostering a culture of diversity not only enriches our organization but also empowers us to better serve our community. We recognize that embracing DEIA initiatives is essential for organizational growth and effectiveness.

As we continue to prioritize DEIA initiatives, we invite all members of staff to join us in this important work. Your voice and contributions are invaluable as we strive to build a more inclusive and equitable organization. The DEIA Committee welcomes anyone to reach out to any committee member directly or submit a DEIA submission form HERE to be heard!

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Wappingers Falls, NY12590