Check out our new Art Academy Summer Class Schedule! Click here to register now!
GET INVOLVED — Become a Volunteer or Make a Donation Today!

Our Community Grows When We Include Everyone

Two adult hands form a heart shape around the tiny feet of a newborn baby, emphasizing love and tenderness. The background is softly blurred.

First Steps

First Steps provides early intervention for families with children from birth to age three with developmental disabilities and delays.

Learn More
A young girl with bangs and a yellow shirt is looking at and touching white daisies in a green meadow with scattered white flowers.

The Next Step

The Next Step provides targeted case management for people with developmental disabilities age three and over.

Learn More
A young woman with glasses and a pink shirt is smiling while painting at a table, with others interacting in the background.

Art Academy

Art Academy provides an inclusive experience for individuals to participate in the creative arts, including theatre, music, movement, and art.

Learn More
A vintage key rests on a wooden surface next to a piece of torn paper with the text "Knowledge is Power" written on it. The edge of a green potted plant is partially visible on the left side of the image.

Community Education

Community Education works with schools, businesses, and community groups to promote inclusion, provides tools and education for individuals and family members to become effective advocates, and focuses on preventing abuse, neglect, and exploitation of people with developmental disabilities.

Learn More

Developmental Disabilities Health Home

Discover your health needs and goals with the guidance of our dedicated healthcare professionals who promote wellness. With the assistance of a Support Coordinator, you can tailor your journey to better health without impacting your Medicaid benefits.

Learn More
A woman is standing in a clothing store, smiling at the camera. She is wearing a black cardigan over a floral dress. The shop is filled with various clothing items and accessories on racks and mannequins. Blurred flowers and plants are in the foreground.

Inspired Boutique

Inspired Boutique is an upscale resale shop featuring name-brand women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories.

Learn More

Grant Funding

Grant funding is provided to local non-profit agencies and direct support services for vocational services, early intervention, residential services, independent living assistance, employment, and transportation. These funds are provided by the citizens of Greene County through a property tax levy to support people with developmental disabilities. The Abilities First Board of Directors is responsible for administering these funds.

Partners

Abilities First works closely with other community agencies by providing funding and additional resources.
Our partner agencies include:

Arc of the Ozarks
Art Inspired Academy
Artisan Elements
Community Education
Champion Athletes of the Ozarks
Developmental Center of the Ozarks
DMH/Partnership for Hope Waiver
EnCompass Academy
Inspired Boutique
MSU Foundation (Bear Power)
Nova Center of the Ozarks
Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation
SWI Industrial Solutions
Springfield Workshop Transit Company
Willard Parks and Recreation

Dedicated to Inclusion

EXCLUSION

SEGREGATION

INTEGRATION

INCLUSION

Testimonials

“I am so happy that my son has a chance to do something like this. He has wanted to participate in school music and theatre, but was either told he was too disruptive or that he couldn’t keep up. It is a gift for him to be able to show the world what he can do.”

“My son is like a totally different child, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of these amazing early intervention services.”

“I don’t know what we would do without Abilities First. They have really helped our son and family a lot over the last few years.”

“Fantastic organization!”

“First Steps will forever be a part of our hearts and our family!”