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 OMB Grant Funding Legislation Information

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

Steps Forward

Discover your health needs and goals with the guidance of our dedicated healthcare professionals who promote wellness.

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 Connect

Community Connect works with schools, businesses, and community groups to promote inclusion.

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

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 Academy
Community Connect
Champion Athletes of the Ozarks
CHOICES Board
Developmental Center of the Ozarks
DMH/Partnership for Hope Waiver
Kiwanis Foundation Inclusive Playground
MSU Foundation (Bear Power)
Nova Center of the Ozarks
OACAC Head Start Child Services
SWI Industrial Solutions
City Of Willard Inclusive Playgrounds

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.”

“Fantastic organization!”

“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.”

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

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