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

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

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

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

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 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.

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

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3 months ago
Abilities First

We are so proud of Kristi!Award trophy for 2023 Inclusion Award Honorable Mention - Kristi Kliewer of Abilities First, Springfield (Kristi was unable to attend the event in person) ... See MoreSee Less

We are so proud of Kristi!
3 months ago
Abilities First

In case you haven’t heard, we are honored to join forces with the Springfield Business Journal as the charity partner for Men of the Year 2024! 🌟 Together, we're championing inclusivity and community partnering. Want to meet the remarkable men making a difference? Check out the winners here sbj.net/stories/2024-men-of-the-year,94667
To help these men reach their fundraising goals, please visit givebutter.com/MOTY2024 to donate and be sure to credit your donation to the man you’re supporting.
#abilitiesfirst #CommunityEmpowerment #moty2024 #SBJ #MenoftheYear
Photo ID in comments.
... See MoreSee Less

In case you haven’t heard, we are honored to join forces with the Springfield Business Journal as the charity partner for Men of the Year 2024! 🌟 Together, were championing inclusivity and community partnering. Want to meet the remarkable men making a difference? Check out the winners here https://sbj.net/stories/2024-men-of-the-year,94667To help these men reach their fundraising goals, please visit givebutter.com/MOTY2024 to donate and be sure to credit your donation to the man you’re supporting.#abilitiesfirst #CommunityEmpowerment #moty2024 #SBJ #MenoftheYearPhoto ID in comments.Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment
3 months ago
Abilities First

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3 months ago
Abilities First

At the Battlefield Mall with awesome folks at the annual Autism Blast 2024.

#turningabilitiesintoopportunities #inclusion
#holdtherope #theworkbelongsinthecommunity

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At the Battlefield Mall with awesome folks at the annual Autism Blast 2024.#TurningAbilitiesIntoOpportunities #Inclusion#HoldTheRope #TheWorkBelongsInTheCommunityPhoto ID in the comments.Image attachment
3 months ago
Abilities First

Community Education toured the White River Conference Center for an awesome Friends of Abilities First event to be held in December.

We know it’s early to plan but you don’t have to get ready if you stay ready!

#HoldTheRope #Inclusion #FriendsOfAbilitiesFirst #TurningAbilitiesIntoOpportunities

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Community Education toured the White River Conference Center for an awesome Friends of Abilities First event to be held in December. We know it’s early to plan but you don’t have to get ready if you stay ready!#HoldTheRope #Inclusion #FriendsOfAbilitiesFirst #TurningAbilitiesIntoOpportunitiesPhoto IDs in the captions.Image attachment
3 months ago
Abilities First

We are exactly TWO weeks away from the Men Of The Year event where we will have the chance to present our Man Of The Year winner with the grand prize fire pit from Artisan elements.

Please continue to share our fundraiser and help us meet our goal to help people achieve their dreams of a good life!

Photo ID in the comments.
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We are exactly TWO weeks away from the Men Of The Year event where we will have the chance to present our Man Of The Year winner with the grand prize fire pit from Artisan elements. Please continue to share our fundraiser and help us meet our goal to help people achieve their dreams of a good life! Photo ID in the comments.

1 CommentComment on Facebook

Photo ID: Green and white graphic with the words 2 weeks remaining, donate to friends of Abilities First, with a website. Also included is the Friends of Abilities First and Springfield Business Journal logos.

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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.

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

Dedicated to Inclusion

“Fantastic organization!”

“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.”

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

“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.