GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
A B I LI T I E S F I R ST ADDRESS 3216 S. National Ave Springfield, MO 65807 PHONE 417-886-0404 WEBSITE abilitiesfirst.net SOCIAL MEDIA /AbilitiesFirstMO /AbilitiesFirst TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 153 ANNUAL REVENUES $11 ,958,023 TOP EXECUTIVE Jan Kraft Executive Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS C HAIRPERSON: Paul Potthoff BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. Kyle John Austin Williamson Crystal Reynolds Alexis Brown Laura Curtis JoAn Johnson Lori Slater Bradley Weaver FRIENDS OF ABILITIES FIRST BOARD MEMBERS: Laura Curtis, President Martha Crise Cathie Hampton Mary Kay Hostler Tom Jensen Craig Kelsay Jessica Majorahn Crystal Reynolds Ellie Widmer
20 · 2021 GIVING GUIDE
Turning Abilities Into Opportunities
Abilities First provides items to help people live independently in our community.
Service Area
Testimonials
Mission Statement
Greene County First Steps (Christian, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Hickory, Laclede, Ozark, Polk, Texas, Stone, Webster and Wright counties)
Funding Abilities First receives funds from a property tax levy and disperses those funds to area agencies serving individuals with developmental disabilities. We also operate First Steps and The Next Step in partnership with federal and state agencies. Other programs are funded by grants or through private donations. Donations are received through Friends of Abilities First to make sure everyone has the opportunity to live, learn, work, play and be productive in meaningful ways in our community.
12 Month Goals • Making meaningful strides toward our 10-year target: • Everyone has opportunities to experience acceptance as a community member. • People can choose where they live, learn, work and play. • People are supported for success. • All people have opportunities for meaningful relationships and experiences. • People recognize that inclusion benefits everyone involved by bringing together different abilities and perspectives to make a greater whole.
Annual Events • Silver Strands Celebration • Ride On • Sporting Clay Shoot
How People and Businesses Can Help Friends who support the efforts of Abilities First provide assistance for all ages, children to adults, and their families. With monetary donations, Abilities First and Friends of Abilities First are able to help people with developmental disabilities achieve valued roles in our community, inclusion in our community, employment opportunities and normal life experiences. With in-kind donations of clothing, household items, etc.,
“It is hard to put into words how great of a blessing First Steps has been to our family. Whether in person or virtually, we are continually amazed at all the ways they have come alongside us to help our son Jack receive the therapies and equipment necessary to develop the strength and skills he needs as he grows. Along with their knowledge and encouragement, they have helped to equip us as parents to know what to do each day to help Jack. To top it off, they truly love Jack, which means the world to us.” - Marissa Connolly “My son, Colson Saner is 19 years old. When COVID19 started shutting down the world around us, this was a very difficult time for Colson. He usually spent his days with his private staff, two of which are college guys, and the other his Papa. He also worked with Preferred Employment through pre-vocational training and this too had to stop. With the stay-at-home order, Colson’s schedule was turned upside down. When I heard AIA was offering some classes via Zoom, I jumped on the opportunity. I think his favorite part was being able to see his friends and teachers through the computer. Since he is no longer in school, COVID-19 was just an automatic shutdown for him to the outside world. The Zoom classes brought his world right into our living room! He has had a few struggles, and we have reinforced the same strategies he would use in the seated classes. So, if something is overwhelming, he can always take a break. He has also become more vocal and he lets the teachers know if he is having trouble following along or hearing them. While the Zoom classes have been great during these unusual times, nothing can replace the human contact he is craving. He can’t wait to see Miss Jamie and Miss Melissa in person and sing and dance. He is also ready to start theater and prepare another live play! In conclusion, the Zoom AIA classes have been awesome for Colson! We are so glad they found a creative way to still connect with the students and keep them active in the program.” – Melissa Saner
SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL | ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
