AbilityFirst

Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month which goes from September 15-October 15! Hispanic and Latinx participants make up 26% of our participants and we’re excited to celebrate and recognize the incredible contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx community, including those with disabilities who inspire us with their resilience, creativity, and leadership. Let's honor their unique stories, amplify their voices, and work together to create a world where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive. Here is a link to events happening near you!

https://culture.lacity.gov/events/

✨Spotlight On: Brandon H. ✨

Brandon started his journey at AbilityFirst in the Adult Day program in 2015, and joined the ExploreAbility program at the Joan and Harry A. Mier Center, in 2018. Brandon has had difficulty communicating his goals and desires and would sometimes avoid participating in activities. With encouragement from program staff, Brandon is thriving! He happily shares, “I want to learn!”

Wellness incorporates all aspects of a person’s life including: physical, mental, emotional, and social wellness. It’s the perfect time to promote the best wellness strategies for individuals with disabilities including building creative outlets and mindfulness practices like meditation.

On this International Day of Charity, let's unite to support and empower all individuals with disabilities. 🌍💙 Every act of kindness—whether it's a donation, volunteering, or simply raising awareness—helps create a more inclusive world. By standing together, we can break down. Learn more about the origins of this day→
https://www.un.org/en/observances/charity-day

September is a time for new beginnings! With your help, we can continue to provide significant programs for the participants in our programs. From our children and teens programs to our Adult Day programs, every donation, no matter the size, makes a big difference in our mission of expanding possibilities. Contribute today>>>
https://www.abilityfirst.org/get-involved/donate/

Happy Labor Day! This holiday honors the progress made and the impact of workers. It goes back to the movement’s ability to ensure fair pay, enhanced rights, and safer working conditions for all. So, go out and enjoy the rest of summer as we recognize all the hard work of those who came before!

https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history

August might be coming to an end but we have another participant to shoutout 💫 Chuck H. has been actively involved with AbilityFirst since 2014. Fun Fact: Chuck has also participated in the Special Olympics since he was 10! He shares his time with PossAbility-Pasadena: “I love that it provides me with a safe place where I can be myself, relax and hang out with friends.”

Volunteer like you mean it! We're looking for individuals that know a good cause when they see one. Our Stroll & Roll 2024 is right around the corner and that means we're searching for passionate individuals to fill the open spots on our supportive team that runs the show. Reach out today to sign up! https://p2p.onecause.com/24strollandroll

More programs to learn about! Our Paid Internship Program assists individuals with developmental disabilities to gain work experience through an on-the-job training program, with the potential of gaining part or full-time employment.
Through the Paid Internship Program, an individual has the opportunity to experience the work environment, and develop new skill sets. Even more details can be found on our website:
https://www.abilityfirst.org/programs/employment-services/

We are nearing the end of our August contest! Donate or fundraise $100 by August 31 and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of the following: two (2) tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain, one (1) season pass for Knott’s Berry Farm, or a $150 Amazon gift card. Visit our bio link to register for the Stroll & Roll event. We can’t wait to see everyone at the event!

https://p2p.onecause.com/24strollandroll

Today is Women’s Equality Day.
First passed by Congress in 1974, this day honors women’s rights to vote in the 19th Amendment which prohibited discrimination with voting based on one’s s*x. As we celebrate the incredible achievements made by women, it’s important to recognize the road ahead for social change. Learn more→

https://nationalwomenshistoryalliance.org/resources/commemorations/womens-equality-day/

🏅Celebrating the Spirit of Adaptive Sports! 🏅At the end of this week, starts the international competitions for athletes with disabilities. Witness the extraordinary strength, skill, and determination of these athletes from around the globe. Their dedication and perseverance inspire us to push our own limits and aim high.

Students, families and staff attended our College to Career Summer Celebration and Discovery Graduation. Students shared their experience and what they learned from staff, excited to start a new semester. College to Career  is a community-based program for students with developmental disabilities who want to go to college and gain the skills, training, and education to achieve their academic and career goals. Discovery is a six-week curriculum before the semester begins to learn about the program and what to expect during the school year. To learn more, check out our bio link.

National Wellness Month is still going strong and we fully support this time of inner growth amongst our team members. All of us are working towards the common goal of empowerment and change. With the addition of our participants we care about the wellbeing of everyone in our organization. Find out today how you can be a part of our journey–

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=1B911BEB329BF027672D5B703B6A889C #

Social Advocates for Change, our participant advisory council, met today to learn how to register to vote in the next election. Daniel, community and resource navigator, educated them on who can vote, why we vote, the numerous ways you can vote, and why disability rights matter. Members were engaged throughout the presentation and received access to additional voter resources. Stay tuned for more information to come in the upcoming weeks!

To get more information, visit https://linktr.ee/abilityfirstla

Have you heard about our College to Career program? It’s a community-based program for students who want to go to college and gain the skills, training, and education to achieve their career goals. The multi-year program begins with a self-discovery and community exploration component. Upon completion, as the final stage of the program, individuals may transition to community jobs, internships, or volunteer programs as they launch their career paths. Learn more:

https://www.abilityfirst.org/programs/college-to-career/

Celebrate inclusion and looking beyond disabilities at our Annual Stroll & Roll 2024! 🚶🏽‍♂️👩‍🦽 This year is bound to be a great success but we need your help to make it happen! Sign up today to join an incredible event for our participants and beyond! Head to our FAQs with any of your further questions→

This weekend brought to a close our Camp Paivika for the summer. With so many positive memories made this summer, there’s too many to choose from! We’re excited to welcome back all of our campers to camp in the winter or next summer.

https://www.abilityfirst.org/camp-paivika-2/

Here, here! We’re highlighting Maria E. this week ⭐ Maria has been with AbilityFirst for more than 15 years. She began with the Supported Employment maintenance group. From there she transitioned into AbilityFirst PossAbility Pasadena program, where she is fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming an artist! She said, “I love doing art and I love making money! It makes me feel happy to see others like my art.”

Empower through coaching! We are searching for a Community Coach with proficiency in ASL. At AbilityFirst we work to impact all individuals with disabilities and therefore we are looking to hire a passionate individual for this role. Make a tangible difference and help others thrive in their communities.

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=1B911BEB329BF027672D5B703B6A889C #

Here at AbilityFirst our programs are holistic; after participating in an afterschool program, our participants can later move on to our employment services that get them started in the workplace. They are ready to take on any challenge and inspire their peers along the way!
https://www.abilityfirst.org/programs/

Learn anything new this August about our programs? Well take a moment to consider donating to improve the futures of our participants. Every dollar counts towards more fun, more smiles, and enjoyment for years to come. Donate Now 🎁

https://www.abilityfirst.org/get-involved/donate/

Featuring Allan C 🌟 He is hardworking and always has a positive attitude whether it’s on the job, or meeting with his supervisor or job coach. He started with the Employment Facilitation Training Services (EFTS) program in June 2018 and then Allan transitioned to Supported Employment where he was hired to work for Food 4 Less. Today, with encouragement from his job coach, Allan has learned to self-advocate, and asks for help whenever he needs it.

As we kick off August, we want to highlight another opportunity for you to join our team! This position in particular involves taking on the role of lifeguard at our Long Beach or Joan A Mier Center. Pictured is one of our lifeguards at Camp Paivika, who is taking in the fun at the pool. Love the water and making a difference? Apply today! Link in bio→

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=1B911BEB329BF027672D5B703B6A889C #

AbilityFirst is a member of Civitan, a civic organization focusing on employment for people with disabilities. With National Disability Employment Awareness Month being this October, the Pasadena Civitan Networking and Recognition event will recognize and celebrate employers who work to incorporate diversity, inclusion, and equity into their workplaces. Special guests including Mayor Victor Gordo and other city officials will help this evening shine. To RSVP email [email protected].

With August being Back-to-School Month we want to inform you about our after school programs 📚Through center-based activities and field trips, we help participants achieve their personal best in the following areas:
💙Basic Life Skills
💙Communication
💙Socialization
💙Healthy Living

Children & Teens - AbilityFirst AbilityFirst after school and summer programs provide a nurturing environment for school-age youth who have developmental disabilities.

🎉 Congratulations to Chris Landinguin 🎉
You are the winner of the two Universal Studios tickets! Thank you for registering for Stroll & Roll! Your early support means the world to us. A new contest starts today! Fundraise $100 between August 1st and August 31st and be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of the following: two (2) tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain, one (1) season pass for Knott’s Berry Farms, or a $150 Amazon gift card. We can’t wait to see everyone at the event!

https://p2p.onecause.com/24strollandroll

Did you know that AbilityFirst programs are person-centered and tailored to individual interests and needs? This makes our Camp Paivika program unique. We offer children, teens, and adults with disabilities a traditional camp experience full of fun and nurturing support. From morning to night, our well-regulated activities are creatively adapted to ensure everyone can join in the excitement. What an unforgettable experience!

At AbilityFirst, our summer programs wouldn’t be possible without your help! Each penny contributed expands our programs in new ways. With your support, we can create even more opportunities for growth, friendship, and unforgettable experiences. Head to our website to get started today→

https://www.abilityfirst.org/get-involved/donate/

We believe in the limitless potential of individuals with disabilities! So this comes with providing services to assist in all aspects of wellbeing–including our participants’ ability to speak their mind. As many of these individuals have been underrepresented and underheard, we want to bring their voices back. Continue to follow our socials as we provide them a space to tell their stories…

https://www.abilityfirst.org/get-involved/advocacy/