Springfield Business Journal_2019-08-23

G IV I N G O P P O RT U N I T I E S A B I L I T I E S F I R S T A D D R E S S 1 370 E . P r i m ro s e, S u i te A , S p r i n g f i e ld , M O 65 8 0 4 P H O N E 41 7- 8 8 6 - 0 4 0 4 W E B S I T E a b i li t i e sf irst . n et SO C IA L ME D IA /A b i l i t ie s F irst M O TOTA L N UM B E R O F EM P LOY E E S 1 5 4 A N N UA L R E V E N U E S $ 8,1 01 , 24 4 TOP E X EC U T I V E J a n K ra f t B OA R D O F D I REC TO R S C H A I RP E R SO N : J e n n i fe r Wil s o n B OA R D O F D I REC TO R S D r. Ky l e J o h n C ryst a l Rey n o l d s Pa u l P o tt h o f f A l ex i s B row n J oAn Jo hns o n Lo r i S l ate r Au st i n W i l l i a mso n B ra d l ey We ave r F RI E N DS O F A B I L I T I E S F I R ST B OA R D M EM B E R S M a r t h a C r is e, P re s i d e nt To m J e n s e n C ryst a l Rey n o l d s C ra i g Ke l s ay C at h i e H a m p to n M a r y K ay H o st l e r J e s s i c a M a j o ra h n E l l i e W i d m e r Mission Statement TURNING ABILITIES INTO OPPORTUNITIES Service Area Greene County First Steps (Christian, Dallas, Douglas, Greene, Hickory, Laclede, Ozark, Polk, Texas, Stone, Webster & 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, a 501(c)(3) that assists 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 accep- tance 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 rela- tionships and experiences • People recognize that inclusion benefits everyone involved by bringing together different abilities and perspectives to make a greater whole Annual Events Friends of Abilites First events include: • Silver Strands Celebration - Spring 2020 • Ride On - Spring 2020 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, Abil- ities 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., Abilities First provides items to help people live independently in our community, and Art Inspired Academy accepts volunteers to assist with classes throughout the year. Testimonials “I am truly grateful to Abilities First for finding me such a great new career. It has given me back the senses of stability and confidence that I had lost while unemployed. The work environment at the DoubleTree is the most positive and supportive that I have ever encountered, and all of my coworkers are very nice and helpful. I learn new things every day, but never feel overwhelmed or out of place. This whole experi- ence has been one of the best and most positive that I have ever had. Thanks again, Abilities First!” —E. I cannot put into a short little letter all that Art Inspired means to my son Jason and to our family. Jason’s favorite days are the days he goes to classes. The theater class is more than just a theater class. So many good things are worked on and Jason doesn’t even realize it. Jamie is amazing first off with Jason. Besides Jamie writing, producing and bringing the play to life so many life skills are implemented. Appropriate social skills are implemented and self-es- teem is built up, as well as courage to be up in front of a crowd. I could go on and on. In the art class, Richard is amazing with Jason. Fine motor skills are worked on, hand and eye coordination, sharing art supplies, making choices about what colors to use. We are blessed that we get to be a part of Art Inspired and so lucky to have great teachers who really love what they do! Most of all it’s the friends we have made through Art Inspired. Jason and I have made new friends and we all share a common bond. You never can have too many friends! It’s a great organization! We are truly blessed!  —Melissa Jean 18 2019 GIVING GUIDE SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL | ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT