The Abilities First biennial Awards and Appreciation Lunch was recently held at the Wildwood Golf Club in Middletown, Ohio. 
Every other year the agency invites major donors and special volunteers to enjoy a celebration of their participation in the Abilities First mission: “Every citizen working to their full potential creates a more prosperous community. Abilities First empowers people with disabilities to achieve their unique potential from birth through life."
Founded in 1958, Abilities First is a non-profit organization located in Middletown, Ohio that serves children and adults with a wide range of disabilities. “We have grown in many areas of programming, said Executive Director Robin Usalis. “For example, the Early Childhood Learning Center engages students with and without disabilities. Today, most of our students do not have disabilities,” she said. “We are proud to be sixty years strong; serving typical and differently abled people at many different ages. The success of our agency is not possible without our donors and volunteers,” she added.
The 2017 “Community Service Award” recipient was Dave Harrison, for his generosity and legacy of helping children and adults with disabilities.The ‘Potential Made Possible Award went to Berachah Church, for their generosity and continuous support of Abilities First programs and services. Shaboom’s Inc., a memorial scholarship organization in honor of Stg. James C. Robinson, received the “Above and Beyond Service Award,” for their generous commitment of time, support and inspiration to Abilities First clients, students and staff. The “Volunteerism Award,” went to Sun Coke Energy, for their gift of time talent and treasures in helping provide safe and appealing facilities for clients, students, and staff.
According to Debbie Alberico, Director of Marketing and Development, over 60 people participated in the luncheon. “We appreciate the assistance of all of our volunteers and donors. Over 100 people were invited to the luncheon. We are very happy that 60 could join us for the celebration as we show pride in our past, and focus on our future.”
“Abilities First is creating a strategic planning initiative that includes capital projects as well as programmatic changes,” Usalis added. "Our most recent research shows an increased need for the services that we provide."
A continuum of programming from birth through all phases of life, Abilities First is a direct service agency for individuals with disabilities that provides a diverse range of services to Butler,Hamilton, Montgomery, and Warren County residents. These services include: Autism Learning Center Preschool through grade one; Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy; Early Childhood Learning Center, Preschool through grade five; Adult Day Program including vocational habilitation; Therapy Program; Intermediate Residential Care Facilities (Doty House and Hopewell). More information about Abilities First programs and services can be found at www.abilitiesfirst.org. You can get involved at: https://gifts.abilitiesfirst.org/checkout/donation….