Pardon our dust….

Friends in STEP
(Social Thinking, Executive function, Physical fitness),
created a Family Fun Feast for their families and friends, recently. Participants made and shared a taco bar with their guests.
Friends in STEP is designed for 16-21 year old students to increase independence with activities of daily living, social communication, fitness, nutrition and problem solving.

The group works on organization and planning by incorporating community outings and utilization of these skills in everyday situations.
When: Tuesday 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Staff: Physical, Occupational Therapist and Speech-Language Pathologist
An evaluation is needed for appropriate placement.
To receive an application or for more information, please contact:
Bettie Rountree
(513) 423-9496 Ext.251
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Pictured are the Friends in STEP group with an advisor Roni Hairston, and a couple of volunteers from Fenwick High School. The group is discussing current events and planning for their Family Fun Feast scheduled for next Tuesday. They will be preparing a taco bar, salad, and brownies for dessert. Stay tuned...

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….

Welcome Evaline Kilmer, our new Front Office Receptionist. Evaline is a retired RN. She was born in Middletown and lived here until she was 12 before moving to Clearwater, Florida. Evaline was a surgical nurse for 21 years in Florida and moved back to Middletown in 2002. Her past work experience also includes home health and community outreach. Evaline enjoys collecting Coca-Cola items, and she has a big, fat cat named Ella. Evaline is married to Greg and has 3 grown children, 10 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. When you see her, welcome her to Abilities First!