Abilities First Opens Pre-School in New Windsor

NEW WINDSOR – On May 20, 2021, the Orange County Chamber of Commerce joined the Abilities First team of staff, board of directors, students and family members, among other supporters, to celebrate the opening of their newest pre-school located in New Windsor.

Melissa McCoy, Abilities First Chief Advancement Officer, AFY & FAFNY addressed the crowd with accolades to the team and gratitude towards all who were involved in making this new location possible. Jeffrey Fox, Chief Executive Officer & President of Abilities First and Gary Cassiello, Vice-Chair of the Abilities First Board of Directors and partner through Judelson, Giordiano & Siegel, CPA, P.C. both made remarks on the great work that Abilities First does for their students and families. The Orange County Chamber of Commerce Acting President & CEO, Heather Bell-Meyer introduced elected officials and lead the cutting of the ribbon along with several Orange County Chamber board members. ambassadors, staff members and chamber photographer, Jeremy Landolfa. Many local officials were in attendance to acknowledge the accomplishment including Senator Sue Serino, Assemblyman Colin Schmitt, and representatives from the offices of Senator James Skoufis, Senator Mike Martucci, Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney and Orange County Deputy Clerk Kelly Eskew. A certificate from Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus was presented during the ceremony. All appropriate health & safety guidelines were followed strictly including the number in attendance under NY state social distancing guidelines.

The ribbon cutting was held to highlight the opening of Abilities First newest facility – a preschool for students age 3-5 years old, which supports students from over 21 districts in the region. Founded in 1962, Abilities First is a not-for-profit organization serving the needs of those with developmental disabilities from pre-school through adulthood. Abilities First has had a long-term commitment of providing a cohesive culture of compassion, empowerment, and respect for people with a variety of disabilities through educational, vocational, residential, and habilitation services. Over 500 employees support the 1,400 children and adults with disabilities in the Hudson Valley region of New York State. Abilities First’s mission is to provide people with disabilities and their families support to attain independence, self-determination, integration and acceptance by others through education, exploration and experience. The new location can be found at 121 Executive Drive in New Windsor.