About our Family Resources Program
"This is Graham's community. We want him to be a part of it and for people to know who he is, Abilis's services helped us bring him more into community life - at his school, at the local "Y" and at home 24 hours a day. He is participating in typical activities, doing things on his own, and making his own mistakes!”
Abilis Family Resources promotes inclusion and support to family members as children advance through school and transition into young adults. Abilis Family Resources celebrates the self-expression, team-building, friendships, support networks and community relationships that are so important during these years.
Abilis Family Resources is dedicated to helping children and families find their place in the greater community. Family Resources conducts its programs in local gymnasiums, restaurants, stores, schools, camps, auditoriums, religious institutions and other community hubs so children become comfortable and confident in a wide variety of situations and settings.
Recreation, art, theater/music and other leisure activities are inclusive, with typical children and those served by Abilis learning and growing, side by side. Abilis helped to introduce inclusive recreation opportunities to the Greenwich community, with a focus on middle- and high-school age children. Initiatives combine equal numbers of athletes with and without disabilities on competitive sports teams.
Respite assistance provides time to meet the needs of other family members. It gives temporary rest or relief from the constant responsibilities of caring for a family member with a disability. Supports are designed in collaboration with family members, can be made available in a variety of settings and include anything that help the family remain together.
Anything’s Possible Players is a unique arts program for young adults 14 to 25 with and without disabilities. Participants of the program learn to value each other’s gifts, talents and abilities and share their understanding of one another with the community through the arts.
Parent to Parent provides information about disabilities, resources and advocacy for individuals served by Abilis. Parent to Parent is a network of parents who know the joys and frustrations of parenting a child with developmental and/or health-related needs. The network links newly referred parents with supporting parents whose children have the same or related needs.
Padres Abriendo Puertas educates Hispanic/Latino parents to help them develop a voice of their own. We strive to educate Latino families about the rights afforded to them so they can better advocate for their children.
Sibshops provide brothers and sisters of children with developmental disabilities an opportunity to meet other siblings in a relaxed, recreational setting. Weekend events offer the opportunities for play, games and discussion. These events celebrate siblings and all they do for their brothers, sisters and families.
“Hanging Out” offers high-school-age teens and young adults the opportunity to participate in typical, age-appropriate, community-based activities. Participation offers a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and to share new experiences. Teens and young adults are encouraged to take an active role in the overall planning of all outings. Activities have included trips to museums, attendance at sports games, movies and dinner out.
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Enabling Independence
Building Community
Impacting Society
A complete support network for children and teens and their families.
Providing opportunities for individuals to gain confidence and succeed.
For more information about Abilis Family Resources contact:
Luis Velazquez
Director of Family Resources
203-324-1880 x328 or email:
Karen Feder
Director Youth Services
203-324-1880 x302 or email:
Lolli Ross
Executive Director
203-531-1880 x104 or email:
1150 Summer Street - Stamford, CT 06905 • P 203.324.1880 • F 203.324.4390
