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June 22, 2017 | Serendipity

At this year’s Spring for Abilis Gala, Jeff Zimmerman of Darien spoke about his young son being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and the support his entire family received through the Abilis Birth to Three early intervention program. His voice cracked with emotion as he told the gala guests: “We know that this might be a lifetime journey. And we also know that Abilis is there for us and will be there for us every step along the way.” Stories like this underscore the critical work that Abilis does, and that’s why guests help raise over $400,000 during the evening, as part of Abilis’ 65th anniversary celebration. The night raised awareness of Abilis and funding for its programs for people with special needs (currently, the organization serves 700 individuals and their families in Fairfield County).

Gala 2017 3

    

The evening paid tribute to the parents and program participants new and old, who have reached developmental milestones and life goals, such as competitive employment, because of Abilis. There was applause and cheering throughout the room, when President/CEO, Dennis Perry shared pictures and anecdotes about 20 program participants whose parents and relatives were at the gala. While its programs and services continue to grow, Abilis remains a tight-knit and supportive community of participants, families, staff and donors.

 The gala included a silent and live auction, as well as a Giving Garden with staff wish list items. Following the live auction, there was dancing and a truffle-making station provided by Voila Chocolat of New York City. The decor built upon the Spring for Abilis theme with stunning flower and candle centerpieces on all of the tables and 3-dozen gerbera daisies, one for each Giving Garden wish list item in the silent auction cocktail area. Brett Walkow, an actor and comedian based in Chicago, was the emcee for the evening. The gala was co-chaired by Margot Michalski, Adriana Ospina, and Martha Perry. All three have very strong family connections to Abilis. Ms. Michalski, of Greenwich, is an Abilis Board member and her brother, Ian participates in one of Abilis’ day programs. Ms. Ospina, of Greenwich, and Mrs. Perry of New Canaan, are both mothers of young adults in the Abilis Life Skills Program, Alejandra and Ross, respectively.

800+

People Served

24

Hours a Day

365

Days a Year

70

Years of Service

40+

Homes

400

Staff Members

5

Businesses

80+

Community Partners

Therapeutic Services

Abilis is home to experts who work together to create a cohesive approach to personalized therapeutic care. Our therapies, housed in our Therapy Center, are administered using best practices and are available at Abilis or in the environments you choose, including your home and places in the community where the therapy will be the most effective.

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Life Services

Abilis provides needed supports to people throughout their lives. Our goal is to enhance each person’s quality of life through social activities, meaningful employment and high quality residential services. Our Life Services programs include health and wellness care delivered by certified professionals.

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The Individual Life Plan

The Individual Life Plan (ILP) is our signature service. Abilis works collaboratively with families to assess existing needs, plan for future needs, and create a personalized roadmap for anticipated therapeutic and life skills services for their family member with disabilities. From birth through adulthood to later stages in life, the ILP will help families and individuals with disabilities prepare for and successfully navigate major life transitions.

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Activities

Abilis offers social and recreational programs for children, teens, and adults. These programs range from weekly music, art, and cooking classes to monthly birthday parties with dancing and teen social gatherings with games and pizza. In addition to these regular events, Abilis schedules special outings to New York City and other destinations to enjoy arts events.

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Get Involved

Abilis depends upon dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners to provide the wide range of high quality programs and services that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families need to live, learn, work, and enjoy life.

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Mission Vision Values

Abilis provides people with developmental disabilities and their families in Lower Fairfield County with supports and advocacy for building able lives and strong communities.

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