November 2024
Dear Friends of Abilis,
Abilis is always moving forward—from our staff members who continue enhancing their expertise to our Abilis community members who reach important milestones in employment, independence, friendships and fun. This year marks one of our biggest steps forward in more than seven decades as Abilis expands services to add a new program space at 78 Harvard Avenue in Stamford.
As we approach the holiday season, we’d like to share three heartwarming stories that highlight growth for individuals and their families, as well as growth for Abilis.

Meet Yvette
Yvette is an only child who reached developmental milestones until she was eight months old. Then her mother noticed a change. Yvette stopped looking into other people’s eyes, stopped responding to stimuli and took a long time learning to sit, crawl and walk. Her family, who emigrated from Honduras to the United States in 2023 when Yvette was 18 months old, became concerned. Yvette’s pediatrician suggested an evaluation and recommended the Abilis Birth to Three Program.
Today, the therapists and teachers at the Abilis Birth to Three program are helping Yvette and her family plan for her transition to preschool this December. Yvette’s family also benefits from our support as they navigate cultural differences in their new home. “Abilis services have been a blessing in the lives of our daughter and our family,” Yvette’s mother says. “We have seen a great change in her. She has developed skills I thought I would never see. As a family we are deeply grateful to the Abilis Birth to Three, Early Learners Program.”

Meet Graham
As he approached his first birthday, Graham was not crawling or reaching important milestones. His mother worked with Abilis staff, pediatricians and neurologists to determine a diagnosis: Angelman Syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder that occurs in one out of 15,000 live births. So began a lifelong journey, not only for Graham but for his entire family. With Abilis’ help, Graham became fully involved in his hometown community where he is now affectionately referred to as “The Mayor.” After his graduation from Giant Steps in Fairfield, Graham found his forever home within our residential program at Abilis. Here, alongside his housemates, he enjoys swimming, visits to the zoo, music therapy and sporting activities.
The highlight of Graham’s story is the evolution of his signature business, GrahamBerries. Located on a farm in upstate New York are 2,500 blueberry bushes spread out over two acres. These organic blueberries are harvested each June and sold throughout Greenwich, creating employment opportunities for Abilis community members. Graham, now 33, feels a sense of pride as an ambassador for Abilis. As Philippa, Graham’s mother, tells us, “Abilis is our extended family. They are my sounding board; we are a team. What Abilis has done has impacted our whole family. What Abilis does for Graham is what they’d do for their own children.”

Meet Ruthann
Ruthann is a 77-year-old woman with Cerebral palsy. At six years of age, Ruthann was placed in an institution, the Southbury Training School, where she lived for 26 years. At 32, Ruthann’s life improved dramatically when she moved into one of Abilis’ residential homes. The Abilis community rallied around her and became Ruthann’s family. For the past 45 years, she has led a full and meaningful life, celebrating birthdays, going on vacations, enjoying employment and attending social events including Broadway shows. Over time, Ruthann’s needs have changed.
In 2021, Abilis helped her move into a beautiful, accessible home. Here she continues to be surrounded by friends and can age in place, fulfilling our lifelong commitment to her. As Ruthann says, “I try not to think about my life before ARC,” (which was our name before Abilis). “All the good stuff in my life has been with Abilis.”
There are so many stories like these at the heart of the Abilis community. Your continued support is essential to help Yvette, Graham, Ruthann and many others grow with Abilis. We wish you and your family a healthy and happy holiday season!
Sincerely,
Amy Montimurro Mitchell Cohen
President/CEO Board Chair
Abilis is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered with the IRS under Tax ID #06-6009327.