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Dear Friends of Abilis,

At Abilis, people make a difference. From our direct support professional staff, working side by side with our community members, to our operations team who ensure that all Abilis locations are running smoothly. All of them help us provide the supports necessary to improve the lives of more than eight hundred individuals and families every day. We are pleased to share three transformational stories about the impact Abilis has on our community.

Miguel is the youngest of three in his family. He started as a quiet and calm baby, but as he grew older, Miguel’s mother Rita observed that he struggled when he was interacting socially outside of the home. During a routine visit, Miguel’s pediatrician suggested an assessment, which showed the need for speech and language therapy. Early Intervention Services from Abilis began in the home once a week with a specialist who collaborated with all members of the family to strengthen Miguel’s skills. Rita says: “The services that Miguel receives are highly organized and I love that. Our therapist is respectful of our space, and she is the perfect match for us. She understands Miguel and helps me as a mom to understand my son. It’s wonderful to be able to watch Miguel learn how to express himself. I feel a lot of support from the Birth to Three Program.” Abilis has made a difference for Miguel, who started preschool this fall, and we cannot wait to see everything that he will accomplish.

After attending Greenwich Public Schools and The College of Saint Rose, Harry and his family began meeting with Abilis to discuss the next steps in his journey. Harry was accepted into the 2022-2023 Project SEARCH Class at Greenwich Hospital. Harry’s favorite rotation was in the culinary department, where he learned valuable skills related to food safety and preparation that made him a strong candidate for future employers — and a favorite among the instructors at the hospital! Upon graduation, Harry began working for Something Natural in Greenwich and has also been a staple at the concession stand at Island Beach. In both environments, he has been able to build on his Project SEARCH experience and share what he learned with his coworkers. When reflecting on his time with Abilis Harry says, “it’s important for me to do things on my own. Project SEARCH utilized many of my strengths.” Harry’s mom, Serena, acknowledges how important Abilis has been for Harry’s continued transition into adulthood, and recognizes how much Harry has grown and learned in the past year, and looks forward to Harry’s future. “We are immensely grateful for the unique opportunity Abilis offered Harry through the Project SEARCH training platform at Greenwich Hospital,” she says. “Over the nine-month program, the Abilis staff provided him with personalized guidance and invaluable feedback, fostering his growth in communication and socialization skills within a supportive and professional setting.” Going forward, Harry and his family look forward to the role Abilis will play in helping him achieve his goal of living independently.

Eunice, who’s 78 years old, has a smile and laugh that can light up a room, and she too has experienced first-hand how Abilis can transform lives. Eunice has been a part of the Abilis community since 2012 when her siblings reached out to make long-term plans for her. Eunice moved into one of our Abilis residences with women her age who had similar interests. Since then, Eunice has continued to grow, and she’s more communicative and active. Eunice continues to make new friends and try new things; she has always loved to swim and this summer she was thrilled to join the wiffle ball team. Eunice loves her monthly visits with her niece, who is a talented hairdresser and enjoys trying out new styles when she is with her family. Eunice enjoys traveling to visit her sister in Savannah and was overjoyed to take a vacation to Long Beach Island this summer with her Abilis family. “Eunice has blossomed as a person at Abilis,” says her brother Gus. “She has gained new experiences and self-confidence. My family is so appreciative of all that Abilis has done and continues to do for Eunice and for everyone they support.”

We are deeply grateful for your past support and hope that you will continue to support our efforts to help more individuals like Miguel, Harry, and Eunice. At Abilis, we are committed to our community members, and the difference that we make every day for individuals and their families. Together, we will keep Abilis thriving well into the future.

We wish you and your family a healthy, happy, and celebratory holiday season!

Sincerely,

Amy Montimurro
President/CEO

Mitchell Cohen
Board Chair

Abilis is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered with the IRS under Tax ID #06-6009327