Abilities First

06/17/2026

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“The Life I Choose” opens July 11 in Springfield with portraits and films highlighting lived experiences of disability. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by Randy Bacon Photography + 8 Billion Ones

06/15/2026

OK WE LIKE IT!!!! The news is… is almost here! We’re celebrating these stories early with a special VIP event July 10 at the C-ART Gallery on C-Street ahead of the public exhibition July 11-Sept. 5.

The VIP event is presented by The Arc of the Ozarks with the beautiful Savoy venue sponsored by Guaranty Bank, an appetizer experience sponsored by Easterseals Midwest and music sponsored by Reece Family Law.

Mark your calendars to stop by Commercial Street to see the portraits, films and stories we have waited so long to share!

The Life I Choose was captured by Randy Bacon in partnership with Abilities First, Friends of Abilities First and 8 Billion Ones, and features powerful, black-and-white portraits, personal narratives, and short documentary films that invite viewers to experience the lives of people with disabilities through their own voices and perspectives. 

You won’t want to miss it!

06/15/2026

Madison is celebrating 3 years with Abilities First!

Madison serves as a Senior Support Coordinator with Next Step, where she builds strong relationships with people served by Abilities First, their families and their teams. She is passionate about helping people work toward their goals and live the life they choose.

Madison recently stepped into her new role as Senior Support Coordinator, and we are grateful for the leadership, dedication and care she brings to her team and the people she supports.

Outside of work, Madison enjoys singing, playing guitar, crocheting and spending time outdoors.

Thank you, Madison, for three years of service to Abilities First!

06/15/2026

Education is one of the best ways to prevent tick-borne illnesses.

Join Abilities First DD Health Home and Abe Alahmad, FNP-BC, for a free virtual education session about Alpha-Gal and other tick-borne illnesses. This discussion will cover signs, symptoms, prevention and other important considerations for people in Missouri.

Participants are welcome to bring questions or topics they would like to discuss.

What to Know About Alpha-Gal and Other Tick-Borne Illnesses
Friday, June 26
11 a.m. to noon

Register here: 49a13f80-6985-4382-bd00-fd599dc91820@7e5eaf72-8aa5-4632-8a5b-708da2d9887c" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/49a13f80-6985-4382-bd00-fd599dc91820@7e5eaf72-8aa5-4632-8a5b-708da2d9887c

06/12/2026

Skyler loves learning people’s stories and helping them work toward their life goals. During her first year in case management, she has adapted to a new work environment, learned a lot and continued growing in the work every day.

In the year ahead, Skyler’s goal is simple and important: to keep helping people to the best of her ability.

Outside of work, Skyler loves being outside with her family and going to thrift stores.

Thank you, Skyler, for the care and commitment you have brought to your first year with Abilities First. We are glad to have you on the team.

06/12/2026

Summer heat is here, and staying hydrated is more important than many people realize!

Join Abilities First DD Health Home and Dr. Maggie Rogers, MD, for a free virtual education session on preventing dehydration during the summer months. Dr. Rogers will talk through why hydration is important, signs to watch for, prevention tips and questions from participants.

This session is open to anyone who would like to learn more.

Preventing Dehydration in the Summer Heat
Wednesday, June 24
1 to 2 p.m.

Register here: 619c94f1-9092-48c1-8fa1-b813a62c5c6e@7e5eaf72-8aa5-4632-8a5b-708da2d9887c" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/619c94f1-9092-48c1-8fa1-b813a62c5c6e@7e5eaf72-8aa5-4632-8a5b-708da2d9887c

06/11/2026

Art Academy enrollment is now open for July through December classes!🎭🎨🖌️

Art Academy gives people ages 3 and up the chance to create, learn, connect and build confidence through a variety of art experiences. Classes are led by experienced artists, performers and educators, and all supplies are provided.

Our classes are typically held in Greene County, but students from all counties are welcome!

Funding options may include SWAP, Department of Mental Health Waiver funding, private pay and limited scholarship opportunities.

View the full schedule, more details and enrollment information here:
https://abilitiesfirst.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2nd-half-of-the-year-Schedule-of-Classes-after-edits-to-shorten-document-1.pdf

06/11/2026

Please join us in recognizing Kim Marple, DD Health Home Director, as she celebrates two years of service at Abilities First.

Kim has helped create, implement and grow the Abilities First DD Health Home program from early ideas into the support, advocacy and partnership it provides today. She is proud of the relationships built with clients, families, support coordinators, residential providers and community partners, and the way those connections help lead to stronger outcomes.

In the year ahead, Kim looks forward to continuing to expand outreach, enroll more people who can benefit from DD Health Home support and strengthen the program’s consultative services.

Outside of work, Kim loves spending time with her two adult daughters and her many furry children, including four dogs, four cats, two birds and several forest friends who visit each evening. She also loves cooking and baking, is a total Swiftie, a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and enjoys cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs.

Thank you, Kim, for two years of leadership, vision and care. We are grateful for all you have helped build at Abilities First.


HoldTheRope

06/11/2026

Tune in today at 4 p.m. to 93.3 KWTO for The Elijah Haahr Show, where our President & CEO, Maggie Rollwagen, joins the conversation to talk about Abilities First, our work in Greene County, and why local support for people with disabilities is important.

Maggie also shares more about The Life I Choose, our upcoming exhibit in partnership with Randy Bacon, featuring 15 Greene County stories of people living the lives they choose.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to share more about our mission and the people who make this work so important.