Wappingers Falls, N.Y. (August 23, 2021) – Abilities First, Inc. and In Flight, Inc., both non-profit entities that provide services and support to people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, announce the establishment of a new parent corporation called Abilities Partnership of the Hudson Valley, Inc. (APHV).

APHV was incorporated as a non-profit entity on August 11, 2021 with a primary purpose “to serve as a governing body for one or more affiliates that provide services and support to people with intellectual and developmental challenges.” Abilities First, Inc. and In Flight, Inc. will be the first affiliates of APHV.

This affiliation model will be a vehicle for sharing resources and achievement of operational efficiencies not conceivable without such partnership. Over time, APHV may take on additional affiliates as those possibilities present themselves.

Combined, Abilities First and In Flight support over 1,600 individuals, birth through end-of-life, in educational and adult services programs across Orange, Sullivan, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, Columbia, and Greene counties. The combined workforce is over 900 staff members. Both organizations are headquartered in Dutchess County.

Initially, APHV will be led by Matthew G. Bateman as Chief Executive Officer and Dr. Jeffery Fox as President. APHV will be governed by a new Board of Directors that will include members of the respective Boards of Abilities First and In Flight. Over several years, each affiliate will gradually consolidate its operations and services with the other until a time when merger will be contemplated.

“This partnership is made possible by the acute vision of my friend and counterpart, Matt Bateman, who is at the height of an inspiring career in non-profit leadership. Affiliation and consolidation will enhance the strength and positioning of two already exceptional organizations and solidify our common missions for the future and for the benefit of those we support,” said Jeffery Fox, President and CEO of Abilities First. 

“In Flight’s collaboration with a long-established high-quality organization is strategically sound and prudent to navigate the volatile and seemingly uncertain environment IDD providers find themselves in,” stated Matt Bateman, Executive Director and CEO of In Flight. “Under Dr. Jeffrey Fox’s leadership, Abilities First has taken the lead in providing the highest levels of service delivery to hundreds of people daily, with a strong, always present conviction of mission. We at In Flight are honored to be affiliated with Jeff and his highly skilled team”.

 

About Abilities First, Inc.

Founded in 1962, Abilities First is a not-for-profit organization serving the needs of those with developmental disabilities from pre-school through adulthood. Abilities First has had a long-term commitment of providing a cohesive culture of compassion, empowerment and respect for people with a variety of disabilities through educational, vocational, residential, and habilitationThe acquisition of certain skills required for a self-sufficient life. More services.

 It presently serves over 1,200 children and adults with disabilities in the Hudson Valley region of New York State. AF is accredited for the person-centered care by the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) and given the honor of participating in a coalition of leaders in the field through New York Integrated Network and Coordinated Behavioral HealthThis term generally refers to psychological well-being, or the absence of mental health symptoms. More Services (CBHS).

Abilities First’s mission is to provide people with disabilities and their families support to attain independence, self-determination, integrationThe practice of including people with special needs in all aspects of typical community life. Abilities First believes that if integration occurs naturally in a setting (e.g., classroom, place of work, residential neighborhood, etc.), the ratio of people with disabilities to those without should approximate what is found in the total population. That is, less than or equal to 20% people with disabilities. More and acceptance by others through educationThe process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs and habits. We believe all children and adults can benefit from quality education. More, exploration and experience.

For more information, visit www.AbilitiesFirstNY.org or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AbilitiesFirstInc and @AbilitiesF on Twitter.

 

 

About In Flight, Inc.

Since 1993, In Flight’s mission has been to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, to reach for hopes and dreams, and support a meaningful quality of life. In Flight offers job skill and life skill training for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential, day-habilitation, com-hab, and respiteA break from caregiving. More services.

To learn more about In Flight, Inc, visit www.inflightinc.org or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/inflightinc, @InFlightInc on Twitter, or @InFlightNY on Instagram.