Poughkeepsie, N.Y. (October 23, 2018) – The Foundation for Abilities First NY (FAFNY) announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. The mission of the Foundation for Abilities First NY is to serve as the philanthropic arm of Abilities First, Inc., perpetuating the goals of the organization’s mission in providing people with disabilities and their families support to attain independence, integration, and acceptance by others through education, exploration, and experience. The creation of the Foundation for Abilities First NY was officially announced at the annual Community Breakfast Event this past July.
The founding members of the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Abilities First NY:
- President: Joshua Mackey, Mackey, Butts & Wise LLP
- Vice President: Ted Prenting, Retired
- Secretary: Craig Irwin, Merrill Lynch
- Treasurer: DeForest Howland, William A Smith & Son Insurance/ Ralph V. Ellis Insurance Agency
- Eric Baxter, RL Baxter Building Corp.
- Pat Rose, A&R Security
- John Scileppi, Retired
- Pete Setaro, Morris Associates Engineering
- Jeffery Fox, Ph.D., Abilities First
The Foundation for Abilities First NY will establish a stable commitment of philanthropic support for Abilities First, to assure the programs, services, and quality of life opportunities remain strong and available, as well as ensure the organization’s fiscal resiliency during unexpected changes.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve alongside my fellow Foundation for Abilities First NY board members,” said Joshua Mackey, President for the Foundation for Abilities First NY. “I look forward to working with them and the Abilities First family to build a lasting legacy for the organization.”
The FAFNY Board of Directors will raise funds in order to provide continued financial resources for the benefit and enhancement of the quality of life for individuals receiving services from Abilities First, Inc., many of which are not covered under Medicaid services including recreational and social activities that help build life skills and promote inclusion within the community.
Jeffery Fox, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer for Abilities First said, “We are so pleased to have this foundation off the ground. This initial board of directors is an excellent group of community leaders who will lead off this important initiative. The future of Abilities First is in good hands, and we look forward to great success in building our resources in the short term and long term.”
To learn more or to support the mission of the Foundation for Abilities First NY, please visit www.abilitiesfirstny.org.
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PHOTO:
Top Row, L to R: Jeffery Fox, Ph.D., DeForest Howland, John Scilepp, Ted Prenting
Bottom Row, L to R: Craig Irwin, Pete Setaro, Eric Baxter, Joshua Mackey
Not pictured: Pat Rose