WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY (August 30, 2021) – Abilities First is pleased to welcome Marcy Handler to Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First NY as the new director of grants, a position recently created to support Abilities First’s essential strategic needs.

“Grants are a tremendous resource for nonprofit organizations, especially when they are focused on advancing their level of innovation, creativity, and positive impact on the mission and people served,” said Jeffrey Fox, Ph.D., CEO of Abilities First. “We are pleased and excited to have Marcy join our team as we strive for those outcomes.”

Handler has more than three decades of nonprofit experience in strategic planning, proposal writing, stakeholder engagement, organizational development, and program design. Some of her more recent positions include Population Health Improvement  program manager for HealthlinkNY (formerly THINC) in Fishkill, director of grants and administration for the Greater Newburgh Partnership, and the director of development for Jewish Family Services of Orange County.

Under Abilities First Chief Advancement Officer Melissa McCoy, Handler is now responsible for identifying funding opportunities, applying for grants, and reporting, monitoring, and ensuring Abilities First’s compliance for a portfolio of private and governmental grants. 

“I couldn’t ask for a more inspiring place to be than with Abilities First, and I’m excited to add another dimension to an already dynamic advancement team,” Handler said. “It’s wonderful to jump in on day one to support great projects focused on expanding school capacity, building playgrounds, and enhancing the quality of life for an underserved population.”