AbilityFirst

AbilityFirst Providing programs and resources for children and adults with disabilities, since 1926. Lawrence L.

AbilityFirst was established in 1926 and known as the Crippled Children's Society of Southern California (CCS) for many decades. Frank and Paul Dietrich, both Rotarians, were two of the original founders of the organization and they continued their loyal support throughout their lives. Operating in the greater Los Angeles area, AbilityFirst has 25 facilities which supports individuals with physical and developmental disabilities through after school enrichment programs, job training, community employment, accessible camping, and affordable and accessible housing. AbilityFirst is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and the American Camping Association (ACA). Some facilities are licensed by the California Department of Social Services and the Department of Developmental Services.

Get ready to be amazed! Our Stroll & Roll stage is packed with incredible talent featuring performances by Camp Paivika,...
11/07/2025

Get ready to be amazed! Our Stroll & Roll stage is packed with incredible talent featuring performances by Camp Paivika, Dance Street Twinkles, Ian Smith, DJ Severe, the PUSD Cheerleaders, and Straight Up Abilities! Join us on Saturday for a full day of energy, music, and celebration! 🎉

11/05/2025

We’re so excited to have Jaclyn Smith share why Stroll & Roll matters! 💙 Together, we can help people with disabilities achieve their personal best. Join the fun. Support the cause. Donate today at StrollandRoll.org!

Our exhibitors are getting ready to bring the fun at this year's Stroll & Roll! From games and giveaways to helpful info...
11/04/2025

Our exhibitors are getting ready to bring the fun at this year's Stroll & Roll! From games and giveaways to helpful information and resources, they’re showing up for our community in the best way. Don’t forget to complete your passport by visiting each booth and redeem a fun prize! 🎉

🎤 They’re back! We’re thrilled to welcome Mekahlo Medina six-time Emmy Award-winning journalist with NBC4 and Hunter Mar...
11/02/2025

🎤 They’re back! We’re thrilled to welcome Mekahlo Medina six-time Emmy Award-winning journalist with NBC4 and Hunter March co-founder of Poppies Studios and host of Netflix’s hit show Blown Away as our Stroll & Roll co-emcees once again! 🌟

Their energy, passion, and heart make every moment unforgettable. Thank you to Mekahlo, Hunter, and our friends at NBC4 for continuing to support AbilityFirst's mission! 💙

11/01/2025

🎃 What a spooktacular celebration! The AbilityFirst centers Halloween events were full of thrills and fun. From a haunted house, costumed characters, volunteers from LATLC, to LED stilt dancers, festive games, and a candy cart stocked with sweet treats! 🍬✨ It was a party filled with dancing, laughter, and spooky surprises. Happy Halloween to all!

10/29/2025

With October being National Down Syndrome Awareness month, East LA came together for a day full of fun at the park 🛝🏀 What a great time to play basketball, tennis, and enjoy the outdoor play structure. Nothing beats a beautiful day in LA!

A wonderful fall day spent together at the pumpkin patch! 🎃 The Program participants loved finding the perfect pumpkins ...
10/27/2025

A wonderful fall day spent together at the pumpkin patch! 🎃 The Program participants loved finding the perfect pumpkins and soaking up all the autumn fun.

10/24/2025

🎓 This month is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and we’re so excited for the College to Career students who graduated and those who completed the Discovery Phase earlier this year! They are ready to take on their next journey with confidence. Here’s to new beginnings, big dreams, and all the success ahead!

10/20/2025

PossAbility Pasadena inspiring creativity and community at the 4th Annual Art Gala last week! We celebrated talented artists and raised funds to support their programs. Your support helps these artists continue to grow, create, and inspire!
🎨✨

10/20/2025

What’d you do this summer? The participants at the Lawrence L. Frank Center went on the wild side with some special guests, made a splash at Raging Waters, and shared a meal at Benihana. These are just some of the few adventures that made this summer memorable! ☀️

We’re so grateful to the Knights of Columbus for their generous donation in support of the Lawrence L. Frank Center! You...
10/17/2025

We’re so grateful to the Knights of Columbus for their generous donation in support of the Lawrence L. Frank Center! Your kindness helps us continue empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. 💙
Pictured here is Daniel Burrola Financial secretary, and Xavier Vargas, Grand Knight.

10/17/2025

Recapping our Rainbows for AbilityFirst celebration! 🌈 Thank you to all who joined us and so generously contributed. Together, we raised funds to empower children and adults with disabilities and we’re not far from our goal!

You can still make a difference today→ https://www.abilityfirst.org/get-involved/donate-now/

Address

789 North Fair Oaks
Pasadena, CA
91103

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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Our Story

AbilityFirst provides a variety of programs designed to help people with disabilities achieve their personal best throughout their lives. We do this by: creating targeted programming to help an individual successfully transition from childhood to adult life; providing employment preparation, training, and experience; building social connections and independence; and, offering both our participants and their caregivers an opportunity to refresh and recharge through our recreational activities.

Mission:

AbilityFirst provides programs and services to help children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities realize their full potential throughout their lives.