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.

12/24/2025

Who let the Grinch crash the party? 🎄💚We celebrated the holidays with surprise visits from the Grinch, royalty from the Pasadena Rose Court, and a Michael Jackson performance that had everyone on their feet. It was a celebration full of music, laughter, and unforgettable moments we’ll be talking about all season long. Wishing everyone warmth, happiness, and cheer this holiday season. Happy Holidays from all of us at AbilityFirst!

12/20/2025

Holiday cheer was in full swing at our Fair Oaks Holiday Party! 🎄✨ From festive games and fun outfits to lots of laughter and a delicious lunch, it was the perfect way to celebrate the season together.

12/16/2025

As the year winds down, your support means more than ever. One powerful option to consider? Donating appreciated stock, bonds, or mutual funds. It’s easy, tax-smart, and helps stretch your generosity even further.

✨ Why giving stock is a win-win:
• Avoid capital gains tax
• No cash out-of-pocket
• Receive a full income tax deduction
• Put your gift to work immediately for AbilityFirst programs

💙 Ways we can give:
✔ Donate directly from your portfolio—even a few shares can create life-changing opportunities
✔ Give through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) to support the causes that matter most

Have questions? We’re here to help every step of the way. Your generosity helps us reach adults and children with developmental disabilities faster and with greater impact.

Learn more here: https://legacygifts.abilityfirst.org/?pageID=9

In the complex landscape of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities services, effective case management is much mor...
12/12/2025

In the complex landscape of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities services, effective case management is much more than paperwork and referrals—it’s the engine that drives advocacy and connection. Too often, traditional systems reduce coordination to a checklist, missing the nuance of human engagement. But when care becomes mechanized, the individual’s voice is lost. Therefore, AbilityFirst redefines case management as a dynamic dance of clear pathways, flexible planning, and genuine relationship-building. This approach empowers individuals by ensuring that every support mechanism is designed to build capacity, not dependency. But achieving this requires breaking away from rigid protocols and embracing adaptive, person-led strategies. Therefore, by keeping the individual’s choices at the forefront, we create partnerships that not only connect people to resources but also strengthen self-advocacy. How do you see effective coordination reshaping support systems? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.

At the core of effective Intellectual and Developmental Disability support is person-centered planning. Too often, serv...
12/12/2025

At the core of effective Intellectual and Developmental Disability support is person-centered planning. Too often, service plans focus on fitting people into existing programs rather than designing supports around unique dreams and talents. But when we force individuals into a one-size-fits-all model, we miss out on the transformative potential of truly personalized care. Therefore, AbilityFirst embraces a philosophy where every person is seen as the expert of their own life—one where listening deeply and following personal insights lead to real change. This approach isn’t always the easiest path; it challenges traditional structures and requires flexibility. But by making room for individual voices, we pave the way to authentic belonging and self-determination. Therefore, when systems shift from rigid templates to customized strategies, the outcomes are nothing short of transformative. What has your experience been with person-centered support? Let’s share and learn together.

We’re honored that Southern California Edison’s Abilities Beyond Limits and Expectations (ABLE) Business Resource Group ...
12/05/2025

We’re honored that Southern California Edison’s Abilities Beyond Limits and Expectations (ABLE) Business Resource Group selected AbilityFirst as their partner for this year’s Season of Service. Thanks to Edison International for the generous funding and to Edison employees for volunteering their time to make this possible.

Southern California Edison (SCE)

Final hours to make your Giving Tuesday gift! ⏰We’re so close to reaching our $10,000 goal, and thanks to a generous sup...
12/03/2025

Final hours to make your Giving Tuesday gift! ⏰

We’re so close to reaching our $10,000 goal, and thanks to a generous supporter, your gift will be doubled through a $25,000 match.

Your support tonight helps fuel new opportunities including expanding our job training and employment pathways for adults with developmental disabilities.

This is your moment to make 2 times the impact.
Let’s finish strong together. 💙

12/02/2025

Giving Tuesday is a global movement of generosity that inspires people everywhere to give, share, and impact their communities. It’s one day dedicated to fueling nonprofits that create real change — and this year, AbilityFirst is focusing our Giving Tuesday support on one of our most transformative programs: Project SEARCH.

Project SEARCH is an intensive workforce readiness program that equips young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with real-life internship experience, job coaching, and the skills they need to succeed in competitive, integrated employment. For many participants, it’s not just training — it’s a doorway into confidence, independence, and community belonging.

Why does Giving Tuesday matter?
Because it reminds us that generosity is powerful — and that when we give, we help create opportunities where they’re needed most.

Why does Project SEARCH matter?
Because employment shouldn’t be out of reach. Because talent deserves a chance. Because young adults with disabilities deserve pathways, not roadblocks.

💙 Your Giving Tuesday gift directly supports:

On-site job coaching and one-on-one support

Workplace skills training and classroom instruction

Employer partnerships that open doors to real job opportunities

Tools, resources, and supports that follow participants into paid employment

When you give, you’re not just donating — you’re investing in someone’s future.
You’re helping a young adult step into the workforce with pride, purpose, and possibility.

👉 Join us this Giving Tuesday and support equitable employment for people with disabilities. Your generosity helps create jobs, change futures, and strengthen our community.

It’s Giving Tuesday! 💙Today, our impact has the power to go twice as far. Thanks to a generous supporter, every gift is ...
12/02/2025

It’s Giving Tuesday! 💙

Today, our impact has the power to go twice as far. Thanks to a generous supporter, every gift is DOUBLED through a $25,000 match.

We’re working to raise $10,000 TODAY ONLY to support AbilityFirst programs that empower children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Let’s make this day count.
Double your impact. Double the possibilities. 💙

https://www.abilityfirst.org/get-involved/donate-now/

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Tap through our FAQs to learn more about our programs and who we support. 💙
11/28/2025

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Tap through our FAQs to learn more about our programs and who we support. 💙

11/27/2025

Today, we’re grateful for the community that makes AbilityFirst a place of belonging, growth, and possibility. Thank you for supporting us all year long.

🧡 Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at AbilityFirst.

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.