What are the opening hours?

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

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.

02/07/2026

Giving through your IRA is one of the easiest and most tax-smart ways to support AbilityFirst, helping children and adults with developmental disabilities reach their full potential, today and for generations to come. If you are 70½ years of age and older, federal law allows you to make a direct gift from your IRA to AbilityFirst. This IRA rollover lets you give up to $111,000 this year without increasing your taxable income and your gift may also count toward your required minimum distribution (RMD).

Whether you’re giving now or planning for the future, your IRA can be a powerful way to support AbilityFirst helping ensure opportunity and independence for years to come. Thank you for believing in AbilityFirst and the people we serve!

02/03/2026

🔭🌟 Exploring new horizons at Mt. Wilson Observatory! ExploreAbility Pasadena experienced the wonder of science, nature, and discovery firsthand—building confidence and expanding what’s possible, one adventure at a time.

01/31/2026

For a century, our community has supported individuals with disabilities in reaching their goals and living full, independent lives made possible by supporters like you. 💙

Throughout our Centennial year, we’re sharing inspiring stories that show what’s possible when people believe in potential. Each journey reflects the power of education, opportunity, and community support.

As we celebrate our past and look toward the future, thank you for helping shape the next 100 years of AbilityFirst. Stay tuned for more Centennial stories and celebrations!

01/30/2026

The Lawrence L. Frank Center spent a meaningful day visiting the Pasadena fire station to honoring the local community firefighters 🚒❤️Sharing donuts and lots of appreciation for those who keep our community safe every day!

01/28/2026

Chef Mariano in action 👨‍🍳
At our LLF Center, he’s cooking up confidence and real-life skills, one delicious dish at a time. Mariano continues to shine in the kitchen at the Lawrence L. Frank Center, proving that practice and perseverance make all the difference!

01/26/2026

Then ➝ Now

From being one of the first fully accessible camps in the U.S. to creating unforgettable summer memories today, Camp Paivika has been empowering campers for generations.

Friendships. Confidence. Independence. Fun.

This is what 100 years of impact looks like!

01/16/2026

We’ve been keeping a secret for a while now 🤫
Not just any secret, one that represents 100 years, countless stories, and a century of possibilities. Today, we finally get to share it.
✨ Introducing our new logo ✨
Rooted in our past. Inspired by our future.
Here’s to the next 100 years of impact.

01/13/2026

Join us at our Long Beach Center for a FREE Children’s Day Celebration, hosted with Agape Children’s Museum featuring toys, prizes, giveaways, and plenty of smiles. 💛 Come make memories with us!

01/09/2026

Finding your path isn’t always a straight line and that’s okay!
Through AbilityFirst’s College to Career Program, we’ve had the privilege of supporting Jesse Lopez as he explored his goals, stayed on track, and built confidence along the way.

Now on track to graduate with his Communications degree in Spring 2026, Jesse is pursuing his dream of advocating for the disability community. Because of support like yours, we’re helping participants turn uncertainty into purpose. 💙

01/07/2026

As we mark the anniversaries of the Eaton and Palisades Fires, we pause to reflect on the strength, resilience, and compassion of our community.

Many within the AbilityFirst family—participants, families, staff, donors, and community partners—were directly impacted by these fires. We stand with you today and always.

In moments of hardship, community matters most. Together, we continue moving forward with gratitude, unity, and a shared commitment to ensuring no one faces challenges alone. 💙

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

Website

http://www.abilityfirst.org/

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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.