Ability Building Community - ABC

Ability Building Community - ABC Providing services for individuals with disabilities through community inclusion since 1956!

Over 800 people with a variety of physical, emotional, and mental disabilities work in Rochester, La Crescent and Caledonia at over 100 community business sites and in our facilities.

After an incredible 40-year journey at ABC, Kara Smerud has retired! She spent her time working in the community at Subw...
02/23/2026

After an incredible 40-year journey at ABC, Kara Smerud has retired!

She spent her time working in the community at Subway and Quillins IGA and loved spending Fridays at ABC Works in LaCrescent enjoying her favorite chicken dinner and a breakfast donut with friends and staff.

We sent her off “Kara-style” at the end of January, with Bingo, cake, ice cream, and lots of laughter. Cheers to your next adventure, Kara! You will be deeply missed at ABC! 🎉

Sliming Around at Works, Caledonia!Chris earned the title of ABC Slime King after his first-ever experience with this go...
02/20/2026

Sliming Around at Works, Caledonia!

Chris earned the title of ABC Slime King after his first-ever experience with this gooey, squishy slime. His amazement says it all. Sometimes you just have to get a little messy to have the most fun! 😁

There is no out of town travel for our Houston County locations today, Friday 2/20/26.
02/20/2026

There is no out of town travel for our Houston County locations today, Friday 2/20/26.

The ABC Apparel Store is OPEN!In honor of our 70th Anniversary, we launched a limited-edition design inspired by our the...
02/19/2026

The ABC Apparel Store is OPEN!

In honor of our 70th Anniversary, we launched a limited-edition design inspired by our theme: ABC Means A Better Community

Even more special? The winning design was created by one of our very own and selected from a t-shirt design contest featuring ABC staff and individuals served.

Snag this anniversary design while it’s available!! https://www.kassonlasergraphics.net/abc

Plus, we’ve stocked the store with:
Fresh spring colors 🌸
High-visibility safety options to help keep you safe and seen on the job ⚡

Celebrate 70 years with us and rep ABC in style!

Shop Now at https://www.kassonlasergraphics.net/abc

Since June 2025, Ability Building Community has partnered with the Salvation Army to create meaningful volunteer opportu...
02/17/2026

Since June 2025, Ability Building Community has partnered with the Salvation Army to create meaningful volunteer opportunities for people with disabilities while supporting the broader community. Every Monday and Friday morning, ABC volunteers help keep the Salvation Army building clean, safe, and welcoming.

Volunteers handle important tasks like vacuuming, mopping, dusting, trash removal, and cleaning bathrooms. Through this work, they build job skills, develop routines, and discover tasks they enjoy. It is a partnership that benefits everyone involved.

Volunteers say the experience makes them proud!! Ja’Nese enjoys cleaning and takes pride in her work. Charlie appreciates being thanked by staff for his efforts. Marcella likes dusting, A prefers vacuuming, Mohammed enjoys helping wherever needed, and Caleb takes pride in replacing trash liners. Every role matters.

Salvation Army staff create a welcoming and respectful environment where volunteers feel appreciated and supported. ABC staff have seen growth in skills, confidence, and independence since the partnership began.

This collaboration is about more than maintaining a building. It promotes inclusion, dignity, and belonging while giving people with disabilities the opportunity to contribute in meaningful ways.

Thank you, Salvation Army, for your partnership!

Congratulations to Kendall Beach for winning the High Five!Kendall earned this award because of her outstanding dedicati...
02/16/2026

Congratulations to Kendall Beach for winning the High Five!

Kendall earned this award because of her outstanding dedication, initiative, and heart for the individuals and team she supports each day.

Kendall does an amazing job supporting her 1:1 individual, creating a safe and encouraging space where they feel comfortable trying new things and building confidence each day. Her patience and positivity truly make a difference!

She is always one step ahead, getting everything ready for outings, organizing the bus, and making sure loading and unloading runs smoothly. No matter the weather, Kendall is willing to jump in with tie-downs and whatever else is needed. She stays on top of her data books, keeps things organized, and handles her responsibilities with care and attention to detail.

On top of that, Kendall has made a big impact on our fundraising efforts by bringing in new sponsors this year. Woohoo!

Flexible, dependable, and kind to everyone, Kendall is always ready to lend a hand wherever she is needed. We are so lucky to have her on the team!!

Throwback Thursday to Valentine’s 1994 💖Grooving to all our favorite 90's hits and enjoying a puppet show that stole the...
02/12/2026

Throwback Thursday to Valentine’s 1994 💖

Grooving to all our favorite 90's hits and enjoying a puppet show that stole the spotlight. Memories this sweet never go out of style!

After years of dedication, growth, and hard work, Gail Rasmusson has decided it is time to begin a new chapter in retire...
02/11/2026

After years of dedication, growth, and hard work, Gail Rasmusson has decided it is time to begin a new chapter in retirement!

Gail’s journey with ABC began through the Vocational Evaluation program, where she explored different job trials and developed skills that carried her through many roles over the years. Most recently, she has been a valued member of the ABC team working in the MCL assembly line area.

Throughout her time at ABC, Gail has shown incredible perseverance and strength, maintaining her independence while building meaningful friendships along the way. She has always been committed to her work and community, even continuing to work during challenging times.

As Gail looks ahead to retirement, we reflect with pride on all she has accomplished. We wish her nothing but happiness, fulfillment, and well deserved rest in the years to come!!

There’s nothing better than experiencing Rochester together! Bundled up downtown, and enjoying Social Ice as we spend ti...
02/09/2026

There’s nothing better than experiencing Rochester together! Bundled up downtown, and enjoying Social Ice as we spend time connecting and having fun in our community.

Congraulations to Kali Bjorkland for winning the High Five Award!Kali earned the High Five for her consistent dedication...
02/06/2026

Congraulations to Kali Bjorkland for winning the High Five Award!

Kali earned the High Five for her consistent dedication, patient support, and the positive, caring presence she brings to the individuals each day.

Since starting at ABC, Kali has shown strong dedication to the individuals she supports by taking the time to learn each person’s needs and how to help them succeed. She responds to challenges with patience and calm, offering encouragement, positive praise, and compassionate support, especially on difficult days. The care she has for the individuals is clear, and they genuinely enjoy working with her.

Kali is reliable and organized, staying on top of computer work, communication, and detailed case narratives while keeping her supervisor informed and seeking solutions when questions arise. She has shown flexibility and initiative by adding an extra day to her schedule, attending additional training, and always being willing to learn and help. She manages multiple needs at once with a calm, organized approach and prioritizes effectively.

With excellent attendance and a consistently positive, upbeat attitude, Kali creates an environment that benefits both individuals and the team. Her pride in her work and commitment to ABC’s mission make her a valued and dependable staff member.

Fresh off the press!Our latest ABC newsletter is out 📰 Dive into what’s happening at ABC, including our upcoming 70th an...
02/04/2026

Fresh off the press!

Our latest ABC newsletter is out 📰 Dive into what’s happening at ABC, including our upcoming 70th anniversary, highlights from the Houston County Banquet, and our newest Lowry and WOW Award winners. Don't miss it!

https://www.abcinc.org/abc-archives

Good friends, great pizza, even better dessert! Josiah and Dan had a friendship fueled afternoon at Mabes Pizza in Decor...
02/02/2026

Good friends, great pizza, even better dessert! Josiah and Dan had a friendship fueled afternoon at Mabes Pizza in Decorah.

Address

1911 14th Street NW
Rochester, MN
55901

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15072816262

Website

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Our Story

Since 1956, Ability Building Community has been providing services for individuals with disabilities through community inclusion. Our goal is to see that every person, regardless of disability, is respected as an individual and is the one whose voice is most clearly heard thought-out the entire service design and delivery process. We currently serve over 750 people in Rochester, La Crescent and Caledonia Minnesota at over 100 community business sites and in our facilities.