Abilities First

11/25/2025

The Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation was established by businessman Stanley Ball to honor his late wife Elaine and their shared dedication to uplifting communities. Passionate about education and helping children, Stanley devoted a significant portion of his estate to create a foundation that supports organizations working to improve lives and build stronger communities.

We are incredibly grateful that Art Academy was awarded this 10k in grant funding through a partnership with the Central Bank Trust. Thank you for helping us make a lasting impact!

Friends of Abilities First

11/25/2025

📢 2026 Art Academy Class Schedule!

We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for January–July 2026 classes at the Art Academy! Choose from classes in: Painting, Drawing, Theater, and Music

From beginners to professionals, our inclusive programs are designed for students of all ages and all abilities.

View the full schedule by scanning the QR code or visiting abilitiesfirst.net/artacademy.
Register today by emailing artacademy@abilitiesfirst.net or calling 417-866-0404 ext. 3.

Let’s make 2026 a year of creativity, growth, and opportunity together!

11/24/2025

Meet the Bailey Family!

Graham has grown with us, beginning at one years old in our First Steps program, now in Next Step and is now thriving in 7th grade. From IEP meetings to everyday encouragement, our team has been there every step of the way.

"As Graham got older, Abilities First has been our guide through IEP meetings, our note-taker when we our overwhelmed, and our cheerleader when things felt tough. Whenever school issues popped up, one call made the difference. Our Support Coordinator asked the questions we didn’t think of, reminded us of the details we might have missed, and helped us feel confident that Graham’s plan was the best it could be."

11/19/2025

Meet Shelby!

At just 19, she’s turning life’s challenges into art. From sketching at age 4 to creating characters like “Scarlett,” Shelby uses creativity to heal and inspire. With her Nana as her guiding light, she’s chasing her dreams at the Art Academy. Keep shining, Shelby—the world needs your art.

11/19/2025

These sweet angels will be 8 weeks just in time to be our special guests at the Season of Giving Bash at the White River Conference Room December 20th! Thank you Show Me Goldens for your service and support!

https://givebutter.com/SeasonofGivingBash2025?fbclid=IwZnRzaAOKt2tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeRudatWBj7aHyEzyrcRuDOk0A09HrPTmEaW1Tjlrf8xiVVAfqWLTs-9PRNns_aem_I_56OFT4HvT5niB_Hf6Z3g

11/15/2025

In our Adult Production Class at the Art Academy, students stepped into the role of mystery dancers!
This playful exercise isn’t just fun—it’s a powerful way to build trust, focus, and connection within the group. By moving together and guessing who’s leading, students strengthen their awareness, creativity, and teamwork.

Every dance becomes a lesson in collaboration, reminding us that art is as much about relationships as it is about performance.

Can't wait to see you all on December 12th for, "The Case of the Cracked Planet" production.

11/15/2025

Big updates are coming for ABLE accounts in 2026, making it easier for people with disabilities to save for the future while protecting essential benefits.

Here’s what to know:

Higher Contribution Limit
The annual limit is expected to rise to $19,000.

Extra Savings for Workers
If you’re employed, the ABLE to Work provision (now permanent) lets you put in more, up to the lesser of your yearly earnings or the federal poverty level for one person.

Expanded Eligibility
The age of disability onset increases from 26 to 46, opening the door for millions more to qualify.

Permanent 529 Rollovers
Families can now permanently roll over 529 education savings into ABLE accounts.

Saver’s Credit
Contributions now qualify for the Saver’s Credit, with even stronger benefits starting in 2027.

Medicaid Payback Reminder
States may recover certain Medicaid costs from the account after the beneficiary passes away.

ABLE accounts continue to grow as a powerful tool for financial stability, independence, and long-term planning. Let’s help more people learn about these opportunities.

https://moable.com/

A STABLE account for those with an eligible disability who want to save and invest for a better life, achieve financial empowerment and prepare for a more independent future.

11/14/2025

Attention artists! This is a great opportunity to have your work displayed.

Submissions are open now through January 30th for the Missouri Mental Health Foundation's Director's Creativity Showcase!

Showcase & art judging happening March 4th , 2026

The Missouri Mental Health Foundation invites you to share your story through creativity.

Submissions open now through January 30th for our Director's Creativity Showcase!

Showcase & art judging happening March 4th , 2026 🎨

Learn more at: missourimhf.org/directors-creativity-showcase-2/

11/14/2025

Thank you to 4 By 4 Brewing - Fremont Hills for hosting for Bingo and having Friends of Abilities First as their charity of the month. It was a great time!

11/13/2025

Instructor Cory Leike and team Emily Gannaway & Susie Dains led a Holiday-Themed Acrylic Painting Class at AcompañARTE Cultural Center!

While squirrels scurry through the fall leaves outside, our students brought festive cheer to life on canvas! 🖌️🍁

11/13/2025

Grab your friends and join us tonight at 4 By 4 Brewing in Fremont Hills!
Enjoy Bingo, brews, and fun while supporting Friends of Abilities First!

BINGO is TONIGHT at our Fremont Hills Location!
⁠
Our charity for the month of November: Abilities First
⁠
WHAT IS THE CHARITY?⁠
Abilities First is dedicated to ensuring that people with
developmental disabilities can experience full inclusion
where they live, learn, work, and play. Inclusion benefits
everyone in our society. By bringing people together,
our community can be strengthened to make
a greater whole.

Their Goal is to Break Down Barriers.

To push the boundaries of every person’s potential so there are no limitations. They strive to be innovative so that transformation is possible… and permanent. We help families find the resources they need for their family member with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism or other developmental disability. We are dedicated to ensuring all people have the opportunities they need.
⁠
Learn more here ----> https://abilitiesfirst.net
⁠
Their Charity Beer is: Parkside Pineapple (10% of sales for the month goes back to them)⁠
⁠
Also, don't forget to bring cash for donations at each BINGO Night!

11/12/2025

Our Create-a-Puppet class (ages 6–12) had a blast crafting fun and spooky monsters this week using a variety of materials!

Creative minds at work and puppets ready to play!