Abilities First

01/13/2026

Thank you for sharing Starling Missouri!

Listen for updates that impact Disability Service Providers and County Boards!

Governor Mike Kehoe will deliver his State of the State Address on January 13 at 3:00 PM. You can watch live on the Governor's Facebook, X, or Youtube profiles. It will also be live on mo.gov/live.

If you’re able to tune in live, great! If not, don’t worry. Starling will be watching closely and tracking any updates that impact disability providers and the people you support. We’ll break down what matters most and share it with our members. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions.

01/12/2026

Pressure doesn’t create leaders, it reveals them.

That’s why our recent professional development centered on the skills leaders need most when the stakes are high. Together, we focused on strengthening targeted leadership capabilities that support sound judgment, ethical supervision, and steady presence:

• Regulating responses instead of reacting
• Remaining present during discomfort
• Communicating with clarity and respect
• Supervising ethically and consistently
• Making decisions with awareness of systemwide impact

When leaders improve their ability to regulate, stay present, and think system-wide, they reduce risk, build trust, and protect the mission.

That is how leaders shine under pressure.

01/10/2026

We are SO excited to officially kick off our partnership with Elevation Studio in Willard for dance classes! Today was our very first session, and the joy in the room was contagious.

From turns and twirls to parallels and pliés, everyone jumped in with enthusiasm and had an amazing time learning, moving, and celebrating the art of dance.

Here’s to many more weeks of growth, creativity, and fun alongside our friends at Elevation Studio!

01/09/2026

It's that time of year again! The Art Academy: By Abilities First 2026 Check In, Cash Out class is open for enrollment.
Classes begin Monday, January 26 from 5:30-7:00 PM.
Register by calling 417-886-0404 (option 3) or Email: aiacademy@abilitesfirst.net

01/08/2026

The Next Step Program held their Annual Retraining Event at Guaranty Bank.

It is a pleasure to serve Greene County!

01/07/2026

01/07/2026

Celebrating Choice, Kindness, and Belonging 🌟

Community Education got to present to Wanda Gray elementary students. Our hats off to Angie Carder, Principal at Gray Elementary who is recognized for her strong leadership and focus on student achievement and Lara Garrett, Librarian and fierce advocate for students!

There’s something pretty special happening in our community. Every day, we see young students stepping up with open minds and open hearts — choosing kindness, embracing differences, and helping build a sense of belonging for their peers with disabilities. Their compassion is contagious.
And behind these incredible students are the teachers who guide, encourage, and model what it means to lead with empathy. Their dedication creates classrooms where every student feels seen, valued, and included.

We couldn’t be prouder of this growing movement of young leaders and educators who are proving that small choices can create big change. Together, they’re shaping a community where everyone has a place — and that’s something worth celebrating.

01/02/2026

Belonging doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s built, together.

Belonging begins with access.

Accessibility is not a feature or an add-on. It is the foundation of choice, inclusion, and belonging. Without accessibility, people with lived experience are excluded from everyday life, not by intention, but by design.

Without access, a person cannot fully choose to:
• vote
• play
• work
• worship
• exercise
• enjoy the outdoors
• spend time with friends
• dine out

…and the list goes on.

Accessibility is what allows people to participate as neighbors, coworkers, friends, and community members. It is how communities reflect dignity, respect, and shared responsibility.

As we move into 2026, Abilities First is committed to honoring our partners, and continuing to partner across Greene County, to build a community where access is expected, inclusion is practiced, and belonging is real.

This work is collective.
This responsibility is shared.
And the future we are building is brighter because of it.

Here’s to a bright future.

12/31/2025

12/31/2025

We wish you a Happy New Year!

In celebration of the New Year, the Abilities First office will close early today at 12:00 PM and will remain closed on January 1. This time allows our staff the opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend time with their families as we welcome the year ahead. We will resume normal business hours on January 2.

Taking this time is important to ensuring our team can continue providing high-quality support to the individuals and families we serve.

How are you ringing in the New Year?

12/30/2025

This holiday season, we are proud to feature Andrea Harp, a dedicated member of the Abilities First Board of Directors and thank her for her service.

Andrea is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Care to Learn and a Drury University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations. Her creativity and heart for service make her an incredible advocate for our mission!

When she’s not leading communications efforts, Andrea enjoys watercolor painting, reading, Jazzercise, and spending time with her family.

Thank you, Andrea, for your dedication and leadership!