Abilities First

Abilities First The mission of Abilities First is Turning Abilities Into Opportunities.

Abilities First is an organization that promotes inclusive opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. We believe that everyone has abilities and by ensuring that people have the opportunity to use their abilities, we make our community better for all of us. Abilities First uses public and private funds to support the choices of individuals with developmental disabilities in Greene County to live, work, play, be active, and productive in meaningful ways in our community.

Celebrate with us as Jessica Davis marks an incredible 4-year milestone as a Support Coordinator with the Next Step pro...
02/19/2026

Celebrate with us as Jessica Davis marks an incredible 4-year milestone as a Support Coordinator with the Next Step program!

“The best part of my job has always been and will always be the individuals and families I get to work alongside. I enjoy hearing their stories, seeing their successes, and helping them find a solution to obstacles that prevent them from living their best life.”

Outside of work you can find Jessica and her family cruising to car shows in their vintage rides - her 1966 Mustang and her husband's 1972 Buick GS 455 are their pride and joy!





02/18/2026

The Arc of the Ozarks just added a second facility to meet rising demand for autism services. Here’s how it will expand care for local families. See link below ⬇️

Liz Gallegos is celebrating her 1 year anniversary as an Administrative Assistant with First Steps. Help us thank her fo...
02/18/2026

Liz Gallegos is celebrating her 1 year anniversary as an Administrative Assistant with First Steps. Help us thank her for dedication to our mission!

“I love being part of an organization that champions inclusion and recognizes disabilities as abilities.”

In her free time, she enjoys crafting and journaling.





We are so proud of our Abilities First Chief Operating Officer Sarah Tilley for being chosen for the Biz 417 REMARKABLE ...
02/18/2026

We are so proud of our Abilities First Chief Operating Officer Sarah Tilley for being chosen for the Biz 417 REMARKABLE Program.

Keep shining bright Sarah✨





Our office will be closedMonday, February 16 in observation ofWashington's birthday.We will reopen Tuesday, February 17 ...
02/16/2026

Our office will be closed
Monday, February 16 in observation of
Washington's birthday.
We will reopen Tuesday, February 17 at 8:00 a.m.

Community Education accepted a check to Friends of Abilities First from Guaranty Bank today before the Missouri State Be...
02/14/2026

Community Education accepted a check to Friends of Abilities First from Guaranty Bank today before the Missouri State Bears game.

Thank you for your generousity and support!

This Valentine’s Day, we’re reminded that love looks like belonging.Every person deserves the opportunity to love and be...
02/14/2026

This Valentine’s Day, we’re reminded that love looks like belonging.

Every person deserves the opportunity to love and be loved, to form meaningful relationships, and to make choices about their own life. Inclusion means creating communities where connection is possible, dignity is honored, and everyone is seen for who they are, not what they’re labeled.

At Abilities First, we believe love grows best where access, choice, and belonging are part of the design. 💙

❤️❤️❤️
02/14/2026

❤️❤️❤️

Disability isn’t a side conversation.It’s part of our families, our workplaces, and our communities.When systems are des...
02/12/2026

Disability isn’t a side conversation.

It’s part of our families, our workplaces, and our communities.

When systems are designed with accessibility, dignity, and choice in mind, people don’t have to fight to belong, they simply do.

At Abilities First our work is rooted in building communities where inclusion is expected, not negotiated.

Because when everyone belongs, communities work better.

Our office will be closedThursday, February 12 in observation ofLincoln's birthday.We will reopen Friday, February 13 at...
02/12/2026

Our office will be closed
Thursday, February 12 in observation of
Lincoln's birthday.
We will reopen Friday, February 13 at 8:00 a.m.

Our Training and Development Manager, Julie Rasmussen, is celebrating 20 years at Abilities First! “Some of the first ch...
02/11/2026

Our Training and Development Manager, Julie Rasmussen, is celebrating 20 years at Abilities First!

“Some of the first children I worked with are now young adults, a reminder of the long-term impact of this work. Today, one of the parts I enjoy most is welcoming new staff, helping them feel at home, and sharing the difference they’ll make for the people and families we support. Each role has truly felt like the best job I’ve ever had, largely because of the people I get to work with.”

Outside of work Julie enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her cats. She also enjoys being outside, camping, traveling, and visiting National Parks.

Help us thank her for dedication to our mission!







We’re excited to welcome Shelby Atkison as Abilities First’s new Director of Strategic Communications and Community Enga...
02/10/2026

We’re excited to welcome Shelby Atkison as Abilities First’s new Director of Strategic Communications and Community Engagement.

Shelby brings more than a decade of experience in public relations, journalism, and multimedia storytelling, most recently serving as Managing Editor of a local newspaper. She holds a degree in Advertising and Public Relations from Drury University and has a strong background in broadcast and print journalism, marketing, event management, and strategic communications.

In this role, Shelby will strengthen how we tell our story, our community’s story, engage our community, and build meaningful connections that support our mission.

Please join us in welcoming Shelby to the Abilities First team!

Address

3216 S. National Avenue
Springfield, MO
65807

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+14178860404

Website

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