Press Releases

BY YEAR : 2007 | 2008 | 2009

• 12/08/2008
  Ability Beyond Disability meets challenges head on
• 10/26/2008
  Sodexo Honored by Ability Beyond Disability
• 10/25/2008
  Elaine Cox named Philanthropist of the Year by Ability Beyond Disability
• 10/24/2008
  Pepsi Bottling Group honored by Ability Beyond Disability
• 10/21/2008
  Changing Lives for 55 Years
• 10/20/2008
  Disability Mentoring Day a huge success!
• 10/17/2008
  2nd Annual Career Development Consumer & Employer Breakfast
• 10/01/2008
  Fall Fund Fest has arrived!
• 09/30/2008
  Local businesses help pave the way for students with disabilities
• NEXT

Changing Lives for 55 Years

October 21, 2008 - BETHEL, Conn. -- This year's Annual Meeting, "A Celebration of Ability" was held at the Ethan Allen Hotel on October 15th. The event is open to the community and reports on the results of the past fiscal year, introduce the strategic objectives for the upcoming year and recognize key supporters of the organization.

The evening began with a private major donor reception to recognize the generosity of those in the community who gave major financial gifts in fiscal year 2008. The cocktail hour featured hors d'oeuvres and beautiful piano music played by consumer, Chris Major.

Reports were given by the Governance committee, the Mission Validation committee, the Human Resources Committee, the Finance committee and the Philanthropy committee; each report focusing on the events of the past year and plans for the future. The success of the organization over the past year as well as the confidence in our five year strategic plan, Vision 2013, resounded in the reports from each area. Each report began with a story, a story of someone whose life has been and continues to be changed by Ability Beyond Disability. It was easy to see that Ability Beyond Disability truly is "a resource for changing lives".

Community Service Awards were given out during a recognition ceremony to those in the community who have made a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve. Outstanding Employee Awards were presented to Jessica Forgione, Diane Strom and Jeff Tomascak; for demonstrating initiative and creativity in helping the people we serve to achieve their dreams, for exhibiting great leadership and for supporting our workforce so that they can successfully do their jobs each and every day. Outstanding Employer Awards were presented to Pepsi Bottling Group and Sodexo for their dedication to the employment of Ability Beyond Disability consumers; and Elaine Cox was named Philanthropist of the Year as someone who has exemplified the spirit of giving to Ability Beyond Disability not only monetarily but through a great deal of involvement as well.

The evening also welcomed four new Board members to the organization; Paul Hamilton of the Board of Directors and John Arcario, Greg Moore and Jordan Young of the Board of Trustees. We are very lucky to have them as part of our team