AbilityFirst

AbilityFirst™ has served the Long Beach community since 1950, and our existing facility opened in 1966.

Your contribution through Long Beach Gives will support AbilityFirst person-centered programs for Long Beach area residents who have intellectual/developmental and physical disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other intellectual disabilities. In 2023, the AbilityFirst Long Beach Center impacted the community of Long Beach and surrounding areas through the following programs and successes: 

• The after-school program, the only program of its kind in the community, fosters independence, choice, and community participation for more than 50 children and youth between the ages of 6 and 22 years. Children enrolled in this program received over 35,000 hours of person-centered staff support to access their communities, build critical living skills, and develop meaningful relationships. 

• The adult programs empowered over 60 adults to explore their interests and goals, develop independent living skills, and enjoy community living through volunteering and other activities. Program participants contributed to community life by volunteering over 400 hours at nonprofits located in Long Beach and beyond. 

• The warm water indoor swimming pool was used by over 250 individuals in the after school and adult day program services as well as community residents, most of them senior citizens with physical and health challenges. 

• Scheduled special events and weekend activities provided opportunities for participants to develop authentic relationships with friends and delivered much-needed respite for parents and family members. 

The center serves residents of Long Beach, Bellflower, Carson, Lakewood, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, and Torrance. 

Testimonials

Last year, Long Beach Gives helped AbilityFirst provide new program supplies and community outings to over 100 individuals.