AbilityFirst

AbilityFirst Providing programs and resources for children and adults with disabilities, since 1926. Lawrence L.

AbilityFirst was established in 1926 and known as the Crippled Children's Society of Southern California (CCS) for many decades. Frank and Paul Dietrich, both Rotarians, were two of the original founders of the organization and they continued their loyal support throughout their lives. Operating in the greater Los Angeles area, AbilityFirst has 25 facilities which supports individuals with physica

l and developmental disabilities through after school enrichment programs, job training, community employment, accessible camping, and affordable and accessible housing. AbilityFirst is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and the American Camping Association (ACA). Some facilities are licensed by the California Department of Social Services and the Department of Developmental Services.

A special thank you to our incredible culinary and beverage partners for joining us at this weekend’s Food & Wine Festiv...
06/06/2026

A special thank you to our incredible culinary and beverage partners for joining us at this weekend’s Food & Wine Festival!

Your generosity and support are helping create an unforgettable experience while making a meaningful impact for AbilityFirst. We can't wait to celebrate with you and our community this Sunday!

06/06/2026

Our Food & Wine Festival Silent Auction is packed with incredible experiences, exclusive items, dining packages, and more—all while supporting AbilityFirst programs and services.

Browse, bid, and help make a difference before the festival on Sunday. Every bid supports opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive.

🔗 https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-0018000000YOJhaAAH/events/vevt:0eb94d74-92ec-4604-83b8-84fcbfe52bf7/auctions/silent-auction

06/05/2026

For 100 years, AbilityFirst has been creating opportunities for people with disabilities to live with greater independence, confidence, and belonging.

Thank you to Spectrum News for helping us share our story today.

📚 Turn your love for reading into real impact! From now until June 1, every ThriftBooks $40 Book Bundle purchased throug...
06/01/2026

📚 Turn your love for reading into real impact! From now until June 1, every ThriftBooks $40 Book Bundle purchased through our fundraising page supports AbilityFirst Long Beach Center. 🙌

Here’s how it works: Each bundle includes a one-time use promo code you can redeem in the Deals section of the ThriftBooks website for up to $40 in books, shipped free across the U.S. Choose from over 19 million titles and help give books a second life while giving back. ✨
Discover new stories. Create real impact. Support AbilityFirst Long Beach Center: grouprai.se/thriftbooks77575m

BBQ for a cause 🍖 Join us at Lucille’s BBQ in Long Beach and help support the AbilityFirst Long Beach Center!Whether you...
05/26/2026

BBQ for a cause 🍖 Join us at Lucille’s BBQ in Long Beach and help support the AbilityFirst Long Beach Center!

Whether you dine in, take out, or pick up, 20% of your meal will be donated back to support programs that create opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

📍 Lucille’s BBQ
6257 E. 2nd Street, Long Beach, CA 90803

📞 Ordering by phone? Call 562-434-7427 and mention AbilityFirst Long Beach Center before placing your order.

🚗 Ordering in person for takeout? Mention AbilityFirst Long Beach Center at the storefront when ordering.

Bring your friends, family, and appetite — every meal makes an impact!

Join us as we celebrate 100 years of impact at two unforgettable AbilityFirst Long Beach Center events this fall! ⛳🌈Firs...
05/21/2026

Join us as we celebrate 100 years of impact at two unforgettable AbilityFirst Long Beach Center events this fall! ⛳🌈

First up, tee off with us at Hit the Green for AbilityFirst on Monday, September 14 at El Dorado Park Golf Course. Enjoy a day of golf, drinks, lunch, prizes, and community connection while supporting programs that empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Then, continue the celebration at Rainbows for AbilityFirst on Saturday, October 17 at The Grand Long Beach. This beloved community tradition will feature live entertainment, raffles, auctions, inspiring speakers, delicious food, and more — all benefiting AbilityFirst programs and services.

Whether you join us on the course, at Rainbows, or both, your support helps us continue building confidence, independence, and opportunity for the next 100 years.

To sponsor, donate, purchase tickets, or learn more click this link: https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-0018000000YOJhaAAH/events/vevt:c44e3796-e671-4e1c-933a-f8dff03be7a4/home/story

Email [email protected] to inquire further!

We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

05/15/2026

A day of giving, sharing, and community! 💛

A big thank you to the Huaxia Women’s Association (CWA) for bringing pizza, snacks, mandarins, art supplies, and so much kindness to the Lawrence L. Frank Center. From speeches to photos, it was a meaningful day of connection. We’re so excited for future volunteer visits and special events with them!

05/13/2026

As AbilityFirst celebrates 100 years of impact, this year’s Food & Wine Festival just got even more special. Tal Anderson from “The Pitt” will be hosting the evening!

A rising actor, storyteller, and powerful advocate for disability inclusion, Tal brings energy, authenticity, and a bold voice for representation in Hollywood. Her presence reflects exactly what this milestone celebration is all about: visibility, opportunity, and community.

Join us for an unforgettable evening:
52nd Annual Food & Wine Festival
Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.

Let’s celebrate 100 years and build the next 100 together. We hope to see you there!

Get Your Tickets Here: https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/sf-0018000000YOJhaAAH/events/vevt:0eb94d74-92ec-4604-83b8-84fcbfe52bf7/home/story

04/29/2026

💙 Celebrating the heart of AbilityFirst at our Staff Appreciation Celebration! 💙

This unforgettable evening brought staff together for photo booth fun, caricatures, a delicious buffet dinner, dancing, and games. It was a joyful celebration honoring the amazing people whose hard work and compassion continue to make our mission possible.

Address

789 North Fair Oaks
Pasadena, CA
91103

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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