Straus Family Pavilion Adds Five Preschool Classrooms, Upgrades Accessible Playground and Undergoes Additional Capital Improvements
NEW WINDSOR, N.Y., Sept. 24, 2026 — Abilities First has expanded its Straus Family Pavilion Education Center in New Windsor with five new preschool classrooms, an upgraded accessible playground, a new roof and other campus improvements that help meet the vital need for specialized educational services for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Community leaders, elected officials, donors and supporters recently joined Abilities First for a ribbon-cutting celebrating the improvements and recognizing the public and private support that helped fuel them. Abilities First, a nonprofit organization with schools in Dutchess and Orange Counties, provides people who face developmental challenges and their families support to attain independence, self-determination, integration and acceptance by others through education, exploration and experience.
“The completion of these projects represents the determination of our organization and our many supporters to equip this facility with the best possible educational resources for our students,” said Dr. Jeffery Fox, President and CEO of Abilities First. “Every improvement reflects the ongoing generosity, commitment and collaborative vision of many of our partners who share our belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.”
The project represents the latest chapter in Abilities First’s commitment to provide specialized educational services closer to the Orange County children and families who rely on them. Fox said the effort dates to 2015, when Abilities First examined enrollment at its LaGrange school in Dutchess County and found that more than half of its students were being bused from the Newburgh area.
“That’s a long way for any child, especially kids with developmental disabilities,” Fox said. “So we started trying to develop a school that’s in their community, in their backyard.”
The Straus Family Pavilion was donated to Abilities First in 2017. Over the next two years, the organization created six school-age classrooms at the facility. As the need for preschool services grew, Abilities First sought funding to turn additional space into classrooms for younger students and to upgrade other educational components, including the playground.
The late State Sen. William J. Larkin Jr., a longtime supporter of children, educational initiatives and Abilities First, originally secured $245,000 for construction. He was represented at the celebration by his wife Pat. State Sen. James Skoufis secured $70,000 for the playground, partnering with State Sen. Rob Rolison to guide the grant through state channels.
“This is a really happy and special occasion,” Skoufis said. “Every child, regardless of ability, whether they have severe developmental disabilities or not, deserves to have an early childhood education. So thankfully we have organizations like Abilities First in our community.”
Assemblyman Chris Eachus, a teacher for 40 years, secured $150,000 for a new roof. recalled bringing Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to Abilities First last year to see how state funding supports its work.
“One interesting thing that we noticed was that every child was absolutely happy and having a great time,” Eachus said. “The folks working here — your staff, your board, everyone — are giving the exact right care for students who attend here. So I thank you all for what you do.”
New Windsor Town Supervisor Stephen Bedetti said the project illustrates what community collaboration can accomplish.
“This is about much more than a new building or additional space,” Bedetti said. “It’s about creating greater opportunities for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and providing support to the families who depend on organizations like Abilities First.”
Deputy Orange County Executive Harry Porr, representing County Executive Steven Neuhaus, congratulated Abilities First, saying, “Orange County is here to support everything that you do.” Orange County Chamber of Commerce CEO Heather Bell initially welcomed attendees and led the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
The project also drew significant support from donors, businesses and volunteers. The William and Elaine Kaplan Family Foundation provided $60,000 for the playground. Leadership Orange made beautification of the Straus Family Pavilion its class project; landscape architect Lynn Ferris donated her time; and Monfort Bros. provided materials for the beautification effort. Abilities First also recognized the Kish Family and Joe Barone for their support.
“This celebration belongs to our students, staff and just as importantly, everyone who helped make it possible,” Fox said. “Whether through advocacy, philanthropy, volunteerism or partnership, every contribution has helped create new opportunities for the children and families we serve.”
About Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First N.Y.
Founded in 1962, Abilities First is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving the needs of over 1,100 children and adults with developmental disabilities from birth through adulthood throughout the Hudson Valley. More than 600 dedicated employees are committed to providing a culture of compassion, empowerment and respect through educational, vocational, residential, habilitation and family support programs and services. Founded in 2018, the Foundation for Abilities First NY is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Its mission is to garner the financial resources necessary to meet the programmatic interests and to assure the sustainability of the mission of Abilities First, Inc. Learn more at AbilitiesFirstNY.org.
