Abilities Foundation

Abilities Foundation Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Abilities Foundation, 2735 Whitney Road, Clearwater, FL.

The Abilities Foundation has helped thousands of Floridians with all types of disabilities obtain jobs and affordable housing, enabling them to contribute to the economic strength of their communities as productive wage-earners and taxpayers.

03/27/2020

National Vietnam War Veterans Day is March 29. Veterans are encouraged to stay connected and participate in virtual events.

12/13/2019

What began as a cold-call, phone inquiry culminated in an extraordinary volunteer project and a surprise in-kind donation and $1,000 grant from Vogue International, a Johnson & Johnson Company and manufacturer of personal-care products.
“Might you have any projects our employees could volunteer for in honor of Veterans Day?” asked Vogue Executive Assistant Sherry Edmonds, left.
“How did you learn about us,” I replied. “I researched veterans volunteer projects in Pinellas County online and yours was the first name that popped up.”
“Might re-nourishing our Veterans Tribute Garden be of interest?” I continued.
“That’d be ideal for our Veterans Leadership Council,” she said, and that led to a tour of the Garden and Mall and commitment of 20 Vogue volunteers on November 14.
Under the supervision of Master Gardener candidate Dianne Martin, Leadership Council members transplanted bromeliads, weeded aloe beds, trimmed dense Ginger and Papyrus growth, disposed of detritus, and wheelbarrowed and spread a truckload of high-grade oak mulch.
The garden―now under Martin’s design and oversight―never looked better, but Vogue CEO Michael Marquis and company weren’t finished.
After volunteers toured the Mall and were treated to BBQ-grilled burgers ‘n dogs, Marquis donated cases of Vogue hair- and skin-care items and pledged a $1,000 donation to ServiceSource Florida in support of the Mall.
Two weeks later, he returned with a cadre of Veterans Leadership Council members, left, to present the check to Mall volunteers and Founder Virginia Meyer.
“Our employees really enjoyed working in the garden,” said Marquis, with check at right. “We’re pleased to donate our products and a check in support of the Mall and look forward to future volunteer projects. And let us know if you need more product.”
Many thanks to Marquis, Vogue International, Veterans Leadership Council, ServiceSource Business Development Writer & Coordinator Anne Halle, and Kevin Dyer, who donated and delivered the mulch.

10/29/2019

The Abilities Guild Veterans Mall is a storeroom of household essentials -- coffeemaker, toasters, p

10/03/2019

A volunteer project at the Warrior Bridge Veterans Tribute Garden afforded aspiring at-risk students with the chance to demonstrate their mettle to overcome long odds. And did they ever produce!
Led by Project Manager Teresa Ribble, seated second from left, ten CareerSource YouthBuild students stepped off the bus at 9 a.m., and with the exception of a facility tour and lunch, didn’t stop working and contributing until they packed up and boarded at 2 p.m.
Designed for students aged 17-24 who’ve experienced circumstances that limit their ability to succeed in today’s society, e.g., having a documented disability, criminal history, or a parent who’s been incarcerated… living in a household that receives welfare, food stamps, SSI… being in or aging out of foster care… and having children of their own… YouthBuild helps them earn their GED and benefit from hands-on skills training.

With instruction from volunteer extraordinaire and Master Gardener Certification candidate Dianna Martin, left, students weeded, replanted, and upgraded the Veterans Garden, enhancing its park-like feel.
One crew set and leveled three 400-pound metal benches in place; another uprooted and thinned invasive species; a third cleared dense overgrowth and planted colorful groundcover; all gathered and schlepped mounds of detritus the dumpster.

To a person, each was respectful, cooperative, teachable, industrious, and grateful.
“This has been our best volunteer project ever,” said Ribble. “No really! The kids loved it and learned so much. I hope you’ll invite us back.”

“These kids are welcome anytime,” said Martin, whose thesis requires her to educate others about gardening and horticulture. “Very rewarding to know you’ve helped a student who’s been through so much.”

Many thanks to Home Depot Store Manager Ramon Estevez for connecting us with Ribble and YouthBuild.

Thanks as well to garden donor Deb Jordan for underwriting lunch. She enabled us to treat students to oak-grilled burgers ‘n dogs and sides, much to their delight.

Address

2735 Whitney Road
Clearwater, FL
33760

Telephone

+17275387370

Website

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