MONTGOMERY, NY — Abilities First announced an $18,000 grant from the Do it Best Charitable Foundation to support its special education programs. The funding will be used to install protective wall mats and safety features in the school gymnasium, creating a safer environment for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) during physical education and therapeutic activities, the group said.

Do it Best has a strong local presence in Montgomery, Abilities First said. There, the company operates a major distribution center and maintains relationships with independent True Value hardware retailers that serve communities across the region.

This investment comes through Do it Best’s employee-led giving program. A team of five local employees selected Abilities First for funding. “Our Montgomery team takes pride in contributing to our community,” said Jason Kretschmer, Do it Best general manager. “When our employees learned how this project would improve safety for students with disabilities, it really resonated. The project removes a barrier and creates opportunity for students to learn and grow.”

“Partnerships like this are what make local impact possible,” said Jeff Fox, president/CEO of Abilities First. “This grant directly addresses a real need and allows our students to participate more fully in physical activity—building confidence, motor skills and social connection in a safe environment.”

Abilities First has served individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the Hudson Valley since 1962 and currently supports more than 1,300 people through educational, residential, employment and community-based programs.