Council approves $73,000 one-time support for Abilities First after presentation and public testimonials

Middletown City Council on Tuesday voted to provide $73,000 in one-time funding to Abilities First, a local nonprofit that operates an early childhood learning center, autism learning center and pediatric therapies programs for children with developmental disabilities.

The council approved the payment after Abilities First Executive Director David Hood presented the agency’s services, enrollment figures and a short-term fundraising gap the organization said threatened continuity of summer programming. Hood said Abilities First served 423 children and families in 2024, 281 of them from Middletown, and that the nonprofit had raised $180,000 toward a $250,000 summer shortfall; $70,000 remained to be raised. Hood said the board and staff had cut operating costs by roughly $380,000 annually and had filled most classroom openings but needed the one-time payment to avoid cutting services.

The issue mattered to council because Abilities First provides year‑round services that combine childcare, specialized schooling and therapies under one roof, Hood said. Multiple families and board members addressed council during public comment, describing how Abilities First’s programs helped children with autism and other developmental needs regain skills and access therapies. Jim Klinegers, vice president of the Abilities First board of trustees, told the council the organization had launched a local fundraising campaign over the summer and invited municipal partnership. Several parents gave personal accounts of children who made measurable developmental progress after enrolling.

Council members praised the organization’s model and impact. Councilmember Lolli moved to provide one‑time funding; the council then approved the allocation by roll call. The official roll call recorded votes of yes from Councilmember Horn, Mayor Slamka, Councilmember Lolli, Councilmember Carter and Councilmember West; the motion passed.

The funding is intended as a one-time gap payment to preserve the nonprofit’s summer continuity of services while Abilities First completes its fundraising and longer-term sustainability work. Hood said the organization will continue pursuing private donations and grants and invited the city to collaborate going forward.

Council and city staff indicated the payment will come from available city funds allocated as a one-time support; staff will follow up on accounting and any reporting requirements established for the grant. Council did not create an ongoing commitment or change Abilities First’s operating structure during the meeting.