Welcome to First Coast
The partnership between Ability Tree First Coast and the communities in Northeast Florida is the cornerstone of its future. We are committed to meeting the needs of the special needs community by offering Recreation, Education, Support, and Training. Our organization’s approach to excellence in the family’s development, socialization, and support is its hallmark.
As Ability Tree First Coast grows its roots deeper into this region, our programs will provide various opportunities for our families to be supported, included, and educated. We currently offer virtual SociAbility Meet Ups, respite through our Parents Night Out and SociAbility Socials, as well as provide a summer day camp: CampAbility Special Day Camp. We also promote inclusion in the community by offering trainings & presentations/assemblies which provide awareness & strategies for churches, businesses, schools, and organizations to assimilate these families into their visions. In the future, we will offer activities including sibling groups, workshops, and after-school programs.
As Ability Tree First Coast grows its roots deeper into this region, our programs will provide various opportunities for our families to be supported, included, and educated. We currently offer virtual SociAbility Meet Ups, respite through our Parents Night Out and SociAbility Socials, as well as provide a summer day camp: CampAbility Special Day Camp. We also promote inclusion in the community by offering trainings & presentations/assemblies which provide awareness & strategies for churches, businesses, schools, and organizations to assimilate these families into their visions. In the future, we will offer activities including sibling groups, workshops, and after-school programs.
Our Mission
Our Mission. To come alongside families impacted by disability through recreation, education, support and training (R.E.S.T.); we aim to partner with individuals and organizations to raise awareness and build support networks to strengthen and grow able families.
Our Vision
To help create inclusive, supportive communities where anyone affected by disability can enjoy healthy relationships in their neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, and churches.
Joanne Alicea
Joanne is our Chief Executive Officer and the parent of a spunky boy with Down syndrome & ADHD and a creative daughter with ADD. Joanne believes in the collaboration of individuals, families, and the communities they live in, to work together to create a culture of support, inclusion, and personal growth. She does presentations on disability awareness in various settings, including symposiums, churches, hospitals, business groups, and schools. With Joanne’s background in case management & support coordination, she provides great insight for those needing to understand more about disability resources and education.
Our Programming
Parents Night Out
A 3-hour respite break on a Friday night for parents with children with special needs & their siblings. Includes games, crafts, activities, food, & more!
After School Program
3:00pm - 6:00pm on Monday through Thursdays!
A daily 3-hour respite break for parents and caregivers that include all of the fun of the Clubhouse!
A daily 3-hour respite break for parents and caregivers that include all of the fun of the Clubhouse!
Stop, Drop, & Create
A 3-hour Saturday respite event that combines the fun of a Parents Day Out with the creativity of an ArtAbility event! Includes special art project, games,snack & more!
Support Groups
'Moms Connect' and 'Dads Connect' are for parents of children with disabilities to gather together to connect and build community.
Parent Workshops
Once a month informational workshops to equip parents with information, local resources, and organizations.
Register for all events here!
Our Florida Team
WAYNE CORDOVA
CEO
352-593-0430
TINA CORDOVA
Executive Director
352-593-0430
MELISSA ARCENEAUX
Volunteer Coordinator
352-593-0430
DIANA YATES
Program Team
MICHELE HANN
Program Team
SAMANTHA TORRES
Program Team