Dozens of people served by our residential programs rocked the night away recently during a St. Patrick’s Day Dance in Danbury.

It was the first dance that the program was able to organize in nearly five years due to COVID restrictions, and everyone had a great time.

“It feels like family getting back together again,” said Heidi Chelednik, the Services Director who oversees the program. “We’re bringing back the fun. It’s great to see everyone so happy.”

The dance was organized by staff members who brought all the resources together to make it happen, including making many of the festive decorations and providing refreshments.  Hours of preparation went into the day of the dance to bring more than 70 individuals together at Hatters Park in Danbury.

People from at least 15 group homes in the Danbury area participated in the event. Ability Beyond vans filled the parking lot as scores of individuals streamed into the banquet hall decked out in their favorite St. Patrick's Day gear.

“It’s a lot of work and a huge undertaking to make it happen, but seeing everyone come together and the joy in their faces makes it all worth it,” Chelednik said.

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At Ability Beyond, we provide residential services to more than 500 people throughout Connecticut and New York, and we couldn’t do it without the generous support of the community. Donate today so we can continue to bring joy to more individuals for years to come.