Friends of ABLE
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Registered Charity Number (RCN): 20055967
Mission Statement
Working with people with disabilities
Friends of ABLE strives to promote the abilities, which in the past have been left silent. ABLE demonstrates that if one achieves their full potential, this will in turn ensure equal opportunities and full participation in all aspects of the lives for other people with disabilities. Friends of ABLE, with the support of the sponsoring committee aims to promote a better quality of life for all People with Disabilities. We have an expert awareness of the barriers faced by people with Disabilities and has adopted a broad and realistic method towards breaking these barriers.
“The success of the project is directly related to the fact that it was created by Mr George Dineen, Mr Jim Sheehy and individuals with disabilities. It has been developed by people with disabilities for people with disabilities”
“We wish the success of our project to be judged by progression of the individual through full time employment, part-time employment or back to education”
“Integration has and continues to be an essential component as part of the functioning of the organisation”
About Us
Brief History
ABLE came about when it became clear that there were little or no mainstream employment opportunities for People with Disabilities. This led to a teamwork effort between People with Disabilities registered with National Rehabilitation Board (NRB) and Cerebral Palsy Ireland (now known as Enable Ireland) to secure a project under the Part Time Opportunities Programme (PTJOP) under the auspices of CORI. CPI agreed to act as sponsor to the project and in December 1994 ABLE was born.
Board of Management
Mr George Dineen Snr.
Mr Ted Fitzgerald
Mr George Dineen Jnr.
Mr Denis O’Shea
Mrs Miriam Ryan
Mr John O’Brien
Staff
Project Supervisor: Anne Connolly
Anne Connolly started her career with Friends of ABLE as a Personal Assistant to Adults with Disabilities and was based in Pembroke Street, Tralee. She took up the job of Supervisor in April 1999 and currently is the longest serving member of the organisation. Anne is friendly, courteous and has a genuine interest in helping people in addition to being hard-working. She studied Community Workplace Management at the National College of Ireland. Friends of ABLE has continued to flourish under her supervision with more projects and people joining all the time
Assistant Supervisor: Regina Hennessy
Regina Hennessy returned to education and received her degree in Community Development from UCC. She has worked with Presentation Primary School After Schools project in Tralee. She has also worked with Ballymacelliot Community Employment Scheme, while going on to further her studies and gaining a Diploma in Business Management. Her passion is in Education and Training. Regina is a people person, who thrives in seeing others reach their full potential and excel in their future studies.
CE SCHEME
Friends of Able scheme is approved for 60 participants and are involved in the following projects:
- Tralee Pitch and Putt.
- Kerry Parents and Friends Association.
- Oxfam Tralee.
- Enable Ireland Adult Services Tralee.
- Enable Ireland Child Services Tralee.
- Tralee Tidy Towns CE Scheme.
- Tralee Community Bridge Club.
- Kerry Travellers Health & Community Development Project.
- Austin Stacks GAA Club Tralee.
- Tralee Chamber Alliance.
- Kerry Women’s Refuge & Support Service (ADAPT).
- Rathass Cemetery CE Scheme Tralee.
- John Mitchel’s GAA Club Tralee.
- Coolmine Therapeutic Community Tralee.
