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Description
Abilis (ABLE-ISS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides services and supports for over 800 individuals with special needs and their families from birth through the life span. Abilis has been a leader in serving the special needs community in lower Fairfield County for 70 years and has a long-standing reputation for high quality care.
Abilis provides early intervention and customized therapies, as well as family education and advocacy to help individuals achieve important developmental milestones through our Therapeutic Services programs. As individuals approach and enter adulthood, we provide a wide range of Life Services programs, including recreational activities, transition and life skills support, job training, competitive and supported employment, and a choice of residential options.
Chief Operating Officer at Abilis
Lorianne O'Donnell
What sets Abilis apart from other non profits in the Stamford area?
What sets Abilis apart from other nonprofits in Stamford isn't just its mission - it's how broadly and deeply it delivers on that mission. Compared to many local nonprofits that focus on one age group or service, Abilis operates more like a full-life cycle support system: Lifelong (birth-to-adult) support, comprehensive services (not one single program), specialized expertise in autism and early intervention, and offers employment resources in Stamford for people with disabilities, job training, and life skills programs.
Career Paths: College degrees related to the types of jobs at Abilis
Psychology and Social Work
How long do employees stay at Abilis?
The median tenure for employee at Abilis is 6 years.
Which department is growing at Abilis?
The operations division is expanding at Abilis.
How often does Abilis hire per month in Stamford, Connecticut?
In May, 2021, there has been six openings at the Stamford location.
In April, 2026, there has been one job opening at Abilis in Stamford, Connecticut.
Abilis
1150 Summer Street
Stamford, CT 06905
Preparing for an interview at Abilis in Stamford is a little different from a typical corporate job-because they're a mission-driven nonprofit focused on supporting people with disabilities. If you don't show that you understand and genuinely care about that mission, you'll blend in with everyone else. This job interview guide is customized for Abilis.
1. Understand what Abilis actually does
You should be able to explain this naturally:
a) They provide services and support for individuals with disabilities across their lifespan
b) They serve hundreds of families in Fairfield County and have been doing it for 70+ years
i) Services include:
ii) Therapy (speech, occupational, early intervention)
iii) Employment support & job coaching
iiii) Day programs and life services
2. Be ready to explain why this mission matters to you
Expect questions like:
a) "Why do you want to work here?"
b) "Do you have experience with people with disabilities?"
a) Personal connection (family, volunteering, caregiving)
b) Genuine interest in helping others
c) Patience, empathy, and communication skills
If you don't have direct experience:
Talk about transferable traits (teamwork, helping roles, customer service, mentoring).
3. Prepare for behavioral questions (very important here)
Nonprofits like Abilis care heavily about how you treat people.
Use the STAR method and prepare examples for:
a) Helping someone through a challenge
b) Handling a difficult person or situation
c) Working in a team
d) Being patient under pressure
They want proof you can handle real human situations not just do tasks.
4. Show you fit their culture
Abilis emphasizes:
a) Individualized care and support
b) Community involvement
c) Empowerment and dignity for clients
So during your interview:
a) Be warm, not robotic
b) Show emotional intelligence
c) Speak respectfully about all people
If you come off too "corporate" or detached, it can hurt you here.
5. Expect a conversational, personality-focused interview
From interview experiences:
a) Often starts with introductions and background discussion
b) Questions about your motivations and personality
c) Sometimes informal and friendly
Translation: They're evaluating who you are as a person, not just your resume.
6. Prepare answers to common questions (but tailor them)
a) You should have strong answers ready for:
i) "Tell me about yourself"
ii) "Why this role?"
iii) "What are your strengths/weaknesses?"
iiii) "Describe a time you helped someone"
And tailor them to:
a) Service
b) Caregiving mindset
c) Teamwork
General prep like researching the company and aligning your experience is still critical
1. Core employee benefits (solid for nonprofit roles)
For full time positions (like Direct Support Professionals), benefits typically include:
a) Health, dental, and vision insurance
b) 401(k) with profit sharing
c) Paid time off (PTO)
d) Free life insurance
e) Tuition assistance programs
Compared to many smaller nonprofits, this is a fairly complete benefits package, especially the tuition assistance and retirement plan.
2. Training & career development
Abilis puts real emphasis on helping staff grow:
a) Ongoing professional training and continuing education support
b) Opportunities to move into roles like:
i) Senior counselor
ii) Program manager
iii( Therapy or administrative positions
This is a strong point if you're building a career in:
a) Social work
b) Psychology
c) Healthcare/human services
3. Purpose driven work (biggest advantage)
This is the #1 reason people stay:
Employees consistently mention a "clear sense of purpose"
You work directly with individuals with disabilities, helping them:
a) Build independence
b) Find jobs
C) Participate in the community
In plain terms: You're not just doing a job, you're seeing real impact daily.
4. Supportive, team oriented environment
From employee feedback:
a) Loving environment and strong coworker relationships
b) Collaborative, mission driven teams
c) Opportunities to build meaningful relationships with clients and staff
This tends to feel more personal and less corporate than many workplaces.
5. Job stability in a growing organization
a) Serves hundreds of individuals across Fairfield County
b) Continued expansion in Stamford (new facilities and programs)
Philip Morris International plans on relocating from New York City to Stamford, Connecticut.
