Help us live our mission!

Fairhaven Foundation, established in 1997 as a 501c3 nonprofit, was created by a bequest from Pauline Anders who wanted to help children and adults with developmental disabilities who attended the Fairhaven School and workshops. During that time, it was a foundation meant to serve individuals receiving services through the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

With an increased need in the Mahoning Valley, the Fairhaven Foundation began doing business as the Abilities Unite Foundation of the Mahoning Valley in 2025, and now proudly serves the over 4,500 individuals receiving services under the Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana County Boards of Developmental Disabilities. In the last 25 years, our mission has grown to enhance their quality of life by creating meaningful opportunities, providing resources, and promoting community awareness.

Abilities Unite is unique in that we service individuals with all developmental disabilities, regardless of age. Over the last four years, we’ve lived our mission by creating meaningful opportunities, providing resources, and promoting community awareness to enrich the lives of those we serve. We have provided free community experiences to thousands of individuals with developmental disabilities in the Mahoning Valley. In fact, over 12,000 just in the last three years. Each event is a testament to the importance and desire of communities coming together for a unified mission of celebrating abilities, supporting inclusion, and promoting respect for people with developmental disabilities.

Our work also includes a focus on individual needs. Many expenses that are not covered by waivers or insurance are beyond the means for those on fixed and sole incomes, creating financial hardships. We award grants to help individuals in emergency situations, provide support for therapeutic and educational camp opportunities, purchase adaptive clothing and equipment, and provide for unexpected expenses.

We invite you to help us live our mission by making a donation today. With your support,we will continue to build a legacy of giving that will benefit individuals with developmental disabilities for years to come.