Inclusion Matters
AUGUST 2021
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Advocates Pledges Action for Diversity and Inclusion |
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Advocates is committed and passionate about creating an inclusive, varied workplace that promotes and values people of all backgrounds. True to our mission and values, we recognize that an inclusive and diverse work environment respects the unique characteristics, skills, and experiences of all of our employees. In the coming months, Advocates will be partnering with CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion, pledging our commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Our collaboration will help strengthen and advance diversity, inclusion, and equity.
CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion is a national coalition with 2,000 members across 85 industries, making it the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion with the workplace. Their mission centers on "expanding unconscious bias education, sharing best practices, and creating and sharing strategic inclusion and diversity plans with employers."
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A Note from the Executive Director |
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As we strive to reclaim some of our most meaningful activities and the in-person connections we have missed, Advocates is dedicated to creating safe opportunities for a new normal. We continue to carefully plan safety measures in order to protect each other while meeting changing state and local requirements. I would like to thank our team members and the people that we support and their families for their commitment to remain vigilant in keeping each other safe.
Although the pandemic has dramatically changed the way we live, we have bravely joined together to redirect our strengths towards finding creative new ways to support each other. We have ensured the continuity of in-person services for those most in need. Through the pandemic, many of our Mentors transitioned to providing remote services utilizing telehealth. In 2020, Advocates offered virtual recreational activities that over 300 people participated in.
To our generous community supporters, our caring employees and the people and families that we are honored to call a part of the Advocates family, thank you for your dedication and support throughout our most challenging year. We will continue to use all that we learned in 2020 to keep each other safe as we navigate 2021 together and look forward to brighter days ahead.
Amy Dugliss, Executive Director
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Have you heard?
Advocates will be opening its
very own café, located on the first floor of the Liverpool office! "Advocates Coffee Hub" will offer an inviting atmosphere, convenient grab-and-go food options, and premium in-house Café Kubal brewed coffee.
Advocates' Coffee Hub will be opening in January of 2022 and will be open to the general public Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 1:30pm. Coffee Hub employee training will begin this fall.
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Individuals served by Advocates interested in participating in the occupational and leadership skills training program, please email [email protected]
or call (315) 412-2605.
Morning shifts are available (8:00am - 11:00am).
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Advocates-Sponsored Syracuse Mets Games |
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Take me out to the ballgame!
If you haven't been able to catch the Syracuse Mets in action this season, August will provide two opportunities to do so!
Advocates is excited to once again sponsor Syracuse Mets games throughout the baseball season! Discount tickets ($10) will be available to individuals & families who receive services from Advocates along with employees. Discount tickets can be purchased on game days at the will call window at the ticket office for $10 for the 300-Level/ADA seating.
Join us on August 20th at 6:35 PM as the Syracuse Mets take on the Buffalo Bisons. If you can't make it to this game, the Mets face the Rochester Red Wings on August 28th, also at 6:35 PM. Visit historic NBT Bank Stadium for some exciting baseball action, summer-long promotions, and of course, fun with your friends from Advocates!
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Adirondack Scenic Railroad Train Ride |
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All aboard!
Also making a return to Advocates' summer recreational activities is our Adirondack Scenic Railroad Trip! People receiving services from Advocates are invited to enjoy a leisurely train ride and some great scenery on a trip from Utica’s Union Station to the Remsen Station. Please see below for complete details.
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We hope you're able to join us for this late-summer tradition! |
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Advocates' 16th Annual
Charity Golf Tournament
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Advocates’ 16th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, presented by TOMRA and Schupan Beverage Recycling, will be held on Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at the Turning Stone Resort Casino.
Golfers will enjoy playing on PGA-level golf courses in a spectacular natural setting. Golf packages include morning refreshments at registration, 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch on the turn, social hour, meal, online auction, participation gift, and program acknowledgement. Shotgun start is at 11 AM.
Registration is open, reserve your place today! Email [email protected] or call (315) 469-9931 to register.
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Sponsorship packages are still available! To promote your business as a generous community supporter, see information below or contact [email protected] |
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Advocates' Virtual Stroll & Roll 5K |
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Advocates will be virtually hosting our 3rd annual Stroll & Roll 5K in October 2021! You can join in the fun by strolling, rolling, or running a 5K (3.1 miles) at a location of your choice anytime and anywhere during the week of October 10 through 16, 2021. The 5K can be completed all at once or in several different walks!
This 5k virtual race is your chance to safely join people from all over the country to benefit children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. So, lace up your shoes to make a difference while enjoying the company of your family, friends, or pets in your neighborhood or favorite park!
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Mark Your Calendar!
Advocates will be hosting a fundraising event, Emotion into Art, on Friday evening, December 3rd. The event will be held at the Palace Theater in Syracuse and will offer wine tasting, food stations, an art exhibit and auction featuring Advocates' artists, and a national speed painter, Tom Varano.
Using his fingertips, palms, and multiple brushes, Tom paints portraits of famous people on a 4' x 5' canvas in just a matter of minutes. His creations are choreographed to music that is powerful and stimulates the senses.
This event is open to all families, employees, and the general public.
You won't want to miss his amazing performance!
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"I want to live life to the fullest."
Chase Salmons is doing just that.
In many ways, Chase, 20, is living the life of every young adult. He has career aspirations, many hobbies and interests, and enjoys spending time with his friends, family, and dog, Zeus. Some of Chase's hobbies include fishing, painting, nature, photography, listening to music, and watching
the NCIS series on television.
Chase lives an active and fulfilling life, centered around a loving and supportive family dynamic. The bonds with his parents and brother, Brian, mean everything to him and are the backbone of his support system. Chase's strong family ties go beyond those with whom he lives. Each morning, he starts his day with a phone call to his grandfather.
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"What do you got, Gibbs?" Chase asks his grandfather, a reference to a popular line from NCIS. From there, he and his grandfather report to each other the various wildlife they spot in their respective yards. They often see rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, deer, and even groundhogs, like these ones Chase photographed (left). By connecting with another loved one in his circle of support, this morning ritual helps set the tone for Chase's day. |
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Regardless of what Chase has on his agenda on a given day, he does it with an upbeat and positive attitude. While he enjoys pursuing activities that interest him, he gets even greater satisfaction in helping others. Chase volunteers at the CNY Cat Coalition - one of the area’s leading animal welfare groups, focused on cat and kitten rescue and adoption. In this initiative, Chase plays with his feline friends, cleans their cages, and interacts with people who are interested in adopting a cat. Chase also volunteers at Meals on Wheels in Syracuse. He enjoys navigating to seniors' houses to deliver them meals. In his pursuit to help people in different ways, Chase has been instrumental in the formation of Advocates' Art Gallery, located in the main hallway of the Liverpool office. Becoming the Manager of the project has been gratifying to Chase, as his efforts have brightened the hallway and enabled others to proudly display their artwork at the same time. Chase's contributions and confidence to give back in meaningful ways are bolstered in knowing he has the support of his Mentors through Advocates. |
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Chase's volunteer work is but one of his accomplishments; another major one is his graduation from West Genesee High School. By his own admission, graduating wasn't easy for him. Adding to his challenges have been his disability and medical circumstances - some of which required multiple surgeries. But, as Chase has demonstrated time and time again, challenges are meant to be overcome. Despite his medical obstacles, he reminds us that perspective is key.
"I try to stay lighthearted, joke around, and be happy," Chase said. "I want to live life to the fullest."
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Chase aspires to be a federal agent or forensic scientist, to own a Dodge Charger like the one his television hero drives, and to live independently in the future. When asked if he has a dream destination, Chase answered without hesitation - "Florida!" Being near water is soothing to him, and the beach is Chase's "happy place." And as is the case for all of us, that's Chase's ultimate goal - to find happiness despite life's challenges.
“You can do it, Gibbs; you can get through hard times," Chase and his mother often say to each other.
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With his persevering nature, the support of those around him, and above all, his positive outlook, Chase is destined to be successful and overcome anything life throws his way. |
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If you have a caring family member or friend who is looking for meaningful work and the opportunity to support someone as inspirational as Chase, please encourage them apply on our website, we look forward to meeting them!
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ADVANCING INCLUSION | EMPOWERING LIVES | CREATING COMMUNITY |
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