We express our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to Advocates' 2021 Annual Appeal. Your much appreciated support and commitment to the vital services offered by Advocates is important in advancing the mission of our organization.
We are also thankful to the John Ben Snow Foundation, which awarded Advocates with a $10,000 Challenge Grant. Their gift will make
an even greater impact for children and adults with disabilities and their families. We appreciate the John Ben Snow Foundation for their confidence in our ability to raise funds to support our mission.
|
|
Did you know?
Advocates partners with several businesses and organizations in our local community. These relationships are intended to form lasting bonds while supporting the missions of both parties.
We are happy to say that one of these partnerships is with Syracuse University!
|
|
The All Star C.A.S.T. (Community Actors and Students Theater) was formed more than thirty years ago in the Syracuse University Drama Department in an effort to provide an outlet in Theater Arts for young people with special needs. Each semester, a group of actors and drama student-facilitators meet weekly to promote community inclusion, showcase individuals' unique talents, and to help all participants experience the joy of learning through creative play. The group aims to provide a safe, non-judgmental zone in which all participants can explore their creative voice through dancing, singing, and acting. At the conclusion of each semester, the All Star C.A.S.T. holds a performance to display the participants' individual and collective creative spirits. The performance is the culmination of weeks of collaboration and camaraderie, and is the individuals’ opportunity to showcase their talents with friends and family who attend.
In order to stay connected during the most uncertain of times, the All Star C.A.S.T transitioned to monthly virtual meetings in April 2020. The group's instructor at Syracuse University, Hanni Schwarzlander, was the driving force in keeping the actors and students connected throughout some of the most difficult times of the pandemic. Although virtual meetups were not feasible for all of the actors, it still gave the majority an opportunity to see friends and familiar faces for an hour of fun once per month.
|
|
At the beginning of the fall 2021 semester, while group activities were still advisable at Advocates, SU made the decision to resume in-person classes - but not before establishing protocols to ensure the safety of everyone involved. The first big step was to move into in a new, larger location in Armory Square to allow for better social-distancing. SU also implemented a proof of vaccination policy for everyone entering their facilities, as well as requiring that everyone wear a mask, unless one has a medical exemption.
For years, the workshop has proven valuable to the actors and their families, to the student facilitators, and to Syracuse University as a whole. The group is based on the recognition that we all have a need, the right to have a creative voice, and a platform to express that voice. We truly appreciate Syracuse University, its staff, and the necessary safety measures it has taken in order to continue providing an endeavor that is valued by so many.
|
|
Advocates Virtual Trainings |
|
Estate Planning:
What steps now will protect the path of the future?
|
|
Presented by: Timothy H. Doolittle, Esq. | Wladis Law Firm
February 23rd @ 6:00pm
Join us for an informed discussion on caring and planning for
a person with a disability. Understand the complexities of estate planning for people receiving benefits and entitlements and living with a disability. Topics to be discussed will include:
wills, supplemental needs trusts, guardianship, Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, ABLE Accounts, and more.
|
|
How to Support Successful Dating
and Healthy Relationships for People with Disabilities
|
|
Presented by:
Kathy O'Connell, LHMC | Radiant Abilities
March 30th @ 6:00pm
|
|
This is a look at the social and emotional challenges of dating and relationships for people with disabilities, as well as how to support people with disabilities in working through these challenges.
Learn how to:
• Transform societal myths that results in sexual ableism about sexuality.
• Foster self-esteem and confidence is the most effective way to promote successful dating and relationships.
• Create healthy boundaries and skills leads to relationship success - as well as protecting people with disabilities from sexual assault.
• Effectively support someone to develop successful dating and healthy relationships.
|
|
Maximizing Benefits and Services |
|
Presented by: James Traylor | Upstate Special Needs Consulting
April 27th @ 6:00pm
|
|
The challenge of planning for the future of a loved one with special needs can extend into many areas, including education, housing, employment, support services, legal, financial and other personal matters. All of these areas must be taken into consideration in order to develop a plan that meets the unique needs of each family. It is important for families to answer these important questions and plan for the future with the goals of independence, dignity, and quality of life for their loved one. In this training, we will focus on maximizing benefits and services. |
|
To register for Advocates' trainings,
Please include in your email:
Name of person receiving services
Name/s of person attending
Name of Care Manager
|
|
If you’ve ever been in the company of Andy Franz, you know that he embraces the spotlight and doesn’t mind being the center of attention. His sociable nature has historically been to his benefit. However, for someone as popular and gregarious as Andy, the pandemic has presented challenges that have meant accepting and adapting to an altered way of life.
Andy, 38, has made countless meaningful friendships in his time with Advocates – both with people who receive services and those who provide them. A good example of one of these relationships is with Mike McAulliffe, who has acted as one of Andy’s Mentors for more than a decade and helped to provide stability in his life. Because of the critical role his friends play in his life, adjusting to a new norm hasn’t been easy. The loss of the communal activities and social interactions he values took a toll on his physical and mental wellbeing in the height of the pandemic. “He mostly just hung out in his room and watched TV; he wasn’t himself,” said Andy’s mother, Patty. “Not much gets Andy down, but COVID and losing close contact with his circle at Advocates sure did,” she continued.
|
|
As time progressed, Andy developed a greater understanding of the safety measures needed to resume some of his usual activities. In addition to the everyday challenges presented by the pandemic, he and others faced the difficult task of finding a staff person during it. The stars aligned when Andy was presented with a candidate by the name of Kelly Cunningham. |
|
“The agency absolutely hit it out of the ballpark when they matched us,” said Kelly, who has acted as Andy’s Mentor for a little more than a year. “(They) matched us up perfectly and I couldn’t be happier.”
It’s no coincidence that Andy’s mood reverted to his normal, chipper self immediately upon working with his newest Mentor. Kelly, a retired police officer, developed an immediate rapport with Andy. Subsequently, she was able to relate to him and provide optimal supports in the areas he needs it most. Under Kelly’s mentorship, Andy has shown growth in his independent living skills, including ordering his own meals at restaurants, managing money, and helping out with chores around the house.
With Kelly’s support, Andy has been able to get back into a modified yet familiar routine. His passions include singing, dancing, and performing karaoke, and he loves doing these things in front of his family and friends. Though fewer social gatherings has meant fewer opportunities to do these things in front of an audience, that hasn’t stopped Andy from refining his skills at home and gaining confidence to display his talents in the future. While resuming these activities has brought him immense joy, one of the most rewarding things that has resulted from working with Kelly is his newfound volunteer activity.
|
|
Thanks to Kelly’s connections, Andy regularly volunteers at the Liverpool Police Station, where his main responsibility is to clean the police cars inside and out. In addition to keeping the vehicles looking sharp, Andy also takes it upon himself to place a mint and handwritten note on the seat of each car. “Have a good day!” or “Be safe today,” he writes for the next officer to occupy the vehicle. Because of Andy’s outgoing nature and the fine job he does, the officers have grown quite attached to him.
“When Andy arrives, everything shuts down for a few minutes because everyone wants to catch up with him,” said Sergeant of the Liverpool Police Department, David Sturtz. “We look forward to when he comes because he puts smiles on everyone’s faces. We love him; he’s become part of the crew.”
|
|
Whether it’s through his volunteer work or performing for others, that’s one of Andy’s main goals in life – to make others smile. “It makes me happy, and I want others to be happy,” Andy told us with a giant smile of his own. The return of Andy’s smile has brought joy to those who work with him as well.
“Since Kelly came in, Andy’s back to his usual, bubbly self,” said Sarah Cowles, Andy’s Community Habilitation Coordinator at Advocates. “It’s been wonderful to see how he’s blossomed and how much fun he’s having with his Mentor.”
“If I’m having a bad day, it’s gone within five minutes of having worked with Andy,” Kelly said, affirming the positive effect that Andy’s mood is known to have on people.
|
|
If you happen upon Andy at one of his favorite places around town, including the YMCA, the library, the mall, or an All Star C.A.S.T. (Community Actors and Students Theater) acting class, be sure to introduce yourself. His upbeat mood and positive energy are sure to put a smile on your face!
We all have things we’re looking forward to resuming after the pandemic subsides. Ask anyone who knows Andy, and they’d surely tell you that one of them is seeing Andy’s musical performances in person. Until then, you can catch some of Andy’s talents by following Advocates’ Facebook page, as he regularly participates in our virtual events. By successfully acclimating to an altered way of life and navigating the ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic, Andy is demonstrating that regardless of circumstance, the show must go on!
|
|
If you have a caring family member or friend who is looking for meaningful work and the opportunity to support someone as inspirational as Andy, please encourage them to apply on our website. We look forward to meeting them!
|
|
ADVANCING INCLUSION | EMPOWERING LIVES | CREATING COMMUNITY |
|
|
|
|
|
|
