Though the past year was full of challenges,
there are countless positives to be taken from 2021.
The people we support, their families, and all of our dedicated employees have demonstrated the resiliency
of our community here at Advocates.
To the people we support and their families -
we thank you for inspiring us to provide you with the best
supports and services possible.
To our dedicated staff - we thank you for your tireless efforts
to support the families we serve. We couldn't do it without you!
From the Advocates family to your family,
we wish you a safe, happy, and healthy New Year!
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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.
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We are happy to say that one of these partnerships is with Skaneateles Middle School!
In December, the school’s Student Council selected Advocates as a recipient for their Holiday Gift Giving Giveaway. Each year, the students select 10 local nonprofit organizations and provide up to $1,300 worth of items from Target. Students are provided a list furnished by each nonprofit and shop as best they can for the listed items. This year, 56 Advocates families will benefit from the Skaneateles Middle School’s generosity by receiving gifts which include an assortment of sensory item toys, art supplies, clothing, bedding, and food.
Advocates was notified that we will be one of their 2022 recipients of their Holiday Gift Giving Giveaway. We are very fortunate to have established a relationship with the school and are truly thankful for their generosity!
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Advocates' 2nd Annual
Virtual Holiday Showcase
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Individuals receiving services from Advocates were invited to participate in our 2nd Annual Virtual Holiday Showcase in December.
Several people, including Ian Coe (pictured right) shared pictures of their holiday artwork, decorations, or a video singing a holiday song.
We thank everyone who participated!
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To say that Gina Segreti had a difficult upbringing would be an understatement. That’s why, with each passing day and every new accomplishment, she is truly defying the odds.
Because of her disability, Gina was sent to special education schools and separated from her typical peers. What were supposed to be among the most formative years proved to be anything but, as Gina reports that she was often bullied, made to feel isolated, and not provided the same opportunities as other students.
One would hope that a strong support system at home could counter such difficult experiences. Other areas of Gina's life were as tumultuous as her days in the classroom were. Sadly, Gina’s supports beyond school were unable to provide her with the stability and support that Gina desperately needed and deserved. Among the most harrowing experiences of her youth was when the family’s house was completely devastated by a fire. Two years later, when Gina was only 17, her mother passed away.
While these and other life-altering events might break the average person, Gina, now 24, says that her hardships have paved the way to not only her success, but wanting to help others succeed as well. “I try to live my life as a strong person, one who advocates for the less fortunate,” Gina explained. “I want to be an example for those with rough home lives and those with challenging disabilities.” Her pursuit of helping people – especially children – began in high school when her education finally became a positive experience. The faculty and overall approach at the Morgan Road BOCES program showed Gina what teaching could and should be. It was there that she began to blossom as a student, as her teachers helped to unlock her untapped potential.
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Gina went on to study Early Childhood Education with a minor in Human Services at Onondaga Community College, which became much like a second home to her. Thanks to a nurturing environment and much self-determination, Gina became involved in student government, was elected President of the school’s honor society, and ultimately graduated from the college with a 4.0 GPA. One of her greatest achievements in life, Gina said, was winning the 2021 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. “There is hope no matter what barriers a person has,” Gina said when considering what the award has meant to her.
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Gina held onto this belief when she experienced the hardships of living in a group home. “Living there was the most challenging thing that’s ever happened to me,” she said, fully realizing the weight of her statement. Gina was the youngest one in the home, and reports being surrounded by negative influences and staffing challenges. Not having a vehicle or a steady job limited her options outside of the home. Though this environment could have easily put Gina on a discouraging path, Gina had other plans. She moved out of the group home and found work related to her passions of art, teaching, and helping others. She currently teaches art classes for people with disabilities at the YMCA, and has volunteered at her local BOCES center to help youth with backgrounds similar to hers. She hopes to use these experiences to become a teacher – either as an art therapy instructor or in an alternative learning environment. |
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Gina is proud to have overcome so much adversity, but admits she still faces challenges presented by her disability and a troubling past. “Though it’s tough, I try to focus more on my accomplishments than on my struggles,” Gina said. One of these accomplishments is living independently in her own apartment. Having multiple work opportunities keeps her occupied and socially engaged while focusing on her bigger career aspirations. She loves spending time with her pets, including a bearded dragon and Daisy, her new Corgi puppy. She even bought a brand-new Nissan Rogue recently, and takes pride in having funded it and maintaining it herself.
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While many of Gina’s successes point back to her and her determination, she is quick to give credit where it’s due. Her siblings, Steven and Amber, have played an instrumental role in supporting her along the way. “I have a hard time expressing it to them, but I truly appreciate all they’ve done for me,” Gina said. She feels the only thing a kid needs to have a chance to be successful is just one supportive adult. For that reason, Gina shared her appreciation for Advocates and the pivotal part the agency has played in her life.
“Advocates has definitely helped me on my journey; it’s priceless knowing there’s someone there for me no matter what,” Gina said. “I really don’t think I would be where I am today if it weren’t for Advocates.”
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When Gina isn’t dedicating her time to work, helping people, or her expression through various forms of art (pictured left), she enjoys spending time with her friends, trying new things, and traveling. Despite her ongoing challenges, Gina is optimistic about where her life is headed, and wants others to share in her outlook.
“I know how hard it can be for people on the spectrum to accomplish certain things, but I don’t want them to give up,” she said. “If I can make it, then others can too.”
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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 Gina, please encourage them to apply on our website. We look forward to meeting them!
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ADVANCING INCLUSION | EMPOWERING LIVES | CREATING COMMUNITY |
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