Inclusion Matters
OCTOBER 2021
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Advocates is hosting an online auction in conjunction with our Stroll and Roll 5K race. The auction is open now until October 17th!
There are many great packages for all ages: spa days, dining, excursions, destination trips, museums, and so much more!
Click below to place your bid for a great prize!
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Advocates' 16th Annual
Charity Golf Tournament
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In need of some inspiration? This year's Golf Tournament reception featured a 3-minute video on Advocates' COVID-19 response including the Giveback Backpack Project. This initiative was spearheaded by Brian Klepper and Advocates’ Mentor Stephanie Fish (pictured below on the left) during the pandemic as a way to make a positive difference in the lives of those facing the challenges of homelessness or the need for basic supplies. They have created over 500 backpacks filled with everyday essentials and safety supplies which continue to be distributed to those in need. We applaud Brian and Steph for their creativity and dedication to others during challenging times!
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We send our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make Advocates' 16th Annual Advocates Charity Golf Tournament the most successful to date! Advocates would like to express gratitude to our Presenting Sponsors TOMRA, Schupan, and Wells Fargo in addition to all of our generous community supporters and donors. Your generous contributions will directly benefit children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who are waiting to receive services. Mark your calendar! Next year's tournament will be held on Wednesday, September 21st. |
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Advocates Virtual Trainings |
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Understanding and Accessing SNAP
(food stamp) Benefits
Presented by: Alice Webster | Nutrition Outreach & Education Coordinator (NOEP) of Food Bank of CNY
October 20th, 2021 | 6:00pm
Learn about the programs and services offered by the Food Bank of Central New York, how you can stretch your grocery dollars, and what the Food Bank does and how they service Onondaga County and Central New York.
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Preventing Parent Burnout: Stress Management for Parents of Children with Special Needs
Presented by: Barbara Hoffman | Parent to Parent of NYS
October 27th, 2021 | 6:00pm
Join us to discover positive ways for caregivers with extraordinary responsibilities to cope with and effectively manage stress.
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Life-Care Planning and Saving for the Future
Presented by: James Traylor | Upstate Special Needs Consulting
November 10th, 2021 | 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, and legal, financial and other personal matters. Join us to discuss some of the key issues caregivers face, including life-care planning, special needs trusts, individualized supports and services, and more.
To register for any of these upcoming trainings, please email Training@advocatesincorporated.org
Please include in your email:
Name of person receiving services
Name/s of person attending
Name of Care Manager
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Advocates' Virtual Stroll & Roll 5K |
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Last Call to Register For This Year's Event!
Advocates' 3rd annual Stroll & Roll 5K is only one week away, but there is still time to register!
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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Trunk or Treat Halloween Agency Fair |
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Safely celebrate this Halloween with a "Trunk or Treat" Agency Fair on Oct. 30th, sponsored by David's Refuge. The event will take place from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the back parking lot of Destiny USA.
For everyone's safety, the event can either be walked or driven through. Be sure to wear your Halloween costume and stop out for some goodies from local providers, including Advocates!
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Advocates' 2nd Annual
Virtual Halloween Showcase
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Advocates is pleased to announce a return of our virtual Halloween Showcase! People receiving services from Advocates are invited to share pictures of their Halloween costumes, decorations, and pumpkin carvings. Be sure to check out our Facebook page on October 31st to see all of this year’s “spooktacular” submissions!
To participate, please submit photos
no later than Monday, October 25th to:
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Leslie Perkins has a lot to say these days. Her loved ones and those with whom she works say she is content and loving life. Sadly, this hasn’t always been the case for her.
Leslie, 54, has received services from Advocates for four years. Prior to this, she participated in a certified day program, where many of her daily activities were predetermined for her. She mostly kept to herself and felt she couldn’t express her desires, needs, or goals. Those closest to Leslie say that a lot of this changed when she joined Advocates, and her demeanor has followed suit.
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“Her communication and socialization skills have grown tremendously since we started working together,” said Kristin Smith, who has acted as Leslie’s Mentor since Leslie first began receiving services through Advocates. “When we first met, she couldn’t verbalize her wants, and this was a barrier.” This barrier would quickly be overcome, as Leslie and Kristin formed an instant bond. |
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Almost immediately upon working together, Leslie began verbalizing more with Kristin (pictured left). Leslie was able to express things like what she wanted for lunch or where she wanted to go that day. The rapport the pair had built gave Leslie the confidence to communicate with others in her community as well.
“I’m happy,” Leslie told us while visiting one of her favorite spots in town – McDonald’s. Though she loves their french fries, she enjoys the atmosphere and interacting with the restaurant's staff much more. It’s a place where she feels safe and welcome, as the employees often stop over to her table to chat.
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One real area of progress for Leslie is being able to communicate things that bring her happiness. She enjoys artwork, volunteering, bowling, meeting with friends, and visiting area lakes and parks. Exploring these and other interests gives Leslie satisfaction because it is she who chooses to do them. It is her contentment that gives those closest to her a similar sense of satisfaction.
“Leslie’s relationship with Kristin and Advocates in general has opened doors for her,” said her brother, Robert. One of those doors is volunteer opportunities. Leslie generously lends her time to Iroquois Nursing Home in Jamesville. There, she helps with group activities and takes an active role in boosting the morale of the residents. By reading a book with them or even just spending a few minutes together, Leslie’s big heart and infectious smile brighten the day of everyone she encounters.
“I’m instantly in a good mood when I see her because she’s always so happy,” said Leslie’s Community Habilitation Coordinator with Advocates, Sarah Cowles. “It’s been a pleasure seeing her blossom and advocate more for herself these past four years.” Through this self-advocacy and some regular motivation from Kristin, Leslie has shown signs of becoming more independent. With Kristin's support, Leslie takes pride in being able to now make her own lunch, tidy her room, hang clothing out to dry, and work on her culinary skills through a cooking group.
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“It’s one of those situations where we’ve found soulmates,” Sarah said, referring to Leslie and Kristin. “Seeing their relationship and how they’re always smiling together makes me really appreciate my job.”
Everyone has a multitude of things to convey, and everyone has the right for their voice to be heard. Leslie is a prime example that sometimes, all it takes is the right group of people and a little positive reinforcement to hear just how beautiful a person’s voice truly is. The best part is that we’re hearing more than just Leslie’s voice these days…we’re hearing how she wants to live her life.
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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 Leslie, 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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