Inclusion Matters

APRIL 2026

Built on Compassion, Driven by Purpose

For the past nine years, Taliah Hibbler has been one of Advocates’ dedicated Mentors, whose work reflects compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to helping others thrive. For Taliah, supporting people in their journeys – especially during their hardest moments – isn’t just a job…it’s something that has been part of her life for as long as she can remember.

Taliah’s inspiration to become a Mentor (Direct Support Professional) grew from personal experiences within her own family. She previously worked as a Personal Care Assistant, supporting people with traumatic brain injuries and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Down the road, a friend encouraged her to consider joining Advocates, and it turned out to be a great fit.

Her passion for caregiving, however, began long before her professional career. Taliah is the oldest of ten siblings and has spent much of her life caring for others. When her grandmother was diagnosed with dementia and her grandfather struggled with diabetes – an illness that runs in her family – Taliah helped care for them. Those experiences had a profound impact on her.

“It made me want to step into this type of work and be able to help other people,” she shared. Today, caregiving continues to be a central part of Taliah’s life. In addition to supporting the individuals she works with through Advocates, she is also caring for her mother and raising her three sons. She became a mother at just 17 years old, a challenge that helped shape her strength and determination. Now a proud grandmother, Taliah remains deeply involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren.

Over the years, Taliah has built meaningful relationships with the individuals she supports. She currently works closely with two people, assisting them with important life goals such as finding housing, securing employment, and maintaining stability in their day-to-day lives. From helping someone locate an apartment to ensuring bills are paid and basic needs are met, Taliah approaches each situation with dedication and empathy.

“Just being able to help means so much,” she said. “It means a lot to know I was able to help.” Her compassion runs deep. Taliah admits that there are times when the challenges the people she supports face weigh heavily on her heart. “There have been times I’ve gotten emotional over their situations,” she said. “How can you not get attached to the people you support?”

Despite the emotional demands that can sometimes accompany the job, Taliah finds great fulfillment in being present for others during difficult moments and helping them move forward. She also appreciates the flexibility and supportive environment at Advocates, as well as the opportunity to spend time in the community with the people she serves.

Outside of work, Taliah enjoys spending time with family, relaxing with a good movie or television show, socializing with friends, and traveling. She is also looking forward to a special family event this spring – her brother’s wedding in Atlanta, Georgia, where all of her siblings will gather.

Despite having accomplished so much, Taliah is someone who continues to set goals for herself. One of her proudest accomplishments was purchasing her own home, something she worked hard to achieve. Another milestone she’s proud of is completing a 13-week Women’s Business Program, where she began developing plans for a future dream: opening her own coffee shop. Inspired in part by her grandmother’s love of coffee, Taliah hopes to one day create a welcoming community space in the heart of Syracuse, called Taste of Blends. In addition to serving an array of quality coffees, her vision includes hosting events like poetry nights, game nights, and teen nights to bring people together. “Even though the business isn’t up and running yet, just making it through the program was very important to me.”

While entrepreneurship may be in her future, Taliah knows that helping people will always remain part of her purpose. “I love what I do, and I feel my mission isn’t completed yet,” she said. Self-described as patient, compassionate, reliable, dedicated, and supportive these qualities are evident in everything she does – from supporting the individuals she mentors to building a better future for her family.

Taliah’s dedication, empathy, and perseverance make her an invaluable part of the Advocates team. Her story is a powerful reminder that the heart of this work lies in genuine care for others, and that sometimes the people making the biggest difference are the ones who have spent their lives helping those around them.

Do you have a friend or family member who

would make a great Mentor?

If so, please encourage them to apply on our website.

We look forward to meeting them!

Join us for the last time this season!

Our final Advocates-sponsored Syracuse Crunch game of the season is Saturday, Apr. 11th. Catch the Crunch in action at 7pm as they take on the Utica Comets at Upstate Medical Arena at the On Center War Memorial. Discount tickets are available to people/families receiving services from Advocates along with employees.

Discount tickets (starting at $20) can be purchased by contacting Nancy Loh:

(315) 473-4444 ext. 119 or online at: www.syracusecrunch.com/advocates 

using promotional code: ADVOCATES

April's Dine for Dollar$ is going on the SWEET side this spring! Stop by Sweet Frog in Camillus (190 Township Blvd.) on Thursday, April 16th, between 6–9 pm for some delicious frozen yogurt! The best part about it is you will be supporting children and adults with disabilities in the process.

When placing your order, be sure to mention Advocates. Sweet Frog will generously donate 20% of the proceeds to Advocates. Bring your family, friends, and coworkers, and enjoy some frozen yogurt with all of the delectable toppings you can imagine!

We look forward to seeing you there,

and we appreciate your support!

Maximizing Services and Benefits

Presented by: James Traylor | Rivent Partners

April 28th @ 6pm

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 goal of independence, dignity and quality of life for their loved one.

All trainings are free to attend, but individuals must be enrolled in our FSS Training program to register.

You’re invited to Advocates’ 8th Annual

Stroll & Roll 5K on Saturday, May 16th!

Check-in: 9:30 am | Race start: 10:00 am

Onondaga Lake Park

Willow Bay Park (Saw Mill Pavilion) 

3858 Long Branch Road Liverpool, NY 13090

This accessible 5K invites people of all ages and abilities to run, walk, stroll, or roll through the Onondaga Lake’s beautiful course. 

All participants receive a commemorative race medal, along with a picnic lunch immediately following the race (hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, cookies, and beverages).

Bring your family, friends, and coworkers — form a team or join as an individual. All proceeds support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

To include our friends across New York State (and beyond!), we’ve added a virtual participation option this year. You can also click on “Stroll & Roll 5K Teams” to register as a group or team!

The "Superfield of Dreams" at Carrier Park in East Syracuse will officially open on Saturday, May 16 at 1pm, marking a major milestone for inclusive youth athletics in Central New York. The new field will serve as the permanent home of the Syracuse Challengers — the largest Challenger Little League division in the country — and stands as one of the largest fully ADA-accessible athletic complexes on the East Coast.


“This project represents years of vision, collaboration, and commitment,” said Executive Director, Dom Cambareri. “More than just a baseball field, it’s a place where every child, regardless of ability, can compete, belong, and be celebrated. May 16 will be a day our players and families will never forget.”


Built with accessibility and inclusion at its core, the Superfield of Dreams highlights the impact of strong community partnerships and a shared commitment to making sports welcoming and empowering for all.

We encourage friends and family to head over to this ceremony after Advocates' Stroll & Roll at Onondaga Lake Park!

On Friday, March 13th, Advocates held its annual Winter Party & Information Fair at Le Moyne College. Many people we support, their family members and Mentors, community members, and vendors joined us for an evening of friendship, food, entertainment, and connecting with various resources in our area!

Advocates would like to thank Le Moyne College for hosting the event, all of our attendees, and the many vendors who dedicated their time! We also send our sincere thanks to the Advocates employees who coordinated the event, as well as those who graciously volunteered their time. We couldn’t have done it without your collective efforts!

Advocates' Executive Director, Amy Dugliss, and Self-Advocate, Nicholas Courgi, collaborate each month to bring you an Advocates-themed podcast! The Inclusion Matters Podcast can be found by searching "Inclusion Matters Advocates" on Amazon Music and Spotify. We hope you'll tune in monthly to hear inspiring stories from Advocates!

In case you missed it!

Check out a previous edition's spotlight on Carolyn Engel!

Paige and her mentor, Mackenzie have volunteered at Upstate Hospital together since 2018. In addition to greeting people with their smiling faces, they also take pride in decorating their space to celebrate the seasons and various holidays. Check out the special recognition they received from the hospital! Way to go, Paige and Mackenzie!

We are proud of Paige and everyone we support who contribute to our community in so many ways!

"Volunteer Programs dynamic duo Paige & Mackenzie spread the joy by getting their creative on & decorating Express in the Mezzanine for changing seasons. Enjoyed by volunteers, staff and visitors alike; we all thank you, Paige & Mackenzie!" - Upstate Volunteer Programs