Inclusion Matters

AUGUST 2026

Beyond the Comfort Zone

Bestselling author and leadership expert Robin Sharma once said, “As you move outside of your comfort zone, what was once the unknown and frightening becomes your new normal.” It is a quote that perfectly captures Drew Sauro's remarkable transformation. If you've had the privilege of knowing Drew over the years, you've witnessed a journey of growth, resilience, and confidence as he's embraced his challenges and discovered just how much he's capable of.

For much of his life, Drew was naturally quiet and reserved. Because of his disability, social interactions didn't come easily, and communicating his thoughts or feelings often required time and patience. Changes to his routine could be difficult, and stepping outside of his comfort zone wasn't something that happened overnight. But with determination, encouragement, and the right support system behind him, Drew has gradually transformed into someone who approaches new experiences with confidence and enthusiasm. That growth has been especially evident through his relationship with his Mentor, Andrew Rainbow.

"When I first met Drew, he was shy and a little bit in his shell," Andrew (pictured right) recalled. "I made it a point to help bring out his personality and encourage him to feel comfortable being himself. Seeing how much he's grown has been incredible."

Today, that transformation is easy to see. Whether he's confidently making purchases at a store, striking up conversations with others, or adapting to unexpected changes in his schedule, Drew has developed skills that once felt intimidating. His mother, Lisa, has watched that progress unfold firsthand.

"Drew can be quiet and shy, but they clicked from the start," she says of Andrew and her son. "Sunday nights, Drew actually looks forward to Monday mornings because he knows he'll get to spend time with Andrew. They have fun together, but they're also working toward the goals Drew has set for himself."

Those goals extend far beyond simply becoming more social. Drew enjoys staying active through weightlifting, boxing, and fishing. He's building independence by improving his money management skills and learning to express his wants, needs, and feelings more openly. He also shares a love for Disney, classic movies like The Wizard of Oz, collecting Disney memorabilia and CDs, and spending quality time with his family. Perhaps nowhere is Drew's growth more apparent than at his volunteer position with Thrifty Shopper.

Drew takes tremendous pride in his work, helping sort, organize, stock merchandise, and keep the store running smoothly. His strong work ethic and positive attitude have made such an impression that two different store managers – without knowing the other had done so – independently nominated Drew for the same recognition. This award – given to a standout worker in a few key areas – is something that Drew will remember forever.

"I felt very happy and proud," he said with a grin. For Lisa, the recognition carried even deeper meaning.

"When Drew was just a month old, I wrote him a letter," she recalled, becoming emotional. "I told him I hoped he would make a difference in the world someday. Seeing how much of an impact he's made on the people around him...I feel like he's done exactly that." Drew’s Community Habilitation Coordinator, Steve Mahle, has witnessed that transformation from the very beginning.

"When I first met Drew, he was incredibly shy,” Steve said, noting that Drew did not even want to be in the same room during meetings. "Community Habilitation helped him open up, but his relationship with Andrew really helped Drew get to that next level.” Steve added that Drew’s rapport with his mentor has enabled him to express his thoughts and feelings more openly while building a newfound sense of confidence. For Andrew, the relationship has been just as meaningful.

"When I first started working at Advocates, I was going through a tumultuous time in my own life," he said. "People often think I'm the one helping Drew, but he's given me just as much support as I've given him. He's one of my great friends, and I'm incredibly grateful to be part of his life."

Lisa is equally grateful – not only for Andrew, but for the entire team at Advocates. “Steve has always been very aware of Drew’s personality and what he’s looking for,” she said. “We’re so fortunate to have found a great match in Andrew, and we owe that to Steve because he’s so dedicated to finding the right staff. The team is always open to new ideas and opportunities for Drew, and finding the right mentor has made all the difference." On Andrew’s end, it’s been equally beneficial for him to have found someone he admires and enjoys spending time with as much as Drew.

“His personality has become so bright and positive,” Andrew said. “You can meet him once and you’ll remember him the rest of your life.”

Today, Drew continues to embrace new experiences, build meaningful relationships, and challenge himself in ways that once seemed impossible. His story is a reminder that confidence isn't built overnight. Sometimes, it begins with one person who believes in you, one opportunity to grow, and the courage to take that very first step outside your comfort zone.

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!

We hope you'll join us at Onondaga Lake Park (Long Branch Park - 3813 Long Branch Rd., Liverpool, NY 13090) on Wednesday, Sept. 9th from 4pm-7pm! People receiving services from Advocates and their families are invited to join us for food, fun, music, entertainment and an opportunity to connect with old friends and meet new ones!

Although this event is free to attend, eligible individuals must be enrolled in our FSS Recreation program in order to register.

We hope to see you there!

Join Us "Fore" a Great Cause!

Advocates’ Annual Golf Tournament is right around the corner, and we’d love for you to be part of this special event!

Join us on Wednesday, September 16th at the beautiful Timber Banks Golf Club in Baldwinsville, featuring a stunning Jack Nicklaus Design course. Enjoy 18 holes of golf with cart, player gifts, on-course contests, lunch, beverages, a post-round networking reception, awards, an exciting auction, and a gourmet meal overlooking the scenic grounds.

Not a golfer? No problem! There are other ways to support the event, and, in turn, children with intellectual and developmental disabilities through Advocates.

Promote your business while supporting Advocates!

Pin flag sponsorships offer a unique way to showcase your business at this year's golf tournament. A pin flag marks each hole on the course, ensuring every golfer sees your company's logo and message throughout the day.

Best of all, 100% of the proceeds from the sales of pin flags will benefit children and adults with disabilities.

After the tournament, your pin flag will be mailed to you as lasting reminder of your support and generosity!

Online Auction

Our online auction compliments the proceeds of Advocates’ Annual Golf Tournament, and is filled with amazing packages made possible by generous businesses and community partners throughout our community.

Just a sampling of what you’ll find:

🍽️ Gift cards to some of our favorite local restaurants

🎭 Tickets and experiences for performances and shows

📸 Professional photography packages

🧖 Spa, beauty and wellness experiences

🎟️ Fun, experience-based activities for individuals, couples and families

🚗 Great ideas for local day trips and getaways

🎁 And plenty of other unique finds you won’t want to miss!

Whether you're looking for family fun, dining, entertainment, adventure, relaxation, or the perfect gift, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, every bid helps advance Advocates’ mission and makes a meaningful difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The auction is now open and will run through Sept. 13th! Check out the items, place your bids, and find something you love while making a difference.

A huge thank-you to all of the incredible local businesses and community partners who donated to make this auction possible. We couldn’t do it without you!

Family Guide to Transition Planning: Preparing Students with Disabilities for Life After High School

Presented by: Kristine O’Brien,

Resource and Referral Specialist with the Midstate School Age Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center

September 23rd @ 6 PM

(virtual event)

Transition planning is the ongoing process of preparing students with disabilities for the adult life they choose after high school. This training will assist families in understanding the transition planning process, specifically looking at what components of the IEP are essential as the students plans for their future.

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

Our next Dine for Dollar$ fundraiser will be held on Thursday, Sept. 24th at IHOP on Rte. 31 in Clay.

Stop in anytime between 3-10 PM for their world-famous pancakes and a wide variety of other lunch and dinner options. Take a night off from cooking and enjoy an evening out while making a difference for the people Advocates supports.

IHOP will generously donate 20% of sales to Advocates. Please make sure to let them know you are with Advocates by visiting the fundraiser's webpage if you plan on attending. 

We look forward to seeing you there,

and we appreciate your support!

Thank you to the CNY Community Foundation and the Howard A. Drescher Foundation for Advancing Accessibility!

At Advocates, we believe in the value, potential and full participation of all people in our community.

We are grateful to the CNY Community Foundation and the Howard A. Drescher Foundation for generously supporting our mission and vision. Thanks to your partnership, we have taken important steps toward creating a more accessible and fully inclusive space at the Doug Klepper Community Center in Fayetteville.

We're proud to share the completion of accessibility enhancements, including:

🌟 New automatic doors

🌟 Tactile signage

🌟 Improved ramp access

These enhancements reduce barriers, increase independence, improve safety, and help ensure equal access for the hundreds of people we support, along with the employees and families who use the Doug Klepper Community Center and Advocates Fayetteville office each year.

Together, we're building a community where everyone belongs. Thank you for helping make this vision a reality!

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 Tammy Sterpe!