Inclusion Matters

DECEMBER 2023

Lives of Distinction

David Kirchoff

A David With Goliath Aspirations

When we set goals for ourselves, it’s natural to focus solely on what the pinnacle of our achievements will look like down the road. As David Kirchoff reminds us, it’s important to pause and reflect on our accomplishments along the way, regardless of how big or small they may be. Though David, 26, still has lofty aspirations, some might say he’s already achieving some noble goals he’d set for himself years ago.


“I ultimately want to stop global warming,” David stated, adding that his love of nature inspires him to care for it any way he can. “But just as much, I want to be a mental health ally and advocate,” he continued, illustrating just how altruistic his long-term goals are.


“Early on, David wanted to be an environmental science major, because of his interest in nature,” said his mother, Jennifer. “But because of some of his own challenges, life experiences, and a desire to help people, he felt that psychology was a better fit.” David and his parents are proud of his having graduated with high honors from Le Moyne College in 2021, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. “I wanted to study psych to understand people better,” David told us. “I like researching medical conditions and want to learn ways to help people with diagnoses similar to my own.”


Because he wants others to know they’re not alone with the challenges they face, David is open and up front about being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Asperger Syndrome. Graduating college – though a monumental achievement – came with some negative and unexpected consequences that only exacerbated his challenges. David’s strengths had been learning and researching, and he thrived off these things in pursuit of his goals. After he’d graduated from Le Moyne, he experienced an emotional letdown, as he was no longer satiating his thirst for knowledge and wasn’t quite sure how or where to apply his talents next. 

“He wanted the degree so badly and he didn’t want to disappoint us,” said his father, Bill (pictured left). “He naturally wants to please everyone, and because he felt he was letting us down, he started suffering from schizophrenia that’s continued to this day.” The Kirchoffs acknowledged that David’s long-term memory isn’t as sharp as it used to be, nor are his executive functioning skills.


“All of it really affects me,” David said. “But I try to be cheerful and open-minded with everything in spite of it.” Try as he may, David was entering the next stage of his life amidst a still uncertain and turbulent time, which only complicated things further.


“Things like getting out, meeting new people, and participating in activities all came to a halt during the pandemic,” Bill said. “Simply enjoying life has been really difficult for David.” But as with so many other challenges, Advocates’ Direct Support Staff have been there to ease some of life’s burdens for the people they serve.

“Things quickly got better once James came into the picture,” Bill said, alluding to David’s Mentor, James Russ. “David’s plans got derailed upon graduation, and so, James came on at a critical time when we were rebuilding his plan. We needed someone to help regain cognitive and physical health, but even more than that, we just needed someone who was able to help our son enjoy life again.” And that’s precisely what James has done for David.


David and James clicked right away, which immediately led to a trusting working relationship and, in turn, a very close friendship. “One of my best friends was diagnosed with autism and Asperger’s, so working in the field came easier to me,” James said. “Plus, I’ve been through my own personal struggles, so I can relate to David in a number of ways because we have a ton in common.” The rapport built between the two has led to signs of rejuvenation for David, which include a greater independence and confidence, and a willingness to again participate in activities of his choosing in the community. These days, you can find David going for nature walks, working out at the gym nearly every day, and meeting weekly with a group to play Pokémon – all while being more comfortable socializing in public. A breakthrough for him has been volunteering at David’s Refuge, where he assembles food boxes that are then delivered to hundreds of parents with children with disabilities. One of David’s short-term goals is to expand on his volunteer opportunities, and is currently exploring Helping Hounds because of his love of pets.


“I like helping any way I can, and volunteering makes me feel better about myself,” David said with unmistakable kindness. He went on to say that being a productive member of his community eases the sting he feels of not directly applying his degree or attaining his long-term goals just yet. But as he would unknowingly demonstrate moments later, David is attaining far more than he gives himself credit for, and is already achieving his goals on some level.

His aforementioned love for animals and nature has meant continued education – no longer in the form of attending classes and taking tests, but rather by constantly researching things related to his interests for the good of the environment as well as the community. He has become very knowledgeable in subjects such as birds, frogs and toads, and insects, and with that knowledge comes ways to preserve and protect them in the environment. David’s self-motivated research has come in other forms, as well. He has volunteered his time and energy into projects like clinical trials, placebos for notable names in pharmaceuticals, and even deep brain studies to help clinicians have a better understanding of the human brain. 

“We want him to be happy and live a fulfilling life,” said Jennifer. “He’s already a great contributor to society, and with James’ assistance, there is even greater potential.” Bill elaborated on the impact that James and Advocates as a whole has made on their lives. “We feel like we’re a valued part of a community with Advocates, and that we’re all in this together in David’s recovery and growth,” he said.


“Advocates is always looking out for people like me with their ability to help us,” David said. “It’s easy-going, and they help you walk away feeling happy knowing there are more pros than cons with neurodiversity.”


If you are fortunate enough to spend any amount of time getting to know David or his family, you’ll soon realize just how many “pros” they have going for them regardless of the challenges they face. We’re proud of David’s recent achievements, admire his quest to bring positive change to our world, and can’t wait to see what he will accomplish down the road.

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!

Agency Updates

Advocates Annual Holiday Party

On December 3rd, we celebrated Advocates' Annual Holiday Party at Driver's Village. We were thrilled to see so many familiar faces and meet new ones!


We thank everyone who attended, as well as Advocates' staff, who helped make the event possible. We also send a huge thanks to Driver's Village for hosting us!

Click here for more photos from this event

Advocates Annual Appeal

We sincerely appreciate our families, donors, community partners, and employees that have celebrated and supported Advocates throughout the years. Our mission would not be possible without the selflessness and generosity of our supporters.


If you are grateful for the supports and services Advocates provides, please consider making a donation to this year's Annual Appeal. Your gift will make a profound impact on people with disabilities in our community.

You can make a difference by clicking the tab below, making a credit card donation, or sending a check to:


Advocates Incorporated

290 Elwood Davis Road, Suite 101

Liverpool, NY 13088


For more information or questions,

please contact Development@advocatesincorporated.org


On behalf of Advocates' families whose lives will be touched by your generosity, we sincerely thank you.

Please know how much we appreciate your support!

Click here to make a donation

Reasons to Smile

Every Time a Bell Rings...


Hope Grabowski is making a difference this holiday season! Since November, she and her Mentor, Christine Fowler (pictured far right), have volunteered for the Salvation Army on Mondays at Destiny USA. There, she utilizes her Dynavox to wish each person a "Merry Christmas," a cell phone app that plays a bell chiming, and traditional jingle bells, which she wears on her wrist. To catch Hope and Christine in action and to make a contribution to a worthy cause, simply visit Destiny's food court area through the first week of January.


Giving back to the community has made Hope very happy, and we're proud of the work she, her nurse, Janet (pictured left), and Christine have done for others!

Here We Come A-Caroling!


On Wednesday, Dec. 20th, Advocates' Liverpool office was alive with the festive spirit, as a group of individuals, supported by their dedicated Mentors, gathered for some heartwarming caroling. The air was filled with joyous melodies, laughter, and a shared enthusiasm of this close-knit community of friends. Each caroler, encouraged and uplifted by their Mentors, added their unique voice to spread holiday cheer. We send our sincere thanks to everyone who participated, and special thanks to Mentor, Dawn Corso, for having orchestrated such an enjoyable afternoon!


Click below to hear one of their holiday classics!

Burlingame Bowls Perfect Game


One of the harder feats to accomplish in all of sports is bowling a perfect game. Well, the talented Collin Burlingame did just that not long ago! Collin has been bowling for close to 20 years now, and it shows. Not only does a perfect game require precise repetition and accuracy, but it also requires one to remain intently focused – especially under pressure.


“I was pretty excited towards the end because everyone was cheering for me,” Collin told us. “I was a little nervous in the 8th or 9th frame, but I tried to stay focused and kept doing what I was doing.” Though this feat may seem impossible for most people, there are those who weren’t all that surprised that Collin was able to pull it off. In fact, the manager of Green Lakes Lanes in Fayetteville has always remarked that Collin throws the ball with unmatched consistency and is among the most proficient in this area as anyone he’s ever seen in his years there.

Bowling has benefited Collin in multiple ways. His dedication to the game and time spent on the lanes has led to several meaningful and lifelong friendships in the process. It’s also come with a host of unique opportunities and even greater successes. This past summer, Collin was the anchor for his team in the New York State Special Olympics competitions, and his efforts helped his team secure a gold medal.


“We’re very proud of him, from the perfect game to the games this summer,” said Collin’s father, Mike. “I’m also really proud of Collin’s Mentor for having started the bowling group with my son years ago, and for integrating new people into the group along the way.”


Advocates is also proud of Collin and his remarkable accomplishments. Congratulations, Collin!

To the people and families that inspire us throughout the year -

we feel privileged to have the continued

opportunity to grow together!


To our dedicated employees - we thank you for your commitment to making a difference in the lives of the people and families that we support!


From the Advocates family to your family,

we wish you a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!

ADVANCING INCLUSION | EMPOWERING FAMILIES | CREATING COMMUNITY