Inclusion Matters

DECEMBER 2025

Living a Calling Through Connection, Commitment, and Community

For some people, a career is something they choose; for others, it’s something that seems to choose them. For Frank Vair, his path to the disability field started when he was just thirteen, when family friends asked for assistance at the newly-named ARISE at Doc Marshall Farm – an accessible and inclusive recreation center located on an expansive working horse farm in Chittenango, NY. Frank volunteered in 1999, not knowing that the experience would place him on a lifelong journey of service, friendship, and personal purpose.

Within a year, he joined ARISE again – this time as a counselor-in-training – and something clicked. “Pretty quickly, I knew I wanted to work with people with disabilities,” Frank said, now a mentor with Advocates since 2012. “I initially went there to volunteer, but I fell in love with the folks.” The camp director recognized a spark in Frank and guided him into the field. Frank went on to spend 15 years with ARISE, sharing his many talents and passion for helping people achieve more. It was through ARISE that he met a young man named Mark, the person he now supports full-time through Advocates. Their unmistakable bond has grown for nearly 25 years.

When asked what Mark means to him, Frank didn’t hesitate. “Everything,” he said. “I truly consider him family.” Mark communicates expressively – through signs, vocalizations, facial cues, and, most famously, the biggest, warmest hugs. Frank stresses to new staff how important it is to take the time to understand him and anyone else they support. “Like everyone else, Mark likes and needs to be understood,” he said. “He puts the work in to communicate his needs, wants, and desires. It’s on us as staff to be open and cognizant of what our people are trying to communicate to us.”

Frank’s dedication shines brightest in the kinds of moments that can test even seasoned staff – moments of uncertainty, heightened emotion, or unexpected change. Where others might have felt discouraged, Frank stayed committed, focusing on understanding what Mark truly needed at that moment. Those efforts not only deepened his relationship with Mark but also created lasting reassurance for Mark’s family. Mark’s father, Nick, shared how Frank’s dedication and years spent working with his son have amounted to something very special.

“Frank is phenomenally dedicated to Mark, his wellbeing, and the pursuit of his goals,” he said. “The confidence Mark has in Frank today is wonderful, and that takes a level of trust that’s been built for over 20 years.” Nick and Frank both touched on the importance of trust and how it’s been instrumental in helping Mark conquer difficult circumstances. “Mark has his own complexities in a number of areas,” Nick shared. “But Frank has a good read on him and helps him cope with managing his anxiety and stress.” Frank concurred. “It’s not always smiles and hugs,” he added. “We’ve always navigated choppy waters as they happen, and we overcome them together.”

Though he once planned to become an English teacher after studying Education at Binghamton University, Frank says he is exactly where he’s meant to be. “I’m living my career goal,” he told us, adding that he’s most comfortable and best suited for hands-on work as a Direct Support Professional. “I love my job and I love what I do. Seeing people’s growth over twenty years and watching them make their way into the world…it’s been a delight to witness that.”

Frank describes himself as patient, intellectually curious, and humble – qualities that shape both his work and his life in general. Outside of work, he enjoys practicing his faith, playing Dungeons & Dragons, video games, and reading fantasy and sci-fi. But whatever he’s doing, he does it with purpose, passion, and a yearning for growth. “Impacting my community any way I can has been my drive over time,” he reflected. And that is partially why his values align so closely with those of Advocates’. “The agency’s values make Advocates feel like home. I’ve always loved Advocates’ individualized supports and services because they help the people we serve flourish.”

For Frank, supporting someone isn’t just a job; it’s a privilege. “In some cases, we are given parents’ most valuable asset – their children – and we take them out in the world and help them blossom in ways they may not have time or ability to do. The best mentors become invested and try to be the very best they can be for their individual and for their family.” For people like Mark and their families, having a support staff with Frank’s level of dedication is invaluable. “You want your loved one to be safe and well-cared for, and to become as independent as possible,” Nick said. “Frank does a great job of addressing all three of those. That sort of commitment is rare and we’re very fortunate to have it.”

After more than two decades in the field and almost a quarter-century alongside Mark, Frank’s commitment has never wavered. In his quiet, steadfast way, he continues to build a more compassionate and inclusive community – one breakthrough moment at a time.

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!

Together, we are building a more compassionate future

This holiday season, Advocates is working hard to meet the most urgent needs of the individuals and families we support. Your contribution to our Annual Appeal helps us fund vital efforts - like our 2025 holiday meal program - to fight food insecurity and bring comfort to those who need it most.

If you are able to this year, thank you for making a gift to Advocates Annual Appeal. In these uncertain times, your support is a powerful reminder that we stand together. It reflects the generosity that makes our community a more caring and inclusive place for children and adults with disabilities and their families.

Thank you for bringing comfort and hope to those facing hardship this season. Wishing you and those closest to you a joyful holiday season filled with good health, peace, and meaningful moments.



Warmest Regards,

Amy Dugliss, Executive Director

We are deeply grateful to our generous Annual Appeal donors, whose support is helping Advocates meet the growing needs of families who are counting on us - especially during these uncertain times.

Thanks to your generosity, 289 pounds of food have been donated to Advocates’ food drive benefiting the Food Bank of CNY — in just four weeks!

If you haven’t had a chance to donate yet and would like to, there’s still time! Donations will be accepted through the end of December and will be delivered to the Food Bank weekly.

Please join us in supporting families in need by delivering non-perishable food items to our Liverpool office (7710 Maltlage Drive, Liverpool, NY 13090) or Fayetteville office (300 South Manlius Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066) weekdays between the hours of 8:30am-5pm. The Food Bank can especially use the following items:

• Canned tuna, beans, vegetables, and legumes
• Cereal & oatmeal
• Canned or dried fruits
• Soups & stews
• Peanut butter
• Dinner "mixes"
• Pasta, rice, and grains

Thank you for joining Advocates in supporting the Food Bank of CNY, and in turn, our neighbors during these challenging times.

To find a food pantry or soup kitchen near you,

please click here.

On December 7th, 2025, more than 400 friends and families gathered at Driver's Village for Advocates' Annual Holiday Party. It was wonderful to reconnect with familiar faces and welcome new ones. We are grateful to everyone who attended and extend our thanks to the Advocates team for their support in making the event a success. We send our special thanks to Santa Claus and his elf, our DJ, and to our friends at Driver's Village for being such gracious hosts!

Join us for our weeklong Dine for Dollar$ fundraiser from December 11th - 17th at DiBella's Subs

(5805 Bridge Street, E. Syracuse, NY 13057).

DiBella's is a regional sub sandwich chain known for its fresh-baked bread and high-quality ingredients. DiBella's will generously donate 20% of all pre-tax sales to Advocates to support people with disabilities. Sales generated from December 11th - December 17th.

When ordering in person, please let the cashier know you're with Advocates. If ordering online, be sure to Enter code Advocate20 in the “Dine to Donate” box under the payment method.

We look forward to seeing you there,

and we appreciate your support!

Advocates is proud to partner with Syracuse Hancock International Airport as part of its Community Art Program, which highlights artwork from a variety of local organizations in upstate New York. This program brings an inclusive snapshot of our region’s creativity to travelers, and we extend our thanks to the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority for celebrating our community and showcasing the talents of the people we serve.

A total of 18 artists receiving services from Advocates participated and will have their artwork displayed in the coming year. The next time you're traveling, be sure to stop by the airport's second level (before the TSA entrance) to check out the magnificent work of a few of the many talented people Advocates supports!

You can learn more about the SYR Community Art Program by clicking here.

For more than 30 years, Advocates has partnered with Syracuse University and Syracuse Stage through the All Star C.A.S.T. (Community Actors and Students Theater), giving individuals with disabilities a welcoming space to express themselves, build acting skills, and share their creativity. Each semester, SU drama students and their instructors — including longtime facilitator Kath Fathers — guide participants through weeks of singing, dancing, acting, and community-building, culminating in a joyful end-of-semester performance for friends and family. On Monday, November 17, the C.A.S.T. held its final performance of 2025 for dozens of supporters in attendance. This long-standing collaboration, previously offered twice per year, will now be held once annually during the fall semester.

We extend our sincere thanks Kath and her dedicated student facilitators, whose talent, patience, and encouragement have made this a meaningful experience for so many.

Unfamiliar with the All Star C.A.S.T.? Click here to see a brief video on the impact the program has had on many people who receive services from Advocates over the years!

For those interested in continuing the experience of self-expression through music in the company of their peers, Kath is launching a new offering — Singing Soulutions for Neurodiverse Minds. For more information, please click here.

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 the spirited Victoria Smith!

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 our family to yours, we wish you a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season!