Inclusion Matters

FEBRUARY 2026

Living Fully, Loving Fully

English fashion designer and entertainer Victoria Beckham once said, “You either give 100 percent, or you don’t give at all.” Anyone fortunate enough to know Carolyn Engel would agree that this quote could have been written about her.

Carolyn is a beloved figure in her community and her family, and by practically anyone she’s had a relationship with in her 65 years of life. “Carolyn is a person everybody knows and wants to be around,” said her lifelong friend, George Boyle. “She’s very caring about others’ feelings and gives her whole heart to everything and everyone.”

Growing up as one of nine children, Carolyn was part of a large, tight-knit household — and that sense of family extended far beyond her front door. “There were several huge families in our neighborhood growing up,” said Carolyn’s brother, Richard. “She was one of us and was involved in all the same day-to-day things.” George, who grew up right next door, agreed with this observation. “Our families were very close, and from day one, she was a part of our family,” he said. And, contrary to the stigmas that surrounded people with disabilities at the time, Carolyn was accepted by everyone in the neighborhood, according to Richard. “We were all protective of her, but no one treated her any differently,” he said. “There was a high level of inclusion with our circle of classmates and in our community,” George added.

Through the support of her family and community, Carolyn has lived a typical and active life despite her challenges. Carolyn was born with developmental disabilities, but thanks to strong community support and her own determination, she has lived an active, full, and deeply connected life. George (left), who is now Carolyn’s Mentor through Advocates, assists her in the areas she needs support, all while providing the same respect and encouragement he has since the 1960s. “Carolyn struggles with mobility these days, and can use some encouragement with communicating,” he said. “But, if she has a message to get across, she has no trouble doing that. Overall, she is doing quite well.”

With the steadfast support of George and her family, Carolyn is, indeed, doing quite well. She lives in a group home in the Fairmount area, and those who live with her describe her as a joy. Over the years, she has taken strides with her independent living skills, and is dedicated when it comes to things like helping with the upkeep of her living area, preparing her own lunches, and exercising. She has also learned to multitask, and will often ride her exercise bike while she has a load of laundry going. This drive to stay active and engaged extends far beyond her household responsibilities.

“The big thing for her is that she wants to be productive,” said Sarah Cowles, Carolyn’s Community Habilitation Coordinator with Advocates. “She likes structure, and it’s through maintaining a level of activity that helps her stay mentally and physically sharp.” Though Carolyn is proud to have ownership of certain responsibilities, few things in life give her the pride and satisfaction she gets from working. 

“Work keeps me busy, and I’m a very good worker!” Carolyn told us. For the past five years, she has held a position at the Manlius Library, where she works in the café and acts as the perfect greeter for the patrons who stop in. A highlight for Carolyn is interacting with the children who visit the library for story time. “Children make me happy,” she said with a huge grin. Sarah, in having worked with Carolyn since she joined Advocates several years ago, says that Carolyn’s position at the library has provided structure and a pathway for continued growth. “She has grown even more with her independence as a result of working there,” she said. Richard agrees.

“My sister has a work ethic that, quite frankly, I’ve never seen before,” he said. “Whether it’s through work, staying active in any way, getting to mass every Sunday, or staying in contact with people, her dedication is unmatched.”

One thing Carolyn is best known for is her regular phone calls to those she’s closest to. In fact, staying in touch is so important to her that she calls every one of her siblings, every single day. She makes it her duty to check in with people, ask how they are doing, and to simply tell them she’s thinking of them. “I love all of my interactions with Carolyn, because you leave every one with a smile,” Sarah said. George considers himself fortunate to also be on Carolyn’s call list. “It’s amazing to be on the receiving end of that,” he said. “It’s one of her favorite things, that outreach to loved ones. Whether it’s the phone calls or remembering people’s birthdays, it’s all a big deal to her, because it shows she cares.”

People aren’t the only thing Carolyn cares deeply about. Atop her list of hobbies is rooting for the New York sports teams, none more than the Syracuse Orange. She also enjoys soap operas, listening to music, bowling, playing bingo with her friends, and exploring new opportunities in her community. But whatever she does – from the familiar to the uncharted – she does it knowing she has the full support of her siblings and extended sibling, in George.

“She’s a huge part of my life and there’s no replacing her,” he said. For the Engels, the feeling is quite mutual. “George is family,” Richard said. “The people at Advocates…like George, like Sarah…you’ve all done remarkable things for our community, and I know I’m speaking on behalf of all my siblings when I say we are grateful for all of you.”

Advocates is proud to call the Engels a part of its family, and is equally proud of the conscientious work of dedicated employees like George. Most of all, Carolyn wants people to know how much she loves her family and friends.

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 our next Dine for Dollar$ fundraiser anytime between 5pm-9pm on Monday, February 9th at Chipotle in Liverpool (3852 State Rte. 31).

Families, friends, and employees of Advocates are invited to join us for an evening of fun and delicious food!

Chipotle will generously donate 25% of all pre‑tax sales to Advocates. If you are dining in, please show the flyer (below) to your server. If you are ordering online or in the app, use code 346PPYX to make sure your meal counts. Enjoy a delicious meal while making a meaningful impact for a great cause!

We look forward to seeing you there,

and we appreciate your support!

Join us for an evening of music, dancing, food, and friendship!

Our next John Wolford Coffee House will be held on Friday, Feb. 20th from 6:30-8:30 PM at Christ the King Church in Liverpool (21 Cherry Tree Circle, Liverpool, NY 13090). Space is limited to allow for the first 120 adults receiving services from Advocates.

Please bring your favorite snack to pass or a non-perishable item for the church's food pantry.

Although this event is free to attend, eligible individuals must be

enrolled in our FSS Recreation program in order to register.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Feel the Energy, Join the Fun!

Join us for Advocates Night at The Syracuse Crunch on Saturday, Feb. 21st at 5pm as the Crunch take on the Charlotte Checkers 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

Calling all bingo players!

We are excited to host our annual Bingo event, a fun and welcoming afternoon for people receiving services from Advocates. Come enjoy great company, snacks, lots of laughs, and the best part — everyone wins a prize!

Where: St. Ann’s Church

(104 Academy St., Manlius, NY 13104)

When: Monday, Feb. 16th from 1–3:00 PM

Please register by Feb. 11th to secure your spot. Space is limited to 120 participants, and advance registration is required. We can’t wait to see you there!

Although this event is free to attend, eligible individuals must be enrolled in our FSS Recreation program in order 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
• Location: 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. Register before April 1st for early bird pricing of $30. April 1st, the price increases to $35.



All proceeds support children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Together, every mile makes a difference!

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 spotlight featuring Advocates

Mentor, Frank Vair!