Inclusion Matters

JUNE 2026

Fostering Community, Independence, and Friendship

Advocates supports many people whose kindness, perseverance, and willingness to help others makes our community a better place. Tammy Sterpe is one of those people, and has built a life centered around community, friendship, and giving back. When she is volunteering, organizing activities with friends, helping at home, or exploring new hobbies, Tammy approaches life with enthusiasm and heart.

Whether it’s staying active in these ways, working toward long-term goals, or simply focusing on day-to-day tasks, Tammy’s mentor of nearly eight years, Lisa Curtis, is by her side every step of the way. Tammy told us that Lisa has a special way of making people feel comfortable and supported. Their friendship has grown into a meaningful connection built on trust, encouragement, and fun.

“It’s amazing having Lisa (pictured left) as my mentor,” Tammy said. “We have so much fun together. She helps me with whatever I need.” Though Tammy is independent in most ways, she requires support in some areas due to her disability and some accompanying physical challenges, such as asthma and endurance limitations. Like many people, Tammy can be shy around people she’s unfamiliar with and can struggle to find the right words at times, even with those she’s comfortable with. Despite these obstacles, she continues to push herself to try new things, stay engaged in the community, and contribute anywhere she can.

Tammy has grown tremendously in her independence over the years. She lives at home with her mother, Debra, and takes pride in her responsibilities around the house. She helps care for her home and assists her mother in many ways. Tammy’s responsibility and initiative reached new heights after her mother’s knee replacement surgery, and now manages many household tasks including cooking, laundry, and housekeeping. “I don’t know what I’d do without her,” Debra told us. Tammy’s growth has extended to other areas recently as well, including independently navigating the community using Uber and managing her budget.

“I’ve stepped up and am more responsible, more independent,” Tammy said proudly. Lisa concurred, noting what a privilege it’s been for her to witness this growth. “More than anything else, Tammy enjoys being helpful,” she said. “So, whether it’s around the house, at her volunteer initiatives, or helping friends, she finds a lot of joy in it.”

Tammy’s schedule is filled with activities that reflect her active and caring personality. One of her favorite agenda items is meeting with a longstanding group of friends each week to plan creative activities together. Over the years, the group has enjoyed everything from bowling and fishing to library game days and holiday-themed events and activities. Each member gets a turn choosing the activity, giving everyone an opportunity to try something new.

On Wednesdays, Tammy facilitates an art club at Christ the King Church in Liverpool, a program she proudly helped build from the ground up. What started in 2012 with just a few participants has now grown to nearly 40 people. Lisa credits one of her former mentor counterparts for helping Tammy to discover her love for art and inspiring her to help create something meaningful for others.

For Tammy, the art club is about far more than crafts and creativity. It has helped her develop organizational skills, leadership, and confidence while creating a welcoming place where people can connect and express themselves. “It makes me happy knowing she creates that happiness for herself and others through the group,” Debra said when reflecting on her daughter’s many contributions. 

Tammy’s passion for helping others shines especially bright through her volunteer work. Since 2010, she has volunteered at The Rosamond Gifford Zoo, helping transport donated food from local stores to feed the animals. From bread for the elephants to salmon for the penguins, Tammy plays an important role behind the scenes. One memorable day, she helped unload nearly 400 pounds of donated food for animal care.

She also works in the zoo’s Junior Vet Clinic, an interactive space where children can learn what it is like to care for animals. Tammy helps guide kids through activities, care for the area, and create a fun, educational experience. She also plays a big role in special events, like breakfast with Santa and Dreamnight.

One of Tammy’s most memorable experiences was standing alongside County Executive Ryan McMahon and other community leaders to celebrate more than $1 million in volunteer contributions to the zoo. The check represented the value of volunteer hours donated to the zoo in 2018 – a testament to the dedication of Tammy and her fellow volunteers.

Beyond the zoo, Tammy participates in Earth Day cleanups, helps collect donations for homeless outreach efforts, and supports organizations that assist migrant farm workers – efforts that all show Tammy’s desire to stay active and help those in need.

Whether she is learning billiards, playing video and board games with friends, magnet fishing for hidden treasures, hiking, birdwatching, visiting museums, or exploring local history, Tammy embraces life with curiosity and optimism. What stands out most about Tammy is her heart. She genuinely cares about people and inclusivity, constantly supports her friends, and brings positivity everywhere she goes.

Through her kindness, determination, and dedication to helping others, Tammy serves as a model example of what true community spirit looks like.

Advocates would like to thank the linked parishes of Christ the King and Pope John XXIII in Liverpool for providing a safe and welcoming space for Tammy's art club to meet!

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!

Our next Dine for Dollar$ fundraiser will be held on Monday, June 15th at King David's Restaurant, located at 317 Towne Drive in Fayetteville.

Stop in anytime between 4-7 PM for some fresh Mediterranean cuisine you, your friends, and your family are sure to love. Take a night off from cooking and enjoy an evening out while making a difference for the people Advocates supports.

King David's will generously donate a portion of all sales to Advocates, helping us continue our mission of empowering children and adults with disabilities.

We look forward to seeing you there,

and we appreciate your support!

What an incredible day at our Annual Stroll & Roll 5K!

Thank you to everyone who joined us to run, walk, stroll, and roll in support of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Your participation, enthusiasm, and generosity helped make this year’s event truly special.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing volunteers who gave their time and energy to make the event run smoothly from start to finish. Events like this would not be possible without your dedication and teamwork.

We are also deeply grateful to our generous sponsors for their support and commitment to our mission:

Gold Sponsor



KeyBank

Silver Sponsors

Bruce Electric

Delmonico Associates Inc.

Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield

Off Peak Ministries

Price Chopper Golub Foundation

Bronze Sponsors

Butler Fence

Cathedral Candle Company

Drakos Urgent Care

Empower FCU

Kinney Drugs Foundation

Wentland Law Office

Race Pathway Sponsors

Auburn Chain Saw & Mower, Inc.

Brickhouse Cafe

Bush Chiropractic

The Dugliss Family

Edward J. Ryan & Sons Funeral Home

Frightmare Farms

Language Today

Marsh & McLennan Agency

Murray's Restaurant & Tavern

Nana's Topping

NEIS Collective

NextHome CNY Realty

Salt City Sound Machine

Skaneateles Rotary Club

The Shear Concept

Upstate NY Entertainment

Because of your support, we continue creating opportunities and services that make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for helping us make this year’s Stroll & Roll 5K such a success — we can’t wait to see you again next year!

Pride Month is a powerful reminder of the importance of love, acceptance, and solidarity. At Advocates, we stand with the LGBTQ+ community — not just in June, but all year long. Let's continue to uplift every voice, celebrate our differences, and create a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and respected.

For a list of Pride-related events in Central New York,

please click here.

June 19th marks Juneteenth, a day that honors the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates the resilience, culture, and contributions of Black Americans. At Advocates, we recognize this day not only as a time for reflection, but also as a call to action. We stand in support of racial equity and justice — not just on Juneteenth, but every day — and remain committed to learning, growing, and helping to build a more just and inclusive future for all.

To learn more about Juneteenth and its significance, 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 featuring

Anthony Canestrare!