Inclusion Matters

MAY 2026

A Heart for Helping and the Courage to Grow

Danielle Picciott doesn’t hesitate when asked what makes her unique. She is a proud member of the Advocates community, and she will tell you that she has Down syndrome, but that fact alone barely scratches the surface of who she is. Spend even a short amount of time getting to know her, and what stands out most isn’t her diagnosis – it’s her generosity, determination, and a genuine sense of caring she brings to the people in her life.

At home, Danielle has become a constant source of support. She lives with her parents and her cat, Pepper, and in recent years, her role in the household has grown in meaningful ways beyond caring for her pet. When her mom is away, Danielle steps in with confidence: taking out the trash, doing the dishes, and making sure the house is locked up and safe. What were once small moments of independence have expanded into something much bigger. Her Mentor of nearly five years, Grace Pinkowski, has had a firsthand view of how far Danielle has come.

“She’s found ways to grow by helping her mother and has taken her independence to another level,” Grace (pictured right) shared. “We are constantly working toward her goals, but her growth has been more about her family. She has one of the best family support systems ever; it’s inspiring to see.”

Danielle’s mother, Kathy, reciprocated that credit to everyone who has supported her over time. “She’s been blessed with some absolutely great mentors,” she said, acknowledging the admirable job both Grace and fellow Advocates Mentor, Julia Annin, have done. “Danielle’s growth, independence, and confidence, have all come thanks in large part to her mentors.”

Danielle feels that growth, too. “I’m more independent now,” she said in a manner that clearly shows how much that matters to her. It’s something her parents and support team have nurtured over time, and it shows in everything she does. But Danielle’s independence doesn’t stand apart from her kindness, rather, it strengthens it. She is, at her core, someone who cares deeply about others.

“She is always demonstrating how much she cares,” Grace said.

That care shines especially brightly in her volunteer work. Through the Manlius Library and Sarah’s Guest House, Danielle has found meaningful ways to give back. At Sarah’s Guest House, which provides lodging for patients and families traveling for medical care, Danielle prepares sandwiches…hundreds of them. Each one is carefully made, labeled with its contents and the date, and sealed with her signature touch: a lovely heart sticker. The impact of that effort is felt by every person who grabs one on the go during a difficult time. Danielle’s hard work recently earned her a hospitality award, which she received at the organization’s gala event. “I’m super happy and excited and proud,” she told us with a big smile.

Giving back is something deeply rooted in Danielle’s life. She was introduced to Sarah’s Guest House through her aunt, and before that, her grandmother – her beloved “Mimi” (pictured right). Continuing that tradition has become a way for Danielle to stay connected to her family and honor those who came before her.

Family is everything to Danielle. Her siblings, nephew, aunts, and uncles are simply invaluable to her and play a huge role in her life. Additionally, her parents’ support is constant, and it shows. The care and encouragement Danielle receives is returned through her unconditional love. When Danielle faces challenges, such as communicating effectively or staying on track with personal goals, like healthy eating, her family and mentors are there beside her. With encouragement and patience, she continues to grow, always guided by her own sense of self-direction. She knows her goals, and she understands that following through is ultimately up to her.

That sense of ownership extends into her social life as well. Danielle is proud of the community she’s built, and the courage it took to build it. She and Grace thought back to Danielle’s first time at an Advocates kickball game. There, Danielle stayed glued to Grace the entire time, unsure and hesitant to participate. Today, Grace describes her as a “free bird,” confidently socializing and connecting with others. With the support of her mentors, Danielle has made many friends in recent years, and she puts real effort into maintaining those relationships.



Her involvement with Advocates has played a meaningful role in that journey. “I love Advocates,” Danielle says. “It’s special to me and I’ve met a lot of friends.” Kathy wholeheartedly agrees. “We’re huge proponents of Advocates,” she said. “They’ve always been there to hear our concerns, find the right staff, and help Danielle to stay engaged in the right opportunities.” One of those opportunities is helping to start a Diamond Art club, combining her creativity and desire to stay connected to her peers. The group meets weekly, and like many things in Danielle’s life, it traces back to her grandmother, who first introduced her to the hobby.

Danielle’s life is full, but she still dreams about what’s ahead. One of her biggest hopes is to someday marry her boyfriend of many years, Justin. When she’s not volunteering or spending time with loved ones, Danielle enjoys singing, sewing, dancing, going out with friends, and working out on the treadmill to stay fit.

Ask the people around Danielle what stands out most, and you’ll hear words like “organized,” “kind,” and “caring.” But perhaps what’s most remarkable is how naturally those qualities come together. Danielle doesn’t try to be extraordinary. She simply lives with intention, care, and a deep respect for others, and in doing so, creates a truly powerful impact on the lives she touches.

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 your friends who have already registered!

Saturday, May 16th

Check-in: 9:30 am | Race start: 10:00 am

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 and friends to form a team or join as an individual.

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

To include our friends across New York State (and beyond!), we’ve added a virtual participation option this year. You can also click on “Stroll & Roll 5K Teams” to register as a group or team!

The "Superfield of Dreams" at Carrier Park in East Syracuse will officially open on Saturday, May 16 at 1pm, marking a major milestone for inclusive youth athletics in Central New York. The new field will serve as the permanent home of the Syracuse Challengers — the largest Challenger Little League division in the country — and stands as one of the largest fully ADA-accessible athletic complexes on the East Coast.

“This project represents years of vision, collaboration, and commitment,” said Executive Director, Dom Cambareri. “More than just a baseball field, it’s a place where every child, regardless of ability, can compete, belong, and be celebrated. May 16 will be a day our players and families will never forget.”



Built with accessibility and inclusion at its core, the Superfield of Dreams highlights the impact of strong community partnerships and a shared commitment to making sports welcoming and empowering for all.

We encourage friends and family to head over to this ceremony after Advocates' Stroll & Roll at Onondaga Lake Park!

Our next Dine for Dollar$ fundraiser to benefit the people we support will be held on Thursday, May 21st at Tully's, located at 520 Towne Drive in Fayetteville.

Stop in anytime that day and enjoy their famous tenders, juicy burgers, hearty entrées, and decadent desserts, Tully’s is sure to provide a meal you’ll love. Skip the cooking and join us for lunch or dinner at this all-day fundraiser!



Bring your family, friends, and coworkers to enjoy great food while supporting a great cause. By presenting a printed coupon, Tully’s will donate 10% 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!

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

Our next John Wolford Coffee House will be held on Friday, May 22nd 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!

Advocates' summer kickball league will run from June 3rd through August 19th for people ages 11+ who receive services from Advocates.

The session will be held on Wednesdays from 4pm-5pm at CNY Family Sports Centre (7201 Jones Rd., Syracuse, NY 13209). The fee to participate is $30 per person. Payments will be accepted at the Fayetteville office.

Please make checks payable to Advocates Incorporated. Payment can be made in person on the first day of the session or dropped off or mailed to: 300 South Manlius St.; Fayetteville, NY 13066.

Individuals must be enrolled in our FSS Recreation program in order to register. For questions, please email Recreation@advocatesincorporated.org

We hope to see everyone back on the field!

Friday, June 5th (5:30-8pm)

Join us for a very special evening just for you at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo! Tour the zoo, enjoy keeper chats, entertainment, games, activities, food in the courtyard and more! Bring your mentor and/or immediate family members (maximum of 4 tickets per guest, please).

Originating in the Netherlands at the Rotterdam Zoo in 1996, Dreamnight is an inclusive and educational cost-free evening for children with special health care needs and disabilities to enjoy the zoo. Every year on the first Friday in June, more than 100,000 participants and their families and friends celebrate Dreamnight on six continents and in 23 countries around the world. The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is the only zoo in New York state to take part in this annual global celebration.

Since 2008, many Central New York organizations have worked with us to provide individuals in our community the opportunity to participate in Dreamnight.

The Zoo will be issuing hard copy tickets this year. To request tickets, please click the button below and complete the form. Tickets will be mailed out once we receive your completed request form.

We hope to see you there!

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 Advocates Mentor, Taliah Hibbler!