Inclusion Matters

NOVEMBER 2024

A Mother's Love

There are few substitutes for the love, affection, and steadfast support of one’s parents. From the moment Christine Cullen adopted her son, Jared, she recognized the strength of the bond they would share forever. For all of Jared’s 18 years, she has poured her heart into nurturing him, helping him navigate life’s challenges while celebrating notable milestones in the process. With each of Jared’s successes and the bright future he has ahead of him, the connection between him and his mother is a testament to the true value of family.

From an early age, Jared faced obstacles that many might find daunting. His limited communication skills have sometimes led to frustration, especially in overwhelming situations. Jared sometimes becomes overly excited when he arrives at his favorite places, often rushing ahead, unable to contain his joy. Because of this, Jared’s safety has historically been a concern for Christine. In general, if Jared becomes overstimulated, that is when problems can arise. “We are still figuring out how to manage these things, but he’s gotten so much better with this,” Christine told us. Despite these and other challenges presented by his disability, his mother has remained his steadfast advocate. 

Christine’s advocacy and Jared’s growth were highlighted by Jared’s recent graduation from OCM BOCES’ SKATE Program. Jared beamed with pride at a makeshift ceremony held by his family and closest supporters. When asked what this achievement meant to both her and Jared, Christine couldn’t hold back her tears. “It really put things into perspective for me,” she said before pausing to collect herself. “From discovering he had autism when he was born to seeing where he is now…it’s a reflection of all the love and support he’s received. His graduating and the joy he showed because of it meant the world to me.”

Though this moment was a monumental testament to their journey together, Jared has grown in ways that go beyond his education. With the support of Christine and his mentors through Advocates, Jared has taken great strides with everyday tasks, such as money management and communication skills, and his ability and willingness to perform household chores. Jared’s aspirations are simple yet profound. He has shown a real interest in office work – whether it’s printing documents, assembling supplies, or other general clerical duties. Christine is hopeful that Jared’s interest and skill set will lead to a volunteer or even a paid office position in the near future.

Jared is known for his love of family and an exuberance when experiencing his favorite hobbies and interests. Family gatherings fill his heart with warmth. He thrives on the love and company of his relatives, relishing the time they get to spend together, doing the things that he enjoys most. The trampoline park has been one of his favorite escapes, where he can bounce his cares away, laughing and enjoying the freedom of movement. But it was not just play; these moments reinforce the understanding that he is never alone in his journey. Christine acknowledged the importance of community support. Through Advocates, she found a sense of connection, guidance, and hope.

“As a parent, you don’t know what you don’t know,” she often says. “Advocates has been our village and has always been there for us for whatever we’ve needed.” Through Advocates’ Community Habilitation program, Jared formed a special bond with his Mentor, Alyssa Fitzgerald. The two bonded immediately, and it was Alyssa who brought out his adventurous side, taking him on outings that filled his days with excitement and purpose. 

“I was interested in working with Jared because I have a brother who’s the same age, so I felt like it could be a good fit,” Alyssa (pictured here with Jared) told us, noting that her brother also has a disability and faces many of the same challenges that Jared does. “At first, the communication barrier was a bit challenging, but after spending more time together, I came to learn his cues and understood what he wanted and needed.” According to Christine, Jared would light up at the mention of her name, his anticipation palpable, proving that the connections he made outside their home were just as vital as the love he received within it.

Whether the pair goes bowling, to Jared’s favorite restaurants, or anything else in the community to his liking, Jared and Alyssa have made quite the team. “Alyssa’s compassion really shows…you can tell she cares about him more than just a mentor and mentee,” Christine said. “Being able to get out of the house and into the community is important to the both of us. It’s safe to say that he’s been happier with Alyssa in his life.” 

If you happen upon Jared and his chipper spirit in the community, we hope you will be reminded of the incredible power of a parent’s love for and support of their child. “We as parents of children with special needs are very blessed,” Christine said. “They were put into our lives for a reason, and Jared has added so much to my life that it’s hard to put into words.”

With the deep care of those closest to him, starting with his mother, Jared has just begun his embarkment on the path of success. As he begins the next chapter in his development with aspirations of greater independence, he does so knowing he will always carry the love and guidance of his family in his heart.

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 Advocates night at the Syracuse Crunch!

The Syracuse Crunch is offering discount tickets to people/families receiving services from Advocates along with employees. Join us on Saturday, Nov. 23rd at 7pm as the Syracuse Crunch take on the Hershey Bears.

Discount tickets ($18) can be purchased by contacting

Emily Kissinger: (315) 473-4444 ext. 126 or online at: www.syracusecrunch.com/advocates using promotional code: ADVOCATES

Advocates is privileged to have received a grant award from

the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation. The funds were used to purchase adaptive equipment and sensory items for children with disabilities who receive services from Advocates. Items purchased will meet the unique needs of each child’s disability.

Photo courtesy of Facebook

This grant has made such a meaningful impact already, as the items purchased were not otherwise covered under Medicaid, private insurance, or special programs.

Advocates is beyond grateful for the grant, and we sincerely thank the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation for making a difference in the lives of children with disabilities!

On Oct. 25th, Advocates held a Halloween-themed John Wolford Coffee House at Christ the King Church in Liverpool.

Dozens of people receiving services from Advocates and their Mentors/family members joined us for an evening of music, dancing, food, friendship, and of course, some spooky and creative costumes!

Advocates would like to thank everyone who attended, as well as those who brought non-perishable items for the church pantry. Your generosity will surely benefit people in need! We also send our sincere thanks to our DJ, Mark D'Alberto for providing the evening's entertainment!

Advocates held its 2nd Annual Trick or Treat Event at its Liverpool office on Oct. 30th.

People receiving services from Advocates and their family members/Mentors joined us for an afternoon of Halloween fun, including decorations, costumes, cider and donuts, and of course, plenty of candy! We were thrilled to see so many people we serve, and we also thank our many staff members who participated and made the event such a success!

Since 1995, Advocates has been dedicated to making the world a better place for people with disabilities. We have a rich history of positively impacting lives and advancing our mission through offering quality service delivery and meaningful initiatives.

We hope you will commit to making a difference in the lives of people with disabilities by donating to Advocates’ Annual Appeal. Gifts of any amount are appreciated! Your donation is tax-deductible, and we will provide you with a receipt for tax purposes.

Your support is not just a donation; it is an investment in the future for children and adults with disabilities. Together, we can make a difference!

Thank you so much for your consideration and generosity!

To make your donation, please click the button below or mail your check to:

Advocates Incorporated

290 Elwood Davis Road, Suite 101

Liverpool, NY 13088

Looking for a fun way to support our mission while possibly getting some of your holiday shopping done?

Advocates' Holiday Auction is back, and is running now through December 6th! Please consider supporting Advocates by bidding on spectacular gift baskets, trips, and gift cards/

certificates. Many of the items make the perfect gift for that special someone on your shopping list. All proceeds benefit children and adults with disabilities.

Happy Holidays from your friends at Advocates!

We are thankful to have you as a part of our family!

From all of us at Advocates, we wish you safe and Happy Thanksgiving, and all the best this season has to offer!

Did you know?

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 month's spotlight on the talented Andy Frantz!