Inclusion Matters

NOVEMBER 2026

Thanksgiving Meal Requests – Please sign up by 11/18/26

To ensure that everyone receiving support from Advocates and their families can enjoy a holiday meal this season, we invite anyone who could use a little extra support to sign up for our free Thanksgiving Meal Program by November 18, 2026.

Please click the link below to request a complete Thanksgiving meal for up to 5 people. If your household includes more than 5 people, please submit 2 forms to receive 2 meal boxes. For questions or assistance, please contact development@advocatesincorporated.org.

After submitting your request, we will reach out by phone within 2 business days to arrange a delivery date.

This program is available to people receiving support from Advocates who live in Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, or Cayuga County.

We are here for you and your family!

Together, we are building a more compassionate future

With the holiday season approaching, 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 2026 holiday meal program - to fight food insecurity and bring comfort to those who need it most.

Thank you for considering making a gift to Advocates' Annual Appeal. Your support 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 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.

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.

When the Right Match Makes All the Difference

Fortunately, life has a way of reminding us that we don’t have to navigate every challenge alone. Sometimes, having the right person by our side is all it takes to help us recognize our strengths, discover new possibilities, and find joy in the journey toward a more independent and fulfilling life. For Scott Howland, that person is Shannon Lester, whose mentorship has been a wonderful example of how the right match can make all the difference.

Over the past five years, Shannon and Scott have built a partnership rooted in trust, respect, and a shared belief in what’s possible. Ask Shannon about Scott, and she won’t start with the challenges he’s faced. She’ll tell you about his kindness, his strong work ethic, and the way he’s always willing to lend a hand. Those qualities have shaped a life filled with meaningful accomplishments, and they continue to open new doors today.

Long before he joined Advocates, Scott spent more than 30 years in the restaurant industry, holding multiple jobs and earning the respect of his managers. From preparing food and washing dishes to working a cash register, he proved himself to be a dependable employee who could thrive with increasing independence. He still remembers how he felt when others recognized his abilities and gave him opportunities to succeed. “It made me feel good that my bosses saw my strengths along the way,” Scott told us. 

Today, Scott continues to put his strengths to work in his community. For the past five years, he has volunteered at a local church’s soup kitchen, generously giving his time to benefit others. His generosity extends beyond volunteering, too. Scott takes pride in being someone his older neighbors can count on, whether he’s helping with grocery shopping, laundry, or household chores, or simply offering his time and companionship to those who may be isolated or have few opportunities for social connection. On one occasion, a neighbor even credited Scott with helping prevent a fall and keeping her safe. 

His commitment to others is matched by the progress he has made in his own life. For Scott, achieving greater financial stability has been one of his most significant goals over time, and with guidance from Shannon and fellow Mentor, Lynette Montone, he has made remarkable strides. With their support, he has worked diligently to build his savings and develop stronger money-management habits that he puts into practice every day. Shannon’s background in finance has been especially valuable in helping Scott navigate this journey, making their already strong partnership an especially meaningful fit.

“Scott now pays his bills on time, even a couple of months in advance,” Shannon said. “He’s been doing so well with this, and I’m proud of how far he’s come,” she added, reflecting on the progress he’s made toward greater financial independence.

Their work together also involves the everyday goals that make independent living possible, from maintaining a tidy home to developing healthier eating habits. Sometimes, that means finding creative ways to offer reminders and encouragement. Shannon understands that progress doesn't always happen overnight; it takes patience, consistency, and a positive approach.

And that progress is evident well beyond their day-to-day work together. As Scott’s Community Habilitation Coordinator, Alexas Yorio, has observed, Scott continues to make meaningful strides toward his personal goals. “Over the last several years, from getting know Scott, it has been an absolute pleasure to watch all of the progress he’s made while working with Advocates and his two Mentors,” she said. “He continues to make meaningful progress toward his personal goals, demonstrating success in volunteer work, taking initiative in volunteering, and maintaining his ability to live independently.”

Scott takes pride in his home, his ability to live independently, and the meaningful friendships he has built – achievements that reflect both his hard work and the value of having the right support along the way.

Naturally, life isn't all about goals and responsibilities. Scott enjoys dancing, celebrating holidays, and spending time with friends. He's also an enthusiastic bingo and blackjack player. Whatever he does, he does it with an exuberance and confidence that wasn’t always there. Perhaps one of the most touching reflections on Scott’s journey came from his sister, Barb, who once shared that he didn't smile much before his Mentors became part of his life. Shannon and Scott have fun together, and their relationship has brought opportunities for connection, encouragement, and new experiences.

Scott puts it simply when he talks about Advocates: “I like doing things with my Mentors and they help me when I need it.”

That simple statement captures something essential about the work Advocates does: supporting people isn't just about helping them manage daily life. It's about recognizing their potential, working alongside them toward their goals, and creating opportunities for them to participate meaningfully in their communities.

Scott has put in the effort to build a life he can be proud of. Shannon and the rest of his support team have helped him continue moving forward, celebrating his successes and navigating challenges along the way. Together, they've shown that when encouragement meets determination, possibilities grow. And sometimes, having the right person by our side makes all the difference.

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!

Advocates' Annual Holiday Party will be held at Driver’s Village (5885 Circle Drive East, Cicero, NY 13039) on Sunday, December 6th from 2-4:30pm in the Carnegie event area located between the Mazda & Lincoln dealerships. People receiving services from Advocates and their families are invited to join us for entertainment (music provided by a DJ, pictures with Santa, crafts, and a bounce house) and a light lunch.

We hope you'll join us for what is always an enjoyable and festive afternoon!

Although this event is free to attend, all eligible individuals must be enrolled in our FSS Recreation program in order to register.

Help us stock the Food Bank of Central New York!

Advocates is proud to host our 2nd Annual Food Drive benefiting the Food Bank of Central New York, and we invite you to join us in helping local families facing food insecurity. Last year we donated 415 pounds of food!

Please consider donating non-perishable food items at either of our office locations anytime Monday through Friday 8:30AM to 5:00PM.

📍 Liverpool Office

7710 Maltlage Drive

Liverpool, NY 13090

📍 Fayetteville Office

300 South Manlius Street

Fayetteville, NY 13066

Donations will be accepted through December 31. To help meet the growing need in our community, all donations will be delivered to the Food Bank on a weekly basis.

Every can, box, and bag makes a difference. Thank you for helping us support our neighbors and build a stronger, more caring community.

Most Needed Items:

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

Together, we can help put food on the table for

our neighbors in need. 💙

Looking for a fantastic local restaurant to try? Home Team Pub is a go-to spot for Central New York sports fans – a place to catch the game with your favorite drink and a menu that is sure to please everyone!

Join us on Tuesday, November 10th from 11:30am–11pm and enjoy pizza, wings, home-made sandwiches, great salads, and more!

Located at 7990 Oswego Road, Home Team Pub will generously donate 15% of the proceeds back to Advocates.

Make a plan to bring your family, friends and coworkers and enjoy some of Home Team Pub’s delicious entrees while supporting children and adults with disabilities! We hope that you will join in the fun!

We look forward to seeing you there,

and we appreciate your support!

Join us for Advocates Night at the Syracuse Crunch!

The Syracuse Crunch is once again collaborating with Advocates to provide discount tickets to people/families receiving services from Advocates along with employees.

Join us on Saturday, Nov. 21st at 7pm as the Syracuse Crunch take on the Belleville Senators at Upstate Medical Arena at the On Center War Memorial.

Discount tickets ($23) can be purchased by contacting Madison Rogers: (315) 473-4444 ext. 119 or online at: www.syracusecrunch.com/advocates using promotional code: ADVOCATES

Be sure to mark your calendar for every Advocates-sponsored game this season!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Trunk or Treat event at our Liverpool office on Oct. 27th! We were thrilled to welcome so many people receiving services, along with their family members and Mentors, for a fun afternoon together.

With beautiful fall weather, creative costumes, decorated vehicles, and plenty of candy to go around, it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces enjoying the festivities. Thank you to everyone who helped make the afternoon such a fun and memorable celebration!

Advocates was proud to participate in CP State’s 80th Anniversary Annual Conference, held October 28–29 in Saratoga Springs, NY. The conference brought together people with disabilities, families, professionals, advocates and community partners from across New York to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the people whose work continues to strengthen the disability services community.

A highlight of the conference was the Staff Recognition Awards, which honored Direct Support Professionals across New York State who make a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Advocates was especially proud to recognize several of our own Mentors and Residential Coordinators for the compassion, dedication, and commitment they bring to their work each day. Their support reflects the values at the heart of our mission. We are grateful for all they do and proud to see their contributions celebrated alongside colleagues from across the state.

Celebrating our Mentors!

Pictured from left to right: Frank Vair, Curt Tornow,

Steve Boudreau, and Kristy Rinaldo, with

Executive Director, Amy Dugliss.