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Living with a disability takes courage and can be difficult in its own right. For 54 years, Jennifer Romanow has valiantly navigated the complexities of living not only with her disability, but also the other challenges that accompany it. Jennifer’s disability is connected to some medical issues that have lingered throughout her life. Adding to these challenges is the fact that she was bullied for years – only adding to the anxiety and stress she felt on a daily basis. Those who know Jennifer, however, say that all she has gone through has helped shape her into the resilient person she is today. Anchored by a close-knit family and a creative spirit, Jennifer’s warm and positive demeanor are proof that she is stronger than her burdens and anything the past may have thrown at her.
Education played a vital role in Jennifer’s development. After graduating from Westhill High School, she pursued floral arranging at BOCES in the 1980s. This passion blossomed into a talent for creating stunning holiday decorations and arrangements for local cemeteries through a florist in the Syracuse area. Over time, she received many compliments on her arrangements, and was encouraged to enter an annual contest at the New York State Fair. “I won more awards than I can remember,” Jennifer told us, adding that each accolade boosted her confidence while instilling a sense of pride in her abilities.
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This confidence in herself along with the support and guidance of those closest to her opened doors that had once felt permanently closed on her. Jennifer’s resume includes long stints at Meals on Wheels and Marshall’s, where she was known as a dedicated team member. These days, she has her sights set on a position at Pawsitivitea, a cafe & cat lounge, where she finds solace and joy. “I want to volunteer there because I want to help and I like being around cats,” she said.
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“She’s unleashed so much of her potential in our time together,” said her Mentor of 8 years through Advocates, Donna Seymour (pictured right). “She still has her share of challenges, but she’s come a long way.” Some of Jennifer’s biggest difficulties are mobility, communication, and staying on task. But with Donna’s assistance, she has learned to navigate these challenges. “She’s beyond competent if you help her walk through things,” Donna shared, highlighting Jennifer's determination and ability to stay focused with even a little guidance.
Despite her challenges, Jennifer remains active, engaged, and a joy to all who know her. Her incredible memory, especially for music, is another facet of her vibrant personality. Whether it was playing the piano, flute, or saxophone, Jennifer's love for music is intertwined with cherished memories of family and friends. Her extensive knowledge of songs and artists often astounds those around her, and some of her best memories involve having seen legends like Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Barry Manilow, and Bruce Springsteen perform live. Aside from music, Jennifer loves fashion, making pottery, and journaling. In fact, friendships forged through journaling clubs over time continue to enrich her life. She also thrives on the activities and events that Advocates provides.
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“Advocates has allowed her to finally do all the things that she’s wanted to do,” Donna said. “Much of her life was spent in day habs, which can be static. She likes and needs to stay active and engaged, and that’s when she’s at her best.” But Jennifer’s appreciation for Advocates goes deeper than the services it provides her; she’s deeply grateful for people like Donna who have enriched her life. “She’s been with me for almost ten years,” Jennifer said of Donna. “She’s friendly, honest, listens really well, and treats me with respect.”
Like so many others living with disabilities, Jennifer is a beacon of resilience and creativity. With the friendships that nurture her soul, the hobbies she’s passionate about, and the quality supports and services she receives, Jennifer is proof that one can thrive despite even the toughest of challenges.
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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!
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Advocates John Wolford Coffee House | |
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Join us for an evening of music, dancing, food, and friendship!
Our next John Wolford Coffee House will be held on Friday, Oct. 25th 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.
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Please bring your favorite snack to pass or a non-perishable item for the church's food pantry.
Attendees are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes!
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Advocates Trick or Treat Event | |
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Advocates 19th Annual
Golf Tournament
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Advocates held its 19th Annual Golf Tournament at the beautiful Timber Banks Golf Club in Baldwinsville, NY on Sept. 18th. We send our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped to make the event a success, especially our many volunteers and golf committee members!
Mark your calendars - Advocates' 20th Annual Golf Tournament is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, 2025!
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Our mission of empowering people with disabilities to lead meaningful and productive lives inclusively in their communities would not be possible without the generosity of our supporters. To our many sponsors and donors, we appreciate you more than we can express! | |
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AnCor
Barclay Damon
BME
Caruso McLean Investment
DeFrancisco & Falgiatano
Dom Cambareri
Eagle Beverage
Gauthier Team
Grossman & St. Armour
Harris Beach
JW Burns
KeyBank
Lawley Insurance
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Lockheed Martin
M&A Sales
NuCor
PayCom
Reagan
Schupan
State Farm Insurance
Suit-Kote
The Stewart Insurance Co.
Tito Ruiz & Doug Davis
Superior Plus Energy Services
Syracuse Haulers
WTE Corporation
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Apple Truck & Trailer
Baker Real Estate
Blackbaud Giving Fund
Cheri Haskins
COR Brokerage
EWG
Gerry O'Neill
John and Candace Marsellus
John Miranda
Josh Nelson
Mary Gauthier
Metzger Gear
Paradigm
Patrick Nee
Relias
The Wladis Law Firm
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AKL & Associates
Bill Francis Audio
Brooklyn Pickle
Butler Fence
Catering by Chef Jeff
Delmonico Insurance
Dreissig Apparel
Empower FCU
Flashpoint Road Service
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Friends of the Zoo
James Street Dental Arts
M&A Sales
NBT Insurance
Peaceful Schools
Pen & Trophy Center
Skinner Realty
Vibrant Brands
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5 Wits
Abbott's Frozen Custard
Ancora!
A.W. Wander
Davidson Ford of Clay
All Things Oz Museum
Bear Creek Restaurant
Bonefish Grill
Bull & Bear Roadhouse
B'Ville Diner
Carrabba's Italian Grill
Carvel Ice Cream
Cheesecake Factory
Cheri Haskins
Chipotle
Coleman's
Daily Diner
The Dark Horse Tavern
Delmonico's Restaurant
Delta Sonic
Dewitt Cleaners
Daniella's Steakhouse
Elite Island Resorts
Enchanted Forest Water Safari
Erin's Angels of CNY, Inc.
Fleet Feet
Francesca's Italian Kitchen
Frightmare Farms Scream Park
General Cigar
Green Acres CNY
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Hayden Jewelers
Home Team Pub
Inspire at The Grainery
King David's
Labrador Mountain
Laci's Tapas Bar
Mackenzie Childs
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Manlius Nails & Spa
Mirror Mirror
Oneida Lake Brew House
Onondaga County Parks
The Painting Café
Performance Food Group
Phoebe's Restaurant
Pompey Club
Recess Coffee
Redhouse Arts Center
Residence Inn
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
Sherwood Inn
Spa on the River
Stasis Float Center
Stella's Diner
Stephanie Keans
The Syracuse Crunch
Texas Roadhouse
Toss & Fire
Vinomania
Witty Wicks
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Down Syndrome Awareness Month | |
Join us in supporting the Down syndrome community this October, as we celebrate “Down Syndrome Awareness Month” (DSAM). This month is dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating the unique abilities of our loved ones and friends with Down syndrome. DSAM aims to break down barriers and promote advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome. To learn more about this special month, please click here.
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Inclusion Matters - The Podcast | |
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!
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In case you missed it
Check out last month's
podcast, which spotlights one of Advocates' incredibly dedicated Mentors, Elaine Sartwell!
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ADVANCING INCLUSION | EMPOWERING FAMILIES | CREATING COMMUNITY | | | | |
