Inclusion Matters

MAY 2024

Quiet Resilience 

"The quietest people in the room often have the loudest minds." This quote emphasizes the importance of not underestimating individuals based solely on their level of vocal expression, as quietness can sometimes mask inner depths of intelligence and wisdom. Bobby Pangborn epitomizes the essence of this quote, and though he may not always be the most vocal presence, his actions speak volumes about the depth of his character, the magnitude of his achievements, and his steadfast pursuit of independence.

Bobby, 29, has received supports and services from Advocates for the majority of his life. Over the course of time, he has identified areas where his disability has been a hindrance, worked hard to achieve his goals despite his challenges, and stepped outside his comfort zone in his quest for personal growth.

Bobby has historically struggled with expressing himself verbally. He admits that there exists a disconnect between how he’s feeling and what words come out, and that a lack of confidence plays a part in this everyday obstacle. “I’m usually afraid I’ll say something wrong,” Bobby told us. In addition to being apprehensive when attempting to express himself, he does not possess a strong voice, which only compounds the issue. While he lacks an ability to talk over people or be heard in a crowd, it’s not in his nature to want to do those things, either. 

“His friends know this about him and are great about giving him the floor and letting him speak,” Bobby’s mother, Amy, told us. Though many would consider Bobby a popular and well-liked person, one of his standing goals has been to become more social and expand his network of friends, all while working on his expressive skills. “He’s got some things to work on in this area, but I’ve seen how far he’s come,” said his Mentor of five years, Matthew VanAlstine. 

Bobby's social endeavors reflect his warm and outgoing personality. His ingenuity coupled with his creative side have benefited him in different ways, which span from extracurricular activities to making friends. One example of this is a movie group he started with Matthew’s assistance that has fostered many connections. Bobby and this group of close friends routinely visit local theaters around town for movies that interest them. His presence extends to social platforms, where he moderates and manages group activities, further demonstrating his commitment to community building. But his love of theatre and forming bonds goes well beyond his movie group.

Theatre has been a cornerstone of Bobby's life since his high school days, and it’s a passion that continues to shape his identity. From rehearsing at the Front Row Players theatre program to gracing the stage at Redhouse in various productions, Bobby's talents shine brightly wherever he goes. “When Bob gets on stage, he’s a different person,” Amy said. “He’s in his element like nowhere else.”

“I like acting because of my interest in pop culture, movies, and books,” Bobby told us. Amy then traced back to their earliest memories of Bobby’s budding interest and talent. “He loved to act things out from a young age and always had great memorization skills,” she said. “When he was really young, he perfectly mimicked the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz, and I thought, okay, we definitely need to get him in to acting.” Though Bobby has many theatrical achievements and lead roles under his belt, these things pale in comparison to some of his other accomplishments in life. 

In 2020, Bobby successfully graduated from Syracuse University’s InclusiveU program and has since secured a full-time job within the institution’s Whitman School of Management, where he acts as a mail and copy operator. As if these two developments weren’t enough, Bobby still had his sights set on accomplishing one of his biggest goals yet – to live independently one day.

“Well, you hit that one out of the park,” his Mentor, Matthew said, laughing. Moving into his own place in 2022 stands as a significant milestone for Bobby, a testament to his determination, and the unwavering support of his family and Advocates.

“I was very excited but also nervous at the same time,” Bobby told us, referring to the process of transforming this dream into reality. “Was I nervous the first couple nights Bobby was alone? Of course,” Amy interjected. “But we had full confidence that he would be more than fine.”

“Bob’s success is a reflection of how well his parents raised him,” Matthew added astutely. “He’s the one who makes it all work on the day-to-day, but they gave him all the necessary tools to live on his own.”

“Living independently has absolutely opened all sorts of new doors for him,” Amy continued, noting Bobby’s expanded tastes and culinary interests, to name a couple. He is known to make a delicious lasagna and other forms of pasta, as well as expansive breakfasts on the weekends. The kitchen isn’t the only area Bobby has displayed immense growth. He also does all the necessary chores, housework, and interior decorating. From managing household chores to navigating public transportation, Bobby embraces adulthood with grace and confidence. And for the things Bobby still requires assistance with, such as budgeting and paying his bills, his loving family and Mentor are always within close proximity. 

“This symbolizes that he’s an adult now, but it goes beyond even that,” Matthew said (pictured right with Bobby). “He’s opened up more socially these past two years, and he’s become an inspiration to some of his friends to live independently, too.” Bobby’s friends have witnessed him living on his own and the value it brings, and are said to want to emulate him in this way.

“I feel flattered and proud of myself for this,” Bobby commented. His acting as a model for others also brings a great deal of pride to those who love him. “It means so much to me that it’s hard to put it into words,” Amy said. “I’ve worked really hard to help get him here, but I couldn’t have done it without all of the support and guidance from Advocates. We’re really lucky to have someone like Matthew, too, because he helps make all of this possible.” 

“We’re more than just mentor and mentee,” Matthew said. “We’re like brothers, and I’m here to support him in any way I can.”

In his down time, Bobby enjoys spending time with his friends and family, building Legos, playing video games, and visiting area parks. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to Bobby for several reasons, and so, he is diligent about making the time to exercise. Part of his motivation to stay fit is so that he can compete at a high level when it comes to participating in the Special Olympics. In fact, just this past winter, Bobby secured multiple medals in the downhill skiing events.

Bobby's many achievements in life are indicative of his self-determination and the unconditional support from those around him. With Advocates by his side and a network of friends, family members, and mentors cheering him on, Bobby will continue to demonstrate that true strength and brilliance often lie beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered by those who take the time to listen and observe.

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!

Last call to register for Advocates' 2024 Stroll & Roll!

Get ready to run, walk, stroll, or roll your way through Advocates' 6th Annual Stroll & Roll 5K! On Saturday, May 18th, 2024, Advocates will be hosting its Annual Stroll & Roll 5K at Onondaga Lake Park, benefiting children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is a fun run that includes trophies for the first, second, and third-place winners, swag, food, and music, situated in a beautiful park setting. The race also includes a fabulous online auction for our racers, families, and supporters. Everyone is welcome to participate, so invite your friends and family to support this great cause. You can also invite your friends and relatives that live out of state to participate remotely!

The cost is only $30 per racer (children under 3 are free, as are Support Staff accompanying a person served by Advocates). Your support means raising awareness for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities! Sign up or put your team together and show your support.

If you have questions regarding the race or would like information on sponsorship opportunities, please direct your questions to development@advocatesincorporated.org

Our online auction in conjunction with Advocates' Stroll & Roll will be coming to a close soon!

If you haven't viewed our catalog of exciting packages, now's the time to do so! Be sure to check out the auction website for the entire package catalog. As always, all proceeds benefit children and adults with disabilities. Thank you for your support!

Whether you're able to participate in the Stroll & Roll itself, you can still join the excitement while making a difference! Our online auction features packages containing items the entire family will enjoy. There are still some packages without bids, and many that are priced well below market value!

To browse our catalogue of items and support a great cause, please click here.

We thank you for your continued support!

Summer outdoor kickball is back!

We are happy to announce Advocates' 12 week Summer Kickball League will run from June 5th – August 21st for people ages 11+ who receive services from Advocates.

The session will be held on Wednesdays from 5pm-6pm at Carrier Park Field of Dreams (1035 Kinne St., East Syracuse, NY 13057). The fee to participate is $45 per person. Payments will be accepted at the Liverpool office.

Please make checks payable to Advocates Incorporated.

Payment can be dropped off or mailed to: 290 Elwood Davis Rd.; Suite 101; Liverpool, NY 13088. Click the link below to register today!

We hope to see everyone back on the field!

Friday, June 7th (5:30-8pm)

Admission is free, but registration is required by May 24th.

Join us for a very special evening just for you at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo! Tour the zoo, enjoy keeper chats, entertainment, games, activities, a picnic in the courtyard and more! Bring your support person and/or immediate family members. There is a maximum of 4 tickets per guest. Please reach out if you require more tickets or for assistance registering.

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.

Tickets are provided to families served by these organizations. The number of tickets is limited to reduce any risk of exposure or overstimulation for the individuals who attend.

We hope to see you there!

Help us save a life!

Advocates is partnering with the American Red Cross and hosting a blood drive on Wednesday, June 19th from 1-6pm in the Conference Room, located at 290 Elwood Davis Road in Liverpool. To schedule an appointment, please visit Redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: Advocates.

As a "thank you", all participating donors will receive a voucher for a pint of Stewart's ice cream or gelato!

We thank you in advance for considering participating in this critical mission!

In case you missed it!

Advocates virtually held its annual Talent & Art Show in April.

Many of the skilled artists, musicians, and performers receiving services from Advocates participated, and it was our great pleasure spotlighting them throughout an entire week. If you didn't have a chance to view this year's talent, be sure to check out Advocates' Facebook page.

We send our sincere thanks to everyone who submitted an entry to this year's show, family members and Mentors who assisted with submissions, and to our virtual audience, whose support is much appreciated!

Advocates Renames its Fayetteville Office Building

On March 29, 2024, we honored a dear friend and supporter of the Advocates community.

Doug Klepper was as kind, generous, and caring a supporter as Advocates ever had in its storied history. His profound impact – not only on the Advocates community, but also our community at large – will be felt for years to come. It is only fitting that we dedicate Advocates’ Fayetteville office in Doug’s name.

The Doug Klepper Community Center is located at 300 South Manlius Street in Fayetteville, NY.

Acting Season is Upon Us!

The Spring season is synonymous with multiple outlets for the people Advocates supports to showcase their many talents. In addition to our Annual Talent & Art Show, Advocates collaborates with Syracuse University and Syracuse Stage to offer individuals opportunities to express themselves while enhancing their acting skills.

The All Star C.A.S.T. (Community Actors and Students Theater) was formed more than thirty years ago in the Syracuse University Drama Department in an effort to provide an outlet in Theater Arts for young people with special needs. Each semester, a group of actors and drama student-facilitators meet weekly to promote community inclusion, showcase individuals' unique talents, and to help all participants experience the joy of learning through creative play. The group aims to provide a safe, non-judgmental zone in which all participants can explore their creative voice through dancing, singing, and acting. At the end of April, the All Star C.A.S.T. held their final performances of the semester to display the participants' individual and collective creative spirits. The performances were the culmination of weeks of collaboration and camaraderie, and allowed the individuals the opportunity to showcase their talents with friends and family who attended.

"The power of our group and the bonds that are created and strengthened each year are such a beautiful thing," said Hanni Schwarzlander, Acting Instructor for S.U's Department of Drama.

"The impact it has on all of our lives is tremendous; the feedback from the SU students consistently expresses the powerful and transformative affect the class has had on them," she continued. "I feel so very lucky to be part of this amazing community."

Advocates sends its sincere thanks to Hanni, her instructor counterpart, Kath Fathers, and their caring, patient, and talented student facilitators. Their collective efforts not only guided students in their learning journey but also fostered an environment where they could forge bonds of camaraderie while making the learning experience enjoyable and memorable.

Check out this short video on the All Star C.A.S.T. and the impact it's made!

On behalf of all of us at Advocates, we thank you!