ARISE - EFR

 In this episode of the podcast, CEO Bruce Drake sits down with Education and Outreach Specialist Carrie Ann Davis to discuss the Open Doors Program and the life changing impact it has across Central New York. Carrie Ann shares how the program helps individuals transition from nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities back into community living with the supports they need to thrive. From housing...

In this inspiring episode of the podcast, CEO sits down with Regional Systems Advocate, Nykk Dauzyn for a powerful conversation about accessibility, advocacy, and community empowerment. Nykk shares his personal journey as a deafblind, neurodivergent trans man, published author, and licensed mental health counselor, while offering insight into the real impact of systems advocacy. From housing suppo...

In this episode of the ARISE Exceptional Family Resources Podcast, CEO Bruce Drake sits down with Assistant Farm Manager Becky Schaefer to explore the incredible programs and experiences available at ARISE at Doc Marshall Farm. From adaptive riding and groundwork to accessible recreation and volunteer opportunities, Becky shares how the farm creates meaningful connections, builds confidence, and s...

 What is the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver, and how does it help people live independently? In this episode, Bruce Drake sits down with program expert Danielle Durkin to break down eligibility, services, and how this Medicaid-funded program supports individuals in staying in their homes and communities. 

 Veterans deserve the freedom to live where and how they choose. In this episode, ARISE-Exceptional Family Resources CEO Bruce Drake sits down with Lauren Canaro, Assistant Director of Consumer Directed Services, to explore the Veterans Directed Care Program.  Lauren shares how the program empowers veterans of all ages to remain in their homes by directing their own care, hiring trusted caregivers...

In this episode of Exceptional Talk on Disabilities , host Bruce Drake , CEO of ARISE and Exceptional Family Resources, is joined by Mary Schwanke , Senior Community Inclusion Supervisor, for an in-depth conversation about the ARISE & Ski program. Mary shares how ARISE & Ski has been creating access to adaptive skiing and snowboarding since 1996—empowering individuals with disabilities, ag...

In this episode, ARISE-EFR CEO Bruce Drake is joined by Bill Rose, Program Manager of the Ombudsman Program, for an in-depth conversation about advocacy, dignity, and the rights of older adults living in long-term care settings. Bill shares his journey from professor of gerontology to nonprofit advocate and explains what ombudsmen do, how the program works across Central New York, and why this ser...

In this heartwarming episode, CEO Bruce Drak e sits down with 10-year-old Jace Downing, one of ARISE–EFR’s youngest participants, volunteers, and natural advocates. Joined by Jen Barkley, Community Inclusion Supervisor, this conversation shines a light on the experiences of siblings of children with disabilities and the supportive programs that help them thrive. Jace shares his love of farming, vo...

In this episode of the ARISE – Exceptional Family Resources Podcast, CEO Bruce Drake speaks with Beth Clark, Lead Education Advocate at ARISE & EFR. Beth shares her journey from classroom teacher and parent of three children with disabilities to advocate, and explains how education advocacy helps families navigate the complex world of special education. They discuss common school challenges, h...

 Join host Bruce Drake of ARISE – EFR as he sits down with Scott Pecoy, Ramp Coordinator for their community mobility program. Discover how this incredible volunteer-driven initiative designs, builds and installs modular access ramps so individuals with mobility challenges can continue living independently in their homes. Learn about the building process, the partner churches and corporate volunte...

Join host Bruce Drake of ARISE – EFR as he sits down with statewide systems advocate Phil Phren to unpack how meaningful systems-change happens in the world of disability rights and independent living.  In this episode, we explore: What it really means to be a systems advocate and how that role differs from direct service.  Phil’s roots in community organizing, his own connection to disability via...

In this powerful and inspiring episode, CEO Bruce Drake sits down with Lawton Williamson, Director of Employment Services at ARISE & Exceptional Family Resources, to explore the transformative work behind meaningful employment for people with developmental disabilities. Lawton shares his personal journey from manufacturing to human services, the moment that sparked his passion for mentoring, a...

 In this episode, host Bruce Drake engages with Adaptive Design Coordinator, Connor McGough, to explore how ARISE-EFR forges meaningful collaborations with community organizations to enhance support for individuals with disabilities and their families. They discuss strategies for creating welcoming, accessible programs; the importance of mutual respect and shared goals; lessons learned from past p...

 In this episode of the ARISE-EFR podcast, host Bruce Drake talks with Sue Stalker , a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with 15 years of experience, about her longtime partnership with Lawrence. They discuss how Sue became Lawrence’s DSP, the trust and consistency that have held their relationship together, and her role in supporting his daily life—especially in helping him make healthier choices...

 In this episode of the ARISE-EFR podcast, host Bruce Drake sits down with Karen Adams, Resource & Family Reimbursement Specialist, to discuss her journey as both a parent and advocate in the disability field. Karen shares how she came to work at EFR, her personal connection to services through her son’s diagnosis, and the workings of the Family Directed Supports program — a reimbursement prog...

In this powerful episode of the ARISE-EFR podcast, we’re proud to spotlight two incredible voices from our community: Laurie Penny-McGee , a passionate advocate and leader at ARISE-EFR, and Sarah Brittenham , a talented artist and person supported through our services. 🎨 Sarah shares her journey as an artist, what inspires her work, and how creativity empowers her voice and identity.  💬 Laurie r...

In this episode of the ARISE - Exceptional Family Resources podcast, CEO Bruce Drake sits down with Max Smith, the Community Inclusion Senior Supervisor at ARISE. They discuss Max’s unique path—from his early days in theater and education to his current role advocating for individuals with disabilities. Max shares personal stories, including his experiences growing up in Chittenango, his work with...

ARISE/Exceptional Family Resources CEO, Bruce Drake and COO, Dan Kelley talk the agency services for people with disabilities and Dan's role as both an employee and parent of two adult children with developmental disabilities. 

Welcome to another episode of the ARISE Podcast! Today, we have a special holiday message for you as our CEO, Tania Anderson, sits down with Josh Solazzo, Local Systems Advocate and Disability Rights Advocate, and Jim Cronk, Independent Living Advocate. We’ll be diving into the heartwarming details of our 14th annual ARISE Holiday Food Basket giveaway, happening on Friday, December 20th at our Osw...

Welcome to our podcast! We are coming up on the first anniversary of the Veterans Directed Care program at ARISE. Join us as Tania Anderson, our CEO, chats with Judy Wirt, the wife of Air Force Veteran Karl Wirt, and Gabrielle VanDuser, a Person Centered Counselor in our VDC program. Judy shares how the program has been a lifeline for Karl and herself during some challenging times. TRANSCRIPTION P...

This week on our podcast, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE, tackles the issue of voter accessibility in Oswego County. She is joined by Josh Solazzo, a Disability Rights Advocate, and Jim Cronk, an Independent Living Advocate, both from ARISE. Together, they share their experiences with accessible voting at two different polling locations on Election Day. Podcast Transcription

In this ARISE Podcast, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE, interviews Joanna Ginnick, the long-term care ombudsman coordinator, about the Ombudsman Program. The program, staffed by certified volunteers, advocates for residents in nursing homes to ensure their quality of life.  Joanna also discusses the challenges of balancing residents' rights with institutional constraints, the importance of resid...

Welcome to this week’s episode! Today, we have a special conversation with Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE, and Rory Lawrence, Director of Wellness at David’s Refuge. David’s Refuge is a local agency dedicated to providing respite, resources, and support to parents and guardians of children with special needs or life-threatening medical conditions. Join us as Tania and Rory discuss the programs and s...

In this week's episode, Tania Anderson, CEO of ARISE talks with Billie Horr, a resident of Senate Meadows in Cayuga County, which is a special housing program supported by ARISE. Anderson also talks with Marie Phillips, Bille’s home health aide. Billie, who has a learning disability, shared her journey from an unsafe living situation to a secure and positive environment at Seneca Meadows with...

This week's conversation centered on the Joe Family Foundation which aims to help families navigate the complex system of services for youth with disabilities, particularly those transitioning from middle school to college. Tania Anderson ARISE, CEO and her guest LaToya Jones, Founder & President of the Joe Family Foundation for Disability Advocacy Inc. discussed peer-to-peer mentoring, a...