ARISE - Exceptional Family Resources

12/24/2025

From all of us at ARISE-EFR, thank you for being part of our journey this year. Your support helps strengthen individuals, families, and our community every day.

Warm holiday wishes and best wishes for the new year!

12/23/2025

✨ Generosity in Action ✨

We are incredibly grateful to Ellie Montreal, a 5th grade student at Gillette Middle School, for an extraordinary act of kindness and compassion.

Ellie was the winner of the Shop with a Cop essay contest hosted by the Cicero Police Department and instead of keeping the gifts she selected, Ellie chose to donate every single item to agencies and causes in her community, including ARISE-Exceptional Family Resources.

This thoughtful donation was proudly accepted by Max Smith, Community Inclusion Supervisor at ARISE-EFR, and serves as a powerful reminder that compassion has no age limit.

Thank you, Ellie, for your generosity, your heart, and for inspiring all of us. 💜✨
Our community is brighter because of young leaders like you.

12/23/2025

🎉 Kids Night Out – Get Some Air! 🎉

Calling all kids ages 6–12 with OPWDD eligibility, join ARISE‑Exceptional Family Resources for a fun, high-energy Kids Night Out at Get Air!

🧦 FREE to attend
✔️ Bring your own jump socks & snacks
✔️ Jump socks available for purchase onsite for $5

📅 Thursday, January 8
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 7687 Frontage Rd, Ste 4, Cicero, NY

👉 Please remember:
• All attendees must be accompanied by a DSP, family member, or natural support
• Transportation is not provided

📩 RSVP by January 2, 2026
Email: recreation@contactefr.org

⚠️ This event was rescheduled, we can’t wait to see you there!

📱 Scan the QR code on the flyer to complete the waiver ahead of time and get ready to jump!

12/19/2025

Honor. Empower. Support: Veteran Directed Care with ARISE-EFR 🇺🇸

At ARISE-EFR, we believe veterans deserve more than care — they deserve choice, control, and dignity. Introducing our Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program, which allows eligible veterans to self-direct their home & community-based services according to their own needs and goals.

👉 What VDC offers:

You manage a flexible budget and decide how to spend it

You choose who provides your services — family, friends, or paid caregivers

You schedule care when it works for you

Support and guidance from a person-centered counselor

The chance to remain independent and in your own home

This isn’t just care — it’s your care, your way.
Learn more: https://conta.cc/4nzleTO

12/18/2025

✨ Adaptive Design Holiday Hackathon Highlights ✨

On December 15, our Adaptive Design team hosted a Holiday Hackathon filled with creativity, collaboration, and joy — and the impact was incredible.

Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, five families joined us in person, each leaving with at least one switch-adapted toy (most went home with several!). In addition, our team adapted multiple toys for families who weren’t able to attend, ensuring even more children experience inclusive play this holiday season.

A heartfelt thank you to Empower Federal Credit Union in Baldwinsville — whose generosity went above and beyond. Their donation was doubled to $1,000 thanks to the incredible support of the Empower Federal Credit Union Persons with Disabilities ERG.

Together, we’re building access, independence, and joy, one adapted toy at a time.

12/17/2025

🎄🎁 Still searching for a last-minute holiday gift?
Surprise that special ARISE-EFR team member, volunteer, or supporter with something they’ll actually love, ARISE-EFR merch!

From cozy hoodies and classic tees to cinch bags and more, our online storefront has the perfect way to show your ARISE-EFR pride this season.

🛍️ Shop now:
👉 https://makeanimprint.chipply.com/efrstore/

Comfortable. Meaningful. Mission-driven.
Because the best gifts give back. 💜✨

12/17/2025

💬 We Want to Hear From You!

At ARISE-Exceptional Family Resources, your experience matters. We’re inviting the people we support and their families to share feedback through our Customer Service Survey.

Your input helps us understand what we’re doing well and where we can continue to improve. The survey focuses on your overall experience with our agency and is not a review of individual staff.

🗓️ The survey is open through Friday, December 19th.

📲 If you received a postcard in the mail, you can use that to access the survey — or click the link below to participate:
👉 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BC6Y2WS

Thank you for taking a few minutes to help us better serve our community. Your voice truly makes a difference. ✨

12/16/2025

✨ Imagine a community where access isn’t a barrier — it’s a given.

At ARISE-Exceptional Family Resources, we’re working toward that future every day. Your year-end gift fuels innovation, inclusion, and independence for people of all abilities.

Help us close the year strong with a $20,000 fundraising goal.

👉 Donate now:
https://conta.cc/48uSJAt

The future is more accessible — because of you.

12/15/2025

🎙️ NEW PODCAST EPISODE 🎙️
Advocacy in Action: Inside the Ombudsman Program at ARISE-EFR

🗣️ Who speaks up when older adults in nursing homes or assisted living facilities have concerns about their care?

In the latest episode, ARISE-EFR CEO Bruce Drake is joined by Bill Rose, Program Manager of the Ombudsman Program, for an insightful conversation about advocacy, dignity, and protecting the rights of older adults across Central New York.

👥 Learn how the Ombudsman Program supports residents and families
📞 Discover when and how to use the Ombudsman Hotline
🙋‍♀️ Explore opportunities to get involved as a volunteer advocate

🎧 Listen to the episode:
👉 https://conta.cc/3XXUQYR

🌐 Learn more about the Ombudsman Program:
👉 https://conta.cc/49bYvsh

📞 Ombudsman Hotline: 315-671-5108

✨ Advocacy matters. Every voice deserves to be heard.

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 jou...

12/11/2025

🎉 Friday Night Dance – Holiday Party! 🎉

ARISE-EFR is excited to host our Holiday Friday Night Dance for participants aged 18+! Join us for an evening of music, friends, and festive fun. 💚❤️

📅 Friday, December 19th
⏰ 5:30pm – 7:30pm
📍 SALTspace – 103 Wyoming St, Syracuse, NY 13204

💵 $5 per person (cash only)
DSPs and Natural Support attend at no cost.
Small snacks will be available for 50¢. Dinner is not provided.

✨ Open to all ARISE-EFR OPWDD service recipients!
RSVPs are not required, just come and enjoy!

🚗 Free gated parking is available on site.
Please remember: Participants must attend with a DSP, natural support, or be able to support themselves independently. Transportation is not provided.

If you have questions, please leave a voicemail for EFR Recreation at 315-707-7752.

We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you! ❄️💃🕺

12/11/2025

🌨️ Weather Update | Office Closure Notice

Due to the inclement weather, our ARISE-EFR offices at 635 James Street and 1820 Lemoyne are closed today, Thursday, December 11th, 2025.

Both locations will resume regular business hours on Friday, December 12th, 2025.

ARISE-EFR team members: Please connect with your direct supervisor regarding reporting to work for today.

Stay safe and warm! ❄️