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 his cousin who has spina bifida, and his time teaching theater in Syracuse schools. Listeners will gain insight into how Max’s diverse background fuels his passion for inclusion and community engagement.

Tune in to hear how Max’s blend of creativity and compassion makes a meaningful impact in the lives of those he serves.

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 Oswego location. Tune in to hear about the impact this event has on our community and how you can get involved. Let’s spread some holiday cheer together! 🎄✨

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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.

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Podcast Recommendations:
Veteran Directed Services

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.

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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 resident councils, and the need for non-adversarial communication to foster a supportive community.

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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 services that empower Central New York caregivers.

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The Nothing About Us Without Us Project

davidsrefuge.org

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 some miraculous outcomes.

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