Katrina Schwanke

Each week, Katrina Schwanke brightens the lives of many people in her community. Katrina takes pride in her volunteer work and finds joy in helping others. By sharing her time and her caring spirit, she has touched the lives of those at St. Camillus, St. Joseph's Hospital, Holy Family and Nun Better.

I volunteer at St. Camillus

Article by: Kevin Gentry

I volunteer at St. camillus every Monday and Thursday.

Eyal Sherman

Eyal Sherman, 28 years old, was born in Syracuse, New York. He is a recent graduate of Syracuse University. He has been quadripalegic and ventilator dependent since he was five years old when he was diagnosed with a brain stem tumor.

Scotts Sensory Shop

Scott Floyd is a man with a mission to help others.  The purpose of Scott's Sensory Shop is to make available to others the sesory toys that he loved while donating the proceeds from the sales back to organizations in our community that support people with developmental disabilities and their families; as well as local food pantries.  The  Sensory Shop is located in Advocates Fayetteville location.

Sam Procita

Sam Procita is a graduate of Onondaga Central Schools. After graduation, Sam attended a local day habilitation program. Sam had dreams of becoming a farmer and working with tractors. Sam's goals of farming could not be achieved within the confines of a traditional group day habilitation program.

Volunteering

Article by: Brian Klepper

I recently started a new position at ST. Camillus in which I move the supply carts to the nurses’ station.

Danny K, the face of the “Y”

As the greeter (and ID checker) at the front desk of the Fayetteville YMCA, Danny Kilbride welcomes every visitor to the building and wishes those leaving “a great day”. His supervisor Sarah Lufler, membership and marketing director at the Y, can’t say enough about the value he adds to the members’ experience.

Volunteering at the Manlius fire station

 By Mark Cappoletti

The best part of my volunteer job at the fire station is seeing the firemen and helping them with their duties.

Mark graduated in June 2011 which is when he began his self directed services with the help of Advocates. He volunteers at ARISE at the farm, St Ann's Church and at St. Lucys. Mark enjoys swimming and bowling as well. He has always liked to explore places in the community, such  as the airport, (a big fan of Jet Blue), the fire station and police station, where he has also volunteered over the years.

Jamie Burke

My name is Jamie Burke and I am from Syracuse, New York. I am a senior at Syracuse University in the College of Human Ecology.  I am very interested in making communication a happy absolute in autism, simply holding the potential of everyone.

V.A. hospital

 Article by: D. Byron Lee

The Syracuse V.A. hospital is located on Irving Avenue, and is a hospital for military and war veterans. I have been a volunteer at the hospital for over 2 years. It is definitely one of the volunteer jobs that I personally like the most, even though it can be tricky at times.

Work at Onondaga Community College

Article by: Bill Hennigan

For this article, I thought I’d tell everyone about my work at Onondaga Community College (OCC).

Christine Gerst

Christine Gerst, a bright young woman with a passion for music, is a pioneer of Self-Determination. She has a love of swirling sights and sounds, and some of her favorite sensory experiences involve playing her piano and harp.

Kevin Gentry

In 2010, Kevin Gentry enthusiastically devoted himself to volunteering over 100 hours throughout the year to earn the Presidential Volunteer Service Award! The award is a prestigious national honor offered in recognition of volunteer service.

Ronald McDonald House

Article by: Lindsey Ryder

I work at Ronald McDonald House every Monday. This house is for a family whose kids have cancer.

New Friends at Funny Work

By Katherine Riccardi 

I work at St. Camillus.  I do stamping names on yellow doctor's order sheets, pass them out, gloves to each room and fill water pitchers for the residents on UNIT D.  When I make new friends, I introduce them to VBiki.  I make them smile by greeting them with my beautiful smile/dimples.  I have met Helen, Joan, Maria, Betty Jo, Gregory, Luke, Mary and Ida.  Everybody makes me smile.

Kathryn is 27, a graduate of Westhill Schools, and has a wonderful sense of humor.  She loves reading and music, enjoys bowling and swimming.  She volunteers at St. Camillus Health Center and NunBetter.

Donald Mayer

My name is Donald Mayer. I have had a dream since I was in High School to work at News Channel 9. My Advocates Service Coordinator helped me find an opportunity through the state Employment Training Program to start my dream.

Working at Helping Hounds

By Tess Donaghy

My name is Tess Donaghy.  I have volunteered at Helping Hounds for two years.  My jobs at Helping Hounds include walking dogs, giving dogs attention, washing dishes, cleaning cages, stocking supplies, and folding laundry.  Helping Hounds is a non-kill dog rescue.  Most of the dogs come from the south.  Helping Hounds makes sure the dogs are healthy, then try to find them a home.

Helping Hounds is located next to Shoppingtown Mall on Kinne St. They are always looking for donations.  The need bedding, dog food, toys and cleaning supplies.  Anyone can volunteer if you go through an orientation.  You can learn more about Helping Hounds and see the dogs they have for adoption on their website www.rescuehounds.com.  Please consider adopting and helping a dog today.  We even adoped our own dog from Helping Hounds.  His name is Ozzy.

Tess is 24 years old.  She graduated from Corcoran High School and OCC Foundation Program in 2007.  She self directs her services with the help of Advocates.  She volunteers at many places such as Helping Hounds, YMCA East Syracuse, the Golisano Children's Hospital and GiGi's Playhouse.  Tess loves animal, horse back riding and baking.