ARISE - Exceptional Family Resources

🐱🏆 BEST CAT CATEGORY IS OPEN FOR VOTING! 🏆🐱

The whiskers are twitching, the paws are poised, and the competition is purr-fectly fierce! 😸🐾

Our ARISE-EFR staff cats are ready for their moment in the spotlight, and now it's time for YOU to decide which feline deserves the title of Best Cat!

📸 To vote, simply LIKE the photo of your favorite cat.

🐾 Voting closes Friday, June 5 at 3:00 PM.
🏆 The cat with the most likes will be crowned our Best Cat winner.
🎉 Winners will be announced Monday, June 8.

Will it be the king of naps? The queen of mischief? The master of side eye? There's only one way to find out!

Ready to cast your vote? Let the cattitude competition begin! 😺📣🐾✨

🐶🏆 BEST DOG CATEGORY IS OPEN FOR VOTING! 🏆🐶

The competition is fierce, the tails are wagging, and the treats are on the line! Which pup deserves the title of ARISE-EFR's Best Dog?

Our staff members have submitted some seriously adorable canine companions, and now it's your turn to help us choose a winner!

📸 To vote, simply LIKE the photo of your favorite dog.
🐾 Voting closes Friday, June 5 at 3:00 PM.

🏆 The dog with the most likes will be crowned our Best Dog winner.

Winners will be announced on Monday, June 8.

Let the paw-some competition begin! 🐾 🎉🐶📣

🎙️ New Podcast Episode Alert!

What does systems advocacy really look like in action? Join and Regional Systems Advocate for an inspiring conversation about breaking barriers, building accessibility, and empowering communities across Central New York. ✨

From housing support and disability rights to assistive technology and real life success stories, Nykk shares how advocacy can create meaningful change for individuals and families every day.

This episode is honest, powerful, and full of insight you will not want to miss! 🎧📣
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2046097/episodes/19243425

Big news from our ARISE Adaptive Design team! 🚀🛠️♿

Back in April, our ARISE Adaptive Design team and Wild Thing childhood mobility device traveled all the way to Boston for RAPID + TCT 2026, North America’s premier 3D printing trade show! 🚀🛠️♿

We are excited to share that ARISE Adaptive Design and Wild Thing were featured in an article by 3Dprint.com following the conference! 🎉

A huge thank you to CADimensions for proudly showcasing the incredible volunteer work they do alongside ARISE Adaptive Design. Through CAD support, rapid prototyping, and 3D printing services, this partnership helps bring innovative adaptive solutions to life for individuals and families in our community. 🌟

Seeing accessibility, creativity, and technology highlighted on such a large stage was an amazing experience, and we are so grateful to CADimensions for helping shine a spotlight on inclusive innovation and community collaboration. 🔧✨

Check out the article to learn more about the exciting work happening through ARISE Adaptive Design! 👇
https://3dprint.com/325414/coolest-craziest-things-at-rapid-2026/

♿🩼🛏️ Need medical equipment, but not forever? We can help!

Did you know ARISE-EFR offers a Medical Equipment Loan Closet to support individuals and families in our community?

We provide short-term loans of gently used medical equipment such as:
✔️ Wheelchairs
✔️ Walkers
✔️ Shower chairs
✔️ Crutches
✔️ And more!

Whether you’re recovering from surgery, supporting a loved one, or navigating a temporary need, our Loan Closet helps remove barriers quickly and affordably.

Equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

📞 To inquire or request equipment, contact:
Chad Norton
📧 [email protected]

📱 315.671.2927

Learn more here:
🔗 https://contactefr.org/services/advocacy/medical-equipment-loan-closet/

Access. Support. Community. That’s the ARISE-EFR way. 💫

📣 Join the ARISE-EFR Team!

Are you passionate about advocacy, community support, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others? ARISE-EFR is currently hiring an Ombudsman Program Coordinator in Syracuse, NY!

In this role, you’ll help advocate for residents in long term care settings, support individual rights, and work alongside a team dedicated to dignity, independence, and inclusion.

If you are compassionate, organized, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply today here: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/EB55171CAFC1C5B13B0CBD8F4AA072DC/jobs/548057

To learn more about careers at ARISE-EFR and the meaningful work we do throughout Central New York, visit our careers page.
💼✨

https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/EB55171CAFC1C5B13B0CBD8F4AA072DC/career-page

What an incredible night in the workshop on May 21st! 🔨✨

Our ARISE Adaptive Design (AAD) team had an amazing time building alongside Andy and his family during last week’s adaptive device build event! There is something truly special about bringing participants and families directly into the design process. When creativity, collaboration, and lived experience come together, amazing things happen! 🛠️♿🎨

A huge shoutout to our dedicated Upstate Medical student volunteers who jumped in with great ideas, helping hands, and plenty of teamwork throughout the evening. 👏🧩📚

At AAD, we believe the best projects happen when participants and their families are at the center of the design team, and this build event was a perfect example of that in action! 🚀

Interested in volunteering with Adaptive Design or learning more about the program? Check us out here: https://contactefr.org/services/advocacy/adaptive-design/

What does it take to help someone transition from a nursing home back into the community they love? 🏡✨

In the latest 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 powerful impact it has across Central New York. 🎙️

From housing support and advocacy to peer connections and civil rights, this conversation highlights how individuals are being empowered to live independently in their communities. 🌟

One incredible number shared in this episode?
86 individuals successfully transitioned back into community living in 2025 alone! 👏

Listen now and learn more about the life changing work happening through Open Doors. 🎧🚪

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2046097/episodes/18932076

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸In observance of Memorial Day, all ARISE-EFR offices will be closed on Monday, May 25. We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, May 26. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

We wish everyone a safe, healthy, and meaningful holiday as we honor and remember those who have served our country.