ARISE - Exceptional Family Resources

02/03/2026

🐎 NOW HIRING | Join the ARISE-EFR Team 🌾

ARISE at Doc Marshall Farm is looking for an experienced and compassionate
Equine Instructor to support our adaptive and therapeutic riding programs for people with disabilities.

This role is perfect for someone who:

Has strong horsemanship and equine handling skills

Can instruct riders at all gaits (English & Western)

Enjoys leading volunteers and working as part of a team

Believes in inclusion, independence, and community connection

✨ Meaningful work
🐴 Incredible horses
🤝 Supportive, mission-driven team
🌾 Beautiful farm setting

📲 Scan the QR code on our flyer to learn more and apply
or call 315.687.6727

02/02/2026

🦫 Punxsutawney Phil says six more weeks of winter…
but at ARISE-Exceptional Family Resources, we say six more weeks of:

✨ connection
💪 advocacy
🎨 creativity
🤝 community
🏔️ inclusive programs
❄️ showing up for our ARISE-EFR community, no matter the weather.

Winter or spring, we’re here supporting independence and removing barriers all year long.

👉 Connect with ARISE-EFR and learn more about our programs:
🌐 https://contactefr.org/

02/01/2026

Our friends at ARISE at Doc Marshall Farm staying cozy on this winter day. ❄️☀️

It may have been below zero outside ❄️ but Cherry 🐇 used this cold snap to find the best spot in the barn to sunbathe with friends! 🐈

02/01/2026

❄️ Snowmobile Rides for Families❄️

We’re excited to help spread the word about this FREE winter event hosted by the Cicero Youth Bureau Parks & Recreation! Families will have the chance to enjoy safe, guided snowmobile rides and a fun morning of winter activities.

✨ What to expect:
• Snowmobile joyrides with experienced riders
• Hot cocoa bar
• Activities, arts & crafts
• A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere

📅 Saturday, March 7, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 South Bay Fire Department
8817 Cicero Center Rd, Cicero, NY 13039

📝 Pre-registration is required
🔗 More information & registration: www.cicero.reckdesk.com

This looks like a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy one of New York State’s favorite winter pastimes in a safe and supportive setting. We hope you’ll check it out! ❄️😊

01/30/2026

🌟 Unlocking Possibilities with ARISE-EFR Adaptive Design! 🌟

At ARISE-EFR Adaptive Design, we believe everyone deserves the tools they need to fully participate in life whether at home, school, work, or play. 💪🛠️

Our amazing community team uses everyday materials and creative building techniques to design and build custom adaptive equipment for children and adults with disabilities. From mobility supports to specialized seating and more, every solution is practical, low-cost, and tailored to the individual’s unique needs, interests, and goals.

✨ What makes our program special?
• 🧠 Participant-driven design: you, your family, and your support network guide the build from start to finish.
• 🤝 Community collaboration: clinicians, makers, designers, and volunteers work together to bring ideas to life.
• 🎓 Hands-on learning: students and volunteers gain real-world design and fabrication experience.

Whether you’re looking for support or want to get involved as a volunteer or partner, our Adaptive Design team is here to help empower independence and creativity!

📩 Learn more or get involved: https://www.ariseinc.org/services/adaptive-design/

📞 Contact Adaptive Design Coordinator: Connor McGough, cmcgough@contactefr.org

01/29/2026

ARISE Adaptive Design creates custom low-cost, practical solutions unique to each person who connects with us. We usually build these adaptive devices from the ground up to meet your specific measurements, needs, interests and abilities.

Contact Us Connor McGoughAdaptive Design Coordinator(315) 671-5104cmcgough@contactefr.org Adaptive Design Volunteer Application   New Participant Application ARISE Adaptive Design Sponsors Tier 2 Sponsors Thank you Tecumseh Elementary School! Tier 3 Sponsors Thank You Romano Auto Dealerships! Tier...

01/29/2026

At ARISE-EFR, our work is grounded in people individuals, families, and the Direct Support Professionals who walk alongside them every day 🤝. DSPs provide essential, hands-on support that helps people with disabilities live with dignity, stability, and choice in their own communities.

When DSPs are fairly compensated, people experience greater continuity of care, stronger relationships, and better outcomes 📈. When wages fall behind, it impacts staffing, services, and the long-term sustainability of the supports our community relies on.

The Invest in Us Rally is about recognizing the value of this work and advocating for the funding needed to strengthen services across Central New York 📣. Supporting DSPs means supporting the people and families ARISE-EFR serves today and for the future.

Join us as we come together as a community to support the people and professionals who make the inclusive services we offer possible.

On Friday, February 27 at 10:00 AM, AccessCNY and Arc of Onondaga are hosting an Invest in Us Rally to highlight the urgent need for increased pay for Direct Support Professionals. These professionals provide essential, life-changing support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Central New York. Without them, our mission would not be possible.

We’ll hear directly from individuals receiving services, family members, and DSPs about why sustained funding matters—for dignity, stability, and long-term success.

📍 DoubleTree by Hilton, 6301 NY-298, East Syracuse
📞 Learn more or get involved: 315-401-0917

01/28/2026

🌟 Supporting Independence Every Step of the Way! 🌟

At ARISE and EFR our Habilitation Services empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live more independently and confidently within their communities.

Our services include:
🏠 In-home support for daily living skills
🧩 Community based skill building
🎯 Personalized goals focused on growth and inclusion

We're here to help individuals reach their full potential—on their terms, in their homes, and in their communities. 💙

Learn more: contactefr.org/services/habilitation

01/27/2026

🐴✨ JOIN THE HERD! Volunteers Needed at ARISE at Doc Marshall Farm ✨🐴

Love being outdoors? Want to make a real impact in your community? ARISE-Exceptional Family Resources is looking for Horse Leaders and Side Walkers to support our ARISE at Doc Marshall Farm therapeutic riding program. 💚

🌾 About the Farm
ARISE at Doc Marshall Farm has been offering therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with disabilities in Central New York since 1998, helping riders build confidence, skills, and independence one ride at a time.

🕒 Volunteer Details

Volunteers needed weekdays & Saturdays

2–4 hour shifts

Commit to the same day & time for a 5-week session

Hands-on training provided – no horse experience required!

💪 Physical & Comfort Requirements

Comfortable around horses

Upper body mobility

Able to walk up to 1 mile

Comfortable navigating uneven ground

🤍 Why Volunteer?

Make a meaningful impact in someone’s life

Build real connections with riders, families, and fellow volunteers

Enjoy meaningful movement while giving back

Earn verified volunteer hours

📍 Location:
ARISE at Doc Marshall Farm
1972 New Boston Rd.
Chittenango, NY 13037

🐎 Ready to join our next session and be part of something special?
👉 Sign up here:
🔗 https://www.ariseinc.org/employment/volunteer/volunteer-at-arise-at-the-farm/

Help someone gain independence. Make a difference.

01/27/2026

💪 Advocacy Services at ARISE-EFR 🌟
At ARISE-EFR, we’re here to help people with disabilities live fully, independently, and with dignity. Our Advocacy Services support you in navigating systems, accessing resources, and breaking down barriers in all areas of life.

📌 What We Offer:
• 🏠 Housing Advocacy – Support with accessible and affordable housing needs.

• 🎓 Education Advocacy – Help navigating special education rights, IEPs & 504 plans.
ariseinc.org

• 💼 Benefits Advocacy – Guidance on benefits you’re entitled to and assistance with applications or appeals.

• 🤝 Advocacy Groups – Monthly community-led groups identifying barriers & directing change.

• 🏥 Health Care Advocacy – Assistance finding accessible providers & services to live in your community.

• 📣 Systems Advocacy – Championing disability rights by changing policies & improving inclusion.

💬 We’re here to stand with you — no matter your goals.

📞 Contact Us:
📍 Find your nearest ARISE-EFR office: Syracuse • Oswego • Madison County • Auburn • The Farm
☎️ (315) 472-3171 (Main)
🌐 Learn more: https://www.ariseinc.org/services/advocacy-services/

01/26/2026

Veterans deserve options that honor their independence.

In this episode of the ARISE-Exceptional Family Resources Podcast, we explore the Veterans Directed Care Program, a person-driven approach that allows eligible veterans to stay in their homes, choose their caregivers, and direct their own supports.

CEO Bruce Drake sits down with Lauren Canorro to explain how the program works and who may benefit.
🎙️ Listen here:

 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 Direc...