ARISE - Exceptional Family Resources

12/07/2025

📣 Statewide Family Support Services (FSS) Public Meeting – December 10

Join the next FSS Public Meeting on Wednesday, December 10 from 11 AM–3 PM. Families, self-advocates, and community members are encouraged to take part.

⭐ Local Syracuse Session:
📍 187 Northern Concourse, Classroom 1, Syracuse, NY 13212

Attend in person at any regional site or join virtually:
💻 Live webcast: https://conta.cc/484ftbN

🗣 Public Comment: Participate in person or sign up online for virtual comments (instructions will be emailed the morning of Dec. 10).

FSS Councils help shape services for people with developmental disabilities across NYS. View all upcoming meetings here: https://conta.cc/4iiOuwk

12/04/2025

At ARISE-EFR, programs like ARISE & Ski open doors to experiences that build confidence, community, and joy.
Because of supporters like you, participants have the opportunity to:
⛷️ Try adaptive skiing
🤝 Build long-lasting friendships
🌟 Discover new strengths and independence

As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to consider a gift to the ARISE-EFR Year-End Appeal.
Your generosity ensures that life-changing programs continue to thrive — giving people of all abilities the chance to experience adventure, connection, and belonging.

✨ Help us keep these experiences possible.
👉 Scan the QR code or visit our donation page to give today. https://conta.cc/48uSJAt

12/03/2025

❄️🎉 December is Funtastic at ARISE-EFR!
Join us each Friday for fitness, holiday crafts, a White Elephant exchange, a potluck, Zumba, and more—all hosted at Redeemer Covenant Church in Liverpool!

🗓️ Don’t forget: RSVP by Monday at 12pm → recreation@contactefr.org

💙 We look forward to celebrating the season with you!

12/02/2025

💙🐴 Giving Tuesday • December 2, 2025 💙

To you, it may look like a child simply riding a horse.
But to this child’s family, it’s so much more.

It’s the freedom of not feeling tied to a wheelchair.
It’s exploring the outdoors without wondering, “Is this path accessible?”
It’s fresh air on their face, confidence in their posture, and joy radiating brighter than any words they may not be able to speak.
It’s a bond with their four-legged best friend that brings comfort, courage, and pure happiness.

For a child navigating the world with limited mobility, ARISE at the Farm is far more than a horse ride—it’s empowerment, independence, and a chance to experience the world in a whole new way. 🐎✨

This Giving Tuesday, your gift helps us continue providing therapeutic horseback riding and life-changing experiences for people of all abilities.

🎯 Help us reach our $10,000 goal!
❤️ Make a donation today and help us change lives:
https://conta.cc/49BBpfs

12/02/2025

What if one small act could give a child in our community more independence at home… at school… and everywhere in between? 💙

This , we’re shining a light on ARISE-EFR’s Adaptive Design Program — where cardboard, creativity, and compassion come together to build custom adaptive equipment for children and adults with disabilities.

Every ramp.
Every seating system.
Every custom tool.
Hand-designed. Hand-built. Life-changing.

When you give today, you help create adaptive solutions that allow people to:
🔹 Sit safely at a classroom table
🔹 Access their front door with dignity
🔹 Move, play, learn & participate fully
🔹 Feel the confidence that comes from independence

Your support turns raw materials into real possibilities.
👉 Donate today to help us build more accessible homes, schools, and communities:
https://conta.cc/49BBpfs

Give. Share. Make independence possible.

11/27/2025

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving from ARISE-EFR! 🍁

Today we pause with gratitude for our incredible community — the individuals and families we serve, our dedicated staff, our volunteers, and all who support our mission across Central New York.

Your strength, kindness, and resilience inspire us every single day.
We are thankful for the opportunity to walk alongside you, support your goals, and build a community where everyone belongs.

We wish you and your loved ones a warm, safe, and meaningful Thanksgiving.
🦃✨🍂

11/26/2025

🌟 Giving Tuesday is coming! 🌟
On December 2, ARISE-EFR invites our CNY community to come together in support of accessibility, independence, and inclusion.
From wheelchair ramps and adaptive design to in-home supports, recreation programs, and more — your generosity directly impacts neighbors right here at home. 💙

Stay tuned for ways to give, share, and make a meaningful difference this Giving Tuesday.
Together, we rise. 💫

Make your gift here 👉 https://conta.cc/49BBpfs

11/26/2025

🎙️ New Podcast Episode! You are not alone in the special education journey.

In this week’s ARISE–EFR Podcast, Education Advocate Beth Clark joins CEO Bruce Drake to share her personal story as a parent and former teacher — and how she now helps families navigate IEPs, evaluations, school communication, and more.

This episode is full of insight, empathy, and practical advice.

🎧 Listen now:

In this episode of the ARISE – Exceptional Family Resources Podcast, CEO Bruce Drake speaks with Beth Clark, Lead Education Advocate at ARISE & EFR. Beth shares her journey from classroom teacher and parent of three children with disabilities ...