Information/Resources

Advocates’ Policies and Updates

• Important Policies to Note – updated 7/8/24

• Electronic Documentation Policy – updated 7/8/24

• Professional Development Note Policy – updated 7/8/24

• OPWDD clarification on Services provided to K-12 enrolled individuals – sent on 6/21/24

• Reminder: Advocates’ employees cannot administer medication – sent on 4/11/24

• Advocates’ 2024 Retention Bonus Distribution Plan – sent on 6/20/24

Self-Advocacy

The input and ideas of the people we serve is essential in guiding agency decisions and ensuring the continuation of person-centered service delivery. In addition to participating in self-direction, we encourage those receiving services to become involved in self-advocacy. Please contact teamwork@advocatesincorporated.org or call (315) 469-9931 x214 for more information on self-advocacy and Board of Directors’ leadership opportunities. The Advocates team is committed to supporting you with self-advocacy to ensure that your voice is heard.

Community Resources

New York Connects

Link to long term services and supports. Phone: 315-435-1400, Website: http://ongov.net/nyconnects/

211 CNY

211 provides human services information and referrals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone: (315) 251-1400, Website: https://211cny.com/

Contact Hotline

Confidential, anonymous, free 24-hour/7-day a week telephone counseling, suicide prevention and crisis counseling hotline.  Available 24/7 from Contact Community Services and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Onondaga County phone: 315-251-0600 

Cayuga County phone: 877-400-8740

National Resources

Lifeline 24/7 Online Crisis Chat

Available 24/7 across the U.S. Lifeline Chat is a service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, connecting individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat.

Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/

Lifeline 24/7 Mental Health Support Line

The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Phone: 1-800-273-8255

Employee Resources

All Advocates team members have access to over 300 elective courses in our online Relias training library!

Full-time Mentors are eligible for 40 paid work from home Professional Development hours per year and are encouraged to use this time to enhance skills and knowledge by enrolling in topics of interest.
Click here for instructions and a list of elective courses recommended for Advocates employees.

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