BETTER AS ONE
Skidmore College student group spreading disability awareness
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » A group of Skidmore College students, through an initiative called Better As One, are on a mission to assist agencies and organizations that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Founded at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 by three Skidmore students, Better As One continues to grow and make an impact within the community today.
Most recently, Better As One representatives spreading awareness and fundraising at the 10th annual Autism Expo, presented by Saratoga Bridges in collaboration with the Upstate New York Autism Alliance.
The group has built a strong partnership with Saratoga Bridges over the past two years through fundraising and programming.
“The main organization we support is Saratoga Bridges,” said member Emily Cleveland.
To date, a total of $6,355 has been raised by Better As One through selling recipe books and stickers both on and off the college campus.
In addition to fundraising, the Better As One team hopes to educate people worldwide about the disability community and instill a sense of unity and hope within that community. On its social media channels, the students regularly share information and motivational messages regarding disability awareness.
While Better As One is a student-led initiative, many involved with the group have taken classes with Skidmore College psychology professor Rachel MannRosan, Ph.D., who teaches a developmental disabilities and autism course.
Founders Rachel Stone, Jacqueline Ahn and Alyssa Pacewicz reached out to Mann-Rosan when starting Better As One because they wanted to help individuals with developmental disabilities.
Mann-Rosan connected the then-students with Saratoga Bridges, where she also works as a consulting psychologist. She knew the nearby nonprofit was facing financial challenges due to the pandemic and thought it could be a good match.
Soon after, Better As One volunteers were interacting on Facetime and Zoom with Saratoga Bridges residents at a time when many people were feeling isolated, as well as brainstorming how to fundraise for the local nonprofit.
Along with being neighbors within the Saratoga community, “They really care about the individuals that they serve,” Better As One member Rowan said on why the group chooses to support Saratoga Bridges. “They’re a reputable organization that really cares about supporting people and giving them the best quality of life possible.”
Another student member, Julia Cannistraro, agrees after recently hearing representatives from Saratoga Bridges speak to her developmental disabilities and autism class. “It’s just so apparent that they take really good care of everybody’s who’s there,” she said. “I think that it’s just a really good organization to support.”
Since the three Better As One founders have graduated, a new set of students are leading the group on campus. Four psychology majors — Cleveland, Rowan and Cannistraro, along with international student Sharon Decarli, who is set to graduate this spring — dedicate time within their busy college schedules to focus on the group’s ongoing fundraising, outreach and awareness efforts.
This weekend, Better As One is collaborating with another Skidmore College group called Best Buddies to host an End-of-Year Lawn Party featuring games, art and refreshments for attendees of all abilities.
As the semester winds down for summer vacation, they’re talking about ways to stay involved over the break.
Mann-Rosan is impressed with how the students involved with Better As One have taken on this extra-curricular initiative during a challenging time for all, she said, noting that
it shows a certain level of character. “With what Rachel, Alyssa and Jacquie started during a time when a lot of people were feeling very scared, sad, angry — they wanted to do something positive,” the professor said, calling it heartwarming and gratifying to see as a teacher. Furthermore, she is excited that it has inspired current students to want to continue Better As One.
The folks at Saratoga Bridges are also thrilled with what Better As One has done for their organization. Pamela Polacsek, assistant director of communications at Saratoga Bridges, is a liaison for the group and speaks with the students on a regular basis. Even as the group transitioned in leadership, “They have continued to raise awareness and promote our fundraising events which has generated more participation and more essential funds,” she said. “The gals want to spark change by ensuring our individuals have safer, healthier and happier futures.
“Together, they have shown an enthusiastic commitment towards our mission by investing their creativity, energy, time and resources that enhance, enrich and empower people’s lives.
Saratoga Bridges has been exceedingly fortunate to have them act as our Ambassadors at Skidmore, in the community and throughout the globe. They truly are Difference Makers!”
Looking ahead, the Better As One crew is exploring how it can grow its membership and further make an impact while carrying out the group’s mission in the future.
More information about Better As One can be found online at www.better-asone.com, where stickers or recipe books can be purchased or donations can be made online. The group is also active as @better. as.one on Facebook and Instagram.