Holidays are often seen as a joyful time – filled with gatherings, shared meals, gifts, and meaningful moments with loved ones. But for many, the season can also be painful, especially for those who have lost family members or are unable to spend time with them. This can be particularly challenging for people in a guardianship program.
Guardianship is one of the many ways The Arc of Monroe supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As Guardianship Coordinator Terri Lazeski explains, the program centers on building trust and providing guidance with decision-making, so people always know they have someone they can turn to. The goal is to honor each person’s happiness, wishes, and preferences while ensuring they have the tools and support needed to pursue their goals.
Advocacy is also a key part of the work. Guardianship Coordinator Dana Marrer notes that because guardianship can involve many areas of a person’s life—such as medical care, housing, and programs—it requires a balance of self-advocacy and support to meet each person’s unique needs and preferences.
The holidays can be especially hard when family members aren’t able to be together. For some people supported by The Arc, loved ones may live out of state, lack transportation, or no longer be present. When those barriers exist, Terri says it’s the Guardianship team’s responsibility to find meaningful solutions.
“Our goal is for people to feel supported—by Guardianship and by their Arc family,” she said.
Terri recalled one man whose sister checks in by phone but has limited transportation. To help them connect during the holidays, the Guardianship team arranged a dinner at Applebee’s along a bus route, allowing the siblings to share a holiday meal together. “It meant so much to her to be able to nurture that family connection,” Terri said.
Terri also shared the story of a woman who is both a daughter and a mother. Her own mother lives in Florida and is raising her daughter, and while they speak every day by phone, the distance can feel especially heavy during the holidays. After experiencing significant loss in recent years, this season is particularly emotional for her. Terri explained that Guardianship plays a vital role in keeping her family informed about her life and ensuring she feels supported and connected through additional agency supports when her loved ones can’t be there in person.
Aging is one of the many areas where the Guardianship team plays an important role. As people supported by the agency grow older, they often experience more loss and may miss the close connections they once had. Dana explains that this is especially felt during the holidays, which is why the Guardianship team works intentionally to help people feel connected and supported.
For people who don’t have family to celebrate with, Dana and Terri look for creative ways to build companionship—whether that’s bringing two homes together for a shared holiday dinner or finding meaningful ways to stay in touch with loved ones. Dana shares the example of a man living in a residence whose family is in North Carolina. This year, he wanted to do more than send a simple card to his mom, and the Guardianship program stepped in to help make that connection possible.
“It’s about focusing on what we can enjoy during the holidays, while also honoring the people who matter most in their lives,” Dana says.
For many people supported by The Arc of Monroe, the holidays can be especially difficult. Some are unable to spend this time with loved ones and rely on staff for connection, companionship, and support. In the direct support field, employee turnover is common, and forming new relationships can be challenging at any time of year—especially during the holidays. When familiar, trusted staff aren’t there, the season can feel even more isolating. That’s why the presence of our longstanding Guardianship team is so meaningful: they provide continuity, comfort, and a familiar face when it matters most.
While the holidays bring joy and cherished memories for many, they can also come with added strain. Dana shares that it’s important for the community to recognize these challenges and remember that kindness truly makes a difference. “If you have an opportunity while you’re out in the community to share a smile or make a connection, it means a lot,” she says.
Terri Lazeski, Guardianship Coordinator
Terri has dedicated 37 years to The Arc of Monroe, starting her career in residential services before expanding her experience across day services, case management, and Special Sitters. For the past 27 years, she has been a valued member of the Guardianship program. Outside of work, Terri enjoys time with family and friends, fishing in the Thousand Islands, visiting Canandaigua where she grew up, and getting lost in a good book. She and her husband have three sons who live nearby, along with a spunky Puggle she absolutely adores.
Dana Marrer, Guardianship Coordinator
Dana has been part of The Arc of Monroe team for 19 years. She began her career as Associate Director and later Director of Ballantyne Day Services, where she spent 12 years supporting people and building meaningful connections. She later transitioned to the Guardianship program, allowing her to stay closely involved in the lives of many of the people she supported at Ballantyne. Outside of work, Dana enjoys gardening, all things Disney, and is an active member of the Penfield Rotary. She also loves spending time with her husband and teenage daughter. Dana also likes spending time with her adult daughter and two grandsons.