Marie Carrubba named TRC’s Volunteer of the Year

Marie Carrubba, Esq., a member of The Resource Center’s Board of Directors who has been involved with TRC for more than 30 years, recently was honored by the United Way as TRC’s Volunteer of the Year.

Marie was recognized at the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County’s annual Volunteer of the Year Reception, held April 27 at the Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys and Girls Club in Jamestown.

In addition to serving on TRC’s Board, Marie sits on the Finance Committee, the Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services and Supports Committee, and the Guardianship Committee.  She served as Board President from 1997 to 2000 and has served as the Board’s Vice President and Treasurer.  Marie also has served on TRC Foundation’s Board.

Marie first came to The Resource Center in 1983, when she was hired to head up a new program called the Independent Living Center.  When the Independent Living Center separated from TRC in 1985 and became its own organization, Marie continued her ties with TRC by agreeing to serve on the Incident Review Committee.  She has been a TRC volunteer ever since while continuing to serve in her role as the Executive Director of the Southwestern Independent Living Center.

Marie’s knowledge, experience and commitment to people with disabilities make her a valuable asset to TRC.

“Marie takes her fiduciary responsibilities very seriously.  She consistently asks the difficult questions,” said Denise Jones, Executive Director.

“Marie is a critical member of TRC’s Finance Committee.  Her historical knowledge and leadership are relied upon during periods of challenge,” said Kelly Dimitri, Chief Financial Officer.  “Marie’s passion for TRC’s Work Center and employment opportunities for people with disabilities inspires others.  I have greatly appreciated her support.”

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Marie Carrubba discusses TRC business with Board President Mike Goldman, Esq., and Executive Director Denise Jones.

“In addition to our committee meetings, Marie takes time out of her day to visit with a young lady who TRC supports through Guardianship, gives gifts to this young lady at holidays and birthdays, and attends special meetings that enhance this young lady’s life so that she can be as independent as possible,” said Tess Kerzner, Coordinator for Central Intake, Guardianship and Eligibility.  “Our Guardianship Committee members work together to make medical and living decisions about the individuals we serve.  Marie is exceptional with the advocacy, knowledge, legal aspects, and care she contributes to our folks and other committee members.  She is well respected, and we are grateful to have her on our committee.”

Marie’s honors at The Resource Center include being named the Advocate of the Year in 1993 and receiving the Carl Cappa Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2000.
Besides her volunteer activities on behalf of The Resource Center, Marie volunteers her time in a number of other ways.  She serves on the Jamestown City Council and the Jamestown Community College Board of Trustees; serves on the Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc., Board, the Chautauqua County Workforce Investment Board and the Chautauqua County Community Services Board; is the chair of the City of Jamestown Human Rights Commission and the Chautauqua County Persons With Developmental Disabilities Committee; and serves as a mediator for the Center for Resolution and Justice.

Despite the fact that Marie is an active volunteer in the community, she is concerned that if she ever retires from her job, she won’t have enough volunteer activities to fill her free time.  Marie freely gives her time, talent and wisdom to numerous local organizations.  People with disabilities and their families, as well as the staff and Board members of The Resource Center, have truly benefited from having Marie as a TRC volunteer for so many years.

Marie wasn’t the only member of TRC’s family to be honored at the United Way event.  Clark Poppleton, retired Assistant Executive Director, was honored as the Volunteer of the Year for Family Service of the Chautauqua Region.

Please join The Resource Center in congratulating Marie as our Volunteer of the Year![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]