The Resource Center honors staff during Direct Support Professional Week

The Resource Center held its annual Everyday Heroes Celebration on September 14, honoring some of its exemplary staff during Direct Support Professional Recognition Week.

The event, held at TRC’s administrative offices on Dunham Avenue in Celoron, honored six people as Everyday Heroes as well as 26 others who received Honorable Mention. Here is some information about this year’s Everyday Heroes:

Joseph Acevedo Colon supports people in one of TRC’s homes. Joseph works well with all the residents and involves them in household chores such as taking out the trash or setting the table. He works extra shifts to ensure there are enough staff.

Betsy Butlak-Teboe is a Community Coach who supports people in building their work-readiness skills. She recently achieved all tiers of her National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals certification and participated in a months-long project with people from other agencies.

Michael Glover works in a TRC home. Co-workers praised Michael for his willingness to assist with any task and flex his shifts. He interacts well with the residents and has the ability to brighten their mood or calm them when they are stressed.

Tracie Howard works in one of TRC’s homes. She treats residents with dignity, respect, patience, and kindness. Working third shift, Tracie ensures the home is safe, comfortable and ready for when residents wake up to start their day.

Carlos Perez Torres works in TRC’s Day Habilitation Program on Jones & Gifford Avenue in Jamestown. Described as upbeat and friendly, his demeanor and approach de-escalate stressful situations. Carlos makes the people he supports feel special and transforms difficult tasks into fun activities.

Sunn Ryder is a Medical Aide in one of TRC’s homes. In addition to ensuring residents attend scheduled appointments, Sunn completes the morning medication pass so there will be enough other staff available to support residents in getting ready for the day. He also works extra shifts.

Pictured after receiving their Everyday Hero Awards are, from left, Carlos Perez Torres, Sunn Ryder, Betsy Butlak-Teboe, and Michael Glover.

Several members of TRC’s Executive Management Team gave remarks.

Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer, told honorees that their efforts do not go unnoticed.

“We see you,” Denise said. “We see the days when you come to work tired but somehow find the patience, compassion, humor, and energy that someone else needs from you. We see the times when you stay a little longer, step in to help, encourage a co-worker, or simply do more because you know someone is counting on you.”

Denise added, “There are people whose lives are better because you chose this work — and because you continue to choose it every day.”

Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services, praised the honorees for their commitment to providing direct supports.

“The work you all do is not for everyone,” Terri said. “Not just anyone can do it. And not everyone can excel at it. But you are all excelling at it!”

She added that while it can be difficult to measure an employee’s level of success when talking about making a difference in people’s lives, the honorees should know that the fact their co-workers nominated them to be an Everyday Hero indicates the high quality of the supports they provide.

Kim Dziubkowski, Director of Site-Based Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services, thanked the honorees for their efforts.

“You help people achieve goals, build independence, stay connected to their communities, and live lives that are meaningful to them,” Kim said. “You advocate, encourage, listen, problem-solve, and sometimes simply sit beside someone when that is what they need most. And much of what you do happens without recognition or applause.”

Kim added, “You don’t need a cape to be a hero. Sometimes being a hero simply means being there for someone, day after day.”

Remarks also were given by State Assemblyman Andrew Molitor and Chautauqua County Legislator Dalton Anthony, who attended the event on behalf of Senator George Borrello. Each Everyday Hero received certificates from Senator Borrello and Assemblyman Molitor.

The staff members who received Honorable Mention were Claribel Castiore Rosa, Cathryn Collazo, Elizabeth Duvall, Almedia Erhard, Stacey Fardink, Edwin Figueroa, Becky Frary, Amanda Frye, Monica Gassman, Deborah Glover, Iesha Holland, Tralisha Holloway, Payton Horton, Jessica Jones, Kelli Leonard, Sommer Levandoske, Hunter Meabon, Christina Miller, Mary Jane Mizner, Victoria Moody, Britney Nieves, Nefretiti Ramos, Lena Rison, Nancy Simmons, Mikayla Sliter, and Amanda Trout.

Pictured from left are those employees who received Honorable Mention and were able to attend the Everyday Heroes Celebration: Deborah Glover, Mikayla Sliter, Nefretiti Ramos, Claribel Castiore Rosa, Payton Horton, Kelli Leonard, Mary Jane Mizner, Stacey Fardink, Tralisha Holloway, Nancy Simmons, and Jessica Jones.