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    • Ability Awareness Awards to be presented November 3

    The achievements of people with disabilities and the efforts of those who support them will be showcased when The Resource Center holds its 37th Ability Awareness Awards Celebration on Tuesday, November 3.

    The luncheon will be held at The White Inn in Fredonia from 11:30 to 1:00.

    The awards recognize people with disabilities who have made significant accomplishments, as well as area residents and businesses that have improved the lives of people with disabilities. This year’s award recipients are:

    • Henry Wesley Advocate of the Year – Raquel Carrion
    • Business/Employer of the Year – UPMC Chautauqua
    • Community Partnership Award – Jake and Abi Landean of 3 Lakes Cafe
    • Bruce Walford Community Service Award – Gateways PROS Program
    • Health Provider of the Year – Ryan Rice, PTA
    • Carl Cappa Humanitarian of the Year – Gregg Bender
    • Edwin Roth Mental Health Award – Trish McClennan
    • Outstanding Achievement Award – Josh Steffen
    • Personal Success Award – Jim Haenggi
    • Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year – Bruce Main
    • Special Event Volunteers of the Year – Ray Graf and D.J. Wilson

    In addition, Donna Oyer will receive an award for being honored by New York State Industries for the Disabled. NYSID is a non-profit organization that advances employment opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans by supporting The Resource Center and other rehabilitation agencies in obtaining government contracts. NYSID selected Oyer for recognition through its annual Outstanding Performance Award Program.

    Members of The Resource Center, people with disabilities, TRC staff and volunteers, and the general public are invited to attend the Ability Awareness Awards Celebration. The event is being sponsored by TRC, Fenton, Kinetic, and Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union.

    The cost to attend the luncheon is $35. Reservations are due by October 21. For more information, phone 716-661-1477 or email vicky.bardo@fillingthegap.net.

    Click here to make a donation in honor of one of the award recipients. You also can mail a check to The Resource Center, 200 Dunham Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701.Donations will be directed to The Resource Center’s TRC Excellence Awards Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

    Some of last year’s award recipients pose together.

    September 30th, 2026 by