The achievements of people with disabling conditions and those who support individuals with special needs were shared at The Resource Center’s 35th Ability Awareness Awards Celebration.

The event took place at Shorewood Country Club in Dunkirk. The celebration was an opportunity to recognize people with disabling conditions who have made meaningful strides in their lives, as well as honor community residents and organizations that have helped improve the lives of those who have a disability.

(Watch the video from the event)

Welcoming remarks were given by Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer.

“We have some outstanding honorees this year – individuals with disabling conditions who use their lived experiences to support and advocate for others; people with mental health and substance abuse challenges who have succeeded in building successful lives; longtime employees who make a tremendously positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities and the community; businesses that provide jobs to people with disabilities or provide funding that enables us to expand services; and community leaders who have used their personal or professional platforms to educate the public about people with disabilities,” Jones said.

The first honor presented was the Community Partnership Award, and it was given to Laurie Reynolds. Reynolds, Associate Director of Prevention Works, was honored for being the lead organizer of the annual Kids & Sibs summer camp for children with special needs and their siblings.

Laurie Reynolds

The Employer of the Year was the Original Crunch Roll Factory in Westfield. The company has three workers hired through The Resource Center’s Employment Services Program. TRC officials praised Crunch Roll for providing a work environment that feels safe and welcoming, demonstrating commitment and expressing encouragement to its workers with disabilities, and being willing to assist with workers’ transportation barriers.

Pictured from left are Paul Hurley, Employment Coordinator at The Resource Center; Zachary Bohn, President of the Original Crunch Roll Factory; Tabitha Gens, a worker at Crunch Roll’s Westfield location; Danielle Payne, the company’s Operations Consultant; and Mark Bohn, Crunch Roll’s Owner.

The Advocate of the Year and was presented to Michael Ostrye. Ostrye works at The Resource Center’s Dunkirk manufacturing facility and is a member of TRC’s Make a Mark self-advocacy group. In that role, he meets with elected officials to advocate for more funding for disability supports and to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life.

The Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to a person who wanted to be identified only by their initials. D.C. has developed coping skills to effectively deal with substance abuse challenges and is working on obtaining a college degree with a goal of being self-employed.

The Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year was Heather C. Brown. Brown, Assistant Executive Director at The Resource Center. Among her volunteer endeavors, Brown is the president of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Carnahan Jackson Foundation’s board of directors and serves on the Workforce Investment Board. She also serves on two state-wide organizations that focus on improving access to health care for underserved populations. In addition, this marks the 24^th straight year she has been a lead coordinator of the Marine Toys for Tots drive in Chautauqua County.

The Volunteer of the Year Award is named in memory of Elmer Muench, a longtime Resource Center volunteer and former president of TRC’s board of directors.

The Carl Cappa Humanitarian Award was presented to Lake Shore Savings. Lake Shore has been the presenting sponsor of the annual TRC Golf Classic for the past 13 years and recently committed for the next three tournaments. Lake Shore has been a longtime supporter of people with disabilities, and over the years the bank has contributed more than $250,000 to The Resource Center, Filling the Gap and Community Inclusion, Inc.

The award is named in memory of Carl Cappa, a Jamestown businessman who was a supporter of people with disabilities.

The Health Provider of the Year was Tammy Fardink. Fardink is a registered nurse who oversees nursing operations at 10 TRC homes. She has developed meaningful relationships with the people living in the homes and demonstrates for co-workers the path toward person-centered thinking and doing. She ensures people receive the adaptive equipment and medications they require to be as successful and independent as possible, and she educates other members of her medical team on innovative treatments that can support people with disabilities to enjoy long, heathy lives.

The Personal Success Award was given to Ashley Martin. With support from staff in TRC’s PROS (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services) Program, Martin has overcome the effects of depression, going from someone who did not want to leave home most days to a person who is working full time, managing money, going out in the community, providing for her daughter, and creating friendships.

The Edwin Roth Mental Health Award was given to Jeff Axelson. Axelson, a peer advocate and employment specialist with The Resource Center’s PROS Program, supports people with mental health challenges and those who struggle with substance abuse.

The Mental Health Award is named in memory of Ed Roth, an official with the New York State Office of Mental Health.

The Bruce Walford Community Support Award was presented to Assemblyman Andrew Goodell. Goodell regularly attends events put on by TRC and Filling the Gap; has spoken passionately about TRC on the Assembly floor; and has provided support when TRC officials have had issues with state government. He’s also been a supporter of TRC’s art program and on the walls outside of his Capitol office he has hung paintings made by artists with disabilities.

The Community Support Award was created in memory of Bruce Walford, former manager of The Resource Center’s manufacturing center in Dunkirk. Walford’s widow, Laurel, attended the luncheon and shared some thoughts about him.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dennis Webster. Webster recently retired after a 54-year career at WJTN radio in Jamestown. For about 25 years, he aired a regular program that focused on The Resource Center, helping to educate the community about the services TRC provides.

Pictured from left are Jacob Vasquez, who assisted in presenting the awards; Assemblyman Andy Goodell, who received the Community Support Award; Heather C. Brown, who was the Volunteer of the Year; Mike Ostrye, Advocate of the Year; Jeffrey Werdein and Taylor Gilden of Lake Shore Savings, which received the Humanitarian Award; Jeff Axelson, Mental Health Award; Dennis Webster, Lifetime Achievement Award; and Ashley Martin, Personal Success Award.

Also recognized at the awards celebration was Keith Gowan, who was honored for receiving an Outstanding Performer Award from NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled). Through NYSID. The Resource Center has a contract to clean and maintain the Interstate 86 rest area in the Town of Ellery. Gowan, a cleaner in TRC’s Environmental Services division, has worked at the rest area for 14 years. His supervisors say he has a positive attitude and a great work ethic, and he takes pride in his work. Gowan also received this award in 2013.

Closing remarks were given by Richard Erickson, the chair of The Resource Center’s board of directors. Erickson praised the honorees with disabilities for their accomplishments, and he thanked the staff and corporate honorees for making it possible for people with disabilities to succeed. He also encouraged those in attendance to become members of The Resource Center to amplify TRC’s influence when it advocates for more funding for supports for people with disabilities.

“It is important that we get membership, and we have to grow our membership,” Erickson said. “We’ve got to strengthen our voice, and we need to get that support.” He said doing so will help ensure that quality supports for people with disabilities will continue.

Jacob Vasquez, a self-advocate at The Resource Center, presented the awards to the honorees. TRC’s Steve Waterson was the master of ceremonies, while TRC employees Chris Anderson and Austin Mitchell handled the photography and videography responsibilities. The luncheon was organized by Victoria Trass Bardo of Filling the Gap.

In addition to their awards, the honorees received certificates of achievement from U.S. Representative Nick Langworthy, State Senator George Borrello and Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel.

TRC self-advocates who have recently passed away will be remembered at our annual William Haenggi Celebration of Life on Friday, November 15.

The free event will run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Conference Center of our administrative offices at 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron. (Park in the rear lot and enter through the door at the top of the ramp to the left.)

At the event, we’ll remember people with developmental disabilities who received supports from TRC and who died since the last Celebration of Life was held in November 2023. Following the remembrance, there will be a dance. For more information, phone Erica Suroviec, Recreation Coordinator, at 716-483-2344, extension 20126.

The Celebration of Life is named in memory of Bill Haenggi, a longtime member of TRC’s Board of Directors. For years, Bill and his wife, Donna (who currently serves on the Board), led a Bible study group for people with intellectual disabilities.

Our William Haenggi Celebration of Life Fund provides money to cover funeral and burial/cremation costs of TRC self-advocates. If you’re unable to attend the Celebration of Life, please consider making a donation to the William Haenggi Celebration of Life Fund in memory of someone whose life was enhanced by The Resource Center.

Here are some of the people who will be remembered this year:

Eugene “Gene” Ford

Daniel Hayes

Bruce Hazelton

Wayne Johnson

Thomas “Tom” O’Dwyer

Robert “Bobby” Pratt

Jerome “Jerry” Reed

Patricia Rugg

Jeffrey Stewart

Genevieve “Genny” Stone

Richard Tocco

Area residents can do some holiday shopping while learning about the programs The Resource Center offers to people with disabilities when TRC hosts its 25^th Craft Bazaar on Friday, November 15.

The event will run from 8:00 to 3:00 on the first floor of TRC’s Michael J. Raymond Center, 75 Jones & Gifford Avenue in Jamestown. Free, off-street parking is available in the lot across the road.

Crafts and artwork produced by TRC staff and self-advocates will be available for a suggested donation. Baked goods and plants also can be purchased, and there will be a hot dog bar for lunch. There also will be a drawing for donated prizes.

Here is a sampling of some of the items that will be available at the Craft Bazaar.

Proceeds from the event will support TRC’s Day Habilitation Programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In addition to the bazaar, there will be an open house so attendees can tour the building and learn about the activities that take place.

For more information, phone 716-661-4800, extension 20031.

From left, Grace, Tamara, Anne, Robin, and Maria display some of the items that will be available at the Craft Bazaar. Anne, Grace, Maria, and Tamara are members of The Resource Center’s Voices for Choices self-advocacy group, which donated an item for the event. Robin is a TRC employee who organizes the bazaar each year.

The Resource Center, workers with disabilities and the community have been having fun celebrating October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

On October 11, The Resource Center honored people with disabilities who have achieved success in community-based employment. The event, held at TRC’s administrative offices on Dunham Avenue in Celoron, recognized people who in 2024 reached a milestone year of continual employment. The celebration was part of TRC’s observance of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Executive Director Denise Jones called the honorees trailblazers and said “we must continue to promote inclusion in the workplace. I’m pleased to see the number of people in this room who have reached milestones in employment.”

Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services, said the event was a chance to “recognize workforce contributions of people with disabilities.”

People were honored for reaching one, five, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years of employment. Not everyone being recognized was able to attend, because some people were at their jobs. Those who were there received a certificate of achievement.

The longest-serving honoree was Andy Dyckes, who has been working in the Fredonia Central School District for 30 years.

Several honorees had family members who attended the event and shared in the excitement as their loved ones were called up to be recognized. Similarly, representatives of some of The Resource Center’s business partners attended the ceremony and celebrated with their employees.

Proudly holding the certificates they received for reaching a milestone year of employment are, from left, front row, Ronald Corson, Andy Dyckes, Desarae Rivera, Courtney Poitras, Alex Smith, and Jeffrey Schuster; and, back row, Christopher Davis, Darren Judkins, Julio Nazario, Josh Holsinger, Collin Leroy, and Richard Silsby.

As another way to celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month, TRC’s Employment Services staff asked Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund and Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz to issue proclamations, and both leaders graciously complied.

Mayor Ecklund invited representatives from The Resource Center to City Hall for a photo to commemorate the observance. Mayor Wdowiasz visited TRC’s Mary Andrews Center on East Chestnut Street to meet with employees and talk about the ways in which The Resource Center supports people with disabilities to have community-based jobs.

Pictured from left, MacKenzie Smith, Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund, Alex Smith, and Lynne Newman, The Resource Center’s em¬ployment services administrator, pose with the Mayor’s proclamation declaring October as NDEAM Month in the city. Alex and MacKenzie are supported through TRC’s Employ¬ment Services Program. In addition to issuing the proclamation, Mayor Ecklund also planned to have City Hall lit up in purple, pink, blue, red, and green October 29 and 30 in recognition of NDEAM.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the value and talent that workers with disabilities add to the workforce. The NDEAM 2024 theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All.” The Resource Center offers a variety of supports that help people with disabilities obtain and maintain jobs.

At TRC’s Allied Industries manufacturing centers in Dunkirk and Jamestown, workers with disabilities produce items for the federal government and local industries. TRC’s Environmental Services Division performs janitorial services at local businesses and governmental facilities. And TRC’s Employment Services Program assists people with disabilities in finding jobs and then provides job coaching so employees can be successful. By partnering with local businesses, The Resource Center supports more than 200 people with disabilities to have jobs.

Pictured with Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz’s proclamation are, from left, Paul Hurley from The Resource Center’s Employment Services Program; Ashley Winship, Sandy Korzeniewski, Nick Bell and Dylan Reed from TRC’s Allied Industries manufacturing division; Mayor Wdowiasz; Denise Jones, TRC’s executive directoor; Lynne Newman from TRC’s Employment Services; and Beth Ray, who works at the Mary Andrews Center and is an advisor for TRC’s Make a Mark self-advocacy group.

The Resource Center’s Resa Rosen-Murray was honored with a 2024 Code of Conduct Award by the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs.

The award ceremony took place at The Resource Center’s Senior Adult Day Habilitation Program in Jamestown. The program is for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, so holding the ceremony there gave Resa’s colleagues and the program’s participants the opportunity to celebrate with her.

Those honored with a Code of Conduct Award truly embody the Justice Center’s founding principles and ethical standards outlined in the Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs. As stated in the code, signed by all staff under Justice Center jurisdiction, award recipients have upheld their commitment to helping help people “live self-directed meaningful lives in their communities, free from abuse and neglect, and protected from harm.”

Awards are compiled by the NYS Justice Center each year. Winners are selected by the Justice Center’s Advisory Council – a group that provides guidance to the Justice Center in the development of policies, programs, and regulations. The council consists of service providers, people who have or are currently receiving services, their family members, and advocates.

“Our Code of Conduct Award is our way of paying tribute to those who go above and beyond in their daily work lives, and lead others by example,” said Justice Center Acting Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray. “Reading about Resa, I can tell she makes each day uniquely special – both for her staff and the individuals she serves. Thank you, for being a champion for our mission.”

Resa was selected for her leadership and loyalty to her work at The Resource Center – a career she’s held for 44 years. Those who work with Resa describe her as thoughtful, respectful, and never without a smile. An artist at heart, Resa displays her musical talents once a week for program participants, creating a warm, welcoming environment for those she serves.

Half of her career has been spent at TRC’s Senior Adult Day Habilitation Program in Jamestown, where she is a Direct Support Professional Lead. Resa is a strong advocate for the people she supports and will continue to push until a person’s needs are met. Her commitment to those she supports extends beyond the walls of the day program, as she has visited one of TRC’s homes to ensure residents are receiving the supports they need; if she notices something is amiss, she works with staff to address the situation. In such instances, Resa is viewed as a valued mentor to new employees and is able to call on her vast experience to demonstrate the proper ways that things should be done. Co-workers admire her professionalism, her dedication and her ability to lead by example.

 The Justice Center received more than 100 nominations for this year’s program. Five winners were selected from more than two dozen finalists. Each submission highlighted the dedicated members of our State’s human services workforce. Resource Center officials are proud Resa was chosen to receive the Code of Conduct Award.

“The Resource Center is truly fortunate and blessed to have Resa on our team. She is a shining example of commitment, dedication and a fierce advocate,” said Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer. “She cares deeply and centers her time and energy to ensure the betterment of the lives of the people we support. We are a better organization because of Resa and the example she provides to all.”

“Resa is a wonderful person and a dedicated and compassionate worker, and she is worthy of recognition by the Justice Center,” said Joanne Bevan, Assistant Executive Director. “Resa invests time into forming good working relationships with those she supports. Through this investment, she learns what is important to each person and uses that knowledge to help people advocate for themselves and reach their goals. Resa’s first concern is always for the people that we support. She is always professional and treats all she comes in contact with professionally. She epitomizes The Resource Center’s mission statement, values and beliefs.”

Officials from the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and The Arc New York also attended the event and praised Rosen-Murray on her selection for the Code of Conduct Award. Joshua Christiana, The Arc NY’s Director of Quality, Compliance and Chapter Relations, noted the organization’s 35 chapters have a combined 30,000 employees, and Resa was the only one to receive a Code of Conduct Award this year.

Maria Torgalski, OPWDD Regional Field Office Director, praised Resa and other DSPs for their commitment to prioritizing the safety of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities while also supporting them to experience the dignity of risk.

L-R, front, Joanne Bevan, Assistant Executive Director, TRC; Henry, self-advocate; Resa Rosen-Murray; Jamie-Lyn McCormick, Senior Quality and Compliance Specialist, The Arc New York; Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer, TRC; back row, Robert Miller, Executive Deputy Director, Justice Center; Anthony Fistola, Assistant Chief of Investigations, Justice Center; Maria Torgalski, Director – Region 1 Regional Field Office, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities; Joshua Christiana, Director of Quality, Compliance and Chapter Relations, The Arc NY.

For decades, New York state has not made adequate investments to sustain the essential programs and services people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) rely on. This systemic underfunding has driven us into a critical staffing crisis and eroded the core of New York’s system of supports for its citizens with I/DD.

We need support for a 7.8% Medicaid rate increase that truly reflects the cost of care. This means that every aspect of care, staff, housing, food, transportation, and more, receives the necessary resources to support the whole person.

We need to identify the gross disparity in pay between state-operations and non-profit providers.

We need to be included in and have access to capital funding, which supports the demands of aging facilities and does so in a manner that supports climate goals and lowers costs of operation.

Within the Executive Budget we are calling for:

• Investment in I/DD services through a 7.8% Medicaid rate increase to stabilize non-profit provider agencies.
• Creation of a Wage Commission to examine the roles and responsibilities of human service workers and establish fair, sustainable compensation standards commensurate with that work.
• Enhanced Capital Funding to help agencies modernize their operations, making them more energy-efficient and in alignment with the state’s climate goals.

These are more than just budget requests, they are a commitment to providing the stable care system that people with I/DD deserve.

Advocate Here!

The achievements of people with disabilities and the efforts of those who support them will be showcased when The Resource Center holds its 35^th Ability Awareness Awards Celebration on Thursday, November 7.

The luncheon will be held at Shorewood Country Club, 4958 West Lake Road in Dunkirk, from noon to 1:30.

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:

• Advocate of the Year – Michael Ostrye
• Business/Employer of the Year – Original Crunch Roll Factory
• Community Partnership Award – Laurie Reynolds
• Bruce Walford Community Service Award – Andrew Goodell
• Health Provider of the Year – Tammy Fardink
• Carl Cappa Humanitarian of the Year – Lake Shore Savings
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Dennis Webster
• Edwin Roth Mental Health Award – Jeff Axelson
• Outstanding Achievement Award – David C.
• Personal Success Award – Ashley Martin
• Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year – Heather C. Brown

In addition, Keith Gowan will receive an award for being honored by New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. NYSID selected Gowan for recognition through its annual William B. Joslin 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, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union and NYSID.

The cost to attend the luncheon is $30. Reservations are due by October 26. For more information or to pay for your reservation by check, phone 716-661-1477 or e-mail vicky.bardo@resourcecenter.org.

Those wishing to make a donation in honor of one of the award recipients may do so at The Resource Center’s web site or by mailing 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.

Responsible for the day-to-day administration of a variety of employee benefit programs, including medical insurance, dental insurance, voluntary benefits, retirement savings, PTO/CAT, holidays, and tuition reimbursement, etc.

Apply Here!

Able to effectively perform work in the following trades: electricity, carpentry, plumbing, and general maintenance with a high degree of proficiency.

Apply Here!

Modifies individuals’ behaviors through cognitive and behavioral programming techniques to ensure a productive lifestyle.  Serves as a member of the clinical team member by preparing and participating in interdisciplinary team meetings to exchange recommendations for improving individuals’ quality of life.  Provides behavioral guidance and support to direct care professionals through modeling and hands on training.

Apply Here!