Alliance Alert: Earlier today, Congress passed a federal budget framework that threatens to bring the largest Medicaid cuts in U.S. history—up to $880 billion in slashed funding that millions of Americans rely on for essential healthcare services. These cuts aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet—they’re a direct threat to the health, stability, and lives of children, older adults, people with disabilities, and working families across the country.

If allowed to move forward, these proposals will force states like New York to make impossible choices: reduce services, cut provider rates, or limit access for people who need these services. That means more people falling through the cracks, longer wait times for care, reduced mental health and substance use supports, and even more strain on hospitals, community providers, and local governments already stretched thin. We must not let this happen.

Now is the time for states to push back, and for people to speak out. Congress needs to hear that slashing Medicaid will have dangerous effects on all of us. We must demand that our federal representatives preserve the programs that protect our wellbeing.

The Alliance for Rights and Recovery urges all New Yorkers to contact their representatives and call for the protection of Medicaid and healthcare funding. This isn’t about politics—it’s about people. Our health and our communities are on the line.

You don’t have to start from scratch. Here are tools you can use to make your voice heard:

• Take Action Now: Use the Alliance’s Action Alert tool to quickly send a message to your representative.
• Share Your Story: Tell your Medicaid story through this SurveyMonkey form—add your name, location, photo, and why Medicaid matters to you.
• Use & Share the Facts: Medicaid Matters NY has created district-specific fact sheets for all 26 NY House districts. Print them, post them, bring them to meetings, or use them in emails and newsletters.
• Stay Informed: Visit the Medicaid Matters federal issues page for updates, articles, and advocacy resources.

Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union (SCFCU) recently announced it had renewed its $15,000 corporate sponsorship contribution to The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based non-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to support people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges in Chautauqua County.

As a corporate sponsor, SCFCU will receive recognition as a sponsor of the annual fund-raising events organized by The Resource Center and Filling the Gap.  Those events include the Ability Awareness Awards, TRC Golf Classic, Step Up for Autism, Laurel Memorial Run/Walk, Sassy Baggs & Beyond Blingo, and Mark Pacheco WOW Fund Lip Sync Battle.

“Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union is honored to support The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, Inc.,” said John Felton, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our organization believes in The Resource Center’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities to live meaningful lives. Our contribution is a reflection of our commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.”

“On behalf of myself and the employees of The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, we are appreciative of Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union’s commitment to our core mission,” said Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer.  “The support of community organizations like Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union allows us to fulfill our mission of helping people with disabilities to enjoy meaningful lives. We also recognize the wide-ranging impact John and his employees have on our community as well.”

Photo Caption: l to r – Dave Samuelson, Chief Lending Officer, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Teena Chau, Chief Tellering Operations Officer, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union,  Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer, The Resource Center, Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer, The Resource Center, Cindy Hitchcock, Chief Executive Officer, Filling the Gap, Inc., and Chris Anderson, Marketing Manager/TRC Golf Classic Chair, The Resource Center.

The Resource Center is the Chautauqua County Chapter of The Arc New York, the largest provider of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New York State.

The Resource Center took time recently to honor 12 employees for achieving certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals.

A celebration was held Wednesday at our Dunham Avenue building to honor those staff members who completed Direct Support Professional (DSP) III or Front Line Supervisor (FLS) certification during the fourth quarter of 2024:

• DSP-III: Natasha Buchanan, Karri Frank, June Hillman, Tabatha Stenstrom
• FLS: Laurie Berry, Amy Curtin, Becky Frederes, Lillian Gordon, Mike McCoy, Kim Overton, Jessica Ramirez, Phillip Sanborn

Mark Constantino and Amy Curtin

Joanne Bevan, Assistant Executive Director, welcomed people to the event. She noted that it takes a lot of time and work to achieve DSP-III and FLS certification. “We’re glad people see the importance of completing that.”

“The role of a DSP is substantial, complex, and the skills involved are countless,” said Mark Constantino, Director of Site-Based Services. “Not only do you assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attain their full potential, your national certification says you complete your job offering high-quality support.”

“This is a true testament to you guys investing in your own careers,” Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services, told the honorees.

Terri Johnson and Tabatha Stenstrom

“You make the world a better place for the people we’re here to support,” said Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer.

Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer, also congratulated the honorees and thanked them for their dedication.

Two members of TRC’s Board of Directors, John Felton and Donna Haenggi, attended the luncheon. John joined the Board last year, and he congratulated the honorees while applauding TRC’s commitment to its employees.

“The more I learn about TRC, the more impressed I am,” said John, adding he admires the way TRC supports its staff.

Mark Constantino and June Hillman

About 100 TRC employees have achieved NADSP certification. Many did so via a pilot project offered by NADSP and the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. Through the pilot, staff work toward national certification by taking courses in the NADSP’s E-Badge Academy for free.

TRC is able to participate in the pilot because we’re a member of the Collaborative of NY, an agency composed of 11 chapters of The Arc New York.

Rhonda Howard’s efforts at bolstering DEI within The Resource Center were recognized recently when she received a regional award for her leadership in this area.

Rhonda, Director of Human Resources, received an IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Awareness) Award from Buffalo Business First during the magazine’s IDEA Awards event. She was one of 20 people from throughout the eight-county Western New York region who were chosen to be honored at Business First’s sixth annual IDEA Awards celebration.

The event was sponsored by M&T Bank and the law firm of Phillips Lytle, LLC. Phillips Lytle officials nominated Rhonda for the IDEA Award because of her commitment to fostering DEI at TRC.

“On a daily basis, she supports employees of all identities and backgrounds by spearheading positive trainings and initiatives and facilitating conversations at all levels,” said Amanda Lowe, Esq., who is a partner at Phillips Lytle.

“Rhonda oversees development of comprehensive and inclusive policies, building and expansion of community relationships and partnerships, and supports individuals to identify and attain their valued outcomes. True to The Resource Center’s core tenet, Rhonda is a passionate and dedicated ally and advocate for people of all abilities to have the supports they need to succeed.”

Rhonda was instrumental in establishing TRC’s DEI Committee and implementing the agency’s DEI Statement. She also is part of the team that is working to develop our organization’s DEI Strategic Plan.

Amanda said Rhonda also has participated in DEI discussions at the State level.

“She served on a DEI panel at the Human Resources Professional Conference for the disability provider community,” Amanda noted. “This panel provided valuable insights on the importance of DEI in the workplace. She was also selected as a regional representative for the New York State Community of Practice on DEI in Developmental Disabilities. This initiative sought participation from intellectual and developmental disability provider agencies, self-advocates and Care Coordination Organizations who are passionate about or want to contribute to DEI efforts.”

When asked by Business First for advice on how to make workplaces more inclusive, Rhonda responded, “Listen and take feedback. Have channels to communicate what works and what doesn’t work. Be open to creating safe spaces, engaging in conversations that may not be comfortable and where you may not know what the right thing is to say. If you get it wrong, own it, apologize and learn from it. Invite others who might not be at the table to help your organization or team solve challenges to create more opportunity.

“When we hear people, when we see people, when we treat people with respect and dignity, always, you create inclusivity.”

Resource Center officials were pleased that Howard was selected for an IDEA Award.

“Rhonda has been purposeful and dedicated in guiding our organization as we have enhanced our commitment to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of DEI,” said Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer. “It’s wonderful to see Rhonda’s efforts be recognized at the regional level through this award.”

She becomes the third TRC employee to receive an IDEA Award. In 2021, Beth Jermain, Support Option Administrator, and Jessica Smith, Director of Corporate Compliance and Auditing, were honored for supporting people with developmental disabilities to enjoy self-directed lives.

Britnie Barmore, Joan Scalise and Nancy Scott recently were honored with The Resource Center’s top staff awards for 2024.

Britnie, who has worked for TRC since 2014, received the Norma J. Smith Award for excellence in providing direct supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was honored for her efforts in supporting people to enjoy self-directed lives. Britnie has supported people through major developments in their lives, particularly in learning about their early years and making connections with long-lost family members.

“She knows the people she supports and is able to help each person live a fulfilled life,” said a co-worker, Deseree Johnson, who added that Britnie is a fierce advocate for the people she supports people in obtaining the services they need. “This isn’t just a job to her; this is part of her life.”

The award was created in memory of the late Norma Smith, who worked as a direct support professional at The Resource Center from 1983 to 1991. The honor recognizes excellence exhibited by an employee in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mark Constantino, Director of Site-Based Services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, presents the Norma J. Smith Award to Britnie Barmore. Looking on are Denise Jones, TRC’s Chief Executive Officer, and Melissa Rasmussen, a longtime TRC employee who is Norma Smith’s daughter.

Joan, who joined The Resource Center in 1987, received the Joseph Trusso Jr. Employee of the Year Award. As Assistant Director of Finance with responsibility over agency budgets, Joan has done a good job supporting personnel from throughout the organization develop their departmental budgets, and she is adept at effectively explaining financial matters in a way that non-financial people can understand, according to Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer.

“Her work alone is tremendously impactful for agency operations, but also to be recognized is her dedication to TRC mission,” said Michele Albaugh, Director of Staff Training & Development and Agency Facilitation. “She doesn’t forget that the work she does directly impacts service recipients in all departments of the agency.”

The award is named in memory of the late Joe Trusso, who served on The Resource Center’s board of directors for 38 years and was a strong advocate for TRC employees and people with disabilities.

Joan Scalise holds her Employee of the Year Award while posing with, from left, Resa Rosen-Murray, Donna Trusso, Denise Jones, TRC’s Chief Executive Officer, and Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer. Resa and Donna, both longtime TRC employees, are relatives of the award’s namesake, Joe Trusso.

Nancy, who has worked at The Resource Center since 2019, received the Allied Industries Employee of the Year Award. She was honored for the way she performs her job as a Production Lead at TRC’s Jamestown manufacturing facility.

“Nancy has the respect and admiration of her peers, management and our customers. She is reliable, efficient, and knowledgeable about everything in the pack department,” said Dan Micek, Production Superintendent. “Nancy leads by example with a can-do attitude, she is always looking for ways to improve the department.  She is friendly and easy to approach. She is a team player, she is always helpful and the go-to person for her co-workers and management when issues arise.”

The three were honored during The Resource Center’s 40^th annual Employee Service Recognition Luncheon, which was held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron.

Nancy Scott holds her Allied Industries Employee of the Year Award while posing with, from left, Dan Micek, Production Superintendent; Dr. Dawn Columbare, Vice Chair of TRC’s Board of Directors; Ashley Winship, Director of Business Operations; and Nick Bell, Director of Allied Production Operations.

Other employees nominated for the Smith, Trusso or Allied awards were Jason Basile, Courtney Chapman, Kristen Farmer, Leslie Fickling, Briana Green, Jodie Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Kaitlin Kell, Matthew Makuch, Michael McCoy, Charles Nobbs, Shanon Odebralski, Matthew Olson, William Paul, Kreana Peru, Sara Skinner, Cheryl Stow, Ashlee Terry, Stephanie Thomas, and Terry Williams.

Members of the awards selection committee were Kevin Anderson, Victoria Bardo, Bonnie DeJoy, Verna Dickinson, Leslie DiNapoli, Marcos Figueroa, Deseree Johnson, Melissa Rasmussen, Wendy Stimson, Donna Trusso, and Jane Young.

Combined, they have more than 2,000 years of service with The Resource Center. And the contributions of those 141 people were celebrated when TRC held its 40^th Employee Service Recognition Luncheon.

The event, held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron, honored employees and members of the board of directors who, during 2024, reached milestone years of service with The Resource Center.

The longest-serving employees recognized at this year’s event were Cynthia Miller, who is a cleaner (45 years), and Kathy Constantino, staff assistance specialist (40 years).

Cynthia Miller receives her award for 45 years of service from Rhonda Howard, Director of Human Resources.

Kathy Constantino receives her award for 40 years of service from Rhonda Howard, Director of Human Resources.

Honored for 35 years of service with TRC were Sherry Carnes, imaging specialist; Robbie Dickey, cleaner; Donna Eddy, day services supervisor; Beth Jermain, support option administrator; Karen Silzle, self-determination assistant; and Karen Williamson, direct support professional lead.

From left are 35-year honorees Sherry Carnes, Donna Eddy and Beth Jermain.

Those completing 30 years of employment were Heather C. Brown, Heather Burch, Ronald Corson, Sarah Curran, Kristen Farmer, Lisa Gross, Ann McKillip, and Evelyn Wright-Kegelmyer.

From left are 30-year honorees Ronald Corson, Heather C. Brown, Kristen Farmer, Lisa Gross, Ann McKillip, and Evelyn Wright-Kegelmyer.

Recognized for 25 years of service were Sabrina Avery, Marie Carrubba, Brian Crawford, Susan Engstrom, Rosanna Hatfield, Jamie Intihar, Jodie Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Kevin Konko, and Marcia Restivo.

From left are 25-year honorees Marie Carrubba, Marcia Restivo, Jamie Intihar, Sabrina Avery, and Rosanna Hatfield.

Honored for 20 years of service were Debra Adams, Ned Battle, William Bowler, Shelly Coleson, Christine Cook, Shirley DeGolier, Tammy Fardink,  R. Michael Goldman, Carla MacTavish, Tammy Marks, Maureen Peterson, Ashley Piazza, Robert Radack, Jeffrey Schuster, Gregory Slagle, Cheryl Stow, and Penny Woodring,

From left are 20-year honorees Tammy Fardink, Shelly Coleson, Maureen Peterson, Penny Woodring, Jeffrey Schuster, Debra Adams, and William Bowler.

Completing 15 years of service in 2024 were Robert Bialaszewski, Annmarie Bonfiglio-Davis, Benjamin Burkhart, Jason Carnahan, Christopher Davis, Verna Dickinson, Michael Duncanson, Deja Ferrara, Carol Hanson, David Hedstrand, Nancy Johnson, Roy Knight, Gerald Lundberg, Michael Makuch, Jade Peterson, Lisa Rios, Allison Urbanski, Michael VanVlack, and Michael Winship.

From left are 15-year honorees Nancy Johnson, Annmarie Bonfiglio-Davis, Christopher Davis, Verna Dickinson, Allison Urbanski, and Lisa Rios.

Recognized for 10 years of service were Tania Alfonso, Christopher Anderson, Jon Annis, Britnie Barmore, Alex Berdine, Donna Bloss, Singen Bowler, Joanne Campbell, Timothy Carlson, Larissa Catanese, Wendy Doutt, Kelly Edwards. Donna Haenggi, Jessica Hagle, Stefanie Howie, Sarah Knuth, Richard Meek, Kay Miller, Kolleen Nary, Rosa Otero-Pagan, Maggie Rivera, Harold Roberts, Ashley Russell, Luz Santana, Martin Seekings, Andrea Shierling, Michael Tilyou, and Sandra Young.

From left are 10-year honorees Sandra Young, Britnie Barmore, Christopher Anderson, Kay Miller, Donna Haenggi, Singen Bowler, Wendy Doutt, Kolleen Nary, Andrea Shierling, Ashley Russell, and Kelly Edwards.

Those who last year completed five years of service with TRC were James Addington, Nicole Armentrout, Jason Basile, Nicholas Bell, Savannah Brown, Candace Bush, Shayna Caine, Pedro Casado, Elimaries Correa, Abigail Courtney, Ifraim Cruz, Laura Cummings, Timothy Danielson, Kim Davis, Sean Davis, Ricki DeGolier, Bonnie DeJoy, Terrena Derby, Alex Dirling, Rachel Echevarria, Ashley Emke, Sterling Feaster, Paul Giannini, Timothy Gifford, Lisa Goodell, Lillian Gordon, James Haick, Cody Hardinger, Jessica Harley, Elena Hernandez, Rhonda Howard, Susan Ingersoll, Sandra Korzeniewski, Jaime Lauffenburger, Jenna Mosher, Leah Mosier, Julio Nazario, Alexis Nelson, Ryan Nordine, Amie Norton, Juan Pagan Hernandez, Steven Parker, Jordan Peters, Satori Powell, Samantha Sanchez, Nancy Scott, Dr. Cain Sonney, Francy Swartz, Kassandra Tilyou, Nancheska Torres, and Danielle Williams.

Welcoming remarks were given by Dr. Dawn Columbare, the vice chair of TRC’s Board of Directors.

“On behalf of the Board, I am honored to bring you our thanks for your dedication to meeting the mission of The Resource Center. Whether you are one of our honorees, a team member supporting our honorees, a family member, or a volunteer, we appreciate your heartfelt commitment and dedication to maximizing the quality of life of everyone we serve,” Dawn said.

“If you are a staff member, you undoubtedly contribute to the success of your team and foster an environment where you, your co-workers and the people we serve can thrive,” Dawn added. “You help us gain greater heights every day, and we sincerely thank you for your contributions to the success in meeting our mission.”

Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer, gave the closing remarks.

“I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all of our honorees,” Denise said. “Your commitment, teamwork and loyalty make all the difference for your co-workers and the people we support. Every day, you are contributing to something much larger than ourselves. Whether it’s a breakthrough moment, a milestone in someone’s journey, or the consistent knowledge and support you provide, you are creating a lasting impact in people’s lives.

“While we are here to celebrate the incredible service milestones you have reached, let us also remember our work is never done.  Each of your journeys inspire us to continue striving for greater inclusion, understanding and respect for our mission and the people we support.”

Under the oversight of the AED/IDD Services, ensures the provision of nursing services within the Agency; ensures the coordination of healthcare between the individual and the providers of healthcare. Provides administrative and clinical supervision to the Nurse Managers and other designated nurses within the Agency. Ensures the continuous maintenance of appropriate nursing services and adequate staffing. Ensures the ongoing education of nursing staff consistent with changes in healthcare and clinical practices. Responsible for reviewing and analyzing information in an effort to identify any potential trends and submits recommendations/plans of action in response to identified trends and issues.

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The Production Superintendent has the responsibility of supervising all aspects of production and manufacturing throughout all TRC Allied Industries manufacturing facilities. Managing through direct reports all plant and shop floor functions including but not limited to: direction and supervision of personnel, efficient use of equipment; proper utilization of manufacturing supplies and coordination with the shop floor controls required. Works with minimal direction, organizing and supervising production planning and work flow in order to meet customer shipment schedules. Primary work site is the Jamestown Allied Industries production plant. Incumbent is expected to assume production management responsibilities at other facilities operated and/or subcontracted by TRC Allied Industries as needed or assigned.

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Under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist, will contribute to the assessment and evaluation of consumers’ needs, and plan and implement a treatment program to help meet the identified needs. Treatment may be provided through the use of gross motor, sensorimotor or activities of daily living techniques.  Treatment may be implemented through the use of creative, recreational, and self-help activities, to enable individuals to achieve his/her optimal level of productivity and gross motor potential.

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Responsible for the safe transportation of ambulatory and non-ambulatory clients from residence to programming areas.

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