Sunny weather and friendly competition highlighted the 30th annual TRC Golf Classic, which raised over $78,000 to improve the lives of people with special needs in Chautauqua County. This officially brings the tournament’s cumulative net proceeds to over $2 million since the event was first held in 1997.

Thirty foursomes competed in the tournament, held July 20 at Moon Brook Country Club near Jamestown. Winning the tournament with a score of 115 in the two-best-ball of four, was the team of Mike Bird, Jeff Keppel, Todd Conklin, and Jerome Lee Yaw. They will have their names engraved on the champions’ trophy, which is called The Gregg Bender Cup in honor of the retired TRC employee and former longtime chair of the tournament’s steering committee.

Earning top honors in the first flight with a score of 117 was the team Rob Foti, Dave Foti, Craig Lundgren, and Pete Morgante. Finishing atop flight two with a 120 was the team of Dan Bender, Joe Cala, Rob Bender, and Gregg Bender.

Once the tournament concluded, the traditional Special Olympics putting contest took place. 14 athletes participated, with each Special Olympian getting one chance to make a lengthy putt. The competitor whose ball entered the hole was Josh Holsinger.

Following appetizers and a buffet dinner prepared by Moon Brook staff, awards were presented to the top teams in the tournament, and prize drawings were held. Kelly Dimitri, TRC’s chief operating officer, thanked the golfers for participating in the tournament, which raises money to support people with disabilities in Chautauqua County.

For the 15th straight year, Lake Shore Bank was the presenting sponsor. Other major sponsors were HM Insurance Group, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, the Winifred Crawford Dibert Foundation Fund, Bryans & Gramuglia, Fenton Mobility, Gallagher, Jamestown Container Companies, Kinetic – Internet Service Provider, Ocean State Innovations, The Post-Journal, and USI Insurance.

Hole and specialty sponsors included Allied Alarm Services, Arthur R. Gren Company, Bond, Schoeneck & King, Collaborative Children’s Solutions, Comparion Insurance Agency, Conrad Office Products, Courier Capital, Davis-Ulmer Fire Protection, DoubleTree by Hilton Jamestown, EYM Enterprise, Fredonia Beaver Club, FSC Systems, Graf Realty, Gugino & Ryel Financial, HCH Interiors, Health System Services, Independent Health, Inscale Architects, Integrated MedCraft, Jamestown Awning, Jamestown Macadam Inc. (JMI), Jamestown Mattress, Jennifer and Paul Capitano, Joe and Terry Ribaudo, KeyBank, Kinley Contractors, Klice Lawn & Landscaping, LaBella Associates, Lake Shore Paving, LUV Toyota, M.J. Foley Co., Phil and Cindy Ribaudo, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, PPR Energy Solutions, Pucci Carpet One Furniture & Bedding, Rand Community Philanthropic Foundation, Sally and Jim Jaroszynski, SKF USA Inc., Shults Auto Group, SM Cristall, Tabone Southtown’s Sealing, Twinstar Business Solutions, TRC’s Executive Management Team, UPMC Chautauqua, WCA Foundation, Weber Knapp Company, Winning Tree, YKK Tape Craft Corporation, and Youngsville Hardware.

The following donated items: ACME The Appliance Store, Cable Hollow GC, Charcuterie by Carrie, Chautauqua Golf Club, Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, DFT Communications, EYM Enterprise, Fredonia Beaver Club, Jason Stronz, Johnston Paper, Kinetic – Internet Service Provider, Inscale Architects, Mike Goldman, Mike Roberts – Allied Alarm Systems, Textile Network, South Hills Country Club, Smokin’ Bear Cigars, Southern Tier Brewing Company, Southern Tier Distilling Company, Tim Hortons Southern Tier, and ZTS Management LLC.

The tournament’s success is due in large part to the efforts of its steering committee: Chris Anderson, chair; Gregg Bender, chair emeritus; Nicholas Bell, Daniel Bender, Anthony Cusimano, Adam Dimitri, John Felton, R. Michael Goldman, Carrie Graham, John Gullo, Cindy Hitchcock, Sarah Pillittieri, Phil Ribaudo, Mike Roberts, Patrick Smeraldo, Jason Stronz, Victoria Bardo, Timur Tyra, Ben Windoft, Tad Wright, and Gary Yager.

Also critical to the tournament’s success were the contributions of its other event-day volunteers: Michele Albaugh, Chris Anderson, Kevin Anderson, Victoria Bardo, Theresa Butts, Kayla DePane, Kelly Dimitri, Dick Erickson, Kathy Field, John Gullo, Cindy Hitchcock, Austin Mitchell, Jacqueline C. Phelps, Sarah Pillittieri, Karen Silzle, and Steve Waterson.

“The 30th annual TRC Golf Classic marked an incredible milestone, pushing the tournament’s cumulative fundraising total beyond $2 million,” Chris Anderson, TRC Golf Classic Chair said. “This is truly an amazing accomplishment. The weather was perfect, and Moon Brook Country Club was in superb condition.

“The success of the TRC Golf Classic is made possible through the generous financial support of our sponsors, the dedication of our many volunteers, and the outstanding efforts of the staff at Moon Brook Country Club. Together, they make a lasting difference in the lives of people throughout our community. It is an honor to lead such a successful and meaningful event and to work alongside a dedicated committee whose commitment helps ensure the tournament’s continued success.”

TRC Golf Classic proceeds benefit Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based not-for-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges. Money raised through the tournament is directed to The Resource Center TRC Foundation Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Filling the Gap annually awards grants utilizing some of the money raised through TRC Golf Classic and other events.

The 31st TRC Golf Classic is tentatively scheduled for July 19, 2027. Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can contact Anderson at 716-483-2344, ext 90167.

Pictured from left are the members of the winning team: Mike Bird, Jerome Lee Yaw, and Jeff Keppel (Todd Conklin was absent from photo)

Josh Holsinger, right, won the Special Olympics putting contest. He is pictured with Kevin Anderson, left, a Resource Center employee and Special Olympics golf coach.

Dan and Beth Hocking, Owners of ACME The Appliance Store, recently donated a GE Washer/Dryer Set that was used for a drawing to support the 30^th Anniversary TRC Golf Classic.

The TRC Golf Classic is the major annual fund-raising event for 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. In its first 29 years, the tournament has netted over $1.92 million for the TRC Foundation Fund, which raises money to improve the lives of people with disabling conditions in Chautauqua County.

“The Resource Center is more than an organization—it’s a cornerstone of our community. By empowering people with disabilities to live richer, more independent lives, it strengthens families, enriches neighborhoods, and reminds us that a truly thriving community is one where everyone has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and succeed.” said Dan Hocking.  “ACME the Appliance Store is pleased to once again serve as a community partner and donate this GE Washer/Dryer Set to help raise money for the TRC Golf Classic.  Beth and I believe that strong communities are built by investing in people. We are honored to support The Resource Center and its mission of empowering individuals to realize their full potential and lead meaningful, independent lives.”

Pictured l to r – Kim Davis, Janel McIntyre and Kay Davis, Special Olympics Athletes with Dan Hocking, Owner, ACME The Appliance Store.

If you have been on Facebook Reels the last day or two, you have probably seen some very concerned people expressing displeasure with a recent Department of Justice memo regarding integration.  Read more here ANCOR Issues Statement on Department of Justice Integration Mandate Memo | ANCOR

PLEASE take a moment to use BOTH of these one clicks to show support for people with ID/D.   

• Tell Congress: Protect Medicaid From Further Cuts | ANCOR
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Don’t let years of advocacy slip away!

In accordance with its by-laws, The Resource Center will hold its General Membership Meeting and Election on Monday, June 8, in TRC’s Administrative Office Building at 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with light refreshments. The business portion of the meeting will begin at about 6:00. Active Members of The Resource Center who are in good standing (those who are current in their membership dues) are invited to participate in the meeting and to vote in the Election and on any business items that arise.

Those planning to attend the meeting should park in the rear lot and use the entrance at the top of the ramp.

** Active Members in good standing who are unable to attend the meeting are encouraged to vote in the Election online. Click here to cast your vote.

The meeting should last about one hour. The tentative agenda is as follows:

1. Call to Order
2. Presentation – “TRC’s Direct Support Learning Center of Excellence”
3. Approval of the minutes of the 2025 General Membership Meeting
4. Board Chair’s Report – Dr. Dawn Columbare
5. Board Treasurer’s Report – Marie Carrubba, Esq.
6. Chief Executive Officer’s Report – Denise Jones
7. Election
8. Recognition of Outgoing Directors Timothy Adam and Donna Haenggi
9. Adjournment

The Nominating Committee — composed of Kathy Field, Chair; Laurie Goold, Dr. Jessica Gugino, Mary Jo Hamilton, and Rebecca Hamlet Kapple — has proposed the following candidates for Officers and Directors of the Board of The Resource Center, as well as candidates to serve on the Nominating Committee for the 2027 Election:

Officers (one-year term)
Chair — Dawn Columbare, DNP
Vice Chair — Todd Jacobson, MD
Secretary — Lisa Goodell
Treasurer — Marie Carrubba, Esq.

Directors (two-year term)
John Felton
Robert Goold
Gwendolyn Loomis
Barbara Stewart
Daniel Tota

Nominating Committee (one-year term)
Kathy Constantino
Kathleen Gradel, Ed.D.
Jessica Gugino, Ph.D.
Rebecca Hamlet Kapple
Amy Pembridge

For more information or to indicate you plan to attend the meeting, phone 716-483-2344.

** If you have not paid your 2026 TRC Membership dues, click here to make a secure, online payment. Your membership demonstrates your commitment to The Resource Center’s mission.  In these challenging times, your support of TRC is extremely important. People who pay the $10 Annual membership dues (or the $100 Lifetime dues) receive a Membership Card entitling them to discounts at more than 40 local businesses.

Robin Kestler recently was honored as New York State’s Direct Support Professional of the Year by ANCOR, a national association for community-based disability service providers.

Robin, who retired last fall after a 30-year career at The Resource Center, was honored April 23 in Boston during ANCOR’s annual conference.

Robin is part of ANCOR’s largest-ever class of DSP of the Year honorees, with 57 outstanding professionals being chosen from a record-breaking 544 nominations from around the country. One honoree was chosen as each state’s DSP of the Year, and ANCOR selected several other people for special awards.

TRC officials are excited that Robin was chosen for the award.

“We are absolutely thrilled that ANCOR selected Robin as its DSP of the Year in New York State. To be chosen as the Empire State’s honoree among many other worthy nominees speaks volumes to Robin’s commitment, dedication and devotion to the people we support,” said Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer.

“Robin’s a real trailblazer, and her career exemplifies the transformative power of community-based, person-centered supports and services. Her efforts have resulted in true community inclusion for the people we support.”

ANCOR, a national association for community-based disability service providers, began its annual DSP awards in 2007. The awards recognize outstanding DSPs who deliver long-term services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

ANCOR officials said the awards celebrate the important role DSPs play in ensuring people with I/DD have what they need to thrive and be included in the community.

“Celebrating the nation’s most outstanding direct support professionals is one of the great joys I have as a leader within the national provider community, and Robin Kestler is a perfect reminder why,” said Lori Kress, the President of ANCOR’s Board of Directors. “Each of this year’s honorees exemplifies what it means to deliver supports that are truly person-centered, and each one demonstrates what it means to be a bridge between people and their communities.”

ANCOR said the awards also seek to raise awareness about a direct support workforce in crisis, maintaining that inadequate investments in this workforce have led to a decades-long shortage of DSPs. ANCOR officials believe these challenges are on the brink of getting worse in light of cuts to Medicaid — which funds the majority of services DSPs deliver — at the federal level and in many states.

“Being recognized with a DSP of the Year Award is a tremendous honor every year,” said Barbara Merrill, ANCOR’s CEO. “And the timing couldn’t be better, as funding cuts at the federal level and in many states mean that our nation’s direct support professionals need recognition now more than ever.”

Robin Kestler holds her DSP of the Year Award while posing with Lori Kress, the President of ANCOR’s Board of Directors, at the awards ceremony in Boston. 

This marks the second time Robin has received ANCOR’s DSP of the Year Award. She also earned the honor in 2007. Two other TRC employees also have received ANCOR’s DSP of the Year Award: Jennifer Herron was ANCOR’s DSP of the Year for New York State in 2022, while Stephanie Giorgenti was the honoree in 2016.

Watch the short video of Robin receiving her award.

About ANCOR

For more than 55 years, ANCOR has sought to advance the future of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the trusted conduit of resources for providers, policymakers and the public, ANCOR enhances providers’ ability to support people with I/DD to be fully included and empowered in their communities.

A group of people at The Resource Center recently conducted a successful food drive to benefit a local church pantry, and they plan to do more to help the church and community.

The Building Community Through Service group at TRC’s Gateways PROS (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services) Center for Wellness in Dunkirk spent about two months collecting food for The Fred Basket food pantry at Fredonia Presbyterian Church. The drive was a success, yielding 150 items weighing a combined 124 pounds. Donations were received from within The Resource Center and from the community.

Church officials were grateful for the contribution and said the food drive exemplifies what the community is about.

“Food is basic, but it’s never just food; it’s dignity, care and connection,” said the Reverend Holly Clark-Porter. “This partnership shows the strength of a community that refuses to let its neighbors go without. When we show up for each other like this, we become stronger together. That’s what The Fred Basket is all about. That’s what this entire community is all about, and it shows each time good folks like The Resource Center show up.”

Jaala Haskins, employment/education specialist at Gateways PROS, and Ke-Khee Greenough, behavioral health clinician, facilitated the Building Community Through Service (BCTS) group members. They said the group took on the project to develop vocational skills and create community integration. Jaala said group members chose The Fred Basket as the beneficiary of the food drive due to the church’s “commitment to providing accessible, high-quality nutrition to families in the area.”

“Partnering with Pastor Holly Clark-Porter allowed our students to see exactly where their hard work was going: directly into the hands of those who need it most,” Jaala said.

She explained that to promote the food drive, BCTS students engaged in “foot marketing” by hand-delivering flyers to community businesses.

“They practiced professional communication and networking with community anchors like the Darwin R. Barker Library and local grocery stores, learning how to represent a cause with poise and persistence,” Jaala said. She added that group members knew their marketing efforts were successful when a community member dropped off food after having seen a flyer advertising the food drive.

In addition to the satisfaction they felt from conducting a successful food drive, BCTS students “mastered logistics, inventory management and professional advocacy” as part of their goal to build life roles that lead to competitive employment and education, Jaala said.

“They experienced the shift from being service recipients to being community providers, proving that they have the stamina, organizational skills and heart to succeed in any professional environment.”

Jaala said the BCTS students will continue to support the church while also looking to assist other organizations.

“We are very excited about the future of BCTS. We have solidified an ongoing partnership with the Fredonia Presbyterian Church to provide continued support for any additional assistance or projects they may have. Looking ahead, the group is preparing to launch a new drive specifically for everyday hygiene essentials, as we’ve identified a critical need for these items in our local area.”

She added, “We remain actively open to new volunteer opportunities across North County. Our goal is to continue finding diverse ways for our students to build their vocational portfolios while giving back to the community that supports them.”

Jaala Haskins, left, and Ke-Khee Greenough, right, pose with members of the Building Community Through Service group while delivering the food they collected.

Denise Jones has again been named one of the most influential people in Western New York by a regional business publication.

Denise, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer, was included in Buffalo Business First’s annual “Power 250” list of the business leaders whose guidance and influence shape WNY. This marks the 11^th straight year Denise has appeared on the list. She is ranked No. 147.

A TRC employee since 1990, Denise was named CEO in 2015. Under her leadership, The Resource Center has posted positive net operating results for 11 straight years.

Buffalo Business First noted that TRC is the region’s fifth-largest non-profit organization, with an annual operating budget of about $100 million. The agency has more than 1,100 employees across three separate business lines: supports and services for people with disabilities; clinical services that are available to anyone in the community; and a manufacturing division that performs subcontracting work for area industry and the federal government.

TRC officials were proud that Denise has again been recognized by Business First.

“It is an extraordinary accomplishment to be named to the Business First Power 250 list for the 11th straight year,” said Dr. Dawn Columbare, who chairs TRC’s Board of Directors. “This accomplishment is a credit to Denise’s exemplary leadership of a complex, county-wide organization whose services range from caring for every aspect of the lives of the individuals with disabilities we serve, to our manufacturing businesses and our clinical services.”

In addition to being influential in Western New York region, Denise plays important roles with disability service organizations at the regional, state and national levels. She serves on the Boards of the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York and The Collaborative of New York; is treasurer of The Arc New York Executive Directors Association; and is the secretary/treasurer of the board for ACCSES, which represents community-based organizations that support people with disabilities across the country. Denise also has served on the Boards of local organizations, including the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

Jones, who was born and raised in Jamestown, obtained an associate degree from Jamestown Community College before earning her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Binghamton University. She later received a master of science in strategic leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College.

Area military veterans and their guests will enjoy a beautiful night April 18 at the annual gala for the CHQ Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project.

The event will be held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron. A social hour begins at 5:00, with dinner served at 6:00. A program and dancing will follow. This year’s gala theme is “Bella Notte,” which means “beautiful night” in Italian.

The event’s guest speaker will be Dr. Joseph Pfadt, a retired major in the U.S. Army National Guard. Pfadt founded Warriors to Washington, a non-profit organization that sponsors trips to the nation’s capital for northwestern Pennsylvania veterans and their guests so they can tour national landmarks. He also conceived of the idea for the Tom Ridge Environment Center on Presque Isle State Park. Currently, Pfadt heads the Oliver Hazard Perry Shipyard, a non-profit that spearheads a project to bring a Perry class frigate to Erie and establish it as a museum.

Musical entertainment will be provided by violinist Lori Hull, a retired Army lieutenant colonel. Hull learned to play the violin to relieve stress while stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, where she was responsible for the medical plans for Reserve units brigade combat teams before they deployed to Iraq.

There is no charge for veterans to attend the gala. Each veteran may reserve a seat for one guest by making a $20 refundable deposit. Additional guests and non-veterans may attend by paying a $60 non-refundable, per-person fee. Checks should be made payable to The Resource Center and be mailed or delivered to The Resource Center’s 200 Dunham Avenue location.

Reservations are due April 1 by emailing DreAnn Csorba, the Director of the Dwyer Chautauqua Program, at dwyer.director@resourcecenter.org. When making reservations, people should indicate their meal selection from among these options: chicken parmesan, prime rib, stuffed sole, or butternut squash risotto.

“We are putting so much heart into creating a memorable, Italian-inspired evening,” Csorba said, “from décor and entertainment to special surprises throughout the night. We can’t wait to gather, celebrate and enjoy a wonderful night together honoring our veterans and their families.”

The Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project is a non-clinical program that pairs veterans with other veterans. Last year, Dwyer Chautauqua supported more than 400 local veterans and their families. Group members engage in a variety of activities each month. New members are welcome. The program is operated by The Resource Center. For more information, phone Csorba at 716-661-1447, extension 80091.

Don Traynor, Jacob Schweinsberg and William Dorman were honored with The Resource Center’s top staff awards for 2025.

Don, who has worked for TRC since 1993, received the Joseph Trusso Jr. Employee of the Year Award. He was chosen for the award based on his efforts in supporting employees at The Resource Center and similar organizations in achieving certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals.

When The Resource Center and the other organizations that comprise The Collaborative of New York received a grant to support their employees in attaining NADSP certification, Don willingly took on a leadership role. As a local administrator for the grant, he supported two other agencies while also assisting two other local administrators as they supported the rest of the organizations. Don has provided in-person and virtual training, phone call support and technical help. He took on these additional responsibilities while supporting TRC staff as they seek NADSP certification and performing his regular duties as the staff learning and development training coordinator.

Through Don’s efforts, more than 100 people have achieved NADSP certification. “Don’s commitment to the development of direct support professional and frontline supervisory staff who are rooted in ethics, skills and competencies directly enhances services and supports to people,” said Michele Albaugh, Director of Staff Learning and Development. “He lives the mission and is making a difference at TRC as well as with the organizations in The Collaborative of New York.”

Don is committed to assisting direct support staff to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to provide high-quality supports to people with disabilities. Evelyn Wright-Kegelmyer, Administrative Support Coordinator in TRC’s Human Resources Department, said Don’s dedication stems from his long career, which has included 10 years providing direct supports to people with disabilities and more than two decades supporting staff to perform at their best.

“If you were to roll out Don’s 33-year journey with TRC into a neat, statistical timeline that noted the impact he has made with his co-workers and people supported, it would be apparent that from the beginning Don has worked to enhance the independence and integration of individuals with disabilities,” she said.

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.

Don Traynor holds his Employee of the Year Award while posing with, from left, Resa Rosen-Murray, who has worked at The Resource Center for 45 years; Donna Trusso, who retired last year after a 39-year TRC career; Michele Albaugh, TRC’s Director of Staff Learning and Development; and Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer. Resa and Donna are relatives of the award’s namesake, Joe Trusso.

Jacon received the Norma J. Smith Award for excellence in providing direct supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He joined The Resource Center in 2023, and in his role as a Community Coach he supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their efforts to achieve their employment goals. Supervisors praised Jacob for his knack for bringing fun to TRC’s Community Pre-Vocational Services Program, such as designing hands-on games that have a vocation theme. He also came up with the idea to of presenting a monthly award to recognize someone for the progress they’ve made in their employment journey.

“What truly sets Jacob apart is his ability to personalize and tailor services to meet the unique needs and interests of each person,” said Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services. “Jacob empowers people to take the lead in their employment path, building confidence and self-esteem along the way.”

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.

Jacob Schweinsberg holds his Norma J. Smith Award while posing with, from left, Melissa Rasmussen, a longtime TRC employee who is Norma Smith’s daughter; Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services; and Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer.

Bill, who has worked at The Resource Center since 1997, received the Allied Industries Employee of the Year Award. He was honored for the way he performs his job as a production worker at TRC’s Jamestown manufacturing facility. Bill is skilled at multiple manufacturing positions, and with his many years of knowledge and experience he willingly shares his wisdom and trains others.

When faced with a challenge, Bill “rolls up his sleeves and does what is required with a true can-do, get-‘er-done attitude,” noted Tim Lyon, Materials Manager, who nominated Bill for the award. “He is a great example for all of his co-workers and a positive influence wherever he works. Allied Industries is more successful because of Bill’s hard work and dedication.”

Two co-workers also nominated Bill, saying that he shows up for work, on time, every day, and that he is a hard worker who assists others.

Bill Dorman holds his Allied Industries Employee of the Year Award while posing with, from left, Nick Bell, Director of Allied Production Operations; Dan Micek, Production Superintendent; Ashley Winship, Director of Business Operations; and Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer.

Bill, Don and Jacob received their awards during The Resource Center’s 41^st Employee Service Recognition Luncheon, which was held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron.

New York’s disability community is at a critical moment.

Over the past five years, the cost of everyday essentials like groceries and gas has increased 23.7%, and minimum wage has risen 26.5%. Yet funding for supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has increased only 15.8%.

That gap has real consequences for individuals who rely on services, families who depend on stability, and for the dedicated staff who provide care every day.

DDAWNY is joining partners across the state in urging the Legislature and the Governor to include meaningful investments in the final SFY 2026–27 New York State Budget:

• A 2.7% targeted inflationary adjustment to Medicaid reimbursement rates, including CCOs
• Restoration of the OPWDD Healthcare Enhancement Program
• Inclusion of key affordable housing initiatives (S.8676, S.8672, S.8675)
• An increase to the New York State Child and Dependent Care Credit

These are practical, achievable steps that will help stabilize essential IDD supports and services.

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