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.

Take One Minute to Make Your Voice Heard

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The Resource Center paid tribute to the dedication, commitment and contributions of long-term staff at our 41^st Employee Service Recognition Luncheon.

The event, held February 5 at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron, honored employees and board members who, during 2025, achieved milestone years of service with The Resource Center. Combined, the 123 people honored have more than 1,500 years with The Resource Center.

The longest-serving employees recognized at this year’s event were Resa-Rosen Murray, a Direct Support Professional Lead at TRC’s Senior Adult Day Habilitation Program in Jamestown, who has been with the agency for 45 years, and 40-year honorees Terry Brandow, a Cook for TRC’s homes on Foote Avenue in Jamestown, and Raymond Ziegler, a Production Worker at TRC’s manufacturing facility on East Chestnut Street in Dunkirk.

Resa Rosen-Murray receives her award for 45 years of service from Rhonda Howard, Director of Human Resources. Resa is the second person to be honored for 45 years at the Service Awards Luncheon. She was given a cutting board decorated by people with disabilities at our KeyBank Art House at Edgewater.

Rhonda Howard presents Ray Ziegler with his 40-year award, a painting created by people with disabilities at our KeyBank Art House.

Eight employees were honored for 35 years of service with The Resource Center: Daniel Farnham, Nurse Supervisor; Carla Hall, Pharmacy Aide; Brenda Jabczynski, Staff Assistance Specialist; Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer; Cory Nowell, Laundry Aide; Michele Swan, Shift Supervisor; Barbara Wheeler, Care Coordinator; and Douglas Wiggers, Staff Assistance Specialist.

Our 35-year honorees were, from left, Cory Nowell, Carla Hall, Dan Farnham, Doug Wiggers, Brenda Jabczynski, Barb Wheeler, and Denise Jones.

The 30-year honorees were Stephen Bulich, Patrick Smallman, Suzette Smith, and Jacqueline Wiggers.

Our 30-year honorees were, from left, Suzette Smith, Stephen Bulich and Jacqueline Wiggers.

Recognized for 25 years of service were Rhonda Bauer, Kimberly Baxter, Melissa Cardone, Andrew Dyckes, William Paul, Tammy Russell, Daniel Schroder, Frank Szablewski, and Autumn Wilson.

The 25-year honorees were, from left, Tammy Russell, Andrew Dyckes, Daniel Schroder, Kimberly Baxter, Rhonda Bauer, and Autumn Wilson.

Honored for reaching the 20-year mark were Heather M. Brown, Jennifer Duncanson, Steven Eastham, Karla Gutknecht, Joyce Harris, Stephanie Levoie-Beatty , Patricia Martines, James Richard Nary, Steven Raynor, and Nichole Washer.

The 20-year honorees were, from left, Stephanie Levoie-Beatty, Rich Nary, Steven Raynor, Steven Eastham, Karla Gutknecht, and Joyce Harris.

Those completing 15 years with TRC were Tammi Blodien, Elvera Carlsson, Debra Dalziel, Kristopher Drozdziel, Becky Frederes, Christina Gaworecki-Dorrell, Wanda Gifford, Brian Hanna, Trisha Hopkins, Victor Karas, Bruce LaRoy, Dana Manno, Michael McCoy, Gladys Muller, Charles Nobbs, Donna Oyer, Charles Reardon, Amber Siragusa, Matthew Strom, Russ Valone, and Nicole Witruke.

The 15-year honorees were, from left, Gladys Muller, Christina Gaworecki-Dorrell, Victor Karas, Charles Nobbs, Matthew Strom, Dana Manno, Brian Hanna, Becky Frederes, Wanda Gifford, and Nicole Witruke.

Recognized for 10 years of service were Kate Barton, Gabrielle Bemis, Raymond Bigney, Barbara Billings, Michael K. Brown, Dan Cuccia, Kay Davis, Richard Erickson, Paul Hurley, Tracy Kightlinger, Jamie King, Robert Larkins, Debra Larsen, Jessica LaSpada, Carl Livermore, Steven Monroe, Lynne Newman, Kris Olson, Crystal Przybelinski, Neishaly Rodriguez, Michael Sandquist, Rocio Santiago, Leon Sutton, Andrea Sweet, Ashlee Terry, Lynn Thomas, Richard Vinton, and Kevin Woloszyn.

The 10-year honorees were, from left, front row, Jessica LaSpada, Lynne Newman, Andrea Sweet, Barbara Billings, Gabrielle Bemis, Kate Barton, and Richard Erickson; and, back row, Kris Olson, Jamie King, Michael Brown, Michael Sandquist, Kevin Woloszyn, Richard Vinton, and Paul Hurley.

Honored for five years of service were Timothy Adam, John Bennett, Dana Berlin, Cassidy Birt, Josh Bowman, David Carlson, Jamie Cercone, Kaylee Chapman, Tyler Christy, Sierra Destro, Laura Farnsworth, Monica Gassman, Kristie Gilbert, Katelyn Grodecki, Kaitlyn Johnson, Preston Jones, Lisa Karas, Phyllis Lamb, Alexandria Land, Sommer Levandoske, Christopher Lindberg, Kristina Marks, Daniel Micek, Austin Mitchell, Kerry Jo Mitchener, Jessica Morse, Scott Murvine, Brynn Pagett, Adam Phillips, Irwin Pitner, Anna Raymond, Cassandra Rogers, Elizabeth Rosario Harris, Shyla Smith, Darren Spetz, Jonathan Walz, Carolanne Warrior, Jeremy Weilacher, Cristina Welch, and Julie Zaffalon.

Opening remarks were given by Dr. Dawn Columbare, the Chair of TRC’s Board of Directors.

“We appreciate your commitment, dedication and resilience through past and future challenges,” Dawn told the honorees. “Through these challenges during your service of five to 45-plus years, you have risen to a level of excellence. You are the heartbeat of the organization, helping 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.

“Each milestone represents far more than time. It represents compassion, commitment and a belief in the dignity and potential of every person we serve,” Denise said. “In this work, the impact isn’t always loud or visible. It’s found in small breakthroughs, in steady encouragement, in showing up day after day with patience and heart. And that is exactly what each of you honored today has done. You’ve strengthened our mission, our community and the lives of countless individuals and families.

“Thank you for your dedication, your resilience and your unwavering belief in the people we support. We are better because of you. Congratulations again to all of our honorees, and thank you for continuing to make this organization a place where people of all abilities can thrive.”

We thank all of the honorees for their dedication to our mission and the people we support!

Here are three ‘one click’ advocacy opportunities for you to take action on right now 😊

Federal one clicks:
Advocate for the HCBS Relief Act: Strengthen Community Services | ANCOR
Tell Congress to Cosponsor the Recognizing the Role of DSPs Act | ANCOR

New York one click:
The Arc of New York | Tell the Legislature to Support People with Disabilities in One-House Budget Bills

Nothing changes unless we push for it!

Your voice is needed!  Here are two ‘one click’ opportunities to advocate!

On a federal level = Tell Congress to Cosponsor the Recognizing the Role of DSPs Act | ANCOR

On a state level = The Arc of New York | Tell the Legislature to Support People with Disabilities in One-House Budget Bills

Please take a moment to let our elected officials know what is important to people with ID/D and those who care about them.

Our newest fund to support people with disabling conditions is now accepting applications for those needing dental care.

The Dr. John Vona “Smile” Fund was established this year to help close the gap in oral health services for people with disabilities. The fund is named in memory of Dr. John Vona, who worked in our Dunkirk Dental Office for 20 years before retiring in 2022. He passed away in 2024.

Dr. Vona’s children contacted TRC with the idea of creating the Smile Fund to carry on their father’s legacy of providing compassionate dental care to people with disabilities. The children (Linda Hart, Dr. David Vona, Sandy Stewart, and Daniel Vona) seeded the fund with a $15,000 gift.

“My dad always believed in treating everyone with dignity and kindness, and his dental practice truly reflected that,” said Linda. “He had such a deep love for this community and was always looking for ways to give back. This fund is a way to carry on his spirit of compassion and make sure his legacy of helping others continues, especially for those who need it most.”

To obtain a form to request support from the Smile Fund, contact Cindy Hitchcock, Chief Executive Officer of Filling the Gap, at 716-661-1519 or at cindy.hitchcock@fillingthegap.net. The form seeks information about the type of dental service being sought; the ways in which the service will improve the person’s life; the consequences of not receiving the service; and whether any portion of the procedure is covered by insurance. A committee will review the requests for assistance and decide which ones to fund.

The Smile Fund is one of seven TRC funds that are managed by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. To make a donation to the Smile Fund in Dr. Vona’s memory, visit https://fillingthegap.net/donate.