The primary function for the position is to coordinate and implement all aspects of TRC’s Incident Management program.  This will include conducting thorough and comprehensive investigations within the agency that may impact the overall health and welfare of the agency’s vulnerable individuals or impact the agency’s level of risk.  The position will also be responsible for maintaining knowledge of incident management and/or protective oversight regulations with the primary agency divisions to include OPWDD, OMH and DOH.

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To partner with persons receiving supports by developing  a comprehensive, integrated, and clear strategy for the TRC habilitation services that support them; ensuring cohesive implementation and focused progression towards each person living a full and satisfying life commensurate with their lifestyle and realizing their life goals and citizenship with urgency, intention, and determination.  To co-coordinate care for each person’s individualized plan with Care Coordination.

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In close collaboration with the assigned Executive Management Team (EMT) liaison, provides leadership and support to ensure assigned areas of responsibility are Mission Focused, maximize operating performance, adhere to sound business and quality practices, and are in compliance with all applicable regulations. Assists EMT liaison with outcomes planning, supports the development of policies and procedures, ensures a healthy work culture and positively represents the organization at all times.

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Responsible for the day-to-day operation and management of the residence.  Provides supervision and assistance to residence staff and ensures implementation of individualized programming for each individual who resides at the residence.  Assists the Residence Coordinator in the development, monitoring and updates of residential habilitation plans.   Provides direct input in the assessment, as well as, the design and implementation of individual behavior management programs.

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To carry out the Day Services mission by ensuring the smooth, efficient and effective operation of an assigned Day Habilitation Program.  To supervise program staff and assist them in providing quality services to Day Habilitation participants.  Under the direction of the designated supervisor, ensures that services and program records are in compliance with all applicable regulations and standards.  To ensure the smooth delivery of day habilitation services.  As part of the management team, is responsible for carrying out the agency and program mission in developing and implementing program guidelines and procedures.

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For the eighth time in the past nine years, The Resource Center has been crowned one of the healthiest employers in Western New York thanks to our STARS employee wellness program.

The Resource Center was one of five businesses honored with a first-place designation in the “Western New York’s Healthiest Employers” competition. TRC finished atop the Extra Large division (for companies with 500 to 1,499 employees). Other categories were Small (companies with 15 to 99 employees), Medium (100-249 employees), Large (250-499 employees), and Jumbo (more than 1,500 employees).

This marks the fifth straight year TRC has claimed first place in its division. TRC also won its category in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and was a finalist in each of the two years it did not win (2015 and 2019).

The annual competition was sponsored by Buffalo Business First, Independent Health, Wegmans, Springbuk, and Walsh Duffield. TRC officials were thrilled the agency has again won the competition.

“We are so proud of our Wellness Team and the work they do every day to support our workforce to be healthy,” said Heather C. Brown, who oversees the STARS Program and TRC’s clinical services. “The program combines so many factors that engage team members to reach for their goals in a customized way that best fits their lifestyle. TRC is so fortunate to have this as part of our benefits package.”

The key to The Resource Center’s success is its STARS program. In place since 2013, the program provides a variety of wellness options for TRC employees. TRC is a not-for-profit organization that is committed to focusing on the health of its employees, and its STARS team comes up with creative ideas to keep staff engaged. The fact The Resource Center operates its own wellness program gives TRC a leg up over companies that contract with external vendors to operate their wellness programs.

TRC also scores highly by virtue of collaborating with other organizations locally and regionally. These include Chautauqua Bright Spots, Chautauqua Health Network, Live Well Western New York, Population Health Collaborative, Prevention Works, Roswell Park, Slow Roll Buffalo, and Tobacco-Free Western New York. In addition, TRC hosts several American Red Cross blood drives each year.

The STARS wellness program offers a personalized wellness plan based on a person’s self-reported satisfaction level along five life domains. STARS also features lunch-and-learn education and exercise get-togethers, discounts on health insurance premiums and weight-loss programs, and employees can participate in several group and individual challenges throughout the year. Through participation in those challenges and other activities, STARS enrollees earn incentive points that can be redeemed for prizes. All employees are able to participate in STARS regardless of health insurance.

STARS participants annually undergo a biometric blood analysis. While individual results are confidential and shared only with the employee, the STARS team receives a report summarizing the combined results of everyone who undergoes the testing. Those data enable the STARS team to assess how well program enrollees are performing as a group, and the results help form the program’s goals for the coming year.

Having won the regional competition, The Resource Center is eligible for consideration in the “Healthiest 100 Employers in America” competition. Those results will be announced in October. Last year, TRC was named the 35^th healthiest workplace in America, marking the eighth straight year TRC was recognized in that competition.

Members of the STARS Wellness Team (from left, Jon DeSantis, Donna Trusso and Heather Courtney) pose with their first-place trophy from this year’s Western NY Healthiest Employers competition.

(NOTE: A ceremony was held July 31 to honor the most recent graduates of the Invest U program, a collaboration between The Resource Center and United Way of Southern Chautauqua County.)

Article by Christopher Blakeslee of The Post-Journal

Nine residents are part of the largest yet graduating class of Invest U, a program that teaches people to analyze the impacts of poverty on their lives and to develop strategies to build resources.

A graduation ceremony took place Wednesday at the Northwest Arena attended by more than 50 attendees. This year’s graduating class consisted of Brook Colburn, Lyle DeBose, Michelle DeBose, Amanda Dove, Kelsey Garifi, Corrie Orange, Alix Sandberg, Kaylee Schweinsberg and Lori Watson.

The Resource Center, in collaboration with the Young Women’s Christian Association Jamestown (YWCA), the United Way of Chautauqua County and representatives from Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union and Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. assisted the nine investigators (students) during their independent journeys through the 16-week, four-month long, three-hour weekly course entitled Invest U, anti-poverty class. Part of the course included utilizing the book, Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World.

“The book is a 16-session curriculum that helps individuals build resources for a more prosperous life for themselves, their families and their communities,” said Terri Johnson, the TRC’s director of employment and community based services. “Getting Ahead enables participants, who are called investigators, the opportunity to examine their own experiences of poverty as well as explore issues in the community that impact poverty levels such as: banking, housing, transportation and jobs.”

However, as a group, the investigators have used the information they’ve gathered to create a Mental Model of Poverty, middle class and wealth modalities. Joining the celebration on a Zoom call was Phil DeVol, author and creator of Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’- By World.

DeVol congratulated the graduates on a job well done and looks forward to seeing how they will integrate and help tackle some of the poverty issues which plague Jamestown- like homelessness, mental health and drug abuse issues.

Several elected officials attended the graduation ceremony and gave keynote speeches which included Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund; New York state Assemblyman Andy Goodell, R-Jamestown; spokespersons for state Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, and U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-23.

Goodell regaled the graduates with a story of how he invested money in a local company during 2008.

“I invested in a company, right before what’s been called ‘The Great Recession’,” he said. “I lost half my money in 48-hours, but you know what’s the best investment you can make? An investment in yourself. It won’t lose value but will only gain value over time. It’s the best investment you’ll ever make. Now, I did get my money back and then some, just not enough to retire early like I wanted to.”

For one graduate the life lessons learned had a deep and meaningful personal impact.

“I learned about generational poverty,” said Corrie Orange of Jamestown. “I learned that while it is a way of life for some, it doesn’t have to be for me.”

Pictured from left are Invest U graduates Brook Colburn, Corrie Orange, Kelsey Garifi, Lori Watson, Alix Sandberg, Lyle DeBose, Kaylee Schweinsberg, and Michelle DeBose. Brook, Kaylee, Lori, and Michelle are TRC employees.

Nominations are being accepted for The Resource Center’s 2024 Ability Awareness and Recognition Awards.

Every year, people with disabilities in Chautauqua County make tremendous strides in their quest to lead productive, meaningful lives. And every day, they are supported in their efforts by a wide segment of the community that appreciates and values the contributions those with disabilities can make.

To recognize the efforts of people with disabilities and those who support them, The Resource Center holds a celebration to pay tribute to this deserving group by presenting the Ability Awareness and Recognition Awards. The public is encouraged to nominate people with disabilities whom they know, or people and organizations from the community that have had a positive impact on the lives of those with disabling conditions.

Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:

– Advocate of the Year, recognizing extraordinary efforts in advocating for one’s own rights or the rights of other people with disabilities.

– Bruce Walford Community Service Award, honoring a person who demonstrates the following characteristics: a commitment to the community; selflessness; the initiative and the ingenuity to forge forward and make things happen; and enthusiasm and exuberance that inspire others. This award was established in memory of the late Bruce “Wally” Walford, who was the manager of TRC’s Dunkirk manufacturing facility.

– Community Partnership Award, given to a person, service group or business that has provided unique opportunities and experiences to people with disabilities.

– Edwin Roth Mental Health Award, recognizing a person with a behavioral health challenge, an advocate, an agency, a professional, or a community member, that has supported efforts to improve the lives of people with mental illness or substance abuse challenges. This award is named in memory of the late Ed Roth, a New York State Office of Mental Health official who was a strong advocate for people with mental illness.

– Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year, honoring a person who has donated time, talents and/or expertise toward improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Volunteer service could include interacting directly with people with disabilities, assisting with special events or serving on a board or committee. This award is named in memory of the late Elmer Muench of Fredonia, a longtime volunteer and advocate for people with disabilities.

– Health Provider of the Year, honoring an entity or professional that has enhanced the lives of people with disabilities by providing outstanding health services.

– Outstanding Achievement, saluting a person with a disability who has made significant advancements in developing personal skills.

– Success of the Year, praising a person with a disability who has achieved his or her goals in the areas of community integration and/or employment.

Nominees do not have to be affiliated with The Resource Center. A selection committee composed of community volunteers will decide which nominees are most deserving of the awards.

Nominations will be accepted until September 1. Click here to submit a nomination online. If you want a nomination form sent to you, phone Victoria Bardo at 716-661-1477.

Award recipients will be honored this fall at The Resource Center’s 35^th Ability Awareness Awards Celebration.

A celebration was held to recognize employees who have achieved national certification for the work they do in supporting people with developmental disabilities.

The event, held in our Dunham Avenue facility, honored staff for reaching Direct Support Professional-III (DSP-III) or Front Line Supervisor (FLS) certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals as of June 30.

DSP-III
Miguel Arevalo
Brandi Barlow
Britnie Barmore
Cassidy Birt
Kiyah Carpenter
Katie Cleland
Jacadi Duman
Rachel Echevarria
Stacey Fardink
Marcos Figueroa
Lillian Gordon
Meghan Gray
Briana Green
Casey Hetfield
Jennifer Hinson
Amber Iuculano
Deseree Johnson
Alexandria Land
Dan Lutgen
Briana Matteson
Joe Mazzurco
Chyanne McCool
Amanda Moon
Justin Moreland
Tammy Russell
Aimee Salvo-Boron
Wendy Stimson
Angel Weaver
Cristina Welch
Karen Williamson
Kristen Wilson
Nicole Witruke

Honored for achieving the highest level of Direct Support Professional certification were, from left, front row, Jennifer Hinson, Wendy Stimson, Tammy Russell, and Casey Hetfield; and, back row, Marcos Figueroa, Brandi Barlow, Dan Lutgen, Briana Green, and Kristen Wilson.

FLS
Breaunna Babyak
Heather Burch
Larissa Catanese
Patricia Clark
John DePane
Wendy Doutt
Donna Eddy
Ashlee France
Haley Gibson
Sheri Kelsey
Torie Lucas
Katlyn Martin
Kolleen Nary
Lyn Osgood
Lisa Peterson
Theresa Porter
Deb Rapp
Ashley Russell
Mike Sandquist
Shelly Swan
Christin Sweat
Don Traynor
Doug Vetillaro

Honored for achieving the highest level of Direct Support Professional certification were, from left, front row, Jennifer Hinson, Wendy Stimson, Tammy Russell, and Casey Hetfield; and, back row, Marcos Figueroa, Brandi Barlow, Dan Lutgen, Briana Green, and Kristen Wilson.

DSP-III & FLS
Biannca Balliet-Miranda
Annemarie Bonfiglio-Davis
Lisa Gross
Brianna Skinner
Haley Torres

Lisa Gross, center, is one of five employees to achieve DSP-III and FLS certifications. She is pictured with Michele Albaugh, left, and Joanne Bevan.

“Because of your commitment and completion of your certifications, it emphasizes the importance of the professionalism of the DSP position and also of the core competencies and code of ethics of a DSP,” said Joanne Bevan, Assistant Executive Director, in welcoming people to the luncheon celebration.

“We thank all of you for taking the time to invest in your careers,” said Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer. She noted that TRC has taken a lead role in a pilot project funded by NADSP and the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. That pilot enables staff of organizations that comprise The Collaborative of NY to pursue their certification for free.

Kelly praised Don Traynor, Staff Development Specialist, for supporting employees of TRC and other organizations to obtain certification.

“What you guys are doing by enhancing your skill set is impacting the lives of the people we support,” said Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services.

“All DSPs should be proud of their vast skills set,” said Mark Constantino, Director of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services. “A DSP is a teacher, chef and dietician, driver, tour guide … part nurse … part physical, occupational and speech therapist … counselors and behavior specialists.”

Michele Albaugh, Director of Staff Learning and Development, told the honorees their decision to become nationally certified will have a “rippling effect” in helping the public understand that “DSP” is its own profession and shouldn’t be likened to the work done by certified nursing assistants.

“You are pioneers leading the way for this change,” Michele said.

Sunny weather and spirited competition highlighted the 28th annual TRC Golf Classic, which raised money to improve the lives of people with special needs in Chautauqua County.

Twenty-seven foursomes competed in the tournament, held July 22 at Moon Brook Country Club near Jamestown.  Winning the tournament with a score of 116 in the four-ball, two-best-ball format was the team of Michelle Grisanti, Mike Grisanti, Lindsay O’Connor and Jason O’Connor.  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 120 was the team of Mike Bird, Jeff Keppel, Todd Conklin, and Jerome Lee Yaw.  Finishing atop flight two with a 129 was the team of Mike Goldman, Mike Roberts, Devan Jackson, and Damien Jackson.

Once the tournament concluded, the traditional Special Olympics putting contest took place.  More than 20 athletes participated, with each Special Olympian getting one chance to make a lengthy putt.  The competitor whose ball came to rest closest to the hole was Paul Ribaudo.

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 13th straight year, Lake Shore Savings was the presenting sponsor.  Other major sponsors were HM Insurance Group, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, the Winifred Crawford Dibert Foundation, AssuredPartners, Bryans & Gramuglia, Double Tree by Hilton Jamestown, Jamestown Container Companies, Lutheran Jamestown, Ocean State Innovations, SKF Aeroengine, The Post-Journal, and USI Insurance.

Other sponsors included Arthur R. Gren Company, Collaborative Children’s Solutions, Conrad Office Products, Courier Capital, Dahlstrom Rollform, Graf Realty, HCH Interiors, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, Independent Health/Pharmacy Benefit Dimensions, Inscale Architects, Jamestown Awning, Jamestown Macadam Inc. (JMI), Jamestown Mattress, KeyBank, Kinley Contractors, LaBella Associates, Medical Risk Managers (MRM), M.J. Foley Co., Pepsi Co. of Jamestown, Rand Precision Machining, Shults Auto Group, SM Cristall, Twinstar Business Solutions, TRC’s Executive Management Team, Univera Healthcare, UPMC Chautauqua, WCA Foundation, and Weber Knapp Company.

The following donated items: ACME The Appliance Store, Chautauqua Golf Club, Dahlstrom Rollform, DFT Communications, Enterprise Fleet Management, Fancher Chair, Jason Stronz, Pepsi Co. of Jamestown, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Phil N’ Cindy’s Lunch, Phil and Cindy Ribaudo, Joe and Teri Ribaudo, Paul and Jennifer Capitano, Jim and Sally Jaroszynski, Smokin’ Bear Cigars, South Hills Country Club, Southern Tier Distilling Company, and ZTS Management.

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, Todd Frangione, R. Michael Goldman, Cindy Hitchcock, Phil Ribaudo, Mike Roberts, Jason Stronz, Victoria Bardo, Timur Tyra, Tad Wright, Gary Yager, and Ben Windoft.

Also critical to the tournament’s success were the contributions of its other event-day volunteers: Kevin Anderson, Kayla DePane, Theresa Butts, Kelly Dimitri, Kathy Field, Rachel Foley, Mary Jo Hamilton, Austin Mitchell, Jenna Silzle, Karen Silzle, and Anne Yager.

“The 28th annual TRC Golf Classic, in terms of money raised, was our most successful event since 2008!  The weather was perfect, and the golf course was in superb condition,” Chris Anderson said.  “The TRC Golf Classic is only made possible with the generous financial commitment of sponsors and the dedication of many volunteers and the staff at Moon Brook Country Club.  Together, they make a lasting difference in the lives of people in our community.  It is a distinct honor to lead such a successful and important event and have a dedicated team of committee members ensuring the tournament’s continued success.”

He noted that while final figures have not been tabulated, this year’s tournament will generate over $60,000 after all expenses have been paid.  The most money raised in over 15 years.  This will bring the tournament’s cumulative net proceeds to about $1.85 million since the event was first held in 1997.

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.

Next year’s TRC Golf Classic is scheduled for July 21.  Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can contact Anderson at 716-483-2344, ext 90167.

CAPTIONS

Pictured from left are the members of the winning team: Mike Grisanti, Michelle Grisanti, Lindsay O’Connor and Jason O’Connor.

Paul Ribaudo, center, won the Special Olympics putting contest.  He is pictured with Gregg Bender, left, a member of the tournament’s steering committee and Kevin Anderson, a Resource Center employee and Special Olympics golf coach.