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

CLICK HERE

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.

Raymond Ziegler receives 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, Daniel Farnham, Doug Wiggers, Brenda Jabczynski, Barbara 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.

“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 Jones, Chief Executive Officer, told the audience. “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.

The shutdown caused by the pandemic provided a father and son with an opportunity to give back to their community by volunteering together. Five years later, they’re still doing it.

Bob Goold had been a regular volunteer at another area non-profit agency until the pandemic forced that organization to pause activities in March 2020. Bob wanted to continue volunteering in some capacity, so he immediately went to St. Susan Center to inquire if that organization needed assistance. As fate would have it, St. Susan Center’s drivers had just resigned because of the pandemic, and officials of the soup kitchen offered Bob a position as a volunteer driver.

Bob agreed and said he wanted his son Greg to volunteer alongside him.

“I said I wanted to do it, because at The Resource Center house where I live, they’re trying to teach us to help other people,” Greg said.

The next day, Bob and Greg began volunteering at St. Susan. They’re there several days each week. The pair visits area retailers to pick up food, then transports it back to St. Susan and unloads it. Greg runs the ramp and the loading gate, and he has gotten proficient at his volunteer tasks over the years.

“We have to load and unload, and he’s done very well with doing spatiality — loading things into a cart and stuff like that,” Bob said of Greg. “He definitely has grown in that regard.”

Bob Goold, left, watches son Greg unload items from a truck.

Bob, who serves on The Resource Center’s Board of Directors, noted that five years ago, no other people from TRC were volunteering at St. Susan. Now there are about a dozen other people with disabilities, along with their support staff, who volunteer there through TRC’s Community Pre-Vocational Program. St. Susan Center recently thanked each of its TRC volunteers and recognized one of them, Colton Hanson, as its volunteer of the year.

Many people come to St. Susan Center on a regular basis to enjoy a meal and fellowship, and they have gotten to know the contingent from The Resource Center.

“They’re happy to see us, we’re happy to see them,” said Bob of the St. Susan regulars. He added that volunteering at St. Susan nourishes his soul, and he thinks that’s true for the other volunteers from TRC. “I think they feel the same way,” Bob said. “You just feel better when you walk out of here.”

“It makes you feel good,” Greg agreed.

In appreciation for its volunteers from The Resource Center, St. Susan Center held a luncheon and presented each volunteer with a tumbler bearing their name and a recognition certificate. Pictured are, from left, Ryan Camp, Colton Hanson, Allyvia Peterson, and Dennis Bottomley.

St. Susan Center officials are grateful for the efforts of the father-son Goold team.

“Bob and Greg have been invaluable volunteers at St. Susan’s for nearly six years, demonstrating remarkable dedication by picking up and delivering recovery food from our local retail partners so our guests are provided with amazing quality food,” said Cherie Rowland, Executive Director.

“Their commitment shines through every Wednesday and Friday, as they greet our community with smiles and unwavering enthusiasm. We are incredibly blessed to have Bob and Greg as part of our team, making a positive impact in the lives of so many.”

The Goolds plan to continue volunteering at St. Susan Center for years to come.

“Happy to be here, and five years went pretty fast,” said Bob. He turned to Greg and asked, “Are we here for five more?”

“Yes!” was Greg’s enthusiastic answer.

Check out a video interview with Bob and Greg.

The achievements of people with disabilities and those who support individuals with special needs were shared at The Resource Center’s 36th Ability Awareness Awards Celebration.

The event took place at Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron. The celebration was an opportunity to recognize people with disabling conditions who have made significant achievements in their lives, as well as honor community residents and organizations that have helped improve the lives of those who have a disability.

(Click here to watch the video of the awards ceremony.)

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

“Today we are not just recognizing accomplishments, we are celebrating the spirit of determination and the unwavering commitment to personal growth,” Denise told the audience.

For the people with disabilities being honored with an award, Denise remarked, “You show us that limitations are not a measure of what you can achieve, but only a starting point for the possibilities that lie ahead.”

She said to those Resource Center employees included among the honorees, “You create an environment where growth is possible, where people feel heard, valued and empowered. You help make dreams attainable.”

And to the community members being recognized with an award, Denise stated, “You help create a world that sees ability, not disability.”

The first honor presented was the Employer of the Year Award, and it was given to the Target store in West Ellicott. Since opening two years ago, Target has hired three people through The Resource Center’s Supported Employment Program. Target ensures that its workers with disabilities have the same opportunities as their other employees. They also strive to ensure that desired work hours are maintained for each of their employees with special needs. Target accommodates TRC job coaches who come to the store to support people as they work, and store officials reliably provide feedback and information on how the employees are doing and whether there are issues that should be addressed.

The Community Partnership Award was presented to Culture Care Senior Living. Tanglewood Manor, a West Ellicott assisted-living facility operated by Culture Care Senior Living, has a long working history with The Resource Center. Currently, Tanglewood employs three people who receive employment supports from TRC. Tanglewood treats those workers the same as its other employees, including them in all activities, meetings and trainings. The three employees enjoy their jobs and have positive relationships with their supervisors, their co-workers and the people who live there.

The Personal Success Award was given to Patricia Peck. Patricia’s employment journey began in 2009. She joined The Resource Center’s Employment Training Program in 2018, and over the next six years she engaged in two different internships that enabled her to gain valuable experience and increase her skills. Last year, Patricia began her third internship as an Activities Assistant at Tanglewood Manor. Her work and positive impact were recognized last August, when Tanglewood hired Patricia as a permanent employee.

The Bruce Walford Community Support Award was presented to James Haick. Working as an intern for the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, James tackled many projects around the McCrea Point water basin. That experience led him to take on a new challenge – improving the Riverwalk Community Labyrinth on Jones & Gifford Avenue in Jamestown. He replaced the broken and rotted raised flower beds with cement planters provided by the City of Jamestown to provide. He planted trees, removed weeds, and push mowed and weed-whacked the entire Labyrinth. James now is working on getting community members interested in volunteering to maintain the Labyrinth.

The Community Support Award was created in memory of Bruce Walford, former manager of The Resource Center’s manufacturing center in Dunkirk.

The Health Care Provider of the Year was Kimberly Scoma. Kim joined The Resource Center in 2003, and over the years she supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a variety of roles. Still searching for her calling when the pandemic hit, Kim went back to school to become a nurse. After obtaining her degree, she accepted a position as the registered nurse for three TRC homes. She has flourished in this role, and she does everything in a kind, calm and professional manner. During this past year, Kim was part of a team as it supported someone through his journey with cancer.

The Edwin Roth Mental Health Award was given to Christopher Mattison, the nurse supervisor for The Resource Center’s behavioral health programs, Chris is adept at treating the entire person by serving as a bridge between their mental health and their overall wellness. He’s a strong advocate for his clients, and people are comfortable confiding in him. Chris is approachable for staff and co-workers, and he builds solid relationships.

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

The Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Matthew Olson. Matt works in the sewing department at The Resource Center’s Allied Industries manufacturing division, which produces a wide range of items for the federal government. He can operate several different machines, making him a valuable member of the production team. He also is trained in the packing department and far exceeds the performance standard. Matt also has good relationships with his peers and supervisors.

The Carl Cappa Humanitarian Award was presented to R. Erik Seastedt. Erik and his first wife, Kathy, met when they both worked for The Resource Center. After Kathy died unexpectedly in 2008, Erik made a $25 donation to TRC in her memory. And he hasn’t stopped. Every two weeks or so, year after year, Erik makes a donation to the “Dream On” Kathy Seastedt Community Support Fund, which provides money to area residents with disabilities who have unfunded needs. This year, Erik reached $25,000 in contributions to the fund.

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

The Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year was Sharon Richards. Sharon is a retired teacher who helps out at a TRC day habilitation program. She has helped organize a number of activities, including baking and crafts. She has involved people with disabilities in making puppets, creating a stage and putting on puppet shows. Sharon also plays a lead role in organizing the monthly Rejoicing Spirits worship service at Busti Church of God, a service that is geared toward people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Volunteer of the Year Award is named in memory of Elmer Muench, a longtime Resource Center volunteer and former president of TRC’s board of directors. Sharon is Elmer’s daughter, and this marks the second time she’s received the honor – she and her late husband, Alan, were the volunteers of the year in 2018.

The Special Event Volunteer of the Year was Heather Courtney. As a certified wellness coach at The Resource Center, Heather helps run events geared at improving employee wellness. Outside of her regular job duties, she organizes TRC’s participation in community events such as the annual Dragon Boat Festival races and the Battle of the Businesses. She also takes on leadership roles in some of the events TRC puts on in partnership with Filling the Gap, Inc., such as the Laurel Memorial Run and Walk.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Suzette Smith, TRC’s Director of Projects, Planning and Development. During her 30-year career at TRC, Suzette has been relied upon for critical reporting deadlines and will work outside of scheduled hours to accomplish a goal. In recent years, she expanded her scope of work by taking on TRC’s purchasing and clinical billing teams. Suzette is regarded as an industry leader beyond TRC, and she has provided technical support to other chapters of The Arc New York. In addition, Smith volunteers in support of many of TRC’s fund-raising initiatives.

The Advocate of the Year Award was presented to Keith Martin, executive director of Northwest Arena. Martin has been instrumental in enabling people with disabilities to participate in curling. He helped start a unified curling league as an unsanctioned Special Olympics sport and co-created unified curling for Chautauqua County school districts. This began with a tournament that attracted about 125 unified athletes, with Martin getting onto the ice to teach them how to curl. Eight school districts across the county now participate on a regular basis. He also supports INVESTU, an anti-poverty program operated by The Resource Center and the United Way.

Beginning this year, the Advocate of the Year Award will be named in memory of Henry Wesley. Henry spent about 40 years living in institutions before gaining his freedom in the 1980s. He became a well-known self-advocate, sharing his story in hopes that no one else will have to endure the conditions he experienced in institutions.

Also recognized at the awards celebration was Stephanie Davis, who was honored for receiving an Outstanding Performer Award from NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled). Through NYSID. The Resource Center has a contract to clean and maintain the Interstate 86 rest area in the Town of Ellery. Stephanie joined the crew at the rest area last fall, and she distinguished herself as a hard worker who would lend a hand on other projects once her assigned tasks were completed. At the end of the winter season, Stephanie transitioned to a cleaner on a road crew. She quickly assumed the lead position on her crew, and since then the crew’s customer satisfaction scores have improved.

Pictured from right are Stephanie Davis, a Cleaner with our Environmental Services, who was honored for being named a NYSID Outstanding Performer; Kelly Singer, Environmental Services Coordinator; and Luke Nickerson, Production Superintendent.

Closing remarks were given by Dr. Dawn Columbare, the chair of The Resource Center’s Board of Directors. She congratulated the honorees, and she thanked those TRC employees and community members being recognized for their efforts in supporting people with disabilities.

“We appreciate your heartfelt commitment and dedication to maximizing the quality of life of everyone we serve,” Columbare said.

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

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

Please consider making a donation to our TRC Excellence Awards Fund in honor of one of this year’s honorees.

Pictured are, front row, James Haick, who received the Bruce Walford Community Support Award; Christopher Mattison, Edwin Roth Mental Health Award; Kimberly Scoma, Health Care Provider of the Year; Dawn Golden and Anthony Lenczyk from the Target store in West Ellicott, which was the Employer of the Year; Suzette Smith, Lifetime Achievement Award; Heather Courtney, Special Event Volunteer of the Year; Patricia Peck, Success of the Year; Shannon McCune from Culture Care Senior Living and Tanglewood Manor, Community Partnership Award; and Matthew Olson, Outstanding Achievement Award; and, back row, Keith Martin, the Henry Wesley Advocate of the Year; Erik Seastedt, Carl Cappa Humanitarian Award; and Zac Hnatyszyn and Megan Seastrum from Culture Care/Tanglewood.

To provide services, assistance, support, and education to individuals enrolled in the Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) within the context of how mental health challenges have created barriers to employment. The focus is on discovering the individual’s unique abilities, talents, skills and resources, as well as supporting the participant to consider what they believe would be the best possible employment situation. After the participant identifies a potential job match based on his or her strengths, talents, and interests, there are additional areas to examine such as, steps the person can take to attain employment, mental health barriers, supports that they need, and how to manage challenges they experience, are examples of possible interactions this staff member might encounter. Staff members will complete a range of job tasks including but not limited to supporting individuals in navigating the job application process, interviewing, and hiring process for a new position, completing Vocational or Career Assessments, Benefits Counseling, Rapid Job Placement, and/or Follow-along support (job retention support).

Apply Here!

To provide treatment, support, advocacy, and linkage to individuals enrolled in the Personalized Recovery Oriented Services (PROS) Programs, Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), Community Oriented Recovery and Empowerment (CORE) in an effort to empower individuals to become more involved in their personalized recovery goals.  The Behavioral Health Clinician- Professional will also provide education and advocacy to individuals and family members as directed by individualized treatment. This position is a supportive member of the interdisciplinary team.

Apply Here!

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.

Apply Here!