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 CareerAssessments, Benefits Counseling, Rapid Job Placement, and/or Follow-along support (job retention support).

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To provide direct care and supervision in all activities of daily living, implement individual’s Habilitation Plan, complete required documentation regarding individual milestones and behavior management programs, participate as an active member of a team with other program/department staff to provide the identified supports to participants, and enhance the skills and/or create the opportunity for consumers to achieve maximum independence, inclusion, individualization, and productivity. The Direct Support Professional Aide must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of all SCIP protocols and procedures, utilizing positive behavioral support and lesser restrictive means of addressing maladaptive behavior before advancing to restrictive SCIP maneuvers. The Direct Support Professional Careerist must possess the unrestricted ability to routinely implement and perform all approved SCIP-R techniques, as needed or assigned.

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To serve as an ambassador for The Resource Center (TRC) brand as the supplier of choice in the marketplace. Responsible for satisfactorily maintaining existing business relationships by demonstrating a genuine understanding of the ever-evolving needs and demands of the customer base, as well as serve as a catalyst for new business opportunities. Will actively support and optimize the utilization of the AbilityOne program and workforce.

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Effectively manage the Maintenance Department to ensure that all TRC owned and leased properties are well maintained on an ongoing basis. Ensures that all preventative maintenance activities, routine day to day maintenance requests and emergency on call services are provided in a timely, cost effective and efficient manner. Ensures compliance with all pertinent local building codes as well as National Fire Protection Agency and Life Safety Codes. Works closely with all other TRC departments to ensure physical plant compliance with OPWDD, DOH, VA, and HUD regulations. Ensures that all departmental activities are accurately documented and processed in a timely manner, including purchase requisitions, credit card transactions, employee time keeping, and micromain work order tracking. Develops comprehensive scope of work for maintenance projects and minor renovations for external contractors and provides the necessary follow up to ensure satisfactory completion. Works with architects and engineers for major projects/renovations to develop scope of work to meet specific department need and ensure satisfactory progress and completion. Assists in the planning, acquisition, and development of new properties. Will provide coverage for the Director of Property and Maintenance in their absence as needed in regard to Maintenance.

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To assist the Residence Manager in the effective operation of the residence. In conjunction with and/or in the absence of the Residence Manager, provides supervision to direct care staff and ensures the implementation of individualized programming for each individual who resides at the residence.

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A commitment to its employees’ well-being has resulted in The Resource Center again being named one of the healthiest employers in the United States.

For the ninth straight year, The Resource Center is included on the list of the “Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America” by Springbuk, a health analytics company that has conducted the annual Healthiest Employers competition since 2009. This year, The Resource Center is ranked No. 63.

The Healthiest Workplaces in America program honors people-first organizations that prioritize the well-being of their employees.  These Healthiest 100 companies were recognized because of their commitment to workplace wellness and their exceptional health and benefits offerings. They were chosen out of the national pool of applicants from all regions, size categories and industries. Award applicants were evaluated across six categories: culture and leadership commitment; strategic planning; communications and marketing; programming and interventions; reporting and analytics; and foundational components.

The Resource Center also is a member of the Healthiest Employers Hall of Fame.

The Resource Center was eligible for the Healthiest 100 Workplaces competition after finishing atop the other finalists among Extra Large companies (those with 500 to 1,499 full-time employees) at the annual Western New York employer wellness competition in August. It marked the eighth time in the last nine years we claimed the top spot in our division at that event, which is coordinated by Buffalo Business First.

The key to The Resource Center’s inclusion as one of the country’s healthiest workplaces is our STARS employee wellness program. STARS assesses each person along five life dimensions: basic needs, physical health, mental wellness, family/social relationships, and employment issues. STARS participants meet with a certified health coach to develop and monitor a personalized wellness plan. STARS members receive discounts on their health care costs and wellness activities, and they can earn incentive points they may redeem for prizes.

Participation in the STARS program is voluntary. Many of the wellness activities are open to all TRC employees, not just those who are enrolled in STARS.

We congratulate our STARS team for their continued excellent operation of the program and for making TRC one of the nation’s healthiest workplaces!

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.

The achievements of people with disabling conditions and those who support individuals with special needs were shared at The Resource Center’s 35th Ability Awareness Awards Celebration.

The event took place at Shorewood Country Club in Dunkirk. The celebration was an opportunity to recognize people with disabling conditions who have made meaningful strides in their lives, as well as honor community residents and organizations that have helped improve the lives of those who have a disability.

(Watch the video from the event)

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

“We have some outstanding honorees this year – individuals with disabling conditions who use their lived experiences to support and advocate for others; people with mental health and substance abuse challenges who have succeeded in building successful lives; longtime employees who make a tremendously positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities and the community; businesses that provide jobs to people with disabilities or provide funding that enables us to expand services; and community leaders who have used their personal or professional platforms to educate the public about people with disabilities,” Jones said.

The first honor presented was the Community Partnership Award, and it was given to Laurie Reynolds. Reynolds, Associate Director of Prevention Works, was honored for being the lead organizer of the annual Kids & Sibs summer camp for children with special needs and their siblings.

Laurie Reynolds

The Employer of the Year was the Original Crunch Roll Factory in Westfield. The company has three workers hired through The Resource Center’s Employment Services Program. TRC officials praised Crunch Roll for providing a work environment that feels safe and welcoming, demonstrating commitment and expressing encouragement to its workers with disabilities, and being willing to assist with workers’ transportation barriers.

Pictured from left are Paul Hurley, Employment Coordinator at The Resource Center; Zachary Bohn, President of the Original Crunch Roll Factory; Tabitha Gens, a worker at Crunch Roll’s Westfield location; Danielle Payne, the company’s Operations Consultant; and Mark Bohn, Crunch Roll’s Owner.

The Advocate of the Year and was presented to Michael Ostrye. Ostrye works at The Resource Center’s Dunkirk manufacturing facility and is a member of TRC’s Make a Mark self-advocacy group. In that role, he meets with elected officials to advocate for more funding for disability supports and to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life.

The Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to a person who wanted to be identified only by their initials. D.C. has developed coping skills to effectively deal with substance abuse challenges and is working on obtaining a college degree with a goal of being self-employed.

The Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year was Heather C. Brown. Brown, Assistant Executive Director at The Resource Center. Among her volunteer endeavors, Brown is the president of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Carnahan Jackson Foundation’s board of directors and serves on the Workforce Investment Board. She also serves on two state-wide organizations that focus on improving access to health care for underserved populations. In addition, this marks the 24^th straight year she has been a lead coordinator of the Marine Toys for Tots drive in Chautauqua County.

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.

The Carl Cappa Humanitarian Award was presented to Lake Shore Savings. Lake Shore has been the presenting sponsor of the annual TRC Golf Classic for the past 13 years and recently committed for the next three tournaments. Lake Shore has been a longtime supporter of people with disabilities, and over the years the bank has contributed more than $250,000 to The Resource Center, Filling the Gap and Community Inclusion, Inc.

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

The Health Provider of the Year was Tammy Fardink. Fardink is a registered nurse who oversees nursing operations at 10 TRC homes. She has developed meaningful relationships with the people living in the homes and demonstrates for co-workers the path toward person-centered thinking and doing. She ensures people receive the adaptive equipment and medications they require to be as successful and independent as possible, and she educates other members of her medical team on innovative treatments that can support people with disabilities to enjoy long, heathy lives.

The Personal Success Award was given to Ashley Martin. With support from staff in TRC’s PROS (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services) Program, Martin has overcome the effects of depression, going from someone who did not want to leave home most days to a person who is working full time, managing money, going out in the community, providing for her daughter, and creating friendships.

The Edwin Roth Mental Health Award was given to Jeff Axelson. Axelson, a peer advocate and employment specialist with The Resource Center’s PROS Program, supports people with mental health challenges and those who struggle with substance abuse.

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

The Bruce Walford Community Support Award was presented to Assemblyman Andrew Goodell. Goodell regularly attends events put on by TRC and Filling the Gap; has spoken passionately about TRC on the Assembly floor; and has provided support when TRC officials have had issues with state government. He’s also been a supporter of TRC’s art program and on the walls outside of his Capitol office he has hung paintings made by artists with disabilities.

The Community Support Award was created in memory of Bruce Walford, former manager of The Resource Center’s manufacturing center in Dunkirk. Walford’s widow, Laurel, attended the luncheon and shared some thoughts about him.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dennis Webster. Webster recently retired after a 54-year career at WJTN radio in Jamestown. For about 25 years, he aired a regular program that focused on The Resource Center, helping to educate the community about the services TRC provides.

Pictured from left are Jacob Vasquez, who assisted in presenting the awards; Assemblyman Andy Goodell, who received the Community Support Award; Heather C. Brown, who was the Volunteer of the Year; Mike Ostrye, Advocate of the Year; Jeffrey Werdein and Taylor Gilden of Lake Shore Savings, which received the Humanitarian Award; Jeff Axelson, Mental Health Award; Dennis Webster, Lifetime Achievement Award; and Ashley Martin, Personal Success Award.

Also recognized at the awards celebration was Keith Gowan, 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. Gowan, a cleaner in TRC’s Environmental Services division, has worked at the rest area for 14 years. His supervisors say he has a positive attitude and a great work ethic, and he takes pride in his work. Gowan also received this award in 2013.

Closing remarks were given by Richard Erickson, the chair of The Resource Center’s board of directors. Erickson praised the honorees with disabilities for their accomplishments, and he thanked the staff and corporate honorees for making it possible for people with disabilities to succeed. He also encouraged those in attendance to become members of The Resource Center to amplify TRC’s influence when it advocates for more funding for supports for people with disabilities.

“It is important that we get membership, and we have to grow our membership,” Erickson said. “We’ve got to strengthen our voice, and we need to get that support.” He said doing so will help ensure that quality supports for people with disabilities will continue.

Jacob Vasquez, a self-advocate 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 and Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel.

TRC self-advocates who have recently passed away will be remembered at our annual William Haenggi Celebration of Life on Friday, November 15.

The free event will run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Conference Center of our administrative offices at 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron. (Park in the rear lot and enter through the door at the top of the ramp to the left.)

At the event, we’ll remember people with developmental disabilities who received supports from TRC and who died since the last Celebration of Life was held in November 2023. Following the remembrance, there will be a dance. For more information, phone Erica Suroviec, Recreation Coordinator, at 716-483-2344, extension 20126.

The Celebration of Life is named in memory of Bill Haenggi, a longtime member of TRC’s Board of Directors. For years, Bill and his wife, Donna (who currently serves on the Board), led a Bible study group for people with intellectual disabilities.

Our William Haenggi Celebration of Life Fund provides money to cover funeral and burial/cremation costs of TRC self-advocates. If you’re unable to attend the Celebration of Life, please consider making a donation to the William Haenggi Celebration of Life Fund in memory of someone whose life was enhanced by The Resource Center.

Here are some of the people who will be remembered this year:

Eugene “Gene” Ford

Daniel Hayes

Bruce Hazelton

Wayne Johnson

Thomas “Tom” O’Dwyer

Robert “Bobby” Pratt

Jerome “Jerry” Reed

Patricia Rugg

Jeffrey Stewart

Genevieve “Genny” Stone

Richard Tocco

Area residents can do some holiday shopping while learning about the programs The Resource Center offers to people with disabilities when TRC hosts its 25^th Craft Bazaar on Friday, November 15.

The event will run from 8:00 to 3:00 on the first floor of TRC’s Michael J. Raymond Center, 75 Jones & Gifford Avenue in Jamestown. Free, off-street parking is available in the lot across the road.

Crafts and artwork produced by TRC staff and self-advocates will be available for a suggested donation. Baked goods and plants also can be purchased, and there will be a hot dog bar for lunch. There also will be a drawing for donated prizes.

Here is a sampling of some of the items that will be available at the Craft Bazaar.

Proceeds from the event will support TRC’s Day Habilitation Programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In addition to the bazaar, there will be an open house so attendees can tour the building and learn about the activities that take place.

For more information, phone 716-661-4800, extension 20031.

From left, Grace, Tamara, Anne, Robin, and Maria display some of the items that will be available at the Craft Bazaar. Anne, Grace, Maria, and Tamara are members of The Resource Center’s Voices for Choices self-advocacy group, which donated an item for the event. Robin is a TRC employee who organizes the bazaar each year.

The Resource Center, workers with disabilities and the community have been having fun celebrating October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

On October 11, The Resource Center honored people with disabilities who have achieved success in community-based employment. The event, held at TRC’s administrative offices on Dunham Avenue in Celoron, recognized people who in 2024 reached a milestone year of continual employment. The celebration was part of TRC’s observance of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Executive Director Denise Jones called the honorees trailblazers and said “we must continue to promote inclusion in the workplace. I’m pleased to see the number of people in this room who have reached milestones in employment.”

Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services, said the event was a chance to “recognize workforce contributions of people with disabilities.”

People were honored for reaching one, five, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years of employment. Not everyone being recognized was able to attend, because some people were at their jobs. Those who were there received a certificate of achievement.

The longest-serving honoree was Andy Dyckes, who has been working in the Fredonia Central School District for 30 years.

Several honorees had family members who attended the event and shared in the excitement as their loved ones were called up to be recognized. Similarly, representatives of some of The Resource Center’s business partners attended the ceremony and celebrated with their employees.

Proudly holding the certificates they received for reaching a milestone year of employment are, from left, front row, Ronald Corson, Andy Dyckes, Desarae Rivera, Courtney Poitras, Alex Smith, and Jeffrey Schuster; and, back row, Christopher Davis, Darren Judkins, Julio Nazario, Josh Holsinger, Collin Leroy, and Richard Silsby.

As another way to celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month, TRC’s Employment Services staff asked Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund and Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz to issue proclamations, and both leaders graciously complied.

Mayor Ecklund invited representatives from The Resource Center to City Hall for a photo to commemorate the observance. Mayor Wdowiasz visited TRC’s Mary Andrews Center on East Chestnut Street to meet with employees and talk about the ways in which The Resource Center supports people with disabilities to have community-based jobs.

Pictured from left, MacKenzie Smith, Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund, Alex Smith, and Lynne Newman, The Resource Center’s em¬ployment services administrator, pose with the Mayor’s proclamation declaring October as NDEAM Month in the city. Alex and MacKenzie are supported through TRC’s Employ¬ment Services Program. In addition to issuing the proclamation, Mayor Ecklund also planned to have City Hall lit up in purple, pink, blue, red, and green October 29 and 30 in recognition of NDEAM.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the value and talent that workers with disabilities add to the workforce. The NDEAM 2024 theme is “Access to Good Jobs for All.” The Resource Center offers a variety of supports that help people with disabilities obtain and maintain jobs.

At TRC’s Allied Industries manufacturing centers in Dunkirk and Jamestown, workers with disabilities produce items for the federal government and local industries. TRC’s Environmental Services Division performs janitorial services at local businesses and governmental facilities. And TRC’s Employment Services Program assists people with disabilities in finding jobs and then provides job coaching so employees can be successful. By partnering with local businesses, The Resource Center supports more than 200 people with disabilities to have jobs.

Pictured with Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz’s proclamation are, from left, Paul Hurley from The Resource Center’s Employment Services Program; Ashley Winship, Sandy Korzeniewski, Nick Bell and Dylan Reed from TRC’s Allied Industries manufacturing division; Mayor Wdowiasz; Denise Jones, TRC’s executive directoor; Lynne Newman from TRC’s Employment Services; and Beth Ray, who works at the Mary Andrews Center and is an advisor for TRC’s Make a Mark self-advocacy group.