TRC’s SAFER Program and Pearl City Cycle teamed up to assist a person whose bicycle was stolen.

Josh Johnson, Staff Assistance Specialist, shared that on a recent Monday, the person briefly left their bicycle unattended outside their home, and when they returned the bike was gone. The bike was the person’s primary mode of transportation.

“This forced the employee to walk the 2 miles to and from their work each day,” Josh said. By the following Thursday, the person was struggling. Knowing the lack of transportation was going to negatively affect their ability to work, the person sought assistance from their company’s Human Resources Department. At the HR representative’s recommendation, the person contacted SAFER about their dilemma.

SAFER (which stands for Supporting and Facilitating Employee Retention) supports people in overcoming barriers to successful employment. Local businesses contract with TRC to operate SAFER at their work sites in order to address issues that could affect a person’s ability to successfully maintain employment.

After speaking with the person whose bike was stolen, SAFER representatives went to work checking with its contacts, some of which provided reduced-cost solutions, Josh said. Pearl City Cycle, located on Fairmount Avenue in West Ellicott, had a bicycle that recently had been donated. Josh said Pearl City supports local programs aimed at getting bicycles to people who need them for work and day-to-day living. He said a Pearl City representative indicated, “That’s part of our mission, giving back.”

“Pearl City Cycle inspected, cleaned and tuned the bike, and had it ready by Friday afternoon,” Josh said. “This was in time to deliver the bike, free of charge, to its new owner, the employee in need, at their home, after walking what would hopefully be the last walk home from work for a long time.”

Josh said the person was excited to receive the bike and amazed to get it so quickly and to have it delivered, exclaiming admiringly, “You guys don’t play!”

Based on this happy ending, SAFER encourages owners of unused bikes to consider donating them to Pearl City Cycle. By doing so, you will contribute to the initiative to support people who need reliable transportation to work. We thank SAFER and Pearl City for collaborating to preserve the employee’s ability to get to and from their job.

NOTE: Local businesses interested in bringing SAFER to their worksites may contact the program at 716-640-5151 or at [email protected].

Members of The Resource Center’s Make A Mark self-advocacy group shared their personal experiences and spoke about the importance of accepting people with disabilities during presentations at Silver Creek Central School.

The invitation to speak resulted from a connection that was developed between our Make A Mark group and Janet Decker, a Silver Creek special education teacher. Inspired by publicity surrounding past successful efforts of our Make A Mark group to have the City of Dunkirk declare March as “Spread the Word: Inclusion” Month, Janet, the Silver Creek Youth Advisory Committee and Forestville Central School students successfully advocated for the Hanover Town Board to do something similar this year.

TRC employee Beth Ray, who facilitates the Make A Mark group, contacted Janet. This led to an invitation to have Make A Mark representatives address assemblies at the high school, the middle school and for fourth- and fifth-graders at the elementary school. Make A Mark members Jennifer Meyers and Michael Ostrye told the young people about the importance of including people with special needs in all aspects of community life and treating them with respect, with each sharing how they had been bullied and excluded when they were children.

“This bullying made me feel like the stupidest person alive. Can you imagine feeling like that every day?” Jen told the audience. “Just because someone is a little different than you, it never gives you the right to treat them badly.”

“The ultimate goal is to think twice about treating someone with a disability differently or excluding them, and maybe take time to encourage people that may need a little extra help,” Mike said. “I always like to say, ‘Hey, get to know us before you judge us.’”

A third Male A Mark member, Mary Hayes, wasn’t able to attend the assemblies, so Mike read her comments to the audiences.

Beth also spoke. “They are all success stories,” she said of Jen, Mike and Mary. “They have jobs, homes; they vote, just like everyone else; and they are valued members of the communities where they live and work.”

 

We thank Jen, Mike and Mary for sharing their personal stories and spreading the word about inclusion! They did such a good job, they were invited to come back to do a similar presentation for second- and third-graders.

Several TRC staff were on hand to support Jen and Mike, as were retired Silver Creek Teacher and Laurel Memorial Run/Walk founders Wayne Hotelling and his wife, Elaine.

 

Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union (SCFCU) recently announced it had renewed its $15,000 corporate sponsorship contribution to The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based non-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to support people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges in Chautauqua County.

As a corporate sponsor, SCFCU will receive recognition as a sponsor of the annual fund-raising events organized by The Resource Center and Filling the Gap.  Those events include the Ability Awareness Awards, TRC Golf Classic, Step Up for Autism, Laurel Memorial Run/Walk, Sassy Baggs & Beyond Blingo, and Mark Pacheco WOW Fund Lip Sync Battle.

“Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union is honored to support The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, Inc.,” said John Felton, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our organization believes in The Resource Center’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities to live meaningful lives. Our contribution is a reflection of our commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.”

“On behalf of myself and the employees of The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, we are appreciative of Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union’s commitment to our core mission,” said Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer.  “The support of community organizations like Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union allows us to fulfill our mission of helping people with disabilities to enjoy meaningful lives. We also recognize the wide-ranging impact John and his employees have on our community as well.”

Photo Caption: l to r – Dave Samuelson, Chief Lending Officer, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Teena Chau, Chief Tellering Operations Officer, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union,  Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer, The Resource Center, Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer, The Resource Center, Cindy Hitchcock, Chief Executive Officer, Filling the Gap, Inc., and Chris Anderson, Marketing Manager/TRC Golf Classic Chair, The Resource Center.

The Resource Center is the Chautauqua County Chapter of The Arc New York, the largest provider of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New York State.

The Resource Center took time recently to honor 12 employees for achieving certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals.

A celebration was held Wednesday at our Dunham Avenue building to honor those staff members who completed Direct Support Professional (DSP) III or Front Line Supervisor (FLS) certification during the fourth quarter of 2024:

• DSP-III: Natasha Buchanan, Karri Frank, June Hillman, Tabatha Stenstrom
• FLS: Laurie Berry, Amy Curtin, Becky Frederes, Lillian Gordon, Mike McCoy, Kim Overton, Jessica Ramirez, Phillip Sanborn

Joanne Bevan, Assistant Executive Director, welcomed people to the event. She noted that it takes a lot of time and work to achieve DSP-III and FLS certification. “We’re glad people see the importance of completing that.”

“The role of a DSP is substantial, complex, and the skills involved are countless,” said Mark Constantino, Director of Site-Based Services. “Not only do you assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to attain their full potential, your national certification says you complete your job offering high-quality support.”

“This is a true testament to you guys investing in your own careers,” Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services, told the honorees.

 

 

“You make the world a better place for the people we’re here to support,” said Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer.

Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer, also congratulated the honorees and thanked them for their dedication.

Two members of TRC’s Board of Directors, John Felton and Donna Haenggi, attended the luncheon. John joined the Board last year, and he congratulated the honorees while applauding TRC’s commitment to its employees.

“The more I learn about TRC, the more impressed I am,” said John, adding he admires the way TRC supports its staff.

 

 

About 100 TRC employees have achieved NADSP certification. Many did so via a pilot project offered by NADSP and the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. Through the pilot, staff work toward national certification by taking courses in the NADSP’s E-Badge Academy for free.

TRC is able to participate in the pilot because we’re a member of the Collaborative of NY, an agency composed of 11 chapters of The Arc New York.

Rhonda Howard’s efforts at bolstering DEI within The Resource Center were recognized recently when she received a regional award for her leadership in this area.

Rhonda, Director of Human Resources, received an IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Awareness) Award from Buffalo Business First during the magazine’s IDEA Awards event. She was one of 20 people from throughout the eight-county Western New York region who were chosen to be honored at Business First’s sixth annual IDEA Awards celebration.

The event was sponsored by M&T Bank and the law firm of Phillips Lytle, LLC. Phillips Lytle officials nominated Rhonda for the IDEA Award because of her commitment to fostering DEI at TRC.

“On a daily basis, she supports employees of all identities and backgrounds by spearheading positive trainings and initiatives and facilitating conversations at all levels,” said Amanda Lowe, Esq., who is a partner at Phillips Lytle.

“Rhonda oversees development of comprehensive and inclusive policies, building and expansion of community relationships and partnerships, and supports individuals to identify and attain their valued outcomes. True to The Resource Center’s core tenet, Rhonda is a passionate and dedicated ally and advocate for people of all abilities to have the supports they need to succeed.”

Rhonda was instrumental in establishing TRC’s DEI Committee and implementing the agency’s DEI Statement. She also is part of the team that is working to develop our organization’s DEI Strategic Plan.

Amanda said Rhonda also has participated in DEI discussions at the State level.

“She served on a DEI panel at the Human Resources Professional Conference for the disability provider community,” Amanda noted. “This panel provided valuable insights on the importance of DEI in the workplace. She was also selected as a regional representative for the New York State Community of Practice on DEI in Developmental Disabilities. This initiative sought participation from intellectual and developmental disability provider agencies, self-advocates and Care Coordination Organizations who are passionate about or want to contribute to DEI efforts.”

When asked by Business First for advice on how to make workplaces more inclusive, Rhonda responded, “Listen and take feedback. Have channels to communicate what works and what doesn’t work. Be open to creating safe spaces, engaging in conversations that may not be comfortable and where you may not know what the right thing is to say. If you get it wrong, own it, apologize and learn from it. Invite others who might not be at the table to help your organization or team solve challenges to create more opportunity.

“When we hear people, when we see people, when we treat people with respect and dignity, always, you create inclusivity.”

Resource Center officials were pleased that Howard was selected for an IDEA Award.

“Rhonda has been purposeful and dedicated in guiding our organization as we have enhanced our commitment to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of DEI,” said Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer. “It’s wonderful to see Rhonda’s efforts be recognized at the regional level through this award.”

She becomes the third TRC employee to receive an IDEA Award. In 2021, Beth Jermain, Support Option Administrator, and Jessica Smith, Director of Corporate Compliance and Auditing, were honored for supporting people with developmental disabilities to enjoy self-directed lives.

Britnie Barmore, Joan Scalise and Nancy Scott recently were honored with The Resource Center’s top staff awards for 2024.

Britnie, who has worked for TRC since 2014, received the Norma J. Smith Award for excellence in providing direct supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was honored for her efforts in supporting people to enjoy self-directed lives. Britnie has supported people through major developments in their lives, particularly in learning about their early years and making connections with long-lost family members.

“She knows the people she supports and is able to help each person live a fulfilled life,” said a co-worker, Deseree Johnson, who added that Britnie is a fierce advocate for the people she supports people in obtaining the services they need. “This isn’t just a job to her; this is part of her life.”

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.

 

Joan, who joined The Resource Center in 1987, received the Joseph Trusso Jr. Employee of the Year Award. As Assistant Director of Finance with responsibility over agency budgets, Joan has done a good job supporting personnel from throughout the organization develop their departmental budgets, and she is adept at effectively explaining financial matters in a way that non-financial people can understand, according to Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer.

“Her work alone is tremendously impactful for agency operations, but also to be recognized is her dedication to TRC mission,” said Michele Albaugh, Director of Staff Training & Development and Agency Facilitation. “She doesn’t forget that the work she does directly impacts service recipients in all departments of the agency.”

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.

 

Nancy, who has worked at The Resource Center since 2019, received the Allied Industries Employee of the Year Award. She was honored for the way she performs her job as a Production Lead at TRC’s Jamestown manufacturing facility.

“Nancy has the respect and admiration of her peers, management and our customers. She is reliable, efficient, and knowledgeable about everything in the pack department,” said Dan Micek, Production Superintendent. “Nancy leads by example with a can-do attitude, she is always looking for ways to improve the department.  She is friendly and easy to approach. She is a team player, she is always helpful and the go-to person for her co-workers and management when issues arise.”

The three were honored during The Resource Center’s 40^th annual Employee Service Recognition Luncheon, which was held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron.

 

Other employees nominated for the Smith, Trusso or Allied awards were Jason Basile, Courtney Chapman, Kristen Farmer, Leslie Fickling, Briana Green, Jodie Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Kaitlin Kell, Matthew Makuch, Michael McCoy, Charles Nobbs, Shanon Odebralski, Matthew Olson, William Paul, Kreana Peru, Sara Skinner, Cheryl Stow, Ashlee Terry, Stephanie Thomas, and Terry Williams.

Members of the awards selection committee were Kevin Anderson, Victoria Bardo, Bonnie DeJoy, Verna Dickinson, Leslie DiNapoli, Marcos Figueroa, Deseree Johnson, Melissa Rasmussen, Wendy Stimson, Donna Trusso, and Jane Young.

Combined, they have more than 2,000 years of service with The Resource Center. And the contributions of those 141 people were celebrated when TRC held its 40^th Employee Service Recognition Luncheon.

The event, held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron, honored employees and members of the board of directors who, during 2024, reached milestone years of service with The Resource Center.

The longest-serving employees recognized at this year’s event were Cynthia Miller, who is a cleaner (45 years), and Kathy Constantino, staff assistance specialist (40 years).

 

 

Honored for 35 years of service with TRC were Sherry Carnes, imaging specialist; Robbie Dickey, cleaner; Donna Eddy, day services supervisor; Beth Jermain, support option administrator; Karen Silzle, self-determination assistant; and Karen Williamson, direct support professional lead.

 

Those completing 30 years of employment were Heather C. Brown, Heather Burch, Ronald Corson, Sarah Curran, Kristen Farmer, Lisa Gross, Ann McKillip, and Evelyn Wright-Kegelmyer.

 

Recognized for 25 years of service were Sabrina Avery, Marie Carrubba, Brian Crawford, Susan Engstrom, Rosanna Hatfield, Jamie Intihar, Jodie Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Kevin Konko, and Marcia Restivo.

 

Honored for 20 years of service were Debra Adams, Ned Battle, William Bowler, Shelly Coleson, Christine Cook, Shirley DeGolier, Tammy Fardink,  R. Michael Goldman, Carla MacTavish, Tammy Marks, Maureen Peterson, Ashley Piazza, Robert Radack, Jeffrey Schuster, Gregory Slagle, Cheryl Stow, and Penny Woodring,

 

Completing 15 years of service in 2024 were Robert Bialaszewski, Annmarie Bonfiglio-Davis, Benjamin Burkhart, Jason Carnahan, Christopher Davis, Verna Dickinson, Michael Duncanson, Deja Ferrara, Carol Hanson, David Hedstrand, Nancy Johnson, Roy Knight, Gerald Lundberg, Michael Makuch, Jade Peterson, Lisa Rios, Allison Urbanski, Michael VanVlack, and Michael Winship.

 

Recognized for 10 years of service were Tania Alfonso, Christopher Anderson, Jon Annis, Britnie Barmore, Alex Berdine, Donna Bloss, Singen Bowler, Joanne Campbell, Timothy Carlson, Larissa Catanese, Wendy Doutt, Kelly Edwards. Donna Haenggi, Jessica Hagle, Stefanie Howie, Sarah Knuth, Richard Meek, Kay Miller, Kolleen Nary, Rosa Otero-Pagan, Maggie Rivera, Harold Roberts, Ashley Russell, Luz Santana, Martin Seekings, Andrea Shierling, Michael Tilyou, and Sandra Young.

 

Those who last year completed five years of service with TRC were James Addington, Nicole Armentrout, Jason Basile, Nicholas Bell, Savannah Brown, Candace Bush, Shayna Caine, Pedro Casado, Elimaries Correa, Abigail Courtney, Ifraim Cruz, Laura Cummings, Timothy Danielson, Kim Davis, Sean Davis, Ricki DeGolier, Bonnie DeJoy, Terrena Derby, Alex Dirling, Rachel Echevarria, Ashley Emke, Sterling Feaster, Paul Giannini, Timothy Gifford, Lisa Goodell, Lillian Gordon, James Haick, Cody Hardinger, Jessica Harley, Elena Hernandez, Rhonda Howard, Susan Ingersoll, Sandra Korzeniewski, Jaime Lauffenburger, Jenna Mosher, Leah Mosier, Julio Nazario, Alexis Nelson, Ryan Nordine, Amie Norton, Juan Pagan Hernandez, Steven Parker, Jordan Peters, Satori Powell, Samantha Sanchez, Nancy Scott, Dr. Cain Sonney, Francy Swartz, Kassandra Tilyou, Nancheska Torres, and Danielle Williams.

Welcoming remarks were given by Dr. Dawn Columbare, the vice chair of TRC’s Board of Directors.

“On behalf of the Board, I am honored to bring you our thanks for your dedication to meeting the mission of The Resource Center. Whether you are one of our honorees, a team member supporting our honorees, a family member, or a volunteer, we appreciate your heartfelt commitment and dedication to maximizing the quality of life of everyone we serve,” Dawn said.

“If you are a staff member, you undoubtedly contribute to the success of your team and foster an environment where you, your co-workers and the people we serve can thrive,” Dawn added. “You help 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.

“I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all of our honorees,” Denise said. “Your commitment, teamwork and loyalty make all the difference for your co-workers and the people we support. Every day, you are contributing to something much larger than ourselves. Whether it’s a breakthrough moment, a milestone in someone’s journey, or the consistent knowledge and support you provide, you are creating a lasting impact in people’s lives.

“While we are here to celebrate the incredible service milestones you have reached, let us also remember our work is never done.  Each of your journeys inspire us to continue striving for greater inclusion, understanding and respect for our mission and the people we support.”

The Resource Center was awarded $29,282 in grants from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support TRC’s Guardianship and Recreation programs in 2024.

NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts and pooled trusts that improve the lives of people with disabilities by enabling them to maintain eligibility for Medicaid and other means-tested government benefit programs. For 2024, NYSARC Trust Services fulfilled its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by awarding $2,697,508 to chapters of The Arc New York statewide.

The Resource Center received $15,150 to provide guardianship services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who would not otherwise have a legal guardian or advocate. Supported by staff and community volunteers, The Resource Center’s Guardianship Program provides guardianship supports and services to three people and is ready to assist one more person as an alternate standby guardian. TRC’s Guardianship Program supports these people by giving them a sense of family and belonging, conducting person-centered planning and advocating on their behalf. TRC’s Guardianship Committee oversees their care and assists with making critical medical decisions.

Besides the grant money, there is no funding for TRC’s Guardianship Program. As a result, The Resource Center relies on financial support from families, particularly the families of those for whom TRC serves as standby guardian. For more information about the Guardianship Program, phone 716-483-2344.

 

In addition to the guardianship money, NYSARC Trust Services awarded The Resource Center $14,132 to support recreational opportunities for more than 100 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Uses of the money included attending a Jamestown Tarp Skunks baseball game and the Gerry Rodeo; visiting the National Comedy Center and Chautauqua Institution; and going to the Buffalo Zoo, the Erie Zoo, and Waldemeer Park & Water World. Funds also were used to cover the cost of having a disc jockey at The Resource Center’s monthly dances. A moderate portion of the grant was used to buy sensory supplies to support people with behavioral challenges while they attend TRC’s Day Services.

“The 2024 funding was appreciated, and it did indeed offer the opportunity for people to continue to engage in community-based activities,” said Mark Constantino, TRC’s Director of Program Operations for Site-Based Services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

 

NYSARC Trust Services has administered supplemental needs trusts since 1972, helping thousands of people with disabilities protect their eligibility for government benefits and improve their quality of life. NYSARC Trust Services’ programs give people with disabilities the opportunity to remain in their communities with greater comfort and independence while providing peace of mind to their families and loved ones.

NYSARC Trust Services administers first- and third-party pooled supplemental needs trusts to help families plan for the future of a loved one with a disability, preserve income and assets for Medicaid planning purposes and long-term care, and protect unexpected monetary windfalls. To learn more, phone 518-439-8323 or visit www.nysarctrustservices.org.

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!

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.

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.

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.

 

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.