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.

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:

 

 

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

 

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.

The Resource Center’s Resa Rosen-Murray was honored with a 2024 Code of Conduct Award by the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs.

The award ceremony took place at The Resource Center’s Senior Adult Day Habilitation Program in Jamestown. The program is for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, so holding the ceremony there gave Resa’s colleagues and the program’s participants the opportunity to celebrate with her.

Those honored with a Code of Conduct Award truly embody the Justice Center’s founding principles and ethical standards outlined in the Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs. As stated in the code, signed by all staff under Justice Center jurisdiction, award recipients have upheld their commitment to helping help people “live self-directed meaningful lives in their communities, free from abuse and neglect, and protected from harm.”

Awards are compiled by the NYS Justice Center each year. Winners are selected by the Justice Center’s Advisory Council – a group that provides guidance to the Justice Center in the development of policies, programs, and regulations. The council consists of service providers, people who have or are currently receiving services, their family members, and advocates.

“Our Code of Conduct Award is our way of paying tribute to those who go above and beyond in their daily work lives, and lead others by example,” said Justice Center Acting Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray. “Reading about Resa, I can tell she makes each day uniquely special – both for her staff and the individuals she serves. Thank you, for being a champion for our mission.”

Resa was selected for her leadership and loyalty to her work at The Resource Center – a career she’s held for 44 years. Those who work with Resa describe her as thoughtful, respectful, and never without a smile. An artist at heart, Resa displays her musical talents once a week for program participants, creating a warm, welcoming environment for those she serves.

Half of her career has been spent at TRC’s Senior Adult Day Habilitation Program in Jamestown, where she is a Direct Support Professional Lead. Resa is a strong advocate for the people she supports and will continue to push until a person’s needs are met. Her commitment to those she supports extends beyond the walls of the day program, as she has visited one of TRC’s homes to ensure residents are receiving the supports they need; if she notices something is amiss, she works with staff to address the situation. In such instances, Resa is viewed as a valued mentor to new employees and is able to call on her vast experience to demonstrate the proper ways that things should be done. Co-workers admire her professionalism, her dedication and her ability to lead by example.

 The Justice Center received more than 100 nominations for this year’s program. Five winners were selected from more than two dozen finalists. Each submission highlighted the dedicated members of our State’s human services workforce. Resource Center officials are proud Resa was chosen to receive the Code of Conduct Award.

“The Resource Center is truly fortunate and blessed to have Resa on our team. She is a shining example of commitment, dedication and a fierce advocate,” said Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer. “She cares deeply and centers her time and energy to ensure the betterment of the lives of the people we support. We are a better organization because of Resa and the example she provides to all.”

“Resa is a wonderful person and a dedicated and compassionate worker, and she is worthy of recognition by the Justice Center,” said Joanne Bevan, Assistant Executive Director. “Resa invests time into forming good working relationships with those she supports. Through this investment, she learns what is important to each person and uses that knowledge to help people advocate for themselves and reach their goals. Resa’s first concern is always for the people that we support. She is always professional and treats all she comes in contact with professionally. She epitomizes The Resource Center’s mission statement, values and beliefs.”

Officials from the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and The Arc New York also attended the event and praised Rosen-Murray on her selection for the Code of Conduct Award. Joshua Christiana, The Arc NY’s Director of Quality, Compliance and Chapter Relations, noted the organization’s 35 chapters have a combined 30,000 employees, and Resa was the only one to receive a Code of Conduct Award this year.

Maria Torgalski, OPWDD Regional Field Office Director, praised Resa and other DSPs for their commitment to prioritizing the safety of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities while also supporting them to experience the dignity of risk.

The achievements of people with disabilities and the efforts of those who support them will be showcased when The Resource Center holds its 35^th Ability Awareness Awards Celebration on Thursday, November 7.

The luncheon will be held at Shorewood Country Club, 4958 West Lake Road in Dunkirk, from noon to 1:30.

The awards recognize people with disabilities who have made significant accomplishments, as well as area residents and businesses that have improved the lives of people with disabilities. This year’s award recipients are:

• Advocate of the Year – Michael Ostrye
• Business/Employer of the Year – Original Crunch Roll Factory
• Community Partnership Award – Laurie Reynolds
• Bruce Walford Community Service Award – Andrew Goodell
• Health Provider of the Year – Tammy Fardink
• Carl Cappa Humanitarian of the Year – Lake Shore Savings
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Dennis Webster
• Edwin Roth Mental Health Award – Jeff Axelson
• Outstanding Achievement Award – David C.
• Personal Success Award – Ashley Martin
• Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year – Heather C. Brown

In addition, Keith Gowan will receive an award for being honored by New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. NYSID selected Gowan for recognition through its annual William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award Program.

Members of The Resource Center, people with disabilities, TRC staff and volunteers, and the general public are invited to attend the Ability Awareness Awards Celebration. The event is being sponsored by TRC, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union and NYSID.

The cost to attend the luncheon is $30. Reservations are due by October 26. For more information or to pay for your reservation by check, phone 716-661-1477 or e-mail vicky.bardo@resourcecenter.org.

Those wishing to make a donation in honor of one of the award recipients may do so at The Resource Center’s web site or by mailing a check to The Resource Center, 200 Dunham Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701.Donations will be directed to The Resource Center’s TRC Excellence Awards Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

The Resource Center recently honored employees who have done an outstanding job of supporting people with developmental disabilities.

During the national observance of Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, The Resource Center held its annual “Everyday Hero Celebration.” The event recognizes members of TRC’s direct support workforce who have been nominated by co-workers for the jobs they have done supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in TRC’s homes, day programs and the community.  This year, six people were honored as Everyday Heroes: Raquel Carrion, Angela Dalrymple, Stephanie Diate, Julie Lanneaux, Mackenzie Miller, and Jacob Mortenson.

Here are profiles of the 2024 Everyday Heroes:

Raquel Carrion is a DSP at one of TRC’s day habilitation programs in Jamestown. “Raquel is always uplifting to the people we serve and to her co-workers. She always helps where needed no matter the circumstances. Raquel always has our clients’ best interests in her heart,” said one person who nominated Carrion as an Everyday Hero. Said another, “Raquel is caring and will take the time to getting to know each individual and what makes them tick. She has the ability to calm and soothe an individual when they are having a bad day.”

Angela Dalrymple is a DSP at one of TRC’s homes in Jamestown. A co-worker noted that Dalrymple was able to establish a good relationship with a new resident who had experienced struggles in his previous home, and this smoothed his transition to his new living arrangement. “Angela is so kind and caring to the people she supports,” the co-worker said. “She promotes independence and is always respectful to everyone. She always goes above and beyond for the people she supports.”

Stephanie Diate is a lead DSP at TRC’s day habilitation program in Dunkirk. Co-workers said Diate has a positive, upbeat personality and is a good problem-solver. She is a firm advocate for the people who attend the day program and utilizes a person-centered approach. Diate earned praise for her actions after people were involved in a traffic accident. She went to the hospital so people would see a familiar face when they arrived, and she provided medical personnel with information about those who were injured. “I know of no one who better exemplifies the personal and professional qualities that we honor through the award,” a co-worker said of Diate.

Julie Lanneaux is a self-determination assistant in TRC’s community-based services program in northern Chautauqua County. She was cited for keeping people safe and promoting independence. A family member of a young woman Lanneaux supports nominated her as an Everyday Hero. The family member praised Lanneaux for her efforts in supporting the woman’s transition from high school to adulthood. The family member said the woman’s mood swings during this transition created stress and that the family was grateful for Lanneaux’s commitment to helping the woman succeed.

Mackenzie Miller is a self-determination assistant TRC’s community-based services program in southern Chautauqua County. Miller was nominated for the award by a woman she supports. “I love working with Mackenzie because she helps me keep organized in order to keep my apartment clean. She has also taught me how to cook and prepare healthier meals in order to eat healthier. We go on walks together, do Zumba, do jigsaw puzzles, clean, go swimming, and color,” the woman said. “I love the smile on her face when she walks into my apartment.”

Jacob Mortenson is a DSP at one of TRC’s homes in Jamestown. Mortenson is described as being a hard worker who is willing to take on additional tasks when needed, as evidenced when he served in the capacity of the home’s assistant manager. “He is always willing to help his co-workers with anything they need and has wonderful communication skills with the people and their families,” said one of the four people who nominated Mortenson as an Everyday Hero. “He maintains his composure in difficult situations. He advocates for anything someone needs to ensure they are healthy and safe.”

Each Everyday Hero received a check, a hooded sweatshirt and congratulatory certificates from Congressman Nick Langworthy, Senator George Borrello and County Executive PJ Wendel.

 

Twenty-six other TRC employees who were nominated for an Everyday Hero award received honorable mention: Kyiah Carpenter, Pedro Casado, Laura Cummings, Debbie Dalziel, Lindsey Davis, Sierra Deese, Kaylee Frederick, Cheyenne Green, Karla Gutknecht, Amber Iuculano, Robin Kestler, Brianna Kightlinger, Bianca Larkins, Emily Lisek, Chris Marucci, Cherish Matteson, Brynn Pagett, Kreana Peru, Charles Reardon, Resa-Rosen Murray, Martin Seekings, Jenna Silzle, Christin Sweat, Don Traynor, Amanda Trout, and Hannah Verrett.

Each of the people who received honorable mention was given a ceramic pendant made by artists with disabilities at TRC’s KeyBank Art House at Edgewater.

Opening remarks were given by Executive Director Denise Jones, who noted that the Everyday Hero Celebration is one of her favorite events that TRC puts on. She thanked the honorees for their dedication and service.

Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services, and Mark Constantino, Director of Program Operations for our Site-Based Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services, also gave remarks.

“When you think of heroes, you often think of firemen running out of a burning building or police officers putting their life on the line to keep people safe. But there are other kinds of heroes that we encounter every day,” Johnson said. “It’s those that show up every day, even when it’s going to be a hard day, gives their all and does it all while making it look fun and easy. That’s what those of you being honored today do. You make the most out of every day. You put in the work, even when it’s hard.”

Referencing TRC’s tagline (Making a Difference in People’s Lives), Johnson told the honorees, “It is the core of what we believe and what makes you get up every day and go to work. The work you all do is not for everyone. Not just anyone can do it, and not everyone can excel it. But you are all excelling at it.”

“Heroes are those that, no matter the situation, always rise to the occasion and demonstrate unwavering dedication,” Constantino said. “Your efforts are certainly noticed, and whether you recognize it or not, you exemplify the level of quality we hope to instill in all staff.”

He said the fact honorees were nominated by co-workers was significant.

“Often times, our peers are our harshest critics. So, receiving a nomination from your peers proves you are reliable, you are a team player and you most certainly make a difference in people’s lives,” Constantino said. “Thank you for setting the standard for which all of our DSPs can now emulate.”

Special guests included Christine Rinaldi from Langworthy’s office; County Legislator Lisa Vanstrom, representing Borrello; and James Feldmann from Wendel’s office. They praised DSPs for the work they perform and noted TRC is well-respected in the community.

Other activities that took place at The Resource Center during Direct Support Professional Recognition Week included daily prize drawings and events held by different departments to show appreciation for their direct support workforce.

The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, Inc., will pair two of their popular events when the Sprout Film Festival and Step Up for Autism take place Wednesday, September 25, at The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts on Third Street in Jamestown.

The Sprout Film Festival features 11 short films that celebrate the diverse lives and creativity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The films seek to challenge assumptions and break down stereotypes about people with disabling conditions.

Sprout is a traveling film festival, and each host community selects the films that will be screened locally. Click here to view the festival’s trailer and get a feel for some of this year’s films. The movies will begin at 7:00 p.m. The films have a combined running time of about 75 minutes. There will not be an intermission.

 

This is the eighth time The Resource Center has brought the Sprout Film Festival to Chautauqua County. Admission to the film festival is free thanks to a grant from Filling the Gap, which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Chautauqua County.

The theater doors will open at 6:00, giving festival-goers time to try to win items in a prize drawing and a sweets auction that are being put on by Step Up for Autism. The prize drawing features donated gift baskets, while the sweets auction features cakes, pies and other treats donated by local businesses.

Officials from The Resource Center and Filling the Gap are looking forward to presenting the Sprout Film Festival and Step Up for Autism on the same evening again this year.

 

“I am excited to have these two great events become one,” said The Resource Center’s Kevin Anderson, one of the film festival’s lead organizers. “Sprout has always been a wonderful evening where the greater Jamestown community comes together to enjoy entertaining and enlightening films. With the addition of Step Up for Autism events, we are providing the opportunity for people to mingle before the films and help raise funds for important programs that support individuals on the spectrum.”

“Bringing together the Sprout Film Festival and Step Up for Autism gives us one action-packed event,” said Victoria Bardo, Development and Event Manager for Filling the Gap. “Enjoy the movies, and don’t forget to participate in our raffles and sweets auction. You will come out of this event with the best feeling and a new perspective on the cherished lives of persons with different abilities.”

Major sponsors of this year’s Step Up for Autism activities are Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, UPMC Chautauqua and Brown & Brown Insurance. Money raised through Step Up for Autism will stay in Chautauqua County to support people on the autism spectrum and others with developmental disabilities.

For more information about the Sprout Film Festival, phone Anderson at 716-483-2344. For questions about Step Up for Autism, phone Bardo at 716-661-1477.

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.