Robin Kestler recently was honored as New York State’s Direct Support Professional of the Year by ANCOR, a national association for community-based disability service providers.

Robin, who retired last fall after a 30-year career at The Resource Center, was honored April 23 in Boston during ANCOR’s annual conference.

Robin is part of ANCOR’s largest-ever class of DSP of the Year honorees, with 57 outstanding professionals being chosen from a record-breaking 544 nominations from around the country. One honoree was chosen as each state’s DSP of the Year, and ANCOR selected several other people for special awards.

TRC officials are excited that Robin was chosen for the award.

“We are absolutely thrilled that ANCOR selected Robin as its DSP of the Year in New York State. To be chosen as the Empire State’s honoree among many other worthy nominees speaks volumes to Robin’s commitment, dedication and devotion to the people we support,” said Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer.

“Robin’s a real trailblazer, and her career exemplifies the transformative power of community-based, person-centered supports and services. Her efforts have resulted in true community inclusion for the people we support.”

ANCOR, a national association for community-based disability service providers, began its annual DSP awards in 2007. The awards recognize outstanding DSPs who deliver long-term services and supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

ANCOR officials said the awards celebrate the important role DSPs play in ensuring people with I/DD have what they need to thrive and be included in the community.

“Celebrating the nation’s most outstanding direct support professionals is one of the great joys I have as a leader within the national provider community, and Robin Kestler is a perfect reminder why,” said Lori Kress, the President of ANCOR’s Board of Directors. “Each of this year’s honorees exemplifies what it means to deliver supports that are truly person-centered, and each one demonstrates what it means to be a bridge between people and their communities.”

ANCOR said the awards also seek to raise awareness about a direct support workforce in crisis, maintaining that inadequate investments in this workforce have led to a decades-long shortage of DSPs. ANCOR officials believe these challenges are on the brink of getting worse in light of cuts to Medicaid — which funds the majority of services DSPs deliver — at the federal level and in many states.

“Being recognized with a DSP of the Year Award is a tremendous honor every year,” said Barbara Merrill, ANCOR’s CEO. “And the timing couldn’t be better, as funding cuts at the federal level and in many states mean that our nation’s direct support professionals need recognition now more than ever.”

Robin Kestler holds her DSP of the Year Award while posing with Lori Kress, the President of ANCOR’s Board of Directors, at the awards ceremony in Boston. 

This marks the second time Robin has received ANCOR’s DSP of the Year Award. She also earned the honor in 2007. Two other TRC employees also have received ANCOR’s DSP of the Year Award: Jennifer Herron was ANCOR’s DSP of the Year for New York State in 2022, while Stephanie Giorgenti was the honoree in 2016.

Watch the short video of Robin receiving her award.

About ANCOR

For more than 55 years, ANCOR has sought to advance the future of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As the trusted conduit of resources for providers, policymakers and the public, ANCOR enhances providers’ ability to support people with I/DD to be fully included and empowered in their communities.

A group of people at The Resource Center recently conducted a successful food drive to benefit a local church pantry, and they plan to do more to help the church and community.

The Building Community Through Service group at TRC’s Gateways PROS (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services) Center for Wellness in Dunkirk spent about two months collecting food for The Fred Basket food pantry at Fredonia Presbyterian Church. The drive was a success, yielding 150 items weighing a combined 124 pounds. Donations were received from within The Resource Center and from the community.

Church officials were grateful for the contribution and said the food drive exemplifies what the community is about.

“Food is basic, but it’s never just food; it’s dignity, care and connection,” said the Reverend Holly Clark-Porter. “This partnership shows the strength of a community that refuses to let its neighbors go without. When we show up for each other like this, we become stronger together. That’s what The Fred Basket is all about. That’s what this entire community is all about, and it shows each time good folks like The Resource Center show up.”

Jaala Haskins, employment/education specialist at Gateways PROS, and Ke-Khee Greenough, behavioral health clinician, facilitated the Building Community Through Service (BCTS) group members. They said the group took on the project to develop vocational skills and create community integration. Jaala said group members chose The Fred Basket as the beneficiary of the food drive due to the church’s “commitment to providing accessible, high-quality nutrition to families in the area.”

“Partnering with Pastor Holly Clark-Porter allowed our students to see exactly where their hard work was going: directly into the hands of those who need it most,” Jaala said.

She explained that to promote the food drive, BCTS students engaged in “foot marketing” by hand-delivering flyers to community businesses.

“They practiced professional communication and networking with community anchors like the Darwin R. Barker Library and local grocery stores, learning how to represent a cause with poise and persistence,” Jaala said. She added that group members knew their marketing efforts were successful when a community member dropped off food after having seen a flyer advertising the food drive.

In addition to the satisfaction they felt from conducting a successful food drive, BCTS students “mastered logistics, inventory management and professional advocacy” as part of their goal to build life roles that lead to competitive employment and education, Jaala said.

“They experienced the shift from being service recipients to being community providers, proving that they have the stamina, organizational skills and heart to succeed in any professional environment.”

Jaala said the BCTS students will continue to support the church while also looking to assist other organizations.

“We are very excited about the future of BCTS. We have solidified an ongoing partnership with the Fredonia Presbyterian Church to provide continued support for any additional assistance or projects they may have. Looking ahead, the group is preparing to launch a new drive specifically for everyday hygiene essentials, as we’ve identified a critical need for these items in our local area.”

She added, “We remain actively open to new volunteer opportunities across North County. Our goal is to continue finding diverse ways for our students to build their vocational portfolios while giving back to the community that supports them.”

Denise Jones has again been named one of the most influential people in Western New York by a regional business publication.

Denise, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer, was included in Buffalo Business First’s annual “Power 250” list of the business leaders whose guidance and influence shape WNY. This marks the 11^th straight year Denise has appeared on the list. She is ranked No. 147.

A TRC employee since 1990, Denise was named CEO in 2015. Under her leadership, The Resource Center has posted positive net operating results for 11 straight years.

Buffalo Business First noted that TRC is the region’s fifth-largest non-profit organization, with an annual operating budget of about $100 million. The agency has more than 1,100 employees across three separate business lines: supports and services for people with disabilities; clinical services that are available to anyone in the community; and a manufacturing division that performs subcontracting work for area industry and the federal government.

TRC officials were proud that Denise has again been recognized by Business First.

“It is an extraordinary accomplishment to be named to the Business First Power 250 list for the 11th straight year,” said Dr. Dawn Columbare, who chairs TRC’s Board of Directors. “This accomplishment is a credit to Denise’s exemplary leadership of a complex, county-wide organization whose services range from caring for every aspect of the lives of the individuals with disabilities we serve, to our manufacturing businesses and our clinical services.”

In addition to being influential in Western New York region, Denise plays important roles with disability service organizations at the regional, state and national levels. She serves on the Boards of the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York and The Collaborative of New York; is treasurer of The Arc New York Executive Directors Association; and is the secretary/treasurer of the board for ACCSES, which represents community-based organizations that support people with disabilities across the country. Denise also has served on the Boards of local organizations, including the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

Jones, who was born and raised in Jamestown, obtained an associate degree from Jamestown Community College before earning her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Binghamton University. She later received a master of science in strategic leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College.

Area military veterans and their guests will enjoy a beautiful night April 18 at the annual gala for the CHQ Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project.

The event will be held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron. A social hour begins at 5:00, with dinner served at 6:00. A program and dancing will follow. This year’s gala theme is “Bella Notte,” which means “beautiful night” in Italian.

The event’s guest speaker will be Dr. Joseph Pfadt, a retired major in the U.S. Army National Guard. Pfadt founded Warriors to Washington, a non-profit organization that sponsors trips to the nation’s capital for northwestern Pennsylvania veterans and their guests so they can tour national landmarks. He also conceived of the idea for the Tom Ridge Environment Center on Presque Isle State Park. Currently, Pfadt heads the Oliver Hazard Perry Shipyard, a non-profit that spearheads a project to bring a Perry class frigate to Erie and establish it as a museum.

Musical entertainment will be provided by violinist Lori Hull, a retired Army lieutenant colonel. Hull learned to play the violin to relieve stress while stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, where she was responsible for the medical plans for Reserve units brigade combat teams before they deployed to Iraq.

There is no charge for veterans to attend the gala. Each veteran may reserve a seat for one guest by making a $20 refundable deposit. Additional guests and non-veterans may attend by paying a $60 non-refundable, per-person fee. Checks should be made payable to The Resource Center and be mailed or delivered to The Resource Center’s 200 Dunham Avenue location.

Reservations are due April 1 by emailing DreAnn Csorba, the Director of the Dwyer Chautauqua Program, at dwyer.director@resourcecenter.org. When making reservations, people should indicate their meal selection from among these options: chicken parmesan, prime rib, stuffed sole, or butternut squash risotto.

“We are putting so much heart into creating a memorable, Italian-inspired evening,” Csorba said, “from décor and entertainment to special surprises throughout the night. We can’t wait to gather, celebrate and enjoy a wonderful night together honoring our veterans and their families.”

The Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project is a non-clinical program that pairs veterans with other veterans. Last year, Dwyer Chautauqua supported more than 400 local veterans and their families. Group members engage in a variety of activities each month. New members are welcome. The program is operated by The Resource Center. For more information, phone Csorba at 716-661-1447, extension 80091.

Don Traynor, Jacob Schweinsberg and William Dorman were honored with The Resource Center’s top staff awards for 2025.

Don, who has worked for TRC since 1993, received the Joseph Trusso Jr. Employee of the Year Award. He was chosen for the award based on his efforts in supporting employees at The Resource Center and similar organizations in achieving certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals.

When The Resource Center and the other organizations that comprise The Collaborative of New York received a grant to support their employees in attaining NADSP certification, Don willingly took on a leadership role. As a local administrator for the grant, he supported two other agencies while also assisting two other local administrators as they supported the rest of the organizations. Don has provided in-person and virtual training, phone call support and technical help. He took on these additional responsibilities while supporting TRC staff as they seek NADSP certification and performing his regular duties as the staff learning and development training coordinator.

Through Don’s efforts, more than 100 people have achieved NADSP certification. “Don’s commitment to the development of direct support professional and frontline supervisory staff who are rooted in ethics, skills and competencies directly enhances services and supports to people,” said Michele Albaugh, Director of Staff Learning and Development. “He lives the mission and is making a difference at TRC as well as with the organizations in The Collaborative of New York.”

Don is committed to assisting direct support staff to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to provide high-quality supports to people with disabilities. Evelyn Wright-Kegelmyer, Administrative Support Coordinator in TRC’s Human Resources Department, said Don’s dedication stems from his long career, which has included 10 years providing direct supports to people with disabilities and more than two decades supporting staff to perform at their best.

“If you were to roll out Don’s 33-year journey with TRC into a neat, statistical timeline that noted the impact he has made with his co-workers and people supported, it would be apparent that from the beginning Don has worked to enhance the independence and integration of individuals with disabilities,” she said.

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.

 

Jacon received the Norma J. Smith Award for excellence in providing direct supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He joined The Resource Center in 2023, and in his role as a Community Coach he supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their efforts to achieve their employment goals. Supervisors praised Jacob for his knack for bringing fun to TRC’s Community Pre-Vocational Services Program, such as designing hands-on games that have a vocation theme. He also came up with the idea to of presenting a monthly award to recognize someone for the progress they’ve made in their employment journey.

“What truly sets Jacob apart is his ability to personalize and tailor services to meet the unique needs and interests of each person,” said Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services. “Jacob empowers people to take the lead in their employment path, building confidence and self-esteem along the way.”

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.

 

Bill, who has worked at The Resource Center since 1997, received the Allied Industries Employee of the Year Award. He was honored for the way he performs his job as a production worker at TRC’s Jamestown manufacturing facility. Bill is skilled at multiple manufacturing positions, and with his many years of knowledge and experience he willingly shares his wisdom and trains others.

When faced with a challenge, Bill “rolls up his sleeves and does what is required with a true can-do, get-‘er-done attitude,” noted Tim Lyon, Materials Manager, who nominated Bill for the award. “He is a great example for all of his co-workers and a positive influence wherever he works. Allied Industries is more successful because of Bill’s hard work and dedication.”

Two co-workers also nominated Bill, saying that he shows up for work, on time, every day, and that he is a hard worker who assists others.

 

Bill, Don and Jacob received their awards during The Resource Center’s 41^st Employee Service Recognition Luncheon, which was held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron.

The Resource Center paid tribute to the dedication, commitment and contributions of long-term staff at our 41^st Employee Service Recognition Luncheon.

The event, held February 5 at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron, honored employees and board members who, during 2025, achieved milestone years of service with The Resource Center. Combined, the 123 people honored have more than 1,500 years with The Resource Center.

The longest-serving employees recognized at this year’s event were Resa-Rosen Murray, a Direct Support Professional Lead at TRC’s Senior Adult Day Habilitation Program in Jamestown, who has been with the agency for 45 years, and 40-year honorees Terry Brandow, a Cook for TRC’s homes on Foote Avenue in Jamestown, and Raymond Ziegler, a Production Worker at TRC’s manufacturing facility on East Chestnut Street in Dunkirk.

 

 

Eight employees were honored for 35 years of service with The Resource Center: Daniel Farnham, Nurse Supervisor; Carla Hall, Pharmacy Aide; Brenda Jabczynski, Staff Assistance Specialist; Denise Jones, Chief Executive Officer; Cory Nowell, Laundry Aide; Michele Swan, Shift Supervisor; Barbara Wheeler, Care Coordinator; and Douglas Wiggers, Staff Assistance Specialist.

 

The 30-year honorees were Stephen Bulich, Patrick Smallman, Suzette Smith, and Jacqueline Wiggers.

 

Recognized for 25 years of service were Rhonda Bauer, Kimberly Baxter, Melissa Cardone, Andrew Dyckes, William Paul, Tammy Russell, Daniel Schroder, Frank Szablewski, and Autumn Wilson.

 

Honored for reaching the 20-year mark were Heather M. Brown, Jennifer Duncanson, Steven Eastham, Karla Gutknecht, Joyce Harris, Stephanie Levoie-Beatty , Patricia Martines, James Richard Nary, Steven Raynor, and Nichole Washer.

 

Those completing 15 years with TRC were Tammi Blodien, Elvera Carlsson, Debra Dalziel, Kristopher Drozdziel, Becky Frederes, Christina Gaworecki-Dorrell, Wanda Gifford, Brian Hanna, Trisha Hopkins, Victor Karas, Bruce LaRoy, Dana Manno, Michael McCoy, Gladys Muller, Charles Nobbs, Donna Oyer, Charles Reardon, Amber Siragusa, Matthew Strom, Russ Valone, and Nicole Witruke.

 

Recognized for 10 years of service were Kate Barton, Gabrielle Bemis, Raymond Bigney, Barbara Billings, Michael K. Brown, Dan Cuccia, Kay Davis, Richard Erickson, Paul Hurley, Tracy Kightlinger, Jamie King, Robert Larkins, Debra Larsen, Jessica LaSpada, Carl Livermore, Steven Monroe, Lynne Newman, Kris Olson, Crystal Przybelinski, Neishaly Rodriguez, Michael Sandquist, Rocio Santiago, Leon Sutton, Andrea Sweet, Ashlee Terry, Lynn Thomas, Richard Vinton, and Kevin Woloszyn.

 

Honored for five years of service were Timothy Adam, John Bennett, Dana Berlin, Cassidy Birt, Josh Bowman, David Carlson, Jamie Cercone, Kaylee Chapman, Tyler Christy, Sierra Destro, Laura Farnsworth, Monica Gassman, Kristie Gilbert, Katelyn Grodecki, Kaitlyn Johnson, Preston Jones, Lisa Karas, Phyllis Lamb, Alexandria Land, Sommer Levandoske, Christopher Lindberg, Kristina Marks, Daniel Micek, Austin Mitchell, Kerry Jo Mitchener, Jessica Morse, Scott Murvine, Brynn Pagett, Adam Phillips, Irwin Pitner, Anna Raymond, Cassandra Rogers, Elizabeth Rosario Harris, Shyla Smith, Darren Spetz, Jonathan Walz, Carolanne Warrior, Jeremy Weilacher, Cristina Welch, and Julie Zaffalon.

Opening remarks were given by Dr. Dawn Columbare, the Chair of TRC’s Board of Directors.

“We appreciate your commitment, dedication and resilience through past and future challenges,” Dawn told the honorees. “Through these challenges during your service of five to 45-plus years, you have risen to a level of excellence. You are the heartbeat of the organization, helping 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.

“Each milestone represents far more than time. It represents compassion, commitment and a belief in the dignity and potential of every person we serve,” Denise said. “In this work, the impact isn’t always loud or visible. It’s found in small breakthroughs, in steady encouragement, in showing up day after day with patience and heart. And that is exactly what each of you honored today has done. You’ve strengthened our mission, our community and the lives of countless individuals and families.

“Thank you for your dedication, your resilience and your unwavering belief in the people we support. We are better because of you. Congratulations again to all of our honorees, and thank you for continuing to make this organization a place where people of all abilities can thrive.”

We thank all of the honorees for their dedication to our mission and the people we support!

Our newest fund to support people with disabling conditions is now accepting applications for those needing dental care.

The Dr. John Vona “Smile” Fund was established this year to help close the gap in oral health services for people with disabilities. The fund is named in memory of Dr. John Vona, who worked in our Dunkirk Dental Office for 20 years before retiring in 2022. He passed away in 2024.

Dr. Vona’s children contacted TRC with the idea of creating the Smile Fund to carry on their father’s legacy of providing compassionate dental care to people with disabilities. The children (Linda Hart, Dr. David Vona, Sandy Stewart, and Daniel Vona) seeded the fund with a $15,000 gift.

“My dad always believed in treating everyone with dignity and kindness, and his dental practice truly reflected that,” said Linda. “He had such a deep love for this community and was always looking for ways to give back. This fund is a way to carry on his spirit of compassion and make sure his legacy of helping others continues, especially for those who need it most.”

To obtain a form to request support from the Smile Fund, contact Cindy Hitchcock, Chief Executive Officer of Filling the Gap, at 716-661-1519 or at cindy.hitchcock@fillingthegap.net. The form seeks information about the type of dental service being sought; the ways in which the service will improve the person’s life; the consequences of not receiving the service; and whether any portion of the procedure is covered by insurance. A committee will review the requests for assistance and decide which ones to fund.

The Smile Fund is one of seven TRC funds that are managed by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. To make a donation to the Smile Fund in Dr. Vona’s memory, visit https://fillingthegap.net/donate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

“It makes you feel good,” Greg agreed.

 

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes!” was Greg’s enthusiastic answer.

Check out a video interview with Bob and Greg.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

The achievements of people with disabilities and the efforts of those who support them will be showcased when The Resource Center holds its 36^th Ability Awareness Awards Celebration on Thursday, October 30.

The luncheon will be held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron from 11:30 to 1:00.

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 – Keith Martin
• Business/Employer of the Year – Target in West Ellicott
• Community Partnership Award – Culture Care Senior Living/Tanglewood Manor
• Bruce Walford Community Service Award – James Haick
• Health Provider of the Year – Kimberly Scoma, RN
• Carl Cappa Humanitarian of the Year – R. Erik Seastedt
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Suzette Smith
• Edwin Roth Mental Health Award – Christopher Mattison, RN
• Outstanding Achievement Award – Matthew Olson
• Personal Success Award – Patricia Peck
• Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year – Sharon Richards
• Special Event Volunteer of the Year – Heather Courtney

In addition, Stephanie Davis will receive an award for being honored by New York State Industries for the Disabled. NYSID is a non-profit organization that advances employment opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans by supporting The Resource Center and other rehabilitation agencies in obtaining government contracts. NYSID selected Davis for recognition through its annual 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, Kinetic, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, and NYSID.

The cost to attend the luncheon is $30. Reservations are due by October 21. For more information, phone Victoria Trass Bardo, Development and Event Manager, at 716-661-1477.

For those wishing to make a donation in honor of one of the award recipients, your contribution will be directed to The Resource Center’s TRC Excellence Awards Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.