Coming off of a record year in terms of the number of children supported through the toy drive, organizers of the local Marine Toys for Tots campaign are counting on the community’s generosity to make this year’s effort a success.

For the 18^th straight year, The Resource Center is coordinating the Toys for Tots drive in Chautauqua County. Assisting in operating the campaign again this year are Chautauqua Connections, Inc., and the Chautauqua Connections Children’s Coalition.

Begun in 1947, the Marine Toys for Tots campaign seeks to deliver a message of hope to less-fortunate children throughout the United States by providing them with toys for Christmas. More than 700 toy drives are held nation-wide each year. The Resource Center has led the local toy drive since 2001. About 2,400 usually are supported through the annual toy drive, and last year more than 2,600 Chautauqua County children received gifts.

The biggest change in the way this year’s drive will operate is that families – themselves, or through their children’s school or service coordinator – are encouraged to apply for assistance online. To do that, people should visit www.toysfortots.org and click on the “Donate or Request a Toy” link, then follow the steps to navigate to the Chautauqua County campaign.

People without internet access can apply in person. Walk-in applications will be accepted in The Resource Center’s facility at 407 East Chestnut Street in Dunkirk from noon to 3:00 on Thursday, November 29. For Jamestown-area residents, applications will be accepted in The Resource Center’s offices at 200 Dunham Avenue from 1:00 to 4:00 on Friday, November 30, and from 9:00 to noon Saturday, December 1.

All applicants must bring identification for themselves and their children living in their household, as well as proof of household income. Children age 17 and younger whose families meet household income guidelines are eligible for assistance through Toys for Tots. Efforts are made to help all families that apply for assistance.

“If there is a need, we will do what we can to help,” said The Resource Center’s Terri Johnson, one of the toy drive’s lead organizers.

She and her colleagues are pleased with the outpouring of support they have received thus far. Toy collection boxes have been placed at more than 100 locations, and a number of businesses and organizations will be holding events to raise money and toys. The goal of the toy drive is to collect enough toys to provide one large gift and at least one stocking stuffer to every child who is registered to receive assistance.

The Resource Center’s primary mission is supporting people with disabilities. While many people with disabilities benefit from Toys for Tots each year, TRC also coordinates the annual toy drive in order to give back to the community. Though TRC organizes the toy campaign, support from area residents and businesses makes the effort a success.

“We are so fortunate to be working with so many community partners to bring Toys for Toys to Chautauqua County again this year,” said TRC’s Heather C. Brown, another of the lead organizers. “We can’t do this without the many donors, volunteers and supporters. Each year we are concerned that the donations will not equal the need, and each year this community pulls together to be sure each child has a present to open on Christmas morning, and we are thankful that we can play a part in making that happen.”

In addition to placing toys in the collection boxes that are located at dozens of area businesses, people can donate toys by attending the Jamestown holiday parade Friday, November 30, and placing their gifts on The Resource Center’s Toys for Tots float. On Friday, December 7, the third annual “Teddy Bear Toss” will take place at Northwest Arena, with fans encouraged to throw teddy bears onto the ice after the Jamestown Rebels score their first goal. The bears will be donated to Toys for Tots.

Cash donations also are welcome, as the money is used to buy gifts for children in age groups that typically do not receive a lot of toy donations. The Resource Center will host a Holiday Shopping Extravaganza at 200 Dunham Avenue in Saturday, December 8, and proceeds from the event will go to Toys for Tots. People can also donate by mailing a check (made payable to Toys for Tots) to The Resource Center, 200 Dunham Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701.

With thousands of toys being donated, organizers need a large warehouse space to safely store the toys. For the fourth straight year, Allied Alarm Services has donated the use of its facilities to store the toys that are donated. Mike Roberts, the owner of Allied Alarm, said he and his staff welcome the opportunity to support the toy drive.

“It’s become part of who we are. We love doing it,” Roberts said. “We’re all so blessed. For us to be able to give a little bit back and bring some smiles to children’s faces is an honor.”

During the first three weekends in December, volunteers will be sorting toys and preparing them for distribution. Organizers are seeking volunteers to assist with this effort. Anyone interested can phone Brown at 661-1042 for more information. Updates on the toy drive, including the dates of fund-raising events and a list of businesses where collection boxes are located, can be found by visiting the Chautauqua County, New York – Toys for Tots 2018 Facebook page.

The accomplishments of people with disabilities were highlighted recently when The Resource Center held its 30^th annual Disability Awareness Awards Celebration.

The event took place October 30 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Dunkirk. The celebration was an opportunity to recognize people with disabilities 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.

Welcoming remarks were given by Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s executive director. “This is my favorite night of the year,” said Jones, explaining that this year’s event was significant because TRC recently observed the 60^th anniversary of its founding.

“In these trying times, it’s as important as ever to take time to look beyond the uncertainties that exist in our world and set aside our hectic schedules to appreciate the inspirational stories which represent the differences we make each and every day,” she added. “Tonight we’ll celebrate the achievements of several people with disabilities who have realized significant accomplishments during the past year. Because of our employees, volunteers, and families and community partners who’ve always been the pillars of our success, we’ll recognize several of them for their efforts in building a better world.”

The first honor of the evening was the Community Partnership Award, which was presented to Raymour & Flanigan. The company was honored for partnering with The Resource Center to hold community events at Raymour & Flanigan’s West Ellicott showroom. These events have included art exhibits to showcase the talents of people with disabilities and a children’s Halloween costume parade.

The Health Provider of the Year Award was given to UPMC Chautauqua’s phlebotomists, laboratory team and billing department. They were recognized for accommodating residents of TRC homes who need their blood tested. Rather than inconvenience the residents by having them be transported to the hospital to have their blood drawn, the phlebotomists visit TRC’s homes once a week to collect blood. The lab workers run the necessary tests, and the billing department ensures the test codes are correct so that each person’s insurance will cover the cost of the service.

“They enjoy going out and seeing people,” Phlebotomy Supervisor Elaine Golden said of her team’s willingness to visit TRC’s homes. “They enjoy working with the challenges that come of all the different people that they are drawing.” She said the award was a surprise, joking that often people don’t like phlebotomists because having blood drawn makes some people anxious.

The Advocate of the Year was Mary Hayes of Dunkirk. Hayes is a member of Make A Mark, a self-advocacy group for people with disabilities that meets at TRC’s Mary Andrews Center on East Chestnut Street in Dunkirk. She has written letters that have been published in the Observer. This year, she persuaded Mayor Wilfred Rosas to proclaim March as “Spread the Word to End the Word” month in Dunkirk in support of an initiative to eliminate the negative use of the word “retarded” because it is hurtful to people with intellectual disabilities. Hayes also appeared on WDOE radio to discuss the Spread the Word campaign. In addition, she provided information to County Executive George Borrello for his proclamation in connection with the annual Laurel Memorial Run and Walk, which celebrates the achievements of people with disabilities.

Hayes credited teachers with instilling in her a sense of self-confidence and a determination to never give up, and she had a message to share.

“My advice to special education or special needs students who attend classes in local school districts, and in BOCES: to be successful, show other people what you can do. Do not let anybody knock you down and tell you, you can’t do it. You can do it. Wish it, dream it and do it,” she said. “Always remember one thing – no one can take away the things your teachers have taught you in school. The things you have learned in school cannot be taken away from you.”

The Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Alan and Sharon Richards of West Ellicott. Once a week, the retired couple volunteers at TRC’s Michael J. Raymond Center in Jamestown. Sharon, a retired teacher, assists with baking and crafts projects in the Day Habilitation Program. She also involves program participants in making puppets and staging puppet shows. In addition, she serves on TRC’s guardianship and nominating committees. Alan assists with sorting and filing records in the Diagnostic and Treatment Center. A retired certified public accountant, he also serves on TRC’s finance committee and board of directors.

The Volunteer of the Year Award is named in memory of Elmer Muench, a longtime volunteer for The Resource Center. The award carried special meaning for Sharon Richards.

“This is humbling,” she told the audience as she accepted the award. “But I have to tell you, we learned from the best. Elmer Muench was my dad, so this is super.”

The Personal Success Award was given to Brenda Martinez of Jamestown. Her recent accomplishments have included obtaining her driver’s permit, taking responsibility for her finances, attending DEG classes, finding child care for her daughter, and overcoming social anxiety. She credits her infant daughter as being the inspiration for turning her life around, as Martinez says she needs to make good choices in her own life in order to give her daughter the best life possible.

“I just want to say ‘thank you’ to my staff and the support that I get every day,” Martinez said.

The Bruce Walford Community Service Award was presented to Amanda Martinelli and her teen-aged son, Christopher Decker, of Jamestown. They received the award in recognition of a fund-raising initiative they developed. To demonstrate appreciation to The Resource Center for the supports the family has received over the years, mother and son collected redeemable beverage containers, cashed them in and donated the money to the Step Up for Autism celebration, an annual event organized by TRC and Filling the Gap, Inc. The pair’s effort resonated with the community, and many people and businesses supported them by donating their own redeemable cans and bottles. In addition, Martinelli persuaded one redemption center to give her 6 cents per container instead of the usual nickel. The initiative raised a total of $457, which works out to more than 7,500 bottles and cans.

After accepting the award, Martinelli shared that over the years, The Resource Center has helped Christopher in overcoming the effects of several childhood health issues. “The Resource Center has been a family of ours,” she said in explaining why she wanted to do something to support TRC. She added that she and Christopher will continue the fund-raising effort during the next year and will present the proceeds to TRC at the 2019 Step Up for Autism event. She said those wishing to support their effort can take their redeemable bottles and cans to the redemption center on Allen Street in Jamestown.

The Community Service Award is named in memory of the late Bruce Walford, manager of TRC’s Dunkirk manufacturing facility.

The Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Mallory Wojcinski of Dunkirk. Wojcinski is a strong supporter of Roswell Park Cancer Institute, visiting there weekly and reaching the 500-hour mark as a Roswell volunteer. She also supports Roswell by collecting candy at Hallo0ween to give to children at the facility, as well as initiating fund-raising activities to benefit Roswell and its Courage of Carly Fund. She participates in the TOPS 5K Walk to benefit Roswell and has been the event’s top individuals fund-raiser the past three years, collecting more than $3,000 for this year’s walk. Besides all that she does for Roswell, Wojcinski is a coach for the bumper bowling league at Lucky Lanes in Fredonia and is involved with the local Special Olympics bowling program, participating in the New York State Summer and Winter Special Olympics Games. She is a member of a cheerleading team composed of people with disabilities, and she has participated in Junior ROTC and is a life member of the Girl Scouts.

Representing the City of Dunkirk, Vicki Westling read a letter from Don Williams, First Ward Councilman, who praised Wojcinski’s efforts. “She has shown Dunkirk leadership the last seven years by attending Music on the Pier every Thursday night in the summer, selling suckers and collecting money to donate to various causes,” Williams’ letter said. “Mallory is always reminding people of the importance of these events, and never gives up, week after week, trying to achieve her donation goals.”

With her sister, Allison, helping to translate, Wojcinski thanked her family for their support over the years. She also thanked the community for their support and donations in helping her to surpass her fund-raising goal for this year’s TOPS 5K. “She’s very goal oriented and super selfless,” Allison said of her sister. “This is one person that’s amazing.”

The Edwin R. Roth Mental Health Award was given to Paul Hurley of Dunkirk. Hurley is an employment specialist in The Resource Center’s Gateways PROS Program in Dunkirk, which offers personalized recovery-oriented services to people with behavioral health challenges. He supports people who have mental health disorders or addiction issues and assists them in finding or maintaining employment. He organizes groups so people seeking employment can find support and natural connections among one another, and he provides them with tools and information they can apply outside of the group.

“I’m really accepting this award as a team award, because we really support each other and hold each other up,” said Hurley of his co-workers.

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

The Special Event Volunteer of the Year was Marcos Figueroa of Jamestown. Figueroa was honored for his efforts in establishing and coordinating an annual Lip Sync Battle that benefits the Mark Pacheco WOW (Working on Wonders) Fund, which provides money so people with disabilities at The Resource Center can enjoy experiences they otherwise could not afford. Figueroa handles much of the work involved with the Lip Sync Battle, which grows in attendance each year. He spearheaded the creation of the fund in tribute to Pacheco, a TRC co-worker who died in 2010 from injuries sustained in an altercation in downtown Jamestown.

“I lost a good friend, and we started this fund, Working on Wonders, because he was assaulted just standing in the street, and didn’t make it. I wish we could have started it before this happened, but I know he’s happy and he’s proud, and the Lip Sync Battle is a huge event that he would have loved,” Figueroa said. “I’m very honored and I’m very proud and I won’t stop, and I think that everybody in their hearts today should volunteer. Even if it’s to open a door for someone, you are volunteering. And as they say, in a world where you can be anything, be kind.”

Also recognized at the awards celebration was Andrew Speer of Lakewood. He was honored for having been selected by NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled) for recognition in its annual Outstanding Performer Program. NYSID honored Speer for his job performance as a member of The Resource Center’s Environmental Services crew that maintains the Interstate 86 rest area near Bemus Point. Cynthia Slovensky, Commodity Sales Specialist with NYSID, was on hand to present Speer with a certificate and a monetary award from NYSID.

“Being in front of a microphone, I feel like I should be singing,” joked Speer, a musician who performs locally. He thanked NYSID for honoring him.

The final honor of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was given to Donna Haenggi of Lakewood in appreciation of the contributions she and her late husband, William, have made over the years. The couple has been involved with The Resource Center since 1990, serving on the board and committees, as well as volunteering at events. For many years, they conducted a Bible study class for people with intellectual disabilities.

Haenggi said she was happy to receive the award but was sad her husband, who died in May, was not there to enjoy the evening.

“We moved to this area 31 years ago,” Haenggi said, “and it wasn’t long before we both were actively involved in The Resource Center. We’ve made many, many friends over the years, and we’ve had a real close group of parents that have been involved. I just encourage everybody here to try to get involved in something. It just does you a world of good.

She added, “It’s been our privilege to volunteer for The Resource Center. It’s not only opened our hearts, but has enriched our lives. I will continue to serve as long as I can. I just enjoy every minute of it.”

Closing remarks were given by Rebecca Hamlet Kapple, a member of The Resource Center’s Board of Directors.

“Tonight is a celebration of all the good,” Kapple said. “Look at all the amazing businesses, family members, support staff that have worked hard this year and every year to build up the people that The Resource Center serves. That is incredible. I mean, you walk into this room and you feel like, `Oh, my God, it’s the Oscars.’ Because it is. It’s that time to celebrate.”

Each award recipient received a trophy, plus certificates provided by Congressman Tom Reed and Assemblyman Andy Goodell. Two people who receive supports from The Resource Center, Michael Ostrye and Thomas Proper, helped hand out the awards. TRC’s Steve Waterson was the master of ceremonies, while TRC employee Jane Young was the event photographer.

This year’s awards selection committee was composed of Victoria Trass Bardo, development and events manager for Filling the Gap; John D’Agostino, publisher of the Observer; Kathy Field, TRC’s associate executive administrative assistant; Greg Krauza, district representative for AFLAC and a longtime TRC volunteer; and Mayor Rosas.

Also recognized at the awards celebration were individuals and businesses who within the past year achieved significant levels of cumulative financial contributions to The Resource Center, TRC Foundation or Filling the Gap. Those achieving milestone giving levels during the past year were Brown & Brown of New York ($50,000); HM Insurance ($25,000); The Evans Agency and Denise and Steven Jones ($10,000); and Jennifer Capitano, David Clark, Frederick and Mary Santucci; Vincent and Nancy Tocco, and Richard and Sandra Weimer ($1,000).

Sponsors of this year’s event were Brown & Brown Insurance, Lake Shore Savings, NYSID, Premier Consulting Associates, and Saxton Kocur & Associates.

The Resource Center will renew its annual gift to area residents when it sponsors the 2018 Jamestown holiday parade.

The event is scheduled for Friday night, November 30. This marks the 14^th straight year TRC has been the parade’s presenting sponsor.

“The Resource Center is proud to sponsor the Christmas parade in downtown Jamestown again this year. It is the true spirit of community, which brings us all together to celebrate as well as give back to family and friends throughout the holiday season,” said Heather C. Brown, Assistant Executive Director. “The parade is just one example of an amazing community of partners, and we are so pleased to provide our support.”

The official name of this year’s event is the “Candy Land Christmas Parade and Holiday Celebration.” Besides the parade, there will be pre-parade musical entertainment, a traditional tree-lighting ceremony and a fireworks display above the Spring Street parking ramp.

The holiday parade, which is coordinated by the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, has been a long-standing tradition in the city. Area residents, businesses, social organizations and non-profits come downtown the evening of the parade to celebrate the holidays, attend one of many area holiday events, and support local business. The Resource Center enjoys sponsoring the parade as a way of giving back to the community for its support of TRC.

Floats will begin lining up at 5:00 on West Third Street between Hallock Street and Porter Avenue (by the Farm Fresh Plaza). The parade will begin at about 6:30 and continue down Third Street to City Hall.

The Resource Center will have a float in the parade. TRC service recipients, employees, Board members, and families and friends are invited to walk along the parade route with TRC’s float and hand out candy to onlookers. We also plan to have a bus in the parade for people who want to take part in the event but would prefer not to be out in the cold. If interested in being part of TRC’s parade procession, find TRC’s Toys for Tots float on the Third Street bridge between 5:00 and 6:30.

For more information about the parade, visit www.jamestownrenaissance.org.

The achievements of people with disabilities and the efforts of those who support them will be showcased when The Resource Center holds its 30th annual Disability Awareness and Recognition Awards Celebration on Tuesday, October 30.

The event will be held at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, 30 Lake Shore Drive East in Dunkirk. A social hour featuring light refreshments will begin at 5:00 p.m., with the awards program starting at 6:00.

This year’s award recipients are:

Advocate of the Year
Mary Hayes of Dunkirk

Community Partnership Award
Raymour & Flanigan in West Ellicott

Bruce Walford Community Service Award
Amanda Martinelli and Christopher Decker of Jamestown

Edwin R. Roth Mental Health Award
Paul Hurley of Dunkirk

Health Provider of the Year
UPMC Chautauqua phlebotomy lab in Jamestown

Lifetime Achievement Award
William and Donna Haenggi of Lakewood

Personal Success Award
Brenda Martinez of Jamestown

Outstanding Achievement Award
Mallory Wojcinski of Dunkirk

Elmer J. Muench Volunteer of the Year
Alan and Sharon Richards of West Ellicott

Special Event Volunteer of the Year
Marcos Figueroa of Jamestown

In addition, Andrew Speer of Lakewood will receive an award for being honored by New York State Industries for the Disabled, Inc. NYSID selected Speer 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 Disability Awareness Awards Celebration. A sign language interpreter will be on hand.

The event is being sponsored by The Resource Center and NYSID. The cost to attend is $25. Appetizers and desserts will be served. Reservations are due by Tuesday, October 16. Click here to make an online reservation. For more information, phone 661-1477 or e-mail [email protected].

Click here to make a donation in honor of one of the award recipients.

Works made by artists with disabilities in The Resource Center’s Creations art program are on display this month in Buffalo.

Seventeen works by Creations artists are included in the Albright-Knox Art Gallery’s “ARTs Unbound” exhibit, which features art made by people with disabilities at human-service organizations in Western New York. This is the fourth straight year that artists from TRC’s Creations program have had their works included in the ARTs Unbound exhibit.

The Creations program enables people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to express through their art what they might not be able to convey through words or actions. Paintings and other works of art made by Creations artists have been displayed in many local, regional and state-wide exhibits over the years, and some of the artists have won awards for the quality of their work.

Susan Gutierrez, TRC’s art instructor, said the works included in the Albright-Knox exhibit were created within the past year by participants in TRC’s day programs in Dunkirk and Jamestown.

“The artwork truly showcases the unique and amazing talents of the TRC artists,” Susan said.

ARTs Unbound will be on display through October 21. The Albright-Knox is located at 1285 Elmwood Avenue. The gallery is open from 10:00 to 5:00 Tuesday to Sunday. There are admission and parking fees. For more information, phone 882-8700 or visit www.albrightknox.org.

For more information about the Creations program, phone 661-1076.

Happy 60th Anniversary!

A wonderful thing happened September 29, 1958. On that cool fall evening, a small group of families, with support from concerned citizens, formed the organization known today as The Resource Center.

Our founders were motivated by a desire to create better lives — and greater opportunities — for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Back then, public schools did not have to accept children with severe intellectual disabilities, and there were few jobs for people with special needs. As a result, many families either sent their children to live in institutions or kept them home, where they had limited opportunities to become involved in their community.

“There was no place for our children to be,” said the late Freda Eddy, one of the people who was involved with The Resource Center when it was formed. “They just sat there at home in a corner and watched TV.”

Within a few months, TRC opened a classroom in the old Medical Arts Building on Pine Street in Jamestown.  Celia Fisher of Mayville, a retired teacher, volunteered her services as a teacher; parents paid a nominal fee to cover Mrs. Fisher’s transportation costs and to pay for supplies.

Things certainly have changed during the past 60 years!

Thanks to the efforts of our dedicated employees and the support of families, area residents, businesses, and organizations, The Resource Center has improved the lives of thousands of Chautauqua County residents with all types of disabilities. Today, people with special needs enjoy opportunities that would have seemed unattainable in 1958. They work, volunteer and are valued members of society.

The Resource Center has changed, too. What began as an organization run by volunteers has grown into one of the largest employers in Western New York. And we don’t just provide services and supports to people with disabilities and their families. These days, The Resource Center is a strong manufacturing force and a key component of Chautauqua County’s health care system, providing a range of health and counseling services to more than 10,000 area residents.

As we begin a yearlong observance of our 60th anniversary, we invite you to join us in celebrating our first six decades. We hope you’ll share some of your memories of The Resource Center — perhaps you or a family member has received supports from TRC, or maybe you were present for an important event in The Resource Center’s history.

To share your TRC memory, or to tell us how The Resource Center has made a difference in your life or the life of someone you know, click here.  You’ll also have the option to send us a photo. We plan to publish some of the responses we receive, so please be sure we have permission to publish the names and photos of the people you mention in your TRC memory.

As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we invite you to show your support for The Resource Center and people with disabilities by becoming a member of The Resource Center. Membership dues are $10 per year, and TRC members enjoy discounts at about 20 local businesses.  Click here to become a TRC member.

Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing other highlights from The Resource Center’s first 60 years. To everyone who has helped be a part of The Resource Center’s success over the years …

THANK YOU!

The Resource Center’s award-winning employee wellness program has again gained national recognition.

For the third straight year, The Resource Center was named one of the “Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America.” TRC was honored at the Healthiest 100 awards ceremony, held during the 2018 Fitbit Captivate conference in Chicago in September. The Resource Center was ranked 45^th and was the only business in New York State to be represented on this year’s list. The competition’s organizers said a record number of businesses had applied for Healthiest Employers recognition this year.

The Resource Center was eligible to participate in the nationwide competition by virtue of being named one of the healthiest employers in Western New York for 2018. It marked the third straight year TRC was chosen as the healthiest employer in its division; divisions were determined by number of full-time employees, and TRC finished first among Western New York businesses having more than 750 employees.

The key to TRC’s success as one of the nation’s healthiest workplaces is its STARS employee wellness program. Implemented several years ago, STARS assesses each person along five key life dimensions: basic needs, physical health, mental wellness, family/social relationships, and employment issues.

STARS participants enjoy the opportunity to meet with a certified health coach to develop and monitor a personalized wellness plan; discounts on their health care costs and wellness activities; and the ability to earn incentive points that can be redeemed for prizes. Participation in the wellness program is voluntary. Many of the STARS activities, such as health coaching and the lunch-and-learn series, are open to all TRC employees, not just those who are enrolled in STARS.

Donna Trusso, the STARS Program Manager, and Health Coaches Heather Courtney and Jon DeSantis attended the Healthiest Employers awards ceremony. Having climbed from 77^th place in 2016 to 19^th last year, the STARS team was not sure what to expect this year. The Resource Center finished in the top 5 percent of all businesses applying for Healthiest 100 Employers designation, a result that makes the STARS team proud.

“We know we made many accomplishments in 2018, but there is much more work to be done,” Donna said.

Going forward, Donna said one way to improve TRC’s ranking is to get more employees involved in STARS. She said that at some of the other Healthiest 100 Employers, more than 90 percent of employees take part in the company’s wellness program. About 36 percent of eligible TRC employees participate in STARS.

“Improving our participation rates gives us something to shoot for,” Donna said. “There needs to be more participation.”

As for the Chicago conference overall, Heather said the team enjoyed the opportunity to meet some of the leaders in the nation’s employee wellness movement. Donna said the conference was more informational and educational than last year’s event.

“Another big focus that stood out to me is the holistic approach to wellness, not just looking at physical health,” said Donna, adding that this aligns perfectly with the STARS program’s philosophy of focusing on all aspects of a person’s wellness.

TRC officials were glad that The Resource Center again placed among the nation’s Healthiest 100 Employers and credited the work done by the STARS team.

“I am very proud of the team who supports our employees with all of our population health and wellness programs,” said Heather C. Brown, Assistant Executive Director for Program Operations. “They are dynamic, caring and always a lot of fun. They strive to develop their own tools in order to better support our workforce and have become certified in many areas and bring those skills each day.”

The Resource Center again named one of Western New York’s Healthiest Employers

Denise Jones’ achievements as the head of one of Western New York’s largest not-for-profit organizations has been recognized by the region’s business community.

Denise, the Chief Executive Officer of The Resource Center, was among 25 people honored at the 2018 Women of Influence awards luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Buffalo. The event, held every year since 2007, is coordinated by Buffalo Business First magazine. A total of 138 nominations were received this year. Eight judges (all past recipients of a Women of Influence award) determined the winners.

Denise was one of five women recognized in the Nonprofit Leadership category. She has worked for The Resource Center since 1990 and has been the CEO since 2015.

“Denise is the person responsible for operations of the region’s fourth-largest nonprofit agency,” Tracey Drury, a Business First reporter who covers nonprofits and health/medical issues, told the luncheon audience. “Her agency has three distinct business lines: services and supports for people with disabilities; a range of health, dental and behavioral health services that are available to the entire community; and a regional manufacturing division that performs subcontracting work for the federal government and local industry.”

“Denise and her staff have steered The Resource Center through a time of tremendous transition in the disability services field and amid continual threats to funding. She’s done this while boosting morale through regular visits to the organization’s many locations so she can meet with staff and hundreds of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

Other factors that led the Women of Influence judges to select Denise for an award included her leadership roles with other organizations. She is the Treasurer of Person Centered Services’ holding company and is a director of the Rotary Club of Jamestown, the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York and The Collaborative of NY, Inc. She is a past treasurer of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and past board member of Girl Scouts of Western New York and Catapultian Advisors.

Everyone is invited to show their support for people on the autism spectrum when The Resource Center hosts the ninth annual Step Up for Autism celebration on Saturday, September 29.

Step Up for Autism takes place at The Resource Center’s administrative office building at 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron. The event is being coordinated by TRC and Filling the Gap, Inc., with support from village officials and family members of people with autism.

Activities include a 1.5-mile walk in which participants will make their way to Lucille Ball Memorial Park on the shore of Chautauqua Lake, then return to The Resource Center for a hot dog lunch. There also will be games, activities for adults and children (including face painting, a fire truck and bounce houses), a Chinese auction, and a sweets auction featuring cakes and other goodies donated by area businesses.

Registration and check-in for the walk begin at 9:00, with the walk scheduled to start at about 10:30. The sweets auction and drawing of auction prizes will begin at around noon. The entire event should be finished by 1:00.

Businesses, school groups and others are encouraged to put together walking teams of family members, friends and co-workers. Those planning to participate can create a fund-raising web page by visiting www.crowdrise.com/filling-the-gap-inc. People can set up their own individual fund-raising page, or they can create a team page that team members can promote to solicit donations.

The entry fee is $20 per person, but people are welcome to take part in the walk without paying the fee. Those paying the registration fee will receive a 2018 Step Up for Autism T-shirt. T-shirts and other Step Up for Autism memorabilia will be for sale during the day.

All 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 or to register, phone 661-1477, email [email protected] or visit the web site – www.stepupforautism.com.

The experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be shared when The Resource Center presents the fourth annual Sprout Film Festival on Friday, September 28.

The festival takes place at 7:30 p.m. in the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts at 116 East Third Street in Jamestown. Admission is free thanks to a grant from Filling the Gap, Inc., which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Chautauqua County.

The Sprout Film Festival features 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. For this year’s Jamestown festival, organizers have chosen 11 films. The shortest film runs about two and a half minutes, while the longest is about 17 minutes. Festival organizers

Asked if there was a theme among this year’s films, The Resource Center’s Kevin Anderson responded, “I think this year it’s really about people accepting their disability and embracing it.” He said one of his favorite films is 100% Myself, about a young woman with autism who is a rock climber.

“It’s really the Banff film festival meets the Sprout Film Festival,” said Kevin, referring to the popular Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival that comes to Jamestown each spring. “It’s inspirational to see her climbing a pretty intense rock wall.”

TRC’s Beth Jermain, another of the festival’s organizers, said some of the films – created in the United States, Australia, Ireland, and Scotland – are fun, while others are intense. One that she particularly enjoys is Between Sasquatch and Superman, a documentary about a young man with Down syndrome who has such a deep fascination with Superman that he legally changes his name to Clark in deference to Superman’s alter ego, Clark Kent.

“It’s kind of great to see that his family and people who care about him just totally accept him for who he is, and they accept his new name,” Beth said.

She and Kevin said the Sprout festival will be interesting to a wide segment of the community.

“I think it’s a way to understand a large portion of our population and vital members of our community that a lot of people who don’t work on our field don’t have an opportunity to interact with,” Kevin said. “It brings a different look at what people with disabilities are able to do and their involvement in the community.”

“Sometimes when people are not mingling with people with disabilities, you don’t always understand the diversity and understand that it’s accepting who people are and celebrating that with them, as opposed to being ashamed or not knowing how to interact with people with disabilities,” Beth added.

For more information about the Sprout Film Festival, phone 485-4641 or visit www.resourcecenter.org/sprout, where visitors can also view the festival trailer to get a feel for some of the films.