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 27.

The combined events will be held at The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts on Third Street in Jamestown.  An autism awareness walk will begin at 5:30.  Walkers will proceed west for about three blocks to the CHQ Plus store, then return to The Reg.  The walk is free, and everyone is invited to take part to show support for people on the autism spectrum.

The theaters doors open at 6:00 for the Sprout Film Festival, with the movies scheduled to start at 7:00.  The festival features 10 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.  This is the seventh time The Resource Center has brought the Sprout Film Festival to Chautauqua County.  Most of this year’s films feature individuals who are on the spectrum.  People can view the festival’s trailer at www.resourcecenter.org/sprout to get a feel for some of the films.

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.

This will be the 14^th annual Step Up for Autism celebration, which is organized by Filling the Gap.  Two staples of past Step Up for Autism events will be incorporated into the film festival.  Patrons will have an opportunity to try to win donated prize baskets, as well as bid on items in a sweets auction.  The auction features cakes, pies and other treats donated by local establishments.

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.

“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, 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 these two favorite events together gives us one action-packed event,” said Victoria Bardo, development and event manager for Filling the Gap.  “Please join us in front of The Reg at 5:30 for our walk along Third Street, enjoy the movies and don’t forget to participate in our raffles and spirited sweets auction.  This is a beautiful venue, so why not bring along your family and friends?  You will come out of this event with the best feeling and a new perspective on the cherished lives of persons with different abilities.”

Sponsors of this year’s Step Up for Autism include Brown & Brown Insurance, Lake Shore Savings and UPMC Chautauqua.  Money raised through Step Up for Autism will stay in Chautauqua County to support people on the autism spectrum and others with developmental disabilities.

“We would like to send a shout out to all of our sponsors for their continued support in making a difference in our community,” Bardo added.

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.

People wishing to make a donation in support of the Step Up for Autism walk, or to help bring Sprout to our community again next year, may do so by visiting https://fillingthegap.net/donate.  People also can mail a check to Filling the Gap, 92 Fairmount Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701; make the check payable to Filling the Gap and write either “Sprout” or “Step Up for Autism” on the memo line.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held August 18 to formally unveil the KeyBank Art House at Edgewater, the new home of The Resource Center’s art program for people with disabilities.

The Art House, located on Eighth Street in Jamestown across the river from McCrea Point Park, was created out of an old garage.  The 1,700 square-foot structure will offer a variety of classes including painting, drawing, mixed media and ceramics.  A gallery space will allow those participating in the art classes to showcase their work.

“We are excited to formally unveil the KeyBank Art House at Edgewater,” said Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer.  “Today represents the culmination of our long-held dream to give more people with disabling condition the opportunity to express themselves through art.  We are grateful to KeyBank and First Niagara Foundation, Empire State Development, the City of Jamestown, and everyone else who helped make this facility possible.  We can’t wait to see the amazing art that will be created in this beautiful space, and we look forward to partnering with other local entities to expand access to the arts in the community.”

Major funding for the project came from KeyBank and First Niagara Foundation, which jointly provided $225,000.  Empire State Development will provide a Regional Council Capital Fund grant of up to $134,440.

“KeyBank is so proud to support the KeyBank Art House at Edgewater and the award-winning art programs it will provide to individuals with disabilities in Jamestown and the surrounding communities,” said Chiwuike Owunwanne, KeyBank’s Corporate Responsibility Officer. “The Art House will be a wonderful opportunity to allow people to express themselves and tap into their creative thinking. We look forward to the positive outcomes it will bring to Jamestown for years to come.”

“Broadening access to art can change lives, and communities, for the better. The KeyBank Art House at Edgewater is a unique redevelopment project that provides an inclusive artist hub for individuals with disabilities and enriches everyone involved,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight.  “It also reflects Governor Hochul and the City of Jamestown’s ambitious efforts in waterfront revitalization and community development, aimed at creating a vibrant, mixed-use, residential, commercial and recreational river corridor.”

The ESD grant was obtained thanks to the efforts of the City of Jamestown.  “I am excited to see this redeveloped waterfront space provide an inclusive artist hub for individuals with disabilities, as well as the community at large,” said Mayor Eddie Sundquist.  “This project adds to the strong momentum of further development of the Chadakoin River that will attract small businesses, entrepreneurs, visitors to the area, and will continue to support the progress of economic development and improvements in the quality-of-life for the residents of Jamestown.”

He recognized Paula Pichon, the city’s Grants Coordinator, for submitting a successful application for the ESD grant, and he noted it had been Pichon’s first grant proposal.

Additional grant funding was provided by The Lenna Foundation and Filling the Gap, Inc.  Employees and board members of The Resource Center, plus their family and friends as well as the families of people with disabilities who receive supports from TRC, collectively contributed more than $50,000 to the project.

 

The project’s architect was LaBella Associates.  The lead contractor was Hayes Construction Services.

The KeyBank Art House at Edgewater is situated on the waterfront of the Chadakoin River on Eighth Street, adjacent to the Riverwalk and across from McCrea Point Park.  This location is a favorite destination for waterfront path walkers as well as those using the park for recreation and or for boating and fishing on the lake.  The location will also allow indoor/outdoor classes to be held on a patio overlooking the waterfront.

Art has been a hobby and a passion of people with disabilities at The Resource Center since the agency began offering educational classes in 1959.  Art has remained an important facet of The Resource Center over the years, and, since 2007, collaborations with area arts organizations and independent artists have broadened the center’s class offerings to encompass painting, mixed media, dance/movement, drama, music and song writing. The overwhelmingly positive response has resulted in staff additions and growth in class sizes and offerings, including individually tailored classes for people who need carefully structured environments and supports.  What began as simple painting projects has grown into ceramics, clay, printmaking, jewelry-making and more.

Until now, The Resource Center’s art program had been based within a state-certified day habilitation program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and only people enrolled in the day program could participate in art classes.  With the establishment of the KeyBank Art House at Edgewater, other people with developmental disabilities and people with behavioral health challenges will be able to take art classes.  In addition, The Resource Center looks forward to collaborating with schools and area arts organizations, as well as making art classes available to community members.

Other elected officials who attended the ribbon-cutting event included Assemblyman Andrew Goodell and County Executive Paul Wendel.  Also present were officials representing Congressman Nick Langworthy and Senator George Borrello.

Though the Art House is completed, we still need money to buy equipment and supplies. Click here to make a donation and help us give more people with disabilities the opportunity to create amazing art!

Five local residents became the most recent graduates of a program that helps people analyze the impacts of poverty on their lives and develop strategies to build their resources for a more prosperous future and to improve our community.

The five – Yanira Castellano, Haydee Diaz, Bernard DuPree, Carmen Perez, and Rebecca Spinler – were honored during a ceremony held at Northwest Arena in Jamestown.  They were recognized for completing the “Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World” curriculum, a 16-week workshop series that supports people with low incomes to build resources and achieve goals on the path to stability.

Getting Ahead participants are called investigators.  The course calls on them to explore how poverty affects them, then identify and develop resources that will enable them to get ahead in their lives.  The local workshop is called Invest U because, by participating in the curriculum, investigators invest in a better future for themselves and their families.

Their efforts also will improve their communities.  This is because, as part of their coursework, investigators examined how community institutions measure in areas such as the economy, housing, health care, employment, education, and banking.  Those stark assessments revealed where our community did not perform well, providing an opportunity for local leaders to address the gaps.

Invest U is funded by the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County.  The program is operated by The Resource Center.

During the graduation ceremony, Terri Johnson, The Resource Center’s Director of Employment and Community-Based Services, noted that the Invest U course is demanding, requiring participants to meet together for at least three hours per week for four months.  She said this year’s Invest U class started with nine participants but four left the program, and she praised the five graduates for their efforts in completing the course.

“I want to congratulate you guys for all of the work that you’ve put in,” Johnson told the graduates.  “It’s a tremendous accomplishment, and I want to thank you guys for your dedication to Invest U, to each other, to the community, and to yourselves.”

Invest U participants “examine their own experience of poverty barriers that could be keeping them in poverty, and they investigate the realities of the conditions in our community,” she added.  “They investigate the hidden rules of economic classes and study the different economic classes and how to build resources and make connections in their community and ways to deal with change and create stability in their lives.”

Ray Pryce, who was a member of the first Invest U graduating class in 2021 and now serves as a facilitator for those going through the program, noted the impact the program has.

“This empowering initiative is a beacon of hope for those who have chosen to participate, offering them a pathway to a brighter future.  Through this program, individuals are empowered with invaluable tools and resources to break free from the cycle of poverty and strive for a better life,” Pryce said.  “This program is nothing short of inspiring, as it equips individuals with life skills, financial literacy and the emotional support to overcome barriers and achieve personal growth.  It is heartwarming to witness the positive changes and success stories that emerge from this initiative, showcasing the true potential that lies with each participant.”

Pryce referenced an observation by social justice activist Nelson Mandela that poverty is similar to apartheid and slavery in that the three conditions are manmade issues that can be removed through the actions of humans.

Jacqueline C. Phelps, Assistant Executive Director at The Resource Center, also addressed the audience, and she too referenced a Mandela quote: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.”  She said society needs people to have the courage to step up and become their best selves, and that Invest U “takes people who are willing to make a change and a difference in their own life, and allows them to make a change and a difference in their community.”

Phelps said the community will reap the rewards to arise from the efforts of the Invest U graduates.  “What we are here to experience and celebrate is five people who have made an impact by investing themselves, their families and future generations.”

Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist noted that he met with the investigators while they were doing their coursework, and they had asked how he defines a bad neighborhood.  Sundquist said the question got him thinking about how to redefine what a neighborhood is, and that if residents take pride in their neighborhood, issues like crime and derelict properties will start to improve.

“Instead of saying, `Let’s look at bad neighborhoods,’ let’s look how we can support and create new neighborhoods in the city,” he said.

The keynote speaker at the graduation ceremony was Amanda Gesing, the Executive Director of the YWCA Jamestown, which hosted the weekly Invest U classes.  She praised the graduates for having the fortitude to make the effort to improve their lives.

“What an accomplishment it is as an adult to take that mirror and look internally and say that you would like to do something to enhance your skills,” Gesing said.  “So not only should you be proud of yourselves for graduating, but you should also be proud of yourselves for even taking that step of taking the class, because not everyone would be willing to do that.”

She said that with the knowledge the graduates gained through doing the coursework, they are well prepared to make a positive difference.

“You guys are the change-makers in this community.  You guys are the ones who are going to help us make a true impact in this community,” Gesing said.  “It is your voice and your vision that is going to change this community.”

Several of the graduates took the opportunity to address the audience.

“This class has helped me learn about my community and about myself.  I learned to identify my strength and my weakness,” said Diaz, crediting Invest U for “giving me the confidence and resources to make me feel like I can make a difference in my community.”

She said that as a result of going through the Invest U curriculum, she started going out into her community and was struck by the poverty and isolation she noticed.  She said combating those issues starts by connecting with others.

“Get to know who your neighbors are and watch out for them,” Diaz said.  “After all, change starts one small step at a time.

Castellano, a Community Navigator with Jamestown Public Schools, looks forward to sharing what she learned in Invest U with school families and others.

“Going through the classes, I learned many things about our county and what I can do to add onto the work that needs to be accomplished in Chautauqua County,” she said.  “This workshop/class is for everyone, in every social class.  I think that we can all learn from each other to make this county shine.”

DuPree said he has made adjustments in his life to correct a “careless ignorance that thought society owed me for hardships in my childhood.”  He shared his belief that if more Chautauqua County residents were involved in church, it would help spur economic growth and security.

Beth Jermain, Support Option Administrator at The Resource Center, served with Pryce, Johnson and CodyAnne Chambers, TRC’s Employment Facilitator, as facilitators for the Invest U workshop sessions.  She said the five graduates developed a strategy to help the community address poverty.  Jermain noted the graduates are willing to be a part of any community organization to begin tackling poverty.

Invest U requires participants to examine their own lives and be willing to give frank assessments of themselves.  Doing so Is a necessary part of the growth process.

“You guys all shared very intimate parts of your life with each other,” Jermain told the graduates.  “There’s been a lot of respect happening, and it’s been a really dynamic discussion and really dynamic conversation.”

This marked the third graduating class for Invest U.  For more information or to learn how to apply to take part in the next workshop, contact Jermain at 716-483-2344.

Representatives of Congressman Nick Langworthy and County Executive PJ Wendel attended the ceremony and congratulated the graduates.

Nominations are being accepted for The Resource Center’s 2023 Ability Awareness and Recognition Awards.

Every year, people with disabilities in Chautauqua County make tremendous strides in their quest to lead productive, meaningful lives. And every day, they are supported in their efforts by a wide segment of the community that appreciates and values the contributions those with disabilities can make.

To recognize the efforts of people with disabilities and those who support them, The Resource Center holds a celebration to pay tribute to this deserving group by presenting the Ability Awareness and Recognition Awards. The public is encouraged to nominate people with disabilities whom they know, or people and organizations from the community that have had a positive impact on the lives of those with disabling conditions.

Nominations are being accepted in the following categories:

– Advocate of the Year, recognizing extraordinary efforts in advocating for one’s own rights or the rights of other people with disabilities.

– Bruce Walford Community Service Award, honoring a person who demonstrates the following characteristics: a commitment to the community; selflessness; the initiative and the ingenuity to forge forward and make things happen; and enthusiasm and exuberance that inspire others. This award was established in memory of the late Bruce “Wally” Walford, who was the manager of TRC’s Dunkirk manufacturing facility.

– Community Partnership Award, given to a person, service group or business that has provided unique opportunities and experiences to people with disabilities.

– Edwin Roth Mental Health Award, recognizing a person with a behavioral health challenge, an advocate, an agency, a professional, or a community member, that has supported efforts to improve the lives of people with mental illness or substance abuse challenges. This award is named in memory of the late Ed Roth, a New York State Office of Mental Health official who was a strong advocate for people with mental illness.

– Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year, honoring a person who has donated time, talents and/or expertise toward improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.  Volunteer service could include interacting directly with people with disabilities, assisting with special events or serving on a board or committee.  This award is named in memory of the late Elmer Muench of Fredonia, a longtime volunteer and advocate for people with disabilities.

– Health Provider of the Year, honoring an entity or professional that has enhanced the lives of people with disabilities by providing outstanding health services.

– Outstanding Achievement, saluting a person with a disability who has made significant advancements in developing personal skills.

– Success of the Year, praising a person with a disability who has achieved his or her goals in the areas of community integration and/or employment.

Nominees do not have to be affiliated with The Resource Center. A selection committee composed of community volunteers will decide which nominees are most deserving of the awards.

Nominations will be accepted until September 15. Each nomination must include a narrative explaining why the nominee is deserving of an award. Click here to submit a nomination online. If you want a nomination form sent to you, phone Victoria Bardo at 716-661-1477. Nominations can be mailed to the Awards Planning Committee, c/o The Resource Center, 200 Dunham Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701. Nominations also can be faxed to 716-485-4612.

Award recipients will be honored November 15 at The Resource Center’s 34^th Ability Awareness Awards Celebration.

Terri Johnson has been honored as one of the rising leaders in the disability services field in New York State.

Terri, TRC’s Director of Employment and Community-Based Services, received the Emerging Leader Award at the annual Future of Excellence Awards ceremony held by the Executive Directors Association.  The EDA is a partnership among the Executive Directors and Chief Executive Officers of the Chapters of The Arc New York.

The award honors a management-level employee who has made significant contributions and impact; who is a thought leader, strategic thinker and inspirational leader; and who has the potential for increased leadership responsibilities and continuing service within the Chapter and The Arc NY.

Among Terri’s responsibilities, she oversees our Supportive Employment, Driver Training, Community Habilitation, Community Pre-Vocation, Fiscal Intermediary, and Staff Assistance.  Last year, she spearheaded the opening of CHQ Plus, a retail store that sells merchandise made by local artisans and people with disabilities.  The store also provides retail experience for people engaged in Community Pre-Voc.

Also in 2022, Terri launched the Project SEARCH employment training initiative.

Additionally, Terri is active in the community.  For more than 20 years she has been one of the lead organizers of the U.S. Marine Toys for Tots drive in Chautauqua County, and she is active with the United Way.  These associations have helped strengthen TRC’s reputation in the community.

“Terri is insightful and is able to stay strategically minded, while at the same time maintaining an operational focus,” Denise Jones, TRC’s Chief Executive Officer, wrote in nominating Terri for the award.  “She has developed a strong team, stays on top of ever-changing regulations, is connected with our community, and seizes opportunities that are presented which are congruent with our mission.”

Terri was chosen for the Emerging Leader Award from among a total of 11 nominees.  Congratulations, Terri!

Several other TRC employees were nominated for some of the other 2023 EDA Future of Excellence Awards: Steve Bulich, Safety Coordinator, was nominated for the Excellence in Support Services Award; Rosanna Hatfield, Assistant Director of Behavioral Health Clinical Services, received consideration for the Clinical Champion Award; and Jessica Smith, Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement Supervisor, was nominated for the Medical/Nursing Excellence Award.

The TRC Golf Classic is the major annual fund-raising event for Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based non-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to support people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges in Chautauqua County.

“On behalf of myself and the employees of The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, we are grateful to Lake Shore Savings for its commitment as the presenting sponsor of the TRC Golf Classic,” said Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer.  “We rely on the generosity of our local business community to make our events successful.  Lake Shore Savings has been one of our most treasured corporate partners over the last 27 years.  Their annual support allows us to fulfill our mission of helping people with disabilities to enjoy meaningful lives.”

Lake Shore Savings Bank has sponsored the TRC Golf Classic every year since the tournament began in 1997, and since 2012 has been the event’s presenting sponsor.  This year marks 12 consecutive years of generous commitment.  One of the most successful one-day charity golf tournaments in Southwestern New York, the TRC Golf Classic has netted more than $1.7 million since it began in 1997.

“On behalf of The Resource Center and the TRC Golf Classic Steering Committee, we applaud Lake Shore Savings Bank for stepping up as the presenting sponsor for the TRC Golf Classic.  Lake Shore Savings has been a major contributor to our charity event for 27 years.  And, for the last twelve years, as presenting sponsor, they have contributed a total of $180,000.  Lake Shore’s motto is ‘Putting People First’ and they have once again lived their mission as a wonderful community partner.  We thank Lake Shore Savings Bank for their generous commitment to the Resource Center and the people we serve,” said Chris Anderson, Chair, and Gregg Bender, Chair Emeritus, TRC Golf Classic.

The 2023 TRC Golf Classic is scheduled for July 24 at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown.  For more information or to sponsor, please visit www.trcgolfclassic.com.

Each year, hundreds of people come together to show support for those with special needs.  The event is called the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk, and the 27^th annual installment will take place July 14 and 15.

The event was created in 1997 by Silver Creek residents Wayne and Elaine Hotelling in honor of their oldest daughter, Laurel, who had Down syndrome.  Though she faced many challenges, Laurel lived a full and productive life thanks to the support she received from her family, her community and The Resource Center.  Laurel passed away in 2017 at the age of 54.

The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk is a two-day celebration of the potential that exists within people who have disabilities.  The event seeks to raise public awareness about people with disabilities while providing an opportunity for people with disabling conditions, and those without, to come together at a fun, family-friendly event.

Activities begin Friday, July 14, with the traditional flag relay.  A kickoff ceremony will be held at 8:00 a.m. in The Resource Center’s facility at 75 Jones & Gifford Avenue in Jamestown.  At about 8:30, the first volunteer runners will set off on the initial leg of the relay run to Dunkirk.  Representatives from The Resource Center and area school districts, as well as the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility in Brocton, will run the various legs of the relay while carrying Laurel Run flags.  Patrol units from area law enforcement agencies accompany the runners to ensure their safety on the busy roads.

Shortly after the first relay runners set out, Laurel’s Legacy Lap will take place up the street at McCrea Point Park.  For that event, people with disabilities take a lap around the park.  People without disabilities are encouraged to cheer the walkers as they make their way to the finish.  Laurel’s Lap will continue throughout the morning, so people can come and complete the lap at their own pace.

The relay run ends in the parking lot of The Resource Center’s facility at 186 Lake Shore Drive West in Dunkirk.  As it has done for many years, the city of Dunkirk will host a celebration from 12:30 to 2:00 to mark the relay’s conclusion.  The community is invited to attend the victory celebration and to cheer on the last set of relay runners, who are expected to arrive between 1:00 and 1:15.

For the 11th straight year, several people are planning to jog and/or bike the entire 31-mile relay route.  That event is called the Laurel-thon.

Anyone wishing to run a portion of the flag relay, or to take on the Laurel-thon, is invited to do so.  Phone 716-661-4735 for information.

Friday’s events are a warm-up for the main Laurel Run/Walk activities, which take place the following day in Silver Creek.  Check-in and registration begin at 7:00 a.m. in the village square.  At 8:30, a 5-kilometer run/walk and a 1-kilometer fun walk will begin, followed at 9:00 by an 8-kilometer running race.

For the 5k run/walk and the 8k run, medals will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age group.  Commemorative medals will be given to everyone who crosses the finish line.  The age-group medals and the commemorative medals were made by people with disabilities and their support staff at The Resource Center.

Cash awards ($100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third) will be given to the top male and female finishers in the 8k run.

Besides the individual competition, there will be a team challenge.  Awards will be given to the three fastest teams in both the 5k and 8k events, with each team’s time determined by the combined times of its first four finishers.  Teams must register their team members by Thursday, July 12, to be eligible to win the team awards.

The registration fees for the 8k, the 5k and the 1k are $20 for children 17 and younger, and $25 for people 18 and older.  Those entry fees increase $5 on July 13.  All paid registrants will receive a 2023 Laurel Memorial Run/Walk T-shirt and the commemorative medal, and will be entitled to enjoy refreshments after completing their event.  People can earn free entry into Laurel Run by collecting $50 or more in pledges.  Click here to register and set up a personal find-raising web page.

Saturday’s events also will include fun runs for children age 7 and younger starting at 10:00, followed by a Laurel’s Legacy Lap for anyone with a disability.  The cost to enter the fun runs is $5 per child or a total of $10 for families with two or more children.  There is no fee to enter Laurel’s Lap.

Throughout the morning, there will be activities in the village square including music and prize drawings.

Those who are unable to attend the Silver Creek events but want to do something to show support for people with disabilities can sign up to do a virtual run or walk. People choosing that option can register for free, or they can pay the standard registration fee if they want to receive a shirt and commemorative medal.

Money raised through the Laurel Run/Walk goes to Filling the Gap, Inc., which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families in Chautauqua County.  Event proceeds are directed to The Resource Center Laurel Run Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and are used to promote disability awareness initiatives and to enhance employment and work training opportunities for people with disabilities.

This past year, the Laurel Run Fund provided startup money for the Project SEARCH initiative, in which The Resource Center collaborated with UPMC Chautauqua to provide a nine-month internship for three young adults with developmental disabilities.  The trio received training in a variety of departments at the hospital, and now they hope to use those skills to find jobs in a hospital setting.

For more information, visit www.laurel-run.com or phone 716-661-4735.

Smiles and congratulations were abundant June 29 when three people became the first graduates of The Resource Center’s Project SEARCH initiative.

Abigail Adam, Joshua Holsinger and Nicholas Kenzie were the proud honorees at a ceremony that took place at UPMC Chautauqua in Jamestown. The three have just completed a nine-month internship at UPMC as part of a collaboration between TRC and the hospital that brought Project SEARCH to Chautauqua County.

Project SEARCH is an international program that gives people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to learn skills that are utilized by employees at a hospital. Abby, Joshua and Nick worked in a variety of departments at UPMC. They also had classroom training to learn the soft skills successful employees should possess.

Cecil Miller, UPMC Chautauqua’s Vice President of Operations, was the first to congratulate the graduates. He also expressed his desire that TRC and the hospital will provide employment training to lots of people with disabilities through the Project SEARCH initiative.

“We hope this is the first of many, many, many years,” Cecil said. He told the interns, “You really became a part of our family here, and know that you’ll always have a place.”

Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer, thanked TRC’s Employment Services team and UPMC for their commitment to Project SEARCH.

“I’m very excited to see this program grow in Chautauqua County,” she said.

Addressing the graduates, Denise told them, “I’ve seen so much growth and confidence in the three of you as you’ve gone through this project.”

Katie Geise, Executive Director of Chautauqua Works, was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. She praised TRC and UPMC for partnering on a program that can help diversify the local economy.

“What we need in Chautauqua County is to have every, single person feel welcomed and have a place in the workforce,” she said. “Project SEARCH did exactly that.”

Katie marveled at the scope of work the graduates undertook and shared a partial list of the job skills Abby, Josh and Nick learned: sanitation of spaces; stocking and replenishing supplies; making beds; laundering; preparing and delivering patient trays; serving food in the cafe; operating the cash register; transporting patients; and monitoring oxygen tanks.

Katie said that in addition to learning the physical skills of the job, the interns demonstrated the soft skills people need to be successful at work.

“That they show up, do their jobs to the best of their ability, and work well with other people,” she said. “Having a positive attitude, being willing to learn, being willing to put your best foot forward. It doesn’t mean you’re always going to do it perfectly, but you’re willing to try.”

Kerry Mihalko, the hospital’s Director of Nutrition and Food Services, said that when she and her staff were told Project SEARCH was coming to UPMC, they worried they wouldn’t have enough work for the interns.

That fear proved to be unfounded.

“We quickly learned the extra sets of hands were a gift to our department,” Kerry said. “In fact, the comment I hear now is not, `What are we going to do with them?’ but, `What are we going to do without them?”

“You guys have worked so hard, and we’re so proud,” Faith Baker, TRC’s Employment Services Administrator, told the interns after presenting their graduation certificates. “I can’t wait to see what the rest of your journey brings.”

The graduates gave gifts to TRC and UPMC officials while stating their appreciation for the opportunity to participate in Project SEARCH.

“We would like to thank everyone at UPMC for giving us their time and putting in the effort to help us build on our employability skills,” Nick said. “We are ready to work and ready to show the world everything that we’ve learned.”

Terri Johnson, TRC’s Director of Employment and Community-Based Services, praised Donna Matheson, Community Coach, for the time and effort she invested in supporting the interns during the program.

Having finished Project SEARCH, Abby, Josh and Nick will start looking for jobs to put their skills to use.

Startup funding for TRC’s Project SEARCH initiative was provided through a grant from Filling the Gap, Inc. The grant money came from The Resource Center Laurel Run Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

People who eat at Applebee’s on July 7 can help raise money to support individuals with disabilities through the 27^th annual Laurel Memorial Run and Walk.

All day long, the Applebee’s restaurants in Dunkirk and Lakewood will hold “Dining to Donate” fund-raisers to benefit the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk.  The restaurants will allow patrons to have 10 percent of their check total – excluding tax and tip – donated to Laurel Run.  People must present a special voucher in order for the money to be donated to Laurel Run.  The voucher can be found below.   You can have a voucher faxed or emailed to you by phoning 716-661-1434.

Please be aware that for the Applebee’s fund-raisers, people will not receive a discount on the cost of their meal.  Rather, 10 percent of what they pay for their meal will be donated to Laurel Run.

Wayne and Elaine Hotelling created Laurel Run in 1997 in honor of their oldest daughter.  The Laurel Memorial Run & Walk is a celebration of the potential that exists within people who have disabilities.  Laurel led a full life, which included having a job at The Resource Center’s Dunkirk Work Center for more than 30 years.  Hundreds of Chautauqua County residents with disabilities have jobs – and hundreds of others volunteer in the community – with support from The Resource Center.

The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk takes place July 14 and 15.  The first day features a Jamestown-to-Dunkirk relay run, while day two includes a number of walking and running events in the Hotellings’ hometown of Silver Creek.  Money raised through Laurel Run goes to Filling the Gap, Inc., which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families in Western New York.  For more information, visit the Laurel Run web site or phone 716-661-4735.

You can download the vouchers here!

Dan and Beth Hocking, Owners of ACME The Appliance Store, recently donated a Weber Gas Grill that will be used for a drawing to support the 27^th Annual TRC Golf Classic.

The TRC Golf Classic is the major annual fund-raising event for Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based non-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to support people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges in Chautauqua County. In its first 26 years, the tournament has netted over $1.7 million for the TRC Foundation Fund, which raises money to improve the lives of people with disabling conditions in Chautauqua County.

 “The Resource Center fills such an important need in our community,” said Dan Hocking.  “In our 65th year in business, ACME The Appliance Store is pleased to continue our tradition as a community partner and donate this Weber Genesis Gas Grill to help raise money for The Resource Center.  Beth and I are firm believers in giving back to the community where together, we can nurture, uplift and empower others to realize their full potential.  The Resource Center makes an impactful difference in people’s lives on a daily basis, and we are happy to continue to partner with them to support their efforts.”

The 2023 TRC Golf Classic is scheduled for July 24 at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown.  For more information or to sponsor, please visit www.trcgolfclassic.com. 

 Picture:  l to r – Janel McIntyre, Special Olympics Athlete; Colton Hanson, Special Olympics Athlete; and Dan Hocking, Co-Owner, ACME The Appliance Store