News Archives - Page 20 of 23 - The Resource Center

The Resource Center’s Annual Meeting and Election will be held Monday, June 11, in the Dunham Avenue building.

Light refreshments will be available starting at 5:00. The business portion of the meeting will begin at 6:00, and the meeting will end by 7:30.

All current Members of TRC are eligible to attend the meeting and to vote in the Election and on any business items that may arise.

The Nominating Committee (composed of Paul Andalora; Debbie Brown; Elaine Hotelling; Rebecca Hamlet Kapple, Chair; Rita Monaco; Sharon Richards; and Joan Yost) proposes the following candidates for Officers and Directors of the Board, and to serve on the Nominating Committee for the 2019 Election:

Officers (one-year term)
President — R. Michael Goldman, Esq.
Vice President — Patricia Perlee
Secretary — Marie Carrubba, Esq.
Treasurer — Craig Colburn

Directors (two-year term)
Thomas Glatz
Todd Jacobson, M.D.
Rebecca Hamlet Kapple
Alan Richards
Tim Roche
Wayne Ormsby
Jennifer Yost

Nominating Committee (one-year term)
Debbie Brown
Rita Monaco
Sharon Richards

The meeting will include a presentation by Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services. Reports will be given by Denise Jones, Executive Director; Mike Goldman, Board President; and Todd Jacobson, Board Treasurer.

The meeting also will provide an opportunity to thank three Directors who are leaving the Board (Carole Johnson, Julie McCarthy and Barbara Stewart) for their years of service.

A motorcycle poker run will be held June 2, with proceeds benefitting services for people with a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder.

The event is called Shake, Rumble & Roll, and it is being coordinated by Filling the Gap, Inc. Participants will meet at The Resource Center’s administrative offices, 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron, between 8:00 and 10:00 to check in and draw a playing card. Following a blessing of the bikes, participants will head off on a route that takes them to seven locations: the Frewsburg Legion, Ellocittville Brewing Company in Bemus Point, Whiskey Hill Saloon in Cassadaga, Sunset Bay Beach Club in Irving, The Resource Center’s facility on Lake Shore Drive in Dunkirk, the Westfield Legion, and the Lakeview Hotel in Mayville.

Riders will draw one card at each location. After arriving at the Lakeview Hotel, participants will submit a five-card poker hand and a three-card poker hand. The person with the best five-card hand will win $500, while the person with the best three-card hand will win $300.

A post-run party will be held at the Lakeview Hotel from 2:30 to 5:30, featuring music by the band TPT.

The entry fee is $20 per person. Money raised through the event will support programs that New Vision Services and The Resource Center offer to people with TBI or PTSD. One such person is John Labadie of Jamestown, who in 2009 suffered a stroke while he slept. The stroke resulted in an extended hospitalization (“They didn’t think I was going to live,” John said.) and left him with a brain injury and physical limitations that required him to have round-the-clock care.

In 2010, John began receiving supports from New Vision Services. NVS, a Jamestown-based non-profit organization, provides supports that make it possible for people in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Erie counties to live at home rather than move into a long-term care facility. For people with a traumatic brain injury, New Vision offers service coordination, home and community support services, independent living skills training, community integration counseling, and positive behavioral support services.

“We’re assisting them to become integrated back in the community, instead of being placed in a nursing home or an assisted-living facility,” said Brenda Bunce, the Assistant Manager for New Vision Services.

She said a traumatic brain injury is “a medical issue that has played a hindrance with the way the brain functions.” A TBI can be caused by incidents such as a stroke, an aneurysm or a car accident. Often, people with a TBI have difficulty expressing their thoughts to others.

“They may have a TBI, but it hasn’t stopped their thinking pattern. We just don’t know what they’re thinking,” Brenda said. “People don’t want our sympathy; they want empathy. They want us to understand how this has changed their life.”

John, 55, a former employee of The Resource Center who was working for another area business at the time of his stroke, has not been able to work since that life-changing episode. But with support from New Vision Services staff, he has been able to reclaim some of his independence. Requiring 24-hour care when he left the hospital following his stroke, John has progressed to the point that he now receives assistance for only a few hours each day.

“I’m good. I’m getting better every day,” he said. I can drive a car, I can go out in the community, go to yard sales.”

And John, a former motorcycle rider who owned a Harley-Davidson Roadster at the time of his stroke, has plans to one day ride again, though he thinks he will get himself a three-wheeled cycle rather than a two-wheeler. And if Shake, Rumble & Roll becomes an annual event, perhaps he will participate in future years.

In addition to supporting services that benefit people with a TBI, money raised through the poker run will support activities that assist people with post-traumatic stress disorder. Citing the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Barbara Billings, a Mental Health Clinician at The Resource Center, said 7.7 million adults (3.5 percent of the U.S. population) are affected by PTSD. PTSD can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic or life-threatening event such as war, natural disaster, physical assault, or sudden death of a loved one.

Barbara said The Resource Center offers a self-determined PTSD/trauma group that meets weekly. She said group members are exploring new ways to process their individual trauma.

“This group has used art therapy and creative writing exercises to assist the participants find new perspectives and a means of expression where words often fail, to identify personal triggers and learn from each other effective ways to find that place of safety from which to move forward in their life goals,” Barbara said.

Organizers of Shake, Rumble & Roll are hoping for a good turnout from motorcycle enthusiasts who want to support people with TBI and PTSD. Victoria Trass Bardo, the Development and Events Manager for Filling the Gap, said the idea for the poker run sprang from a desire to create a new community event. Having previously conducted motorcycle dice runs in conjunction with two of Filling the Gap’s other events (the Laurel Memorial Run & Walk and the Step Up for Autism celebration), FTG officials decided to try another motorcycle run, but with a twist. “Instead of shaking dice, we’re going to be drawing cards and making poker hands,” she said.

Vicky said Shake, Rumble & Rill will take place rain or shine, but that organizers are hoping for a sunny day so participants can enjoy the area’s scenery as they ride throughout the county.

“What a great way to showcase all of those communities,” she said.

Click here to register. For more information, phone Vicky at 661-1477.

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From left, Shake, Rumble and Roll planning committee members Vicky Bardo, Randy Lewis and Selina Phillips pose alongside Randy’s cycle.

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The Resource Center recently honored three employees in its Information Services Department for their efforts in protecting the agency’s computer records after an external vendor experienced a cyber attack.

The three employees (Steve Lindquist, Director; Can Tenamore, Assistant Director; and Desiree Wesley, Electronic Health Records Application Analyst) received The Resource Center’s agency-wide staff appreciation award for the first quarter of 2018. They were honored recently at a luncheon held inside TRC’s administrative offices in Celoron.

In January a company called Allscripts, which The Resource Center uses to manage its electronic health records, experienced a ransomware attack. Allscripts is one of the nation’s largest electronic health record system vendors, and about 1,500 Allscripts clients across country were affected by the cyber attack.

Upon learning of the attack, Steve, Can and Desiree took steps to protect the records of the thousands of people who receive health care services from The Resource Center. Working long hours, they identified and implemented a solution to ensure TRC’s records would not be affected by the attack on Allscripts. An external cyber security expert subsequently validated the approach, saying TRC’s solution was the best measure to protect TRC’s records.

“They’ve really done an excellent job being ahead of the game,” said Mark Morton, Assistant Executive Director for Employee Relations. “Your foresight and quick action makes us all feel safer in the use of information systems needed for the efficiency, integration and sharing of data necessary to keep pace with the changes in the areas of health and human services.”

Randall Lewis, TRC’s Attorney, nominated Steve, Cam and Desiree for the award. During the awards luncheon, he used a baseball analogy to praise their efforts: “You guys hit everything out of the park.”

Randy added that information technology employees often have thankless jobs, because they more often hear complaints about technology issues rather than being thanked for keeping things running smoothly.

“They did do a great job in this instance and so many other instances,” he said.

Executive Director Denise Jones echoed Lewis’ comments. She said many organizations struggle with IT issues, and she noted that an organization similar to The Resource Center recently experienced a security breach that cost that agency millions of dollars. She praised TRC’s IT team for taking extra steps to keep TRC’s computer network safe and said the Information Systems Department is as much a part of The Resource Center as any other area of TRC.

“Just like the buildings we need and the homes we need, you’re part of the fabric of our organization,” Denise said.

Steve, Can and Desiree expressed gratitude that their efforts were appreciated. They noted that The Resource Center, with its 40-plus locations and diverse services, is a complex organization from an information security perspective.

“I’m truly thankful for the team that we have,” Can said. “With everybody’s support, we make TRC’s services stronger.”

Pictured are, from left, sitting, Steve Lindquist, Desiree Wesley and Can Tenamore; and, standing, Denise Jones and Mark Morton.

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An exhibit featuring paintings made by artists with disabilities at The Resource Center is on display through June 2 at RydersCup Coffee shop in Lakewood.

“Flowers and a Blue Bird” by Danette Herrick

The exhibit features 12 paintings with a spring theme, as many of the works contain flowers or landscapes. The works were made by people in TRC’s Creations art program. Paintings featured in the exhibit include Daisy (above) by Beatrice Salisbury in the Day Program on Lake Shore Drive in Dunkirk, and Flowers and a Blue Bird (left) by Danette Herrick in the Senior Day Program in Jamestown.

All of the paintings in the exhibit are available for purchase.

RydersCup, located at 28 Chautauqua Avenue, is open from 7:00 to 5:30 Monday to Saturday and from 9:00 to 2:00 on Sundays. The restaurant has hosted a number of exhibits of TRC artists’ works over the years.

“I am grateful to the wonderful people at RydersCup for providing the artists of The Resource Center an opportunity to share their amazing talents with the community,” said Susan Gutierrez, TRC’s art instructor.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

U.S. Representative Tom Reed visited The Resource Center on Tuesday, May 1, praising the co-located and integrated health care services TRC offers and pledging to assist the agency in its efforts to better serve the community.

TRC was honored to host Congressman Reed, who toured our Second Street facility in Jamestown to learn more about the services offered there and to see firsthand the progress on renovations being made to the building.

The Congressman’s visit came about after he accepted an invitation from Heather C. Brown, Assistant Executive Director, to tour TRC’s Carl Cappa Building. The facility houses TRC’s Community Health Center, offering Primary Care, Dental and Behavioral Health Services to the entire community. TRC Community Health Center is a safety-net provider, one in which more than 80 percent of the people receiving services are Medicaid recipients. Heather and several other TRC representatives – Kelly Dimitri, Chief Financial Officer; Marcia Restivo, Director of Clinical Services; and Jennifer Gesing, Director of Behavioral Health and Care Coordination Services – shared some of TRC’s successes as well as the challenges The Resource Center faces in ensuring that thousands of Chautauqua County residents have access to high-quality health care.

In fact, the number of people served by TRC Community Health Center was one thing that surprised Congressman Reed. Heather shared that about 10,000 people receive services each year, with Marcia adding that as many as 300 people come through the doors of the Cappa Building each day. Heather said TRC established its Primary Care clinic to treat the people at the core of its mission, those with developmental disabilities. In 1993, TRC expanded its Primary Care services to include anyone in the community. She told Mr. Reed that of the 10,000 people served by TRC each year, fewer than 1,000 have developmental disabilities.

Kelly noted that there is “a clear need in the community” for the health services TRC provides, and Mr. Reed agreed.

“If you weren’t here, the magnitude on the community would be devastating, I would imagine,” he said.

The Congressman and his hosts toured the ongoing renovations at the building. The next phase of the multi-year project is nearing completion, with The Resource Center expecting to unveil its redesigned Primary Care section by the end of May. This follows external façade work and the expansion of the dental offices, work that was completed in 2016. The building, which formerly was a furniture showroom, has been retrofitted over the years, and TRC officials said the facility was in need of an upgrade. They said patients will appreciate the new, modern offices.

“We’re so excited,” Marcia said. “They deserve to have a nice place to come.”

Heather Brown and Tom Reed look at an artist’s rendering of the renovated TRC Community Health Center as Marcia Restivo points out some of the improvements.

“Renovations include new efficient waiting rooms, new operatories for the dentists and the doctors, all new facilities that are going to be state of the art,” Heather said. “Everything’s going to be just efficient and new and much better from a customer and provider perspective.”

The redesign of the Primary Care section includes an integrated waiting room as well as a team room, where providers from TRC’s Primary Care and Behavioral Health offices can meet to discuss a patient’s all-around health. Congressman Reed said he likes this approach, because often a person will go to see his primary care physician, and that doctor may not be aware of other health concerns that the patient has. At TRC Community Health Center, people can receive several types of services under one roof, and the various providers can communicate with one another to maximize a person’s care.

Mr. Reed was favorably impressed by what he saw at The Resource Center and the way TRC provides care to the community.

“The whole integrated model of healthcare, making sure that when a patient walks in, when a client walks in, they have access to all the services they need in one location – the whole gamut of care, so patients don’t have to be lost in the bureaucracy of healthcare – for me, this is an example of how health care should be delivered,” the Congressman said.

In discussing the challenges The Resource Center faces, TRC officials cited inadequate reimbursement rates, the transition from a traditional fee-for-service care model to a value-based system, and licensing regulations that make it difficult for TRC to attract out-of-state providers, particularly psychiatrists. Jen noted that behavioral health providers from Erie and Warren are interested to working for The Resource Center, but are frustrated by New York State’s licensure rules. Congressman Reed said his office would see if it can assist in these areas.

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From left, Tom Reed discusses TRC’s services with Heather C. Brown, Assistant Executive Director; Thad Lund, Manager of TRC’s Health Homes Program; and Jen Gesing, Director of Behavioral Health and Care Coordination.

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Longtime volunteer Joan Yost has been honored by the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County as TRC’s Volunteer of the Year.

Joan, who was honored at the United Way’s annual Volunteer of the Year Reception on April 24 at the Boys and Girls Club of Jamestown, started volunteering in 1978 when her daughter Jennifer was receiving early-intervention services from TRC. When Jenn entered grade school, Joan volunteered at Jenn’s schools until she graduated. Joan resumed volunteering at TRC in 1999 and has been with us ever since.

Among her volunteer activities, Joan helped facilitate a monthly support group for families who had children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ten years ago she helped establish monthly dances for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She continues to coordinate these events, arriving early to set up decorations and put out refreshments. The dances are popular, with upwards of 100 people showing up each month to socialize with peers and dance, and it is common to see Joan on the dance floor.

Joan Yost and Terri Johnson

She has volunteered at some of our fund-raising events. She has served on TRC’s Guardianship Committee and Nominating Committee. She also has served on the Boards of Directors of Filling the Gap, Inc., and New Vision Services, Inc., two not-for-profit organizations that work with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Chautauqua County. Joan also advocates on behalf of The Resource Center and people with disabilities.

Besides her efforts on behalf of The Resource Center, Joan has been a Special Olympics volunteer for more than 30 years. Many of the people who are supported by The Resource Center participate in Special Olympics skiing, swimming, golf, bocce, and bowling. Joan is a coach and volunteer for all of these sports.

Terri Johnson, TRC’s Director of Employment and Community-Based Services, presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to Joan. Terri told the audience that when she began working for TRC in 2001, she provided employment supports to Jenn. Terri said Joan was the kind of family member TRC enjoys interacting with, because her active involvement helped TRC to provide the best supports possible to Jenn.

When asked why she volunteers so much of her time, Joan gave a simple response: “I have been given so much in life. I want to give back to other people for everything I have been given.”

Congratulations, Joan!

Several family members attended the event to celebrate with Joan. Pictured from left are grandson Joshua McCord; daughter Jenn; son Shawn Yost; daughter Judy McCord; Joan; husband Don; son Chris Yost; and daughter-in-law Carrie Yost.

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Randall Lewis, TRC’s Attorney, nominated Steve, Can and Desiree for the award. He used a baseball analogy to praise their efforts: “You guys hit everything out of the park.”

“They did do a great job in this instance and so many other instances,” he said.

Executive Director Denise Jones echoed Randy’s comments. She said many organizations struggle with IT issues, and she noted that an organization similar to The Resource Center recently experienced a security breach that cost that agency millions of dollars. Denise praised TRC’s IT team for taking extra steps to keep TRC’s computer network safe and said the Information Systems Department is as much a part of The Resource Center as any other area of TRC.

“Just like the buildings we need and the homes we need, you’re part of the fabric of our organization,” she said.

“I’m truly thankful for the team that we have,” Can said. “With everybody’s support, we make TRC’s services stronger.”

Pictured are, from left, sitting, Steve Lindquist, Desiree Wesley, Can Tenamore; and, standing, Denise Jones and Mark Morton.

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By Mark Stevens

From snow and ice to sleet and freezing rain, Chautauqua County has had its fair share of winter weather, even after the calendar turned to spring. Yet through it all, The Resource Center’s Warmer Winter Warriors continued to stand at the ready, knitting needles in hand, to give back to a community that has given so much to them.

“I’ve been crocheting about 45 years,” said Shirley Stickney, Warmer Winter Warrior.

“I’ve been knitting and crocheting for nine years,” said Cretia Goldsmith, Warmer Winter Warrior. “It’s a relaxing hobby.”

The Warner Winter Warriors, a volunteer group with a handful of members, are part of The Resource Center’s PROS (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services) program in Jamestown. PROS is designed to help people conquer their mental health challenges and go on to lead healthier lifestyles. For the last two years, the PROS volunteer group has been knitting and crocheting items for people in need during the colder months.

“It’s important to give back to the community and help those in need,” said Cretia.

“Some of the participants come from economically challenged backgrounds, so they know what it’s like to not have,” said Regina Annells, Peer Navigator with PROS.

Cretia hangs hats on the community clothes line.

Regina has been the leader of the Warmer Winter Warriors since the group started. She said the projects are a source of hope she likes to pass along – a source of hope that she didn’t have when first going through her own recovery.

“I want to help them as much with their early days of recovery as possible. Because often time, they don’t have hope and they need to borrow somebody else’s before they develop their own,” said Regina. “I learned on my own how important it was to have healthy activities to replace the unhealthy ones.”

“It keeps my hands busy, and it keeps my mind busy and focused,” Shirley said of her crocheting hobby.

These are the hats that the Warmer Winter Warriors donated to the maternity unit at UMPC Chautauqua WCA.

Last year, the Warriors knitted hats that were placed on a community clothes line. This year the group took on two more projects. The first was called Little Hats, Big Hearts and was coordinated through the American Heart Association in observance of February being National Heart Month. The Warriors knitted and crocheted 20 hats and donated them to the American Heart Association; the hats then were distributed to hospitals in the Buffalo area. Organizers were grateful for the generosity and warmth of the Warriors.

“We were happy to join with the Buffalo Niagara American Heart Association to spread the message that heart health begins at birth. As part of the Little Hats, Big Hearts program, we handed out more than 500 little red hats to newborns at Sisters and Mercy hospitals in Buffalo and Mount St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston,” said JoAnn Cavanaugh, Director of Public Relations for Catholic Health. “What made this project even more special was the love that went into it, and we thank all the volunteers at The Resource Center who took the time to hand knit and crochet these darling hats for our tiniest patients.”

In addition to that project, the Warriors forged ahead and made a large donation of hats to the maternity unit at UPMC Chautauqua WCA in Jamestown. The hospital received just shy of 100 caps for newborns to help them retain their body heat.

Megan Barone is pictured with her newborn son, Sergio, who is wearing one of the hats made by the Warmer Winter Warriors.

“UPMC Chautauqua WCA is very grateful for the donation of knit hats for the infants in our maternity department. I recently just had a baby myself at UPMC Chautauqua WCA, and the nurses put one of TRC’s Winter Warrior hats on my son. This is still our favorite hat that he wears every day,” said Megan Barone, the hospital’s Development Director. “The nursing staff has been very excited to have the opportunity to hand the hats out to new mothers to keep their babies warm in the winter weather, and they have been getting rave responses from the parents. UPMC Chautauqua WCA is very appreciative for the community support from TRC and is very proud they chose us as a recipient for the donation.”

“These two projects were important to me to give something back,” said Shirley.

The Warriors and Regina also received some help of their own from SUNY Fredonia student Jillian Weiner. She started working as an intern with the PROS program last fall and spent about two days a week with the group.

“You could just see it in their faces that they were contributing to something. It’s also giving them something to do in helping with their recovery. It shows they have a skill,” said Jillian.

The group took Jillian under its wing and even taught her how to knit. She said that during winter break, she made a couple of hats as well.

“I have anxiety myself, so I found it really soothing,” said Jillian of knitting. “It was good for me to volunteer and have a good social relationship with the group. The connections we made, and even just hanging out while we were making the hats, was really nice.”

“Members of the group really feel good about themselves by giving back to the community,” said Regina. “They feel like they’re giving back. They really enjoy that feeling.”

Regina said that even though she’s retiring from The Resource Center, she hopes someone else will help lead the Warriors’ volunteer effort into its third season this coming winter. If so, the group could use a few more members and is always accepting yarn donations. Donations can be dropped off to TRC’s PROS program inside the Carl Cappa Building at 880 East Second Street in Jamestown.

Shirley shows off some of the hats made by the Warmer Winter Warriors.

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April is National Volunteer Month. Volunteerism takes several forms at The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, Inc. — families and community members give their time to serve on boards and committees, assist with special events, and help out in programs and homes; self-advocates and staff volunteer in support of our events and by giving back to dozens of local charitable organizations and causes; and employees volunteer their free time to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

While most of The Resource Center’s employees work directly with people who have disabilities, many staffers in TRC’s administrative support departments have limited opportunities to interact with the people the agency supports. For those employees, volunteering in their off hours is a way to experience TRC’s mission firsthand.

One support department employee who decided to give volunteering a try is Maggie Evans, Payroll Clerk. “Volunteering was something that I naturally wanted to do. I really like Gandhi’s quote, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others,’” Maggie said. “I’m lucky to be able to go home every evening knowing I work for an agency that helps others in our community, but I wanted to do more.”

Maggie reads to Sandy Clark in her room.

She went through the formal process of applying through TRC’s web site, listing activities such as reading and playing games as things she would like to do in her volunteer time. Michele Albaugh, Director of Learning and Development, shared the information with Mary Jo Hamilton, Director of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services, and Mary Jo decided that the “Hunt Road” home in the Town of Busti would be a good placement for Maggie. She’s been going there weekly and has enjoyed interacting with residents and staff.

On a typical Thursday, Maggie arrives at the home around 5:00 p.m. After exchanging greetings with some of the home’s staff and residents, she makes her way to the bedroom of Sandy Clark. A visual impairment leaves Sandy unable to read, so Maggie reads to her. The pair has gone through a number of novels, a favorite being The Secret Garden.

When a staff member comes into the room to alert the reading partners that dinner is ready, Sandy heads off to wash her hands. Maggie makes her way to the dining room and sits at one of the two tables. She interacts with residents while they eat, sometimes helping to reinforce staff reminders to certain residents to make sure they chew or swallow properly and have something to drink between bites of food. Sometimes Maggie shares a meal with residents and staff.

After dinner, Maggie remains at the table and talks with Joe Belka while he writes in his journal. She then makes her way into the living room and spends time with David Adams, playing a game with him or assisting David with putting together a jigsaw puzzle. She’ll then read to Sandy for a while longer before leaving the home at about 7:00. She packs a lot into her weekly two-hour visits.

Maggie assists David Adams with a crossword puzzle.

“Thursdays are now my favorite night of the week,” Maggie exclaimed. “The connections I’ve made with the residents at Hunt are special to me, and I hope to them as well. The ladies and gents there always put a smile on my face, and we usually have lots of laughs together. The pure joy on their faces melts my heart sometimes.”

Her experiences at the home have also deepened her appreciation for the jobs that TRC’s direct-support employees do.

“I’ve also had a good time getting to know a handful of the staff members at Hunt,” Maggie said. “I appreciate the compassion I see and their dedication! They represent all direct-care workers here at TRC. Thank you, everyone, for your caring hearts!”

Staff and residents at Hunt enjoy Maggie’s visits. “Maggie has been a wonderful joy to Hunt Road, and I love hearing from those whom we support: `Today is Thursday. Yay! That means Maggie is coming!’ It really means she is making a difference in their lives,” said Amber Wilson, Site Supervisor.

“We’re thrilled to have her,” Mary Jo said of Maggie. “She fits right in. She does a good job. She’s just amazing.”

Maggie hangs out with Joe Belka while he writes in his journal.

Michele said volunteers such as Maggie are important to TRC in several ways. The primary benefit provided by volunteers is that they enhance the lives of people with disabilities.

“People we support develop many relationships with paid staff; it is important that they have multiple opportunities to have relationships from non-paid people,” Michele said. “Having volunteers gives them that opportunity as well as the opportunity to gain new experiences from what the volunteer can bring/share with them.”

She added that TRC and the volunteers themselves get something positive out of the volunteer experience.

“In having volunteers, the agency gets dedicated, interested people to help us fulfill our mission,” she said. “For those volunteering, there are many benefits. The first benefit that people think of is the positive feeling you get from helping and sharing your time, but many times volunteers learn new skills, learn different things about themselves, may see a new career opportunity, meet new people, and make new connections. Volunteering is an opportunity to make a difference with others while having the chance to improve yourself and alter how you see yourself in the world.”

Michele said TRC currently has volunteers working in a few of its homes, Day Programs and clinical locations. TRC operates some 30 homes, several Day Programs and a few clinics, so there are lots of options where people can volunteer. TRC welcomes volunteers with a wide range of talents and interests.

“All of our program areas would benefit from volunteers. There is no limit to the opportunities or talents that we are looking for in a volunteer. Gifts and talents are meant to be shared,” Michele said. “Each volunteer opportunity is looked at individually – What is the volunteer looking for? What can they offer, and how does that work with our programs/services?”

She said there is no minimum amount of time that a volunteer is expected to contribute each month, but that TRC tries to establish a schedule and routine for each volunteer.

Maggie and Robert Curran share a happy moment.

Maggie believes others would enjoy volunteering at The Resource Center.

“I would encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering in a home to go for it. It’s awesome,” she said. “The experience will be a blessing to you, I promise!”

People interested in being a volunteer at The Resource Center can apply apply online by clicking here. For more information about TRC’s volunteer program, phone Michele at 661-1517.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer, has again been named one of the region’s most influential people by a Buffalo business magazine.

Buffalo Business First recently released its “2018 Power 250” listing of the 250 most influential people in Western New York. Denise came in at number 86 on the list, up three spots from last year. Two years ago, she was 98^th.

Business First said its list denotes “the 250 men and women who (in our opinion) wield the most clout in the eight-county region.”

“The list and ranking were borne from a newsroom consensus after three months of research, reporting and debate,” said Donna Collins, Managing Editor of Buffalo Business First. “Factors we considered include length of time spent leading a company. CEOs whose companies have sizable payrolls are on the list. So are those whose decisions affect the many individuals … for which they work.”

TRC officials were pleased that Denise was included on the Power 250 list again this year.

“The Resource Center is blessed to have Denise as our CEO,” said R. Michael Goldman, the President of the Board of Directors. “She provides leadership with compassion, a rare combination which is vital to accomplish our mission.”

Denise, a certified public accountant, joined The Resource Center in 1990 as the organization’s first internal auditor. In 1997 she was named Finance Director, and she worked in that capacity until becoming Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Executive Director for Administrative Services. Three years later, she was promoted to COO and Associate Executive Director.

Business First wrote the following about her:

“Denise Jones moved up from COO to president and CEO in 2015, taking control of the largest nonprofit in Chautauqua County and one of the largest employers.

“Though the focus remains on serving individuals with developmental disabilities, The Resource Center is also a major provider of health care and vocational services in the county.

“Trained as a CPA, Jones manages a budget of $74 million and more than 2,200 employees at locations across the county. That workforce is also a major subcontractor, providing work at manufacturing plants in Jamestown and Dunkirk.”

Below are the names of other people from Chautauqua County or disability service providers who made Business First’s 2018 Power 250 list:

Senator Catharine Young, No. 20
Rhonda Frederick, President and CEO of People Inc., No. 29
Assemblyman Andrew Goodell, No. 40
Former County Executive Vince Horrigan, No. 101
Dr. Virginia Horvath, President of the State University of New York at Fredonia, No. 104
Mark Thomas, Western District Director for New York State Parks, No. 120
Gregory Edwards, CEO of the Gebbie Foundation, No. 130
Jamestown Mayor Samuel Teresi, No. 174
Mari Howard, President and CEO of The ReHabilitation Center and Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara, No. 189
Mike Abbate, Manager of the Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant, No. 194
Betsy Wright, President of UPMC Chautauqua WCA, No. 202
Thomas Sy, President and CEO of Aspire of Western New York, No. 214
Daniel Reininga, President and CEO of Lake Shore Bancorp, No. 218
William McHugh, CEO of The Arc Erie County New York, No. 232

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