October was National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and seeks to educate the public and the business community about the value that is created by having a workforce made up of all types of skills and talents.

The Resource Center has been supporting people with disabilities to find and maintain work for more than 50 years. Hundreds of Chautauqua County residents have jobs through TRC’s manufacturing facilities and Environmental Services cleaning crews, and hundreds more are competitively employed in the community thanks to partnerships created among The Resource Center and dozens of local businesses.

Every person’s employment story is a success story. Here are snapshots of a few of the hundreds of people with disabling conditions who have found work thanks to The Resource Center.

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Ben Burkhart
Ben Burkhart is a kindhearted person who is always willing to lend a helping hand. He has been a valuable employee of The Resource Center’s Environmental Services Division since 2009.

In his current position, he is a member of the mobile cleaning crew that travels to different sites in the Jamestown area and ensures that the buildings are looking their best. Ben stated his duties include sweeping and mopping floors, sanitizing surfaces, taking out garbage, and dusting. He works full time and said that he enjoys cleaning, socializing with his co-workers and being out in the community.

Through his job, Ben is able to save money for the future, purchase items that he enjoys, and help with bills and other expenses. People that work with Ben state that he takes direction well, performs all of his assigned duties, and always has a positive attitude. The Resource Center assists Ben by providing job coaching and case management services.

Todd Dallas
After 10 years of being unemployed, Todd joined The Resource Center’s Supported Employment Program in November 2016 in the hopes of rejoining the community and the workforce. Todd is a soft-spoken person who is friendly and fun to work with. His dedication and participation while in the program has been nothing short of outstanding.

Todd interviewed for and was offered the position of a Facility Service Technician in the recycling department at Truck-Lite in May of this year. Returning to the workforce can be scary, but Todd has received exceptional remarks from his employer and his Job Coach. Todd’s job is not easy. He needs to remain alert and constantly push himself to keep up with the demand of work in his department.

Todd has been able to achieve so much this last year, and TRC’s Supported Employment staff who have worked with him continue to be awed by all he has accomplished.

Keith Gowan
Keith entered Supported Employment at the age of 18 as he was finishing up his last year of high school. He entered Job Development and within a few months, interviewed and was hired by The Resource Center’s Environmental Services Division. Keith began working in 2007. He worked on the mobile crew, cleaning several TRC facilities. Keith was chosen specifically for the floor crew for the Jamestown City Hall account because of his superior attention to detail.

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In 2009, a new account opened up for snow removal at the Interstate 86 rest area near Bemus Point. Keith applied and was offered a spot on the crew. He worked there throughout winter, then returned to the mobile cleaning crew.

In 2010, Environmental Services was contracted to provide cleaning services at the I-86 rest area, and Keith was ecstatic when chosen to be placed on the crew full time. His duties include sweeping, mopping, washing windows, and maintaining the overall cleanliness of the restrooms. Keith’s Department of Transportation supervisor trusts him enough to have him attend to duties out of the norm, such as trimming trees, as the supervisor knows Keith is always willing to help wherever he is needed.

Over the years, Keith has proven to be a trustworthy, competent and valued employee.   He currently works 37 hours per week. For the terrific work he does at the rest area, Keith has been recognized by NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled) as an Outstanding Performer in its annual William B. Joslin awards program.

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Matthew Madison
Matthew interviewed for a job at the Lakewood Walmart in November 2016. Matthew nailed the interview on his own and was hired as seasonal help, 20 hours per week.

After the Christmas season, Walmart management approached Matthew and asked if he was interested in remaining on staff as a part-time stockperson. Matthew accepted the offer, and his job involved gathering carts in the parking lot and bays and then bringing them to the corrals inside the store. He also assisted in training new hires.

Recently, Matthew was asked to learn the specifics of the cashier position so he could be utilized in the Auto Center. Although Matthew worked a 20-hour schedule each week, he routinely filled in for co-workers who call off. It is not uncommon for him to work several double shifts during a week.

Matthew recently was hired as a full-time employee and will be eligible for insurance benefits.

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Phil Murvine
Phil has worked for The Resource Center’s Environmental Services Division for more than 16 years. During that time, he has learned an array of skills from janitorial and floor work to snow removal and landscaping. He has amazing time management skills, is very prompt and even walks to and from work.

The workers at the Department of Transportation at the I-86 rest stop are extremely pleased with his work ethic. He always stays busy without prompting and does a top-notch job. He loves his job at the rest stop and often says how happy he is with it.

He’s come a long way and has learned how to handle stressful situations and people in a much calmer way. He is helpful and is willing to work extra hours as well. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his daughter, and camping. He is an asset to Environmental Services and we are happy to have him.

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Jeremy Russell
Jeremy entered The Resource Center’s Supported Employment Program in July 2012. He had little work experience and was eager to find employment within his home town of Randolph, NY. Once Jeremy completed the initial intake phase for Supported Employment, he entered Job Development.

Jeremy worked closely with his Job Developer, searching for employment opportunities locally. With the Job Developer’s assistance, he submitted two applications for employment in Randolph that were reflective of his work interests. Jeremy interviewed and was hired as a substitute cleaner with Randolph Central School. He works during the school year and is off when school is out of session, and he returns to his job in late summer.

Jeremy enjoys his cleaning job, where he earns enough money to live in his own house and pay his way without assistance.

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David Shaw
To say that 2017 was David Shaw’s year would be an understatement.

David began working as a Food Service Aide for UPMC Chautauqua WCA in March. He grabbed the ball and kept running with it at WCA, as he became an integral part of the kitchen’s daily functions from the get-go. This job has greatly impacted his life, enabling him to live independently and giving him the ability to recently purchase a car.

David is proud to be working for WCA. His elation was exhibited at a Job Club meeting, at which David shared his success with his peers.

His Job Coach, Aliza Neal, said, “David is constantly working and maintains a clean and organized dish room. He also has built great relationships with all of his co-workers.”

David’s future keeps looking brighter with each day that passes!

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The Resource Center followed up last year’s selection as one of the healthiest workplaces in the country by doing even better this year.

The Resource Center has been named the 19^th healthiest employer in America in a nationwide competition. The Resource Center was notified in July that it had been named to the Healthiest 100 list, but TRC’s specific ranking wasn’t revealed until the National Healthiest Employers Awards Ceremony, which took place in Chicago in September.

Each year, Healthiest Employers conducts events in more than 40 regions to identify local businesses that have excelled in creating healthy workplaces for their employees. This past spring, for the second straight year The Resource Center was declared the healthiest employer in Western New York in the Large Business category in a competition organized by Buffalo Business First magazine. Healthiest Employers invited the top 25 percent of the regional honorees to participate in the national competition, said Donna Trusso, the project manager for The Resource Center’s STARS employee wellness program. Organizers of the national competition said that more than 2,000 businesses applied for consideration as one of the Healthiest 100 Employers.

Last year, The Resource Center finished 77^th in the Healthiest Employers rankings. For this year’s competition, TRC’s expectations were modest.

“Our goal was if we were 77 last year, let’s hope we’re at least 76,” Trusso said.

During the awards ceremony, the names of the 100 Healthiest Employers were announced in groups of 10, starting with number 100. Trusso and the two members of TRC’s wellness team who accompanied her to Chicago, Heather Courtney and Jon DeSantis, became anxious as more and more names were announced and TRC wasn’t listed.

“They’re reading off the names in the 50s, 40s, 30s, and we’re sitting there not seeing our name,” Trusso said. She and her co-workers began to wonder if TRC’s name was announced and they somehow missed it.

“You can feel your heart beating a little bit more. It’s very exciting,” DeSantis said. “It felt like the Oscars.”

Finally, as the organizers announced the list of employers ranked 11^th through 20^th, The Resource Center appeared at number 19. TRC’s representatives were pleasantly surprised, saying that they knew the agency’s wellness program had gotten stronger in the past year.

“We felt like we’d made progress, but I never would have envisioned that big of a jump,” Trusso said.

Award applicants were evaluated across six key categories: culture and leadership, foundational components, strategic planning, communication and marketing, programming and interventions, and reporting and analysis. Completed assessments were ranked with the Healthiest Employer Index, a 1-100 metric for wellness programming.

When asked to account for the rise from 77^th to 19^th place in the rankings, Trusso and her team credited TRC’s focus on looking beyond the agency.

“The one thing that I think has really helped us a lot is the collaborations we’ve made in the community,” Trusso said. She pointed to blood drives conducted in partnership with the American Red Cross, a recurring Weight Watchers initiative and ongoing lunch-and-learn offerings that feature local experts on a variety of topics based on employee needs and interests.

DeSantis added that TRC has received regional support for the success of its wellness program. TRC is a member of the P2 Collaborative of Western New York, which seeks to align resources to measurably improve health and healthcare delivery, increase access to care, and reduce health disparities in the region. Representatives of the P2 Collaborative’s other member agencies were pleased with TRC’s ranking on the Healthies Employers list.

“They were just as excited as we were about it,” he said.

The Resource Center also has partnered with the Chautauqua County Health Network and the CHQ250 initiative, among others.

Trusso added that the people overseeing the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities’ employee wellness program contacted TRC to learn more about STARS.

“It’s a really great feeling to know we’re not only helping people here at TRC, but our success is having a positive effect on others,” Trusso said. “It’s very gratifying and satisfying.”

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The Resource Center implemented the STARS employee wellness program several years ago. STARS assesses each person along five key life dimension: basic needs, physical health, mental wellness, family/social relationships, and employment issues. STARS participants enjoy the opportunity to meet with a health coach a minimum of three times per year 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 the lunch-and-learn series, are open to all TRC employees, not just those who are enrolled in STARS.

Each STARS participant undergoes an annual biometric screening. Based on the results of the screenings and TRC’s health care claims data, the STARS team’s focus area for 2017 is promoting and maintaining healthy behavioral changes to reduce the risk of heart diseases and diabetes. Targeted approaches included weight management, proper nutrition, smoking cessation, exercise, and stress reduction.

An ongoing challenge is finding ways to engage employees to be willing to make positive changes in their health and well-being. The STARS program comes up with challenges for employees to engage in, on their own or in teams – for instance, TRC recently wrapped up a challenge aimed at getting people to lose weight and/or exercise during the summer. Every interaction with staff is an opportunity to spread the wellness message.

“People are realizing that taking positive steps in overall wellness feels good,” Courtney said.

Trusso said The Resource Center has begun to realize a positive return on its investment in its in-house employee wellness program in terms of improved health measures among STARS participants and decreased claims costs. And those positive changes manifest themselves in the form of more productive employees.

“People appreciate having someone to listen to them and knowing that they’re cared about,” Courtney said. “When staff see that their employer cares about them, they perform better; their attendance is better; they do better.”

Going forward, Trusso and the STARS team want to get others involved in promoting the importance of wellness. TRC has formed a wellness committee to assist in this area and become “ambassadors of wellness,” said Trusso, explaining that she, Courtney and DeSantis can’t do it alone. “We can’t be everywhere.”

TRC administrators are pleased with the performance of the STARS wellness team and the recognition the program has received locally, regionally and nationally.

“I couldn’t be more honored and proud of my team and all of the employees at The Resource Center,” said Heather C. Brown, assistant executive director. “We have worked hard on this initiative since rolling it out a few years ago and are pleased with so much engagement. And then to be recognized at a national level is just unbelievable. But really, it all boils down to helping our employees, our co-workers, to be healthy, well and thriving members of TRC and the community.”

About Healthiest Employer, LLC
Healthiest Employers is an awards program that recognizes organizations that proactively shape the health of their employees. To date, Healthiest Employer has served as a resource to over 8,000 U.S. employers that represent 60 million employees. This program is conducted by Springbuk, a health analytics company. Learn more at www.HealthiestEmployers.com and www.Springbuk.com.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Works made by artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities in The Resource Center’s Creations Art Program are on display this month at two exhibits.

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RydersCup Coffee, located at 28 Chautauqua Avenue in Lakewood, is exhibiting a number of paintings made by Creations artists. The paintings will be on display through the end of October, and each of the exhibited paintings is available for purchase. Over the years, RydersCup has hosted several exhibits of works made by Creations artists.

“I am grateful to RydersCup for hosting this exhibit,” said Susan Gutierrez, TRC’s art instructor.  “I am thrilled that the community will have an opportunity to experience the unique talents and expressions of the artists that participate in the Creations Art Program.”

The coffee shop is open from 7:00 to 5:30 Monday to Saturday and 9:00 to 2:00 Sunday.

Also this month, paintings by The Resource Center’s artists are on display in a new exhibit at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo. The exhibit, titled ARTs Unbound, features works made by people with disabilities at 10 human-service organizations in Western New York. Gutierrez said that artists from each of TRC’s five day habilitation programs in Jamestown and Dunkirk have paintings included in the exhibit.

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This marks the third straight year that works by Creations program artists have been included in an exhibit at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. The Albright-Knox is located at 1285 Elmwood Avenue. The gallery is open from 10:00 to 5:00 Tuesday to Sunday. ARTs Unbound will be on display through October 22.

Tamara Zofchak is a Creations Program artist and has paintings displayed in at RydersCup and the Albright-Knox.  “I am happy to have my paintings in the art shows.  I’m excited that I can share with the community my art, and hopefully my artwork will be inspiring to others,” she said.

For more information about the Creations Art Program, phone 661-1076.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The achievements of people with disabilities and the efforts of those who support them will be showcased when The Resource Center holds its 29th annual Disability Awareness Awards Celebration on Monday, October 16.

The event will be held at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, 433 East Terrace Avenue in Lakewood, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

This year’s award recipients are:

• Advocate of the Year – Patrick Smeraldo of Jamestown
• Business/Employer of the Year – Truck-Lite of Falconer
• Bruce Walford Community Service Award – Forestville High School Band
• Community Support Award – Evelyn Wright-Kegelmyer of Cassadaga
• Excellence in Governance Award – TRC Foundation, Inc. board of directors
• Health Provider of the Year – Dr. Adnan Munir of Lakewood
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Gregory Peterson of Lakewood
• Outstanding Achievement Award – Joshua Hughes of Dunkirk
• Personal Success Award – David Shaw of Jamestown
• Elmer J. Muench Volunteer of the Year – Tom Rhodes of Mayville

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

Members of The Resource Center, people with disabilities, TRC staff, 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 Monday, October 2.  Click here to make an online reservation.

If you would like to make a donation to The Resource Center in honor of one of this year’s award recipients, please click here.

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By Mark Stevens

From cruising Chautauqua Lake in a pontoon boat to singing “Sweet Caroline” around a roaring fire, dozens of people with developmental disabilities recently enjoyed an exciting few days at the YMCA’s Camp Onyahsa in Dewittville.

“It was a tremendous success. I can’t say enough about our staff and Camp Onyahsa staff. It just all comes together and it is a great week,” said Karen Silzle, TRC Residence Coordinator and Camp Co-Chair.

About 49 campers, including 10 from the community who either live with their families or on their own, took part in three fun-filled days of arts and crafts, rock painting and swimming, as well as nature walks, sports and boat rides. Camp Week also featured the ever-popular dance night. The first day included a craft project, dinner and a campfire sing-along. In addition to the campers, members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown took part in the opening day’s activities. Rotary, through a Chautauqua Region Community Foundation grant, helps pay for the three-day experience for TRC and its campers.

“This is a fantastic situation for them. You see faces light up like you never would believe. The bonfire and sing-along kicks off what can be three very exciting days for them. This is a great chance for them to have some great, old-fashion fun,” said Randy Sweeney, Rotary Club of Jamestown board member. “We’re just delighted we can make this happen. The Rotary Club is constantly looking for ways that they can give back to the community, and this is different. This is a little different than the typical thing that we do. It’s pretty unique, and it’s special.”

“To see the joy on everyone’s faces and everyone have so much fun, I just love it. This is their vacation for some of them, and this is such a great experience. To see everyone just laughing and having such a great time, this is such a fun experience,” said Denise Jones, TRC’s Executive Director. “I am very grateful to the Rotary Club. Some of these people could not afford to come to camp without those funds.”

Maria Jacobson has been attending camp for about four years.

“I really like it because my parents come up,” said Maria. “And I like all the fun activities to do. I like sports, nature, singing, and dancing. I get to see friends.”

“I think of this as one, big, happy family; a group of friends out having fun, doing what campers do best,” said Mike Ostrye, who just wrapped up his second year at camp. “It’s very exciting to be back. I get to see my friends. It’s like home away from home. I like it all.”

And so does the Onyahsa staff. During the three days, about a dozen staff members help run the programs. Camp leaders say the event is a really nice collaboration that they look forward to all year.

“Everyone is really energized and that’s after nine weeks of resident camp,” said Jon O’Brian, Camp Onyahsa Director. “It’s great to help another organization meet our collaborative mission to allow people of all backgrounds and abilities to enjoy this beautiful site on Lake Chautauqua to engage in social activities, physical activities and also learn some things.”

Camp organizers at TRC also value the partnership, as the campers are already looking forward to next year.

“It’s just an opportunity a lot of the folks wouldn’t have,” said Karen. “It’s the best week of work I have. It’s just awesome to see how happy they are and how much fun and enjoyment they get out of their time at Camp Onyahsa.”

A holiday tradition will come earlier this year when Toys for Tots holds its annual kickoff fund-raiser Saturday, September 16.

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The 11^th annual event will be held in the Willow Bay Theater, located at 21 East Third Street in Jamestown, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Again this year, the evening will feature a performance by the local comedy troupe The Lights of Broadway. Entertainment also will be provided by the musical group TPT.

Though Christmas still is several months away, organizers of the Toys for Tots drive want to get an early start on raising money to meet the expected demand for toys. Each year, the toy drive provides gifts to about 2,400 children in Chautauqua County.

This marks the 18^th year that The Resource Center has coordinated the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots drive in Chautauqua County. Heather C. Brown, assistant executive director at TRC, has been at the helm every year. She said that operating the toy drive is a way for The Resource Center to give back to the community.

“I can’t believe it’s been 18 years since we brought Toys to Tots to this community,” Brown said. “Each year the need has grown, and we depend on this community to provide the support we need to bring smiles to so many children who might go without on Christmas morning.”

This year’s kickoff celebration is being billed as “Music and Mayhem.” For the $25 admission price, guests can enjoy appetizers and beer before the 8:00 show time, as well as an elaborate dessert buffet during intermission. There also will be prize drawings featuring dozens of items donated by local businesses.

Major sponsors of the event include Greater Woodlawn Federal Credit Union, the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, Lind Funeral Home, Premier Consulting Associates, and Saxton, Kocur & Associates. We will be accepting sponsors and advertisers up until the event.

Auction items received so far include donations from the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Chautauqua Institution, the Lucy Desi Museum, Panache, Pepsi, the Summer Wind, Wegmans, and Ziebart, as well as many gift baskets.

“Our kickoff event is our main fund-raiser each year, and we look forward to a great night of food, music and laughs,” Brown said. She added that organizers will accept additional sponsors and advertisers until the day of the event.

To buy tickets or for more information about the kickoff celebration or this year’s Toys for Tots drive, phone Brown at 661-1042. Tickets also are available at The Resource Center, 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron, from 8:00 to 5:00 weekdays.

Information about this year’s toy drive also can be found at the “Chautauqua County, New York – Toys for Tots 2017” Facebook page.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The third annual Lip Sync Battle fund-raiser to support people with disabilities will take place Friday, August 18, at Shawbucks in downtown Jamestown.

Money raised through the Lip Sync Battle will be donated to TRC Foundation’s Mark Pacheco WOW Fund. The WOW Fund (WOW stands for Working on Wonders) awards money to people with special needs so they can do things they may not otherwise be able to afford, such as attend a sporting event or a concert.

The fund was created in memory of Mark Pacheco, an employee of The Resource Center who died in 2010 of injuries sustained in an altercation on a Jamestown street. Pacheco’s family and friends suggested the establishment of the WOW Fund as a tribute to him and to create something positive from his death.

“I took this opportunity to make a bad situation into something I know Mark would love,” said friend and event organizer Marcos Figueroa. “The money raised goes to individuals with developmental disabilities to grant a wish or a dream that they may have or want but just do not have enough funds.”

The lip-syncing competition is open to anyone. People can participate as solo acts or as a group. The cost to compete is $10 per act. Performers should bring a CD of their music. Acts will be judged on how well they lip sync; the creativity of their performance; and their “WOW” factor. The prize money has been increased, with $300 for first place, $125 for second and $75 for third. The winner also will receive a trophy. It is common for patrons to tip the contestants as they perform, and contestants may keep their tips. The performer earning the most tip money will receive bonus points in the competition, which will be scored by a panel of guest judges.

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For those who want to attend the Lip Sync Battle but don’t wish to perform, tickets are $5 pre-sale or $10 at the door. Pre-sale tickets are available at TRC Foundation’s offices, located in the Felice Corporate Center at 92 Fairmount Avenue in Jamestown, and at The Resource Center’s administrative offices at 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron.

The doors open at 9:00. Professional lip-syncing performers Sabrina Williams and Keke Valasquez-Lord will entertain the audience before the competition begins. There will be drawings for gift baskets and other items. Shawbucks staff will make a WOW signature drink that patrons may purchase.

“You do not want to miss this evening of fun and impressive entertainment,” Figueroa said.

For more information or to sign up to compete, phone Figueroa at 951-6118. Additional information about the Lip Sync Battle can be found on its Facebook event page.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Nominations are being accepted for The Resource Center’s 29th annual Disability 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, if given a chance.

To recognize the efforts of people with disabilities and those who support them, The Resource Center and TRC Foundation each year hold a celebration to pay tribute to this deserving group by presenting the Disability 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 Work Center Program.

– Business/Employer of the Year, recognizing an employer that has improved the availability, accessibility and quality of integrated employment for people with disabilities.

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

– Edwin W. Roth Memorial 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 honor 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 persons with disabilities, assisting with special events, or serving on a board or committee. This award is named in honor 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 challenged by a severe disability who has made significant advancements in the areas of personal skills, community integration or contributions to society.

– Success of the Year, praising an individual challenged by 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 August 16. Each nomination must include a narrative explaining why the nominee is deserving of an award, including examples of how the nominee has positively impacted people with disabilities. Click here to submit an online nomination,

If you want a nomination form sent to you, phone Victoria Trass Bardo at 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 485-4612.

The awards will be presented at the Disability Awareness Awards Celebration on Monday, October 16, at the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club.

As the head of an organization that is one of Chautauqua County’s largest employers as well as being one of the biggest non-profit organizations in the region, Denise Jones is one of the area’s most influential people. That recognition recently was reaffirmed when Denise was named to Buffalo Business First magazine’s 2017 list of the 100 most powerful women in Western New York.

Denise, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer, is ranked No. 16 on the Power 100 Women list; she placed 18^th on the same list last year. In February, Business First ranked Denise No. 89 on its list of the 250 most influential people in Western New York.

“For purposes of this list, we defined power by the level of influence a woman has in her orbit – at her company, in her city or county, by the length of her career,” wrote Donna Collins, Managing Editor of Buffalo Business First.

“In the three years we’ve been compiling this list, we know there are two dominating constants among the women: An aptitude to take risks and the fortitude to withstand all kinds of pressure.”

Denise has been with The Resource Center since 1990. She served as TRC’s Associate Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for eight years before being named Executive Director and CEO in March 2015.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized as one of Business First’s most influential women,” Denise said. “This is much more than a personal recognition. It provides an acknowledgment that the work we do at The Resource Center to support individuals with disabilities and other challenges is valued by our community.”

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

“Denise continues to shine as our CEO. Our financial picture continues to improve under her leadership,” said R. Michael Goldman, Esq., the President of the Board of Directors. “Her biggest strength, however, has been her ability to improve the morale of the staff by being accessible to them. She is a great leader and sets a great example for the other employees, who see it and follow it.”

The Resource Center has been supporting people with disabilities and their families since 1958. The Resource Center also provides a variety of health-related services that can be utilized by anyone, regardless of whether they have a disability. TRC also performs subcontracting work at manufacturing facilities in Jamestown and Dunkirk. To learn more, phone 483-2344.

Others from Chautauqua County who made the Power 100 women list include

• Senator Catharine Young, No. 5
• Betsy Wright, President and CEO of WCA Hospital, No. 27
• Dr. Virginia Horvath, President of Fredonia State College, No. 51

Paintings created by artists with disabilities at The Resource Center have been included in a state-wide exhibition.

Works by Randy Lake, Taynisha Lynch and Scott Naetzker are featured in the 13^th annual Voice! exhibition. The show, which is on display in the Martin-Mullen Art Gallery in the Fine Arts Building at the State University College at Oneonta, runs until August 11.

Created by The Arc Otsego, Voice! is a juried art exhibition celebrating the creative talents of artists with intellectual and/or other developmental disabilities from across New York State. Over the years, Voice! has represented hundreds of artists from more than 30 counties and has awarded over $10,000 in prizes.

Randy, Scott and Taynisha made their paintings in The Resource Center’s Creations art program. The program, which operates in Jamestown and Dunkirk, gives people with disabilities the opportunity to express themselves through art. Instructor Susan Gutierrez was proud of her artists whose works were accepted into the Voice! exhibition.

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“I am excited for the artists who are participating in this state-wide exhibit,” Susan said. “The Voice! art show offers a wonderful opportunity for the artists to share their artistic talents and expressions with the community.”

The Resource Center has offered art programs for almost 20 years. With the cooperation of local galleries and businesses, the Creations artists have had their works displayed publicly on numerous occasions, and several artists have been recognized for their artistic achievements through winning art competitions or having their works selected for widespread distribution.

The three artists whose works were selected for the Voice! exhibition are excited to be included in the state-wide competition. Taynisha, who works in a variety of art media, said inclusion in Voice! inspires her to create more art.

“It feels nice to be in the art show,” she said. “I love being an artist. I love painting. I could paint all day. Having my painting in the show makes me feel proud and makes me feel like I should keep painting.”

The Creations program sometimes donates art for charitable causes. Several paintings by Creations artists have been donated to the Chautauqua Blind Association Vision Rehabilitation Services for its art auction that will take place August 10 at 21 Brix Winery in Portland.

For more information about The Resource Center’s Creations art program, phone 661-1076.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]