For the eighth time in the past nine years, The Resource Center has been crowned one of the healthiest employers in Western New York thanks to our STARS employee wellness program.

The Resource Center was one of five businesses honored with a first-place designation in the “Western New York’s Healthiest Employers” competition. TRC finished atop the Extra Large division (for companies with 500 to 1,499 employees). Other categories were Small (companies with 15 to 99 employees), Medium (100-249 employees), Large (250-499 employees), and Jumbo (more than 1,500 employees).

This marks the fifth straight year TRC has claimed first place in its division. TRC also won its category in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and was a finalist in each of the two years it did not win (2015 and 2019).

The annual competition was sponsored by Buffalo Business First, Independent Health, Wegmans, Springbuk, and Walsh Duffield. TRC officials were thrilled the agency has again won the competition.

“We are so proud of our Wellness Team and the work they do every day to support our workforce to be healthy,” said Heather C. Brown, who oversees the STARS Program and TRC’s clinical services. “The program combines so many factors that engage team members to reach for their goals in a customized way that best fits their lifestyle. TRC is so fortunate to have this as part of our benefits package.”

The key to The Resource Center’s success is its STARS program. In place since 2013, the program provides a variety of wellness options for TRC employees. TRC is a not-for-profit organization that is committed to focusing on the health of its employees, and its STARS team comes up with creative ideas to keep staff engaged. The fact The Resource Center operates its own wellness program gives TRC a leg up over companies that contract with external vendors to operate their wellness programs.

TRC also scores highly by virtue of collaborating with other organizations locally and regionally. These include Chautauqua Bright Spots, Chautauqua Health Network, Live Well Western New York, Population Health Collaborative, Prevention Works, Roswell Park, Slow Roll Buffalo, and Tobacco-Free Western New York. In addition, TRC hosts several American Red Cross blood drives each year.

The STARS wellness program offers a personalized wellness plan based on a person’s self-reported satisfaction level along five life domains. STARS also features lunch-and-learn education and exercise get-togethers, discounts on health insurance premiums and weight-loss programs, and employees can participate in several group and individual challenges throughout the year. Through participation in those challenges and other activities, STARS enrollees earn incentive points that can be redeemed for prizes. All employees are able to participate in STARS regardless of health insurance.

STARS participants annually undergo a biometric blood analysis. While individual results are confidential and shared only with the employee, the STARS team receives a report summarizing the combined results of everyone who undergoes the testing. Those data enable the STARS team to assess how well program enrollees are performing as a group, and the results help form the program’s goals for the coming year.

Having won the regional competition, The Resource Center is eligible for consideration in the “Healthiest 100 Employers in America” competition. Those results will be announced in October. Last year, TRC was named the 35^th healthiest workplace in America, marking the eighth straight year TRC was recognized in that competition.

(NOTE: A ceremony was held July 31 to honor the most recent graduates of the Invest U program, a collaboration between The Resource Center and United Way of Southern Chautauqua County.)

Article by Christopher Blakeslee of The Post-Journal

 

Nine residents are part of the largest yet graduating class of Invest U, a program that teaches people to analyze the impacts of poverty on their lives and to develop strategies to build resources.

A graduation ceremony took place Wednesday at the Northwest Arena attended by more than 50 attendees. This year’s graduating class consisted of Brook Colburn, Lyle DeBose, Michelle DeBose, Amanda Dove, Kelsey Garifi, Corrie Orange, Alix Sandberg, Kaylee Schweinsberg and Lori Watson.

The Resource Center, in collaboration with the Young Women’s Christian Association Jamestown (YWCA), the United Way of Chautauqua County and representatives from Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union and Chautauqua Opportunities Inc. assisted the nine investigators (students) during their independent journeys through the 16-week, four-month long, three-hour weekly course entitled Invest U, anti-poverty class. Part of the course included utilizing the book, Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World.

“The book is a 16-session curriculum that helps individuals build resources for a more prosperous life for themselves, their families and their communities,” said Terri Johnson, the TRC’s director of employment and community based services. “Getting Ahead enables participants, who are called investigators, the opportunity to examine their own experiences of poverty as well as explore issues in the community that impact poverty levels such as: banking, housing, transportation and jobs.”

However, as a group, the investigators have used the information they’ve gathered to create a Mental Model of Poverty, middle class and wealth modalities. Joining the celebration on a Zoom call was Phil DeVol, author and creator of Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’- By World.

DeVol congratulated the graduates on a job well done and looks forward to seeing how they will integrate and help tackle some of the poverty issues which plague Jamestown- like homelessness, mental health and drug abuse issues.

Several elected officials attended the graduation ceremony and gave keynote speeches which included Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund; New York state Assemblyman Andy Goodell, R-Jamestown; spokespersons for state Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay, and U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-23.

Goodell regaled the graduates with a story of how he invested money in a local company during 2008.

“I invested in a company, right before what’s been called ‘The Great Recession’,” he said. “I lost half my money in 48-hours, but you know what’s the best investment you can make? An investment in yourself. It won’t lose value but will only gain value over time. It’s the best investment you’ll ever make. Now, I did get my money back and then some, just not enough to retire early like I wanted to.”

For one graduate the life lessons learned had a deep and meaningful personal impact.

“I learned about generational poverty,” said Corrie Orange of Jamestown. “I learned that while it is a way of life for some, it doesn’t have to be for me.”

Nominations are being accepted for The Resource Center’s 2024 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 1. Click here to submit a nomination online. If you want a nomination form sent to you, phone Victoria Bardo at 716-661-1477.

Award recipients will be honored this fall at The Resource Center’s 35^th Ability Awareness Awards Celebration.

A celebration was held to recognize employees who have achieved national certification for the work they do in supporting people with developmental disabilities.

The event, held in our Dunham Avenue facility, honored staff for reaching Direct Support Professional-III (DSP-III) or Front Line Supervisor (FLS) certification through the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals as of June 30.

DSP-III
Miguel Arevalo
Brandi Barlow
Britnie Barmore
Cassidy Birt
Kiyah Carpenter
Katie Cleland
Jacadi Duman
Rachel Echevarria
Stacey Fardink
Marcos Figueroa
Lillian Gordon
Meghan Gray
Briana Green
Casey Hetfield
Jennifer Hinson
Amber Iuculano
Deseree Johnson
Alexandria Land
Dan Lutgen
Briana Matteson
Joe Mazzurco
Chyanne McCool
Amanda Moon
Justin Moreland
Tammy Russell
Aimee Salvo-Boron
Wendy Stimson
Angel Weaver
Cristina Welch
Karen Williamson
Kristen Wilson
Nicole Witruke

FLS
Breaunna Babyak
Heather Burch
Larissa Catanese
Patricia Clark
John DePane
Wendy Doutt
Donna Eddy
Ashlee France
Haley Gibson
Sheri Kelsey
Torie Lucas
Katlyn Martin
Kolleen Nary
Lyn Osgood
Lisa Peterson
Theresa Porter
Deb Rapp
Ashley Russell
Mike Sandquist
Shelly Swan
Christin Sweat
Don Traynor
Doug Vetillaro

DSP-III & FLS
Biannca Balliet-Miranda
Annemarie Bonfiglio-Davis
Lisa Gross
Brianna Skinner
Haley Torres

 

“Because of your commitment and completion of your certifications, it emphasizes the importance of the professionalism of the DSP position and also of the core competencies and code of ethics of a DSP,” said Joanne Bevan, Assistant Executive Director, in welcoming people to the luncheon celebration.

“We thank all of you for taking the time to invest in your careers,” said Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer. She noted that TRC has taken a lead role in a pilot project funded by NADSP and the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. That pilot enables staff of organizations that comprise The Collaborative of NY to pursue their certification for free.

Kelly praised Don Traynor, Staff Development Specialist, for supporting employees of TRC and other organizations to obtain certification.

“What you guys are doing by enhancing your skill set is impacting the lives of the people we support,” said Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services.

“All DSPs should be proud of their vast skills set,” said Mark Constantino, Director of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services. “A DSP is a teacher, chef and dietician, driver, tour guide … part nurse … part physical, occupational and speech therapist … counselors and behavior specialists.”

Michele Albaugh, Director of Staff Learning and Development, told the honorees their decision to become nationally certified will have a “rippling effect” in helping the public understand that “DSP” is its own profession and shouldn’t be likened to the work done by certified nursing assistants.

“You are pioneers leading the way for this change,” Michele said.

Sunny weather and spirited competition highlighted the 28th annual TRC Golf Classic, which raised money to improve the lives of people with special needs in Chautauqua County.

Twenty-seven foursomes competed in the tournament, held July 22 at Moon Brook Country Club near Jamestown.  Winning the tournament with a score of 116 in the four-ball, two-best-ball format was the team of Michelle Grisanti, Mike Grisanti, Lindsay O’Connor and Jason O’Connor.  They will have their names engraved on the champions’ trophy, which is called The Gregg Bender Cup in honor of the retired TRC employee and former longtime chair of the tournament’s steering committee.

Earning top honors in the first flight with a score of 120 was the team of Mike Bird, Jeff Keppel, Todd Conklin, and Jerome Lee Yaw.  Finishing atop flight two with a 129 was the team of Mike Goldman, Mike Roberts, Devan Jackson, and Damien Jackson.

Once the tournament concluded, the traditional Special Olympics putting contest took place.  More than 20 athletes participated, with each Special Olympian getting one chance to make a lengthy putt.  The competitor whose ball came to rest closest to the hole was Paul Ribaudo.

Following appetizers and a buffet dinner prepared by Moon Brook staff, awards were presented to the top teams in the tournament, and prize drawings were held.  Kelly Dimitri, TRC’s chief operating officer, thanked the golfers for participating in the tournament, which raises money to support people with disabilities in Chautauqua County.

For the 13th straight year, Lake Shore Savings was the presenting sponsor.  Other major sponsors were HM Insurance Group, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, the Winifred Crawford Dibert Foundation, AssuredPartners, Bryans & Gramuglia, Double Tree by Hilton Jamestown, Jamestown Container Companies, Lutheran Jamestown, Ocean State Innovations, SKF Aeroengine, The Post-Journal, and USI Insurance.

Other sponsors included Arthur R. Gren Company, Collaborative Children’s Solutions, Conrad Office Products, Courier Capital, Dahlstrom Rollform, Graf Realty, HCH Interiors, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, Independent Health/Pharmacy Benefit Dimensions, Inscale Architects, Jamestown Awning, Jamestown Macadam Inc. (JMI), Jamestown Mattress, KeyBank, Kinley Contractors, LaBella Associates, Medical Risk Managers (MRM), M.J. Foley Co., Pepsi Co. of Jamestown, Rand Precision Machining, Shults Auto Group, SM Cristall, Twinstar Business Solutions, TRC’s Executive Management Team, Univera Healthcare, UPMC Chautauqua, WCA Foundation, and Weber Knapp Company.

The following donated items: ACME The Appliance Store, Chautauqua Golf Club, Dahlstrom Rollform, DFT Communications, Enterprise Fleet Management, Fancher Chair, Jason Stronz, Pepsi Co. of Jamestown, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Phil N’ Cindy’s Lunch, Phil and Cindy Ribaudo, Joe and Teri Ribaudo, Paul and Jennifer Capitano, Jim and Sally Jaroszynski, Smokin’ Bear Cigars, South Hills Country Club, Southern Tier Distilling Company, and ZTS Management.

The tournament’s success is due in large part to the efforts of its steering committee: Chris Anderson, chair; Gregg Bender, chair emeritus; Nicholas Bell, Daniel Bender, Anthony Cusimano, Adam Dimitri, John Felton, Todd Frangione, R. Michael Goldman, Cindy Hitchcock, Phil Ribaudo, Mike Roberts, Jason Stronz, Victoria Bardo, Timur Tyra, Tad Wright, Gary Yager, and Ben Windoft.

Also critical to the tournament’s success were the contributions of its other event-day volunteers: Kevin Anderson, Kayla DePane, Theresa Butts, Kelly Dimitri, Kathy Field, Rachel Foley, Mary Jo Hamilton, Austin Mitchell, Jenna Silzle, Karen Silzle, and Anne Yager.

“The 28th annual TRC Golf Classic, in terms of money raised, was our most successful event since 2008!  The weather was perfect, and the golf course was in superb condition,” Chris Anderson said.  “The TRC Golf Classic is only made possible with the generous financial commitment of sponsors and the dedication of many volunteers and the staff at Moon Brook Country Club.  Together, they make a lasting difference in the lives of people in our community.  It is a distinct honor to lead such a successful and important event and have a dedicated team of committee members ensuring the tournament’s continued success.”

He noted that while final figures have not been tabulated, this year’s tournament will generate over $60,000 after all expenses have been paid.  The most money raised in over 15 years.  This will bring the tournament’s cumulative net proceeds to about $1.85 million since the event was first held in 1997.

TRC Golf Classic proceeds benefit Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based not-for-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges.

Next year’s TRC Golf Classic is scheduled for July 21.  Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can contact Anderson at 716-483-2344, ext 90167.

CAPTIONS

Pictured from left are the members of the winning team: Mike Grisanti, Michelle Grisanti, Lindsay O’Connor and Jason O’Connor.

Paul Ribaudo, center, won the Special Olympics putting contest.  He is pictured with Gregg Bender, left, a member of the tournament’s steering committee and Kevin Anderson, a Resource Center employee and Special Olympics golf coach.

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 28th 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 27 years, the tournament has netted over $1.78 million for the TRC Foundation Fund, which raises money to improve the lives of people with disabling conditions in Chautauqua County.

“The Resource Center is a vital part of our community, said Dan Hocking.  “ACME the Appliance Store is honored to serve as a community partner and donate this WEBER Gas Grill to help raise money for the Resource Center.  Beth & I believe strongly in giving back to the community and assist all the wonderful people at the Resource Center, who nurture, uplift and empower others to realize their full potential. The Resource Center makes a positive difference in people’s lives on a daily basis, and we are happy to continue to partner with them to support their efforts.”

The 2024 TRC Golf Classic is scheduled for July 22 at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown.  For more information, please visit www.trcgolfclassic.com.

Picture:  l to r – Kim Davis, Special Olympics Athlete, Janel McIntyre, Special Olympics Athlete,  Dan Hocking, Co-Owner, ACME The Appliance Store, and Kay Davis, Special Olympics Athlete.

An annual celebration of people with special needs returns for its 28^th year when the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk takes place July 19 and 20.

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

For that inaugural Laurel Run, Wayne jogged and bicycled more than 400 miles across New York State, with support from Elaine. These days, 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 19, 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 a time convenient to them.

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 12th 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 18, 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. (For folks interested in doing the 5k run and then doing the 8k, the cost is $25.) Entry fees will increase $5 on July 19.  All paid registrants will receive a 2024 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. Money from the Laurel Run Fund supports our Project SEARCH initiative, in which The Resource Center collaborates with UPMC Chautauqua hospital in Jamestown to provide a nine-month employment training internship for adults with developmental disabilities.

For more information about the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk or to register to participate in this year’s event, visit www.laurel-run.com or phone 716-661-4735.

Richard Erickson was re-elected the Chair of The Resource Center’s Board of Directors during the agency’s general membership meeting, held June 10 at TRC’s Michael J. Raymond Center on Jones & Gifford Avenue in Jamestown.

Also elected as officers for the Board’s 2024-25 term were Dr. Dawn Columbare, Vice Chair; Lisa Goodell, Secretary; and Marie Carrubba, Treasurer.

Elected to two-year Board terms were Timothy Adam, Doug Anderson, John Felton, Robert Goold, Donna Haenggi, Dr. Todd Jacobson, and Barbara Stewart. Tim, Doug, Bob, Donna, Todd, and Barb were re-elected to the Board.  John, the Executive Director of Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, is joining TRC’s Board for the first time.

Stepping down from the Board after years of volunteer service in support of TRC’s mission were Richard Kimball and Patricia Perlee.  Patty, who had served on the board since 2013 and was Board Chair from 2019-22, received a monogrammed jacket in appreciation of her Board tenure.  Rich, who joined the Board in 2019 and had served as Vice Chair the past two years, received a painting created by a TRC self-advocate whom he has known for many years.

 

 

Elected to the Nominating Committee for The Resource Center’s 2025 election were Kathy Field, Laurie Goold, Mary Jo Hamilton, Carole Johnson, and Gregory Krauza.

In his Board Chair’s report, Dick thanked TRC’s employees for their dedication; Executive Director Denise Jones and her leadership team for the way they oversee the agency’s operations; and his fellow Board members for their service.

He noted that the advocacy priority for disability service providers in New York State for the coming year is to convince the Legislature and Governor Kathy Hochul to provide funding that will both improve supports for people with disabilities and enable providers to raise the wages of direct support professionals.  To give The Resource Center a stronger voice when advocating, Dick issued a challenge encouraging each of TRC’s 1,800 members to recruit one new member.

Todd gave the financial report, in which he noted The Resource Center finished the year with a positive net operating result for the ninth straight year.

In her report, Denise touched on some of TRC’s accomplishments from the past year, including increases in employee retention rates and job applicants; the opening of the agency’s KeyBank Art House at Edgewater; reaccreditation from The Council on Quality and Leadership; the efforts of our Allied Industries manufacturing division, which performs subcontracting work for local industry and the federal government, to expand its customer base and acquire government contracts; and the success of TRC’s Employment Services Program, which works with area businesses to provide competitive employment to more than 200 people with disabilities.

Looking to the future, Denise noted the operation of some of The Resource Center’s health services soon will transition to a new provider.  The business will continue to operate as TRC Community Health Center, with the existing staff becoming employees of the new entity so that the transition will be seamless.  Denise said a goal of the new corporation is to become a center of excellence for providing oral health care to people with developmental disabilities.

The meeting included a presentation about some of the activities that take place in TRC’s Day Habilitation Programs.  First, members of the agency’s handbell choir, under the direction of Jeanne Slade, Direct Support Professional, performed two patriotic songs. Next, Kaiso Jereimy Rugg, who runs martial arts classes for people with special needs, had several students display some of the skills they have acquired.

We thank everyone who attended the Annual Meeting or voted online in the Election.

 

(NOTE: A ceremony was held May 31 to celebrate the people who successfully completed our second Project SEARCH program. Project SEARCH is a partnership between The Resource Center and UPMC Chautauqua, in which people with disabilities go through a nine-month internship at the hospital with a goal of learning skills that will lead to employment.)

 

Article by Christopher Blakeslee of The Post-Journal

 

Cooking up a batch of tasty food is all in a day’s work for Gavin Johnson, a Project SEARCH intern who, after graduating, has been hired by UPMC Chautauqua as a food technician.

The Resource Center is represented well in this year’s ArtScape project.

Works by two staff members (Susan Gutierrez and Brandi Somerton) and two self-advocates (Gabe Garofalo and Taynisha Lynch) are among the 58 pieces of art included in ArtScape Jamestown 2024.  Almost 300 works were submitted for consideration for this year’s exhibit.

The ArtScape exhibit will be on display at Chautauqua Art Gallery, 318 North Main Street, through June 29.  A virtual exhibit can be viewed through June 29.

Now in its second year, ArtScape seeks to represent regional artists in an outdoor gallery space. The ArtScape works have been reproduced on banners and placed on light posts throughout downtown Jamestown.  The banners will remain up throughout the year.

 

 

The Resource Center is sponsoring the banners for the artwork created by Gabe and Taynisha. Chautauqua Art Gallery is sponsoring Susan’s banner, while Jamestown Macadam is sponsoring Brandi’s banner.  Gabe and Taynisha’s banners are hanging near our CHQ Plus store at Third and Cherry streets. A walking tour brochure is available at local businesses and tourist destinations.

We congratulate Brandi, Gabe, Susan, and Taynisha on having their works selected for ArtScape!

ArtScape is made possible thanks to Chautauqua Art Gallery, the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation and the City of Jamestown Parks Department.