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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That fear proved to be unfounded.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can download the vouchers here!

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

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

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

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

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

Support people with disabilities by purchasing a special “Laurel Run” newspaper July 7!

Since 2007, the “Laurel Memorial Run/Walk” newspaper sale has been a great way to raise money while spreading the word about the event.  This year’s sale will take place Friday, July 7.  The Post-Journal and the Observer will publish the special edition, and volunteers will sell the papers between 6:00 and 10:00 a.m. at the following locations:

• Drive-thru lanes of Tim Hortons in Cassadaga, Dunkirk, Fredonia, Gowanda, Irving, Jamestown, and Lakewood
• Downtown Silver Creek
• Downtown Fredonia
• Downtown Dunkirk

We express our gratitude to The Post-Journal and Observer for printing the special edition; the volunteers for waking up early and hitting the streets to sell the papers; and the people who buy a Laurel Run/Walk edition.  While most folks who buy a paper know about the sale ahead of time, some people only find out about it that day – they ask what the volunteers are doing, learn that we’re raising money to support people with disabilities, and decide to make a contribution.

We also extend our appreciation to the businesses who allow us to sell papers at their locations each year.  We are particularly indebted to the Kron family (owners of the Tim Hortons cafes in Cassadaga, Dunkirk and Fredonia) and the Tarana family (owners of the Tim Hortons locations in Jamestown and Lakewood) for allowing us to sell papers to their customers.

If you’re interested in helping us sell newspapers (anytime between 6:00 and 10:00 a.m.), click here to register. Those who sell papers will receive aa 2023 Laurel Memorial Run/Walk T-shirt.

The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk was created by longtime TRC volunteers Wayne and Elaine Hotelling in honor of their oldest daughter, Laurel, who had Down syndrome. The Laurel Run/Walk is a celebration of people with special needs. Our 27th annual event takes place Friday, July 14, and Saturday, July 15.  The first day consists of our traditional Jamestown-to-Dunkirk relay run, followed the next day by running and walking events in the Hotellings’ hometown of Silver Creek, NY. To register for one of the events (or to sign up to do a virtual run or walk if you’re unable to join us in person), click here.

The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk is organized by The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, Inc. Proceeds from the event are directed to The Resource Center’s Laurel Memorial Run/Walk Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Money from that fund supports TRC’s disability awareness and employment initiatives.

Richard Erickson was re-elected President of TRC’s Board of Directors during our annual General Membership Meeting on June 5.

Also re-elected as Board Officers for the next year were Richard Kimball, Vice President; Dr. Dawn Columbare, Secretary; and Dr. Todd Jacobson, Treasurer. Re-elected to two-year Board terms were Marie Carrubba, Esq.; R. Michael Goldman, Esq.; and Lisa Goodell.

Elected to serve on the Nominating Committee for the 2024 Election were Kathy Field, Laurie Goold, Mary Jo Hamilton, Carole Johnson, and Gregory Krauza.

In his President’s report, Dick chastised New York State because it “has not made adequate investment” in services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He added that increasing the number of Members at TRC and the other chapters of The Arc New York would create a stronger voice when advocating.

“They’ve driven us into a critical staffing crisis and eroded New York State’s system of support for people with I/DD,” Dick said. “We need to increase our Membership. Albany needs to know the voting power of The Arc.”

(Membership in The Resource Center is open to adult family members of people with disabilities who receive supports from the agency, as well as people who believe in TRC’s mission of supporting those with disabilities to enjoy great lives. TRC Members receive a Membership Card entitling them to discounts at more than 30 local businesses. Click here to learn more.)

In his Treasurer’s report, Todd said TRC finished 2022 with a $1.4 million budget surplus. He noted this 1.6 percent surplus was worse than our 2021 year-end result and well below our goal of a 3 percent operating surplus.

In her report, Executive Director Denise Jones highlighted some of the accomplishments in each of our three business lines: services for people with I/DD, clinical supports, and manufacturing and employment.

Echoing Dick’s comments, Denise lamented the State’s “decade of underinvestment” in supports for people with disabilities. “We must make sure people with I/DD have the necessary services to succeed,” she said.

The meeting included a presentation on TRC’s training programs by Michelle Albaugh, Director of Staff Learning & Development and Agency Facilitation, and Jessica Smith, Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement Administrator.

 

A state-wide initiative aimed at improving the skills and competency of people who support individuals with disabilities has been embraced by employees of The Resource Center, with 18 staff members achieving national certification during the program’s first three months.

The Resource Center was selected to participate in a state-wide pilot project that will increase the number of employees who are credentialed by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP).  Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are people who provide hands-on supports to individuals with disabilities.

NADSP and the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities entered into an agreement with a goal of increasing the number of DSPs who possess NADSP certification.  Grants were established to give human-service organizations the opportunity for their employees to pursue certification through the NADSP E-Badge Academy, without having to pay the associated costs.  Through the E-Badge Academy, employees earn electronic badges that affirm their knowledge, skills and competencies relating to the DSP Code of Ethics.  The E-Badge Academy makes it possible for employees to work toward their certification online, at their own pace.

Organizations across the state were invited to submit proposals to be included in the pilot project.  The Collaborative of NY — which is composed of 11 chapters of The Arc New York — was one of 17 organizations whose proposals were chosen for the project.  NADSP and OPWDD hope more than 800 people will achieve certification in the first year.

The Resource Center is a member of The Collaborative of NY, so DSPs and front-line supervisors at TRC are eligible to take part in the pilot project.  In the first few months of the pilot, the Collaborative and TRC have seen a good response from employees interested in obtaining NADSP certification.  Through March, the Collaborative of NY has had 34 different employees earn 52 different certifications.  At TRC, 18 employees earned a total of 30 certifications during the first quarter of the year.

National certification enables employees to demonstrate and refine their skills.  There are several levels of NADSP certification, and staff at TRC receive increases in their pay as they progress through the various levels.  Through the pilot project, employees also are eligible for bonuses awarded from NADSP.  The 18 TRC employees who achieved certification during the first quarter of the year will be awarded collectively $20,750 in bonus dollars, in addition to the stipends they receive from The Resource Center.

Through the process of having TRC staff achieve NADSP certification, some unexpected benefits have arisen.  As an example, a change has occurred among several employees at TRC’s Edgewater Day Habilitation Program.

“A positive cultural shift has occurred among the employees at Edgewater participating in the NADSP E-Badge Academy,” said Wendy Doutt, Program Supervisor.  “It has built better communication, positive atmosphere, teamwork, support and encouragement from previous E-Badge participants, and the feeling of excellence.  There’s excitement when anyone receives a badge or a certification.”

“Casey, Kevin, and Meghan are dedicated and are proud of how much they have accomplished,” Wendy added.

TRC staff first had the opportunity to participate in the E-Badge Academy in summer 2020, and since then dozens of DSPs and front-line supervisors have obtained their NADSP certification.

“The NADSP E-Badge Academy provides an opportunity for direct support professionals and frontline supervisors to reflect upon their body of work with regards to acting with intention and purpose,” said Don Traynor, Staff Development Specialist.  “Many veteran learners in the EBA have commented on how it has both been a conduit for them to look at their application of skills in a new way while also reinforcing many things they have done well for many years.  Newer DSPs find it valuable because it helps support skills development that are in alignment with contemporary best practices and our Code of Ethics.”

Don said NADSP certification fosters deeper appreciation of the direct support role and results in the provision of better supports.

“Certification also helps support the validation of a widely anonymous professional body of practitioners across the nation, the DSP,” he said.  “It promotes greater job quality and job satisfaction and assists DSPs in developing a career path in a vocation they love.  Focus on values, skill, and competencies helps enhance retention and, most importantly, increases the quality of service provided to the people we support.”

TRC officials hope additional staff members will take advantage of the opportunity to achieve NADSP certification through the pilot project.

“National certification elevates the direct support profession and will assist with recognition of this job classification in New York State.  Validated skills of DSPs and front-line supervisors help to instill confidence to the people we support, their families, our funders, and the community in the supports and services we provide,” said Michele Albaugh, Director of Staff Learning & Development and Agency Facilitation.  “We are excited about supporting TRC staff in this initiative and congratulate those who have achieved certification.”

This party will be rolling. And everyone is invited!

The Resource Center is collaborating with other organizations to hold a free community bicycle ride Saturday, June 3, in Dunkirk. The ride will begin at 1:00 at The Point Restaurant on Lake Shore Drive.

The ride is called the Dunkirk Pedal Party. Participants will follow a route taking them through various neighborhoods, along the lake front and into Point Gratiot Park. Along the way, there will be stops at Washington Park, Wright Park Beach and The Resource Center’s facility on Lake Shore Drive. At those points, riders will learn about the services and supports The Resource Center provides to the community.

The total distance is about 12 miles, and the ride is expected to last about 90 minutes. For people who don’t want to do the full ride, there is an option to do a 2-mile loop that takes riders through Point Gratiot, to The Resource Center and back to The Point. The 2-mile loop was added to make it possible for people of all ages and abilities to participate.

The full ride also will end at The Point, where participants are encouraged to stay to enjoy music and refreshments.

The Pedal Party is patterned after the Slow Roll Buffalo and Central Connection initiatives, in which cyclists gather to take bicycle tours of the communities. These rides are not races.  Rather, as the name implies, Slow Roll cyclists take a leisurely ride.

About 110 cyclists participated in last year’s ride, and organizers anticipate a larger turnout this year. Participants will receive a free gift as a thank-you for supporting the event.

The Dunkirk Pedal Party is being organized by The Resource Center; its STARS employee wellness program; Filling the Gap, Inc.; and Slow Roll Buffalo.

Though the event is free, organizers encourage those planning to participate to register online. It is recommended that all riders wear a certified helmet; New York State law requires children under 14 years old to wear a certified helmet when riding on a bicycle.

For more information, phone The Resource Center at 716-483-2344.

In accordance with its by-laws, The Resource Center announces its General Membership Meeting and Election will be held Monday, June 5, in TRC’s Administrative Office Building at 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron.

The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. with light refreshments.  All Active Members of The Resource Center who are in good standing (those who are current in their annual membership dues) are invited to participate in the meeting and to vote in the election and on any business items that may arise.

Those planning to attend the meeting should park in the rear lot and use the entrance at the top of the ramp. Those who wish to attend the meeting via Zoom may register at www.surveymonkey.com/r/LJ3FDYD.

All Active Members in good standing who are unable to attend the meeting are encouraged to vote in the election online.  Click here to cast your vote.

The tentative meeting agenda is as follows:

1. Call to Order – 6:15
2. Approval of the minutes of the 2022 General Membership Meeting
3. President’s Report – Richard Erickson
4. Treasurer’s Report – Todd Jacobson, MD
5. Executive Director’s Report – Denise Jones
6. Presentation – “Staff Orientation and Learning – Developing Talent, Achieving Greatness”
7. Election
8. Recognition of Outgoing Director Marlene Sirianno, Esq.
9. Adjournment by 7:15

 

The Nominating Committee — composed of June Jacobson, Chair; Carole Johnson and Gregory Krauza — has proposed the following candidates for Officers and Directors of the Board of The Resource Center, as well as candidates to serve on the Nominating Committee for the 2024 Election:

Officers (one-year term)
President — Richard Erickson
Vice President — Richard Kimball
Secretary — Dawn Columbare, DNP
Treasurer — Todd Jacobson, MD

Directors (two-year term)
Marie Carrubba, Esq.
R. Michael Goldman, Esq.
Lisa Goodell

Nominating Committee
Kathy Field
Laurie Goold
Mary Jo Hamilton
Carole Johnson
Gregory Krauza

For more information or to indicate you plan to attend the meeting, phone (716) 483-2344.

If you have not paid your 2023 TRC Membership dues, click here to make a secure, online payment.  Your membership demonstrates your commitment to The Resource Center’s mission.  In these challenging times, your support of TRC is extremely important.  People who pay the $10 annual membership dues receive a Membership Card entitling them to discounts at more than 30 local businesses.

The Resource Center’s Make A Mark self-advocacy group is a collection of active people who share their thoughts and opinions on issues pertaining to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In recognition of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and “Spread the Word: Inclusion” Month, the group’s members reached out to elected officials and area media outlets to educate them about this important issue. Below is the text of a letter the Make A Mark members sent to the media:

The Make A Mark Self-Advocacy Group, based out of the Mary Andrews Center on East Chestnut Street in Dunkirk, would like to share this letter to spread awareness about the “Spread the Word to End the Word/Spread the Word: Inclusion” campaign.

As some of you may know, in the month of March this annual campaign takes place. This campaign has been taking place nation wide since it was founded in 2009 by two college students named Soeren Palumbo and Tim Shriver.  The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness of the fact that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities still sometimes face exclusion, social isolation and social abuse in schools, workplaces and communities.  This prevents us as a society from being truly inclusive where we can grow and learn together.

This year’s theme will be Going All In(clusive).  This means speaking up against the wrong and demeaning use of the R-word (“retard” or “retarded”), as well as speaking up against using this language to demean and hurt people.

We believe the world would be a better place if people valued, respected and embraced all people and looked at people’s abilities instead of their disabilities.  We also believe it is important to educate people on the importance of inclusion, because people with disabilities are part of what makes a community.

Our hope as a group is to make more people aware of the isolation and exclusion that many people with disabilities face every day and to encourage people to be a part of breaking the cycle.  You can do this by acting to make your school, workplace and community more inclusive to all by seeking out someone who has been left out or bullied, being a friend or just taking the time to get to know people before making assumptions.

We not only want you to use the month of March to spread this awareness but would like to encourage all of you to do this all year long by always keeping an open mind; inviting diversity into your discussions; having a safe space for people to talk about their beliefs; and, most of all, remembering that we are all equal and deserve a chance to be included.  The actions you take can help educate others on how to make the world a more inclusive place for all.

Please help us to Spread the Word throughout the month of March as well as all year long.  We believe together, we can all make a difference.  You can also take the pledge to go all inclusive by logging onto www.SpreadTheWord.Global/Pledge. 

Thank you, and remember to take the pledge.

The Self-Advocates of Make A Mark Group in Dunkirk

Members of Make A Mark were proud to welcome Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas to one of their meetings, at which the Mayor read a proclamation designating March as “Spread the Word: Inclusion” Month in the City.

Our efforts to Spread the Word didn’t end there. Beth Ray, a TRC employee who facilitates the Make a Mark group, was successful in persuading production workers at our Dunkirk manufacturing facility to sign the pledge.

And we put up a large version of the pledge at our administrative offices in Celoron so people could stop by and sign it.

We thank everyone who supported “Spread the Word: Inclusion” Month!

Denise Jones has again been recognized as one of the most powerful business leaders in Western New York.

Denise, TRC’s Chief Executive Officer, came in at No. 121 on Buffalo Business First magazine’s annual “Power 250” ranking of the most influential people in the eight-county WNY region. This marks the eighth straight year Denise has appeared on the list.

TRC officials are proud of Denise’s recognition by Business First.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have Denise leading TRC,” said Richard Erickson, the Chair of TRC’s Board of Directors. “Her 33 years serving TRC exemplify her dedication and ability to guide our organization during challenging times. She is laser focused on the many ways she supports our mission: to support individuals with disabilities and other challenges in achieving maximum independence, contributing to their community, experiencing lifelong growth, and enjoying quality of life. Denise has been outstanding in guiding and leading TRC in a time of unprecedented changes and challenges. The Board congratulates her on this well-deserved honor.”

Denise joined TRC in 1990 and has been Chief Executive Officer since 2015. She is active in the disability field at the regional and state levels.