Denise Jones has again been recognized as one of the most influential people in Western New York.

Denise, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer, is ranked No. 67 on Buffalo Business First’s “Power 250” list. The list reflects those who, in Business First’s opinion, are the 250 most influential people in the eight-county region. This is the seventh straight year Denise has been included on the Power 250 list since she became TRC’s Executive Director in 2015. She is the highest-ranked person who is based in Chautauqua County.

Business First’s 10^th annual Power 250 list and rankings were determined from a consensus of the members of its newsroom.

“Factors we consider include length of time in an executive position, companies with sizeable employment and payrolls, and non-profits making an impact on community welfare,” said Donna Collins, Business First’s Editor-in-Chief. “The 2022 Power 250 showcases people who set the goals, communicated to all their factions and then led the charge for employees and clients to attain prosperity, security and success.”

Denidse, a certified public accountant, joined The Resource Center in 1990 as the agency’s first Internal Auditor. In 1997 she was named Finance Director, and she worked in that capacity until becoming Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Executive Director for Administrative Services in 2004. In 2008, she was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and Associate Executive Director.

TRC officials were pleased Denise has again been recognized as one of the region’s premier business leaders.

“The Board of Directors congratulates Denise on her recognition in the Power 250 list of the most influential people in Western New York,” said Patricia Perlee, President. “Denise continues to lead TRC through challenging times, all while recognizing and understanding the needs of staff, clients, self-advocates, and families. This distinction by Buffalo Business First is well earned, and TRC is very fortunate to have Denise as our Executive Director.”

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 for the federal government and local businesses at manufacturing facilities in Jamestown and Dunkirk. To learn more, phone 716-483-2344.

CAPTION: Posing with the items to be given away during the monthlong Blingo prize drawing are Victoria Bardo, left, development and event manager for Filling the Gap, and Cindy Hitchcock, FTG’s vice president of business and finance.

People who enjoy the excitement of a daily prize drawing can take part in the sixth annual “Sassy Baggs & Beyond Blingo” fund-raiser to benefit people with disabilities.

Typically for the Blingo event, people gather at The Resource Center for a night of bingo, with designer handbags as prizes.  That wasn’t possible again this year because of the pandemic, so instead organizers have created a “20 Prizes in 20 Days” event.

Every weekday starting April 4 and lasting through the end of the month, Filling the Gap, Inc., will hold a drawing for one of 20 prizes.  Items include handbags, gift cards, a smart speaker, a Bluetooth speaker, a vacuum sealer, a blender, a toolkit, and a video doorbell.  All of the prizes can be viewed at The Resource Center’s Facebook page.

The online version of Blingo was introduced last year because of the pandemic.  Victoria Trass Bardo, development and events manager at Filling the Gap, said that while The Resource Center and Filling the Gap hope their other traditional community events can be held this year, organizers couldn’t bring a large group of people together for Blingo.

“We were optimistic about hosting an in-person, fun-filled event in 2022, but it is not possible given the guidelines we are following at this time,” said Bardo, adding that the online Blingo will follow the same format as last year.

“Our 2021 Blingo event was such a success that we are planning on an online event once again this year.  There are 20 awesome items up for grabs.  We hope these unique items will inspire everyone to purchase their tickets soon,” she said.

A $20 ticket gives the buyer one chance in each of the daily drawings.  People can improve their odds of winning by buying multiple tickets.  Tickets can be bought online at the Filling the Gap web site or in person at the Felice Corporate Center, 92 Fairmount Avenue in Jamestown, and The Resource Center’s administrative offices at 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron.  Tickets can be purchased until March 31.

The Blingo event is being organized by Filling the Gap, which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Chautauqua County.  Proceeds will benefit The Resource Center Look Good Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.  The Look Good Fund supports people with disabilities in areas such as personal care, personal appearance, clothing, protective gear, and transportation.  The fund was established by the late Margaret Look, who in the 1960s and ‘70s was a member of The Resource Center’s board of directors and was news editor at The Post-Journal.

Other events scheduled for this year include a Slow Roll Pedal Party on June 18 in Dunkirk; the Laurel Memorial Run and Walk on July 15 and 16; the TRC Golf Classic on July 25; the Mark Pacheco WOW Fund Lip Sync Battle on August 26; and Step Up for Autism on September 24.  For more information about Blingo or any of the other events conducted by The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, phone Bardo at 716-661-1477.

Filling the Gap, Inc., has announced its 2021 grants, awarding $81,277 to support people with disabilities.

Filling the Gap is a Jamestown-based not-for-profit that works with The Resource Center and other organizations to support Chautauqua County residents who are poor, distressed and underprivileged, especially people with disabilities.  Each year, Filling the Gap solicits grant requests from TRC and other organizations within the Filling the Gap network.

This year’s funding requests totaled $242,503.   Filling the Gap’s grants committee studied the requests and recommended which ones to fund, and FTG’s board of directors agreed with the committee’s recommendations.  Some requests were denied because other funding sources are available.

With the amount awarded this year, Filling the Gap has now given out $1,531,695 in grants since 1995.  This year’s awards are as follows:

• $9,000 to The Resource Center to develop a Project SEARCH Program to provide employability training and workplace internships for youths with significant disabilities.
• $8,490 to TRC Community Health Center for a mapping system to measure and visualize the pressure between a person and a surface. This system will justify the need for pressure-relieving cushions, mattresses and wheelchair parts.
• $8,000 to TEAM Services for transportation vouchers.
• $7,385 to TRC for annual updates and new technology for its robot that is used by staff to enhance the communication and social skills of people with autism.
• $5,000 to TRC’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services to facilitate the purchase of equipment and supplies for a mental health play-therapy room to assist children and adolescents in recovering from exposure to traumatic events.
• $5,000 to TRC to help cover startup costs of opening a second School-Based Health Center within the Jamestown Public Schools system.
• $5,000 to TRC to support advocacy initiatives.
• $5,000 to TRC’s staff assistance program to help TRC and FTG employees people overcome barriers that could negatively impact their jobs.
• $5,000 to TRC to support supervisory training.
• $5,000 to TRC to translate human resources documents and trainings into Spanish to assist employees whose primary language is Spanish.
• $4,000 to TRC Community Health Center to buy a treadmill and vital-signs monitor for the physical therapy department.
• $3,000 to TRC to cover the costs of holding a Slow Roll Pedal Party inclusive cycling event in Dunkirk.
• $3,000 to the Chautauqua Connections Children’s Coalition.
• $2,000 to TRC to support structured skill-development programs within its “Gateways” and “Passages” Personalized Recovery Oriented Services programs.
• $2,000 to TRC Community Health Center to buy equipment and supplies for the occupational therapy department.
• $2,000 to TRC Community Health Center to buy equipment and supplies for the speech therapy department.
• $1,000 to TRC to help fund construction of a replica of our Carl Cappa Building at the Chautauqua Safety Village.
• $1,000 to TRC to support the Sprout Film Festival.
• $500 to TRC’s Counseling & Psychiatric Services for health equipment and supplies.
• $452 to TRC’s Primary Care Office to buy equipment and supplies.

In addition, Filling the Gap’s board approved a request from The Resource Center to direct the proceeds from this year’s TRC Golf Classic (about $44,000) toward the purchase and installation of overhead lift systems at two TRC homes.

Filling the Gap officials are proud they could provide money to support a variety of initiatives.

“Filling the Gap is happy to continue awarding grants to The Resource Center and the corporations within the FTG network.  We were especially glad to be able to fund such a diverse variety of requests this year,” said Cindy Hitchcock, vice president of business and finance.

Most of the money for the grants comes from fund-raising events that Filling the Gap facilitates in partnership with The Resource Center.  Proceeds from these events are transferred to the various TRC endowment funds at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.  The income from these endowment funds is used to fulfill the grant requests.

For more information about Filling the Gap, phone 716-661-1519 or visit www.fillingthegap.net.

The Resource Center was awarded $33,580 in grants from the Trustee Management Board of NYSARC Trust Services to support TRC’s guardianship and recreation programs in 2021.

NYSARC Trust Services administers supplemental needs trusts and pooled trusts that improve the lives of people with disabilities by enabling them to maintain eligibility for Medicaid and other means-tested government benefit programs.  For 2021, NYSARC Trust Services fulfilled its commitment to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities by awarding $3,080,500 to chapters of The Arc New York statewide.

The Resource Center received $16,000 to provide guardianship services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who would not otherwise have a legal guardian or advocate.  Supported by staff and community volunteers, The Resource Center’s guardianship program provides guardianship supports and services to three people and is ready to assist one more person as an alternate standby guardian.  TRC’s guardianship program supports these people by giving them a sense of family and belonging, conducting person-centered planning and advocating on their behalf.  TRC’s guardianship committee oversees their care and assists with making critical medical decisions.

Besides the grant money, there is no funding for TRC’s guardianship program.  As a result, TRC relies on financial support from families, particularly the families of those for whom TRC serves as standby guardian.  For more information about the guardianship program, phone 716-661-1069.

In addition to the guardianship money, NYSARC Trust Services awarded The Resource Center $17,530.36 to support recreational opportunities for people with disabilities.  Uses of the money included buying and erecting a swing set at one of TRC’s homes and enabling people to attend summer camp.

The Resource Center has supported people with disabilities and their families in Chautauqua County since 1958.  To learn more about the services TRC provides, phone 716-483-2344 or visit www.resourcecenter.org.

NYSARC Trust Services has administered supplemental needs trusts since 1972, helping thousands of people with disabilities protect their eligibility for government benefits and improve their quality of life.  NYSARC Trust Services’ programs give people with disabilities the opportunity to remain in their communities with greater comfort and independence while providing peace of mind to their family and loved ones.

NYSARC Trust Services administers pooled supplemental needs trusts to help families plan for the future of a loved one with a disability, preserve income and assets for Medicaid planning purposes and long-term care, and protect unexpected monetary windfalls.  To learn more, phone 518-439-8323 or visit www.nysarctrustservices.org.

The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation has awarded The Resource Center $5,000 to help expand TRC’s successful job-retention initiative to businesses in Dunkirk.

The money will be used to bolster The Resource Center’s SAFER (Supporting and Facilitating Employment Retention) program.  SAFER provides supports to employers to improve worker retention, while supporting employees living in poverty to reduce their need for public assistance and become successful in their careers.

Resource Center officials believe people of low and moderate income face a number of issues.  Situational stressors related to generational poverty can affect people’s ability to effectively maintain employment.  SAFER seeks to resolve employment barriers by providing employees and businesses with enhanced supports, opportunities and awareness.  One of SAFER’s objectives is to keep people employed so they can gain the experience and training necessary to move into higher-paying jobs, thereby improving their chances of achieving economic stability and moving out of poverty.

SAFER has been operating in Jamestown for several years.  The grant-funded program has engaged 151 employees at 14 businesses.  Assistance has been provided more than 500 times, and over 100 of those occurrences involved resolving financial barriers.  Based on the program’s success, The Resource Center decided to offer SAFER to Dunkirk businesses.

“Our Board of Directors was pleased to support this project,” said Diane Hannum, the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation’s Executive Director.  “TRC’s SAFER program has a record of success in an area that is crucial to the wellbeing of our community – workforce development.”

Terri Johnson, The Resource Center’s Director of Employment and Community-Based Services, oversees the SAFER program.  “We are very excited to bring this program, that has had great results in Jamestown, to the Dunkirk area,” she said.  “We are very grateful to the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation for seeing the value in the program and allowing us to expand it in the Dunkirk area.”

Johnson said the grant money from the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation will be used to cover the cost of providing emergency assistance for things such as vehicle repairs, gasoline gift cards, transportation vouchers, child care, utility bills, or warm coats and boots for those who walk to and from work in winter.

“Anything that will keep them able to go to work,” she said of the potential uses of the emergency assistance money, which is intended to be temporary support while individuals develop financial stability with their SAFER success coach.

The Resource Center’s initial goals are to work with at least one business and support 12 employees living in ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Restrained, Employed) households.  Success will be measured by whether people are still employed 90 days after entering the SAFER program, and TRC wants the program to achieve a 90 percent retention rate.

Resource Center officials said that, ultimately, the assistance provided through SAFER is designed to help reduce poverty by providing people in ALICE families with needed support and resources that will assist them in maintaining employment and increasing economic self-sufficiency.

SAFER was created using concepts from the Bridges Out of Poverty and Working Bridges models.  The program also incorporates strategies used in The Resource Center’s staff assistance program for TRC’s own employees.  Those initiatives recognize that poverty is not only a lack of money, but also a lack of resources.  The SAFER program will develop partnerships with community organizations that can assist in reducing barriers to maintaining employment.

SAFER representatives will work with businesses to inform employees about the program’s availability.  People who want to participate will undergo an assessment to determine their level of need.  Each participant will have a customized employment plan.

The City of Dunkirk is also committing money toward starting the SAFER project in the city.

For more information about SAFER, phone Johnson at 716-661-1433.

The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation grant was made possible through the foundation’s generous community-minded donors. The NCCF is committed to improving the community through the promotion of local philanthropy, strategic grantmaking and community leadership.  The organization has distributed more than $17 million in the form of grants and scholarships within the community.  For more information, phone 716-366-4892 or visit nccfoundation.org.

Kelly Dimitri, The Resource Center’s Chief Financial Officer, has received regional recognition.

Kelly was selected for inclusion on this year’s Buffalo Business First “40 Under 40” list, which highlights the accomplishments of 40 business people under the age of 40 in the eight-county area of Western New York.  She and the other honorees were recognized recently at a luncheon in Buffalo.

Kelly joined TRC in 2012 as Finance Director and was promoted into her current position in 2014.

As Chief Financial Officer, Kelly oversees the finance, payroll, purchasing, and human resources operations of TRC, which has an $84 million operating budget and 1,300 employees.  She is regarded as a knowledgeable, valued resource among her peers state-wide.  She helps to lead initiatives involving The Arc New York and chairs the financial management team at the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York.

Well connected in the Northern Chautauqua County community, Dimitri has built relationships that have resulted in mutually beneficial collaborations.  She is the Treasurer of the United Way of Northern Chautauqua County.

Dimitri embraces TRC’s mission of supporting people with disabilities to lead meaningful lives.  She also has been strident in advocating for better wages for direct support professionals, and she told Business First her main goal is to help secure more state funding in order to raise the wages of workers who provide direct support to people with disabilities.

TRC officials said Dimitri’s recognition by the WNY business community is well-deserved.

“Kelly is tireless in her in her efforts to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and our staff, and in exemplifying the mission of our organization,” said Denise Jones, TRC’’s Executive Director.  “Kelly is always on the lookout for opportunities to give, learn and improve upon what we do, which ultimately enhance the quality of life for those who are fortunate to know her.  She truly is an exceptional leader!”

The Resource Center has reaffirmed its standing as one of the region’s healthiest employers.

The Resource Center recently was named the healthiest employer in Western New York among extra-large businesses (those employing more than 875 people) in Buffalo Business First magazine’s annual competition.  This marked the fifth time in six years The Resource Center has claimed the title in its division.  TRC also won in 2020, 2018, 2017, and 2016, and the agency was a finalist in the two years (2019 and 2015) it didn’t come in first place.

The honor was announced during a celebration on Buffalo sponsored by Independent Health, Wegmans, Springbuk, and Walsh Duffield.  A total of 25 finalists vied for the top spots in four categories: small (businesses with 10 to 100 employees); medium (101-374 employees); large (375-875 employees); and extra large.

The key to The Resource Center’s lofty status is its STARS employee wellness program.  In place since 2013, the program provides a variety of wellness options for TRC employees.  The fact TRC operates its own wellness program separates the organization from those area companies that use external vendors to operate their corporate wellness programs.

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

The Resource Center’s STARS wellness program features a personalized wellness plan based on a person’s self-reported satisfaction level along five life domains.  STARS offers 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.  Though only employees who participate in TRC’s health plan are eligible to enroll in STARS, The Resource Center allows all employees to undergo health coaching with Courtney and DeSantis.

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 STARS enrollees are performing as a group, and the results help form the program’s goals for the coming year.

Having again been named one of Western New York’s Healthiest Employers, The Resource Center is automatically entered into the national Healthiest Employers competition.  Last year TRC was ranked the 55^th healthiest workplace in America.

“We are so proud of our wellness team and all TRC team members overall as we continue on this journey to wellness,” said Heather C. Brown, assistant executive director, who oversees all of TRC’s health services.

This party will really be rolling.  And everyone is invited!

The Resource Center is collaborating with other organizations to hold a free community bicycle ride Saturday, September 18.  The event will begin at 1:00 at The Resource Center’s facility at 186 Lake Shore Drive West in Dunkirk.

The ride is called the Dunkirk Pedal Party.  Participants will follow a 10-mile route taking them through various neighborhoods, along the lake front and into Point Gratiot Park.  Along the way, there will be stops in front of The Resource Center’s home on Eagle Street and TRC’s Mary Andrews Center on East Chestnut Street.  At those points, riders will learn about the historical significance of the two properties.

The ride will end at TRC’s Lake Shore Drive property, where an outdoor party will be held.  There will be music, and food will be available for purchase from Foodies Sweets n Eats.

The Pedal Party is patterned after the Slow Roll Buffalo initiative, in which cyclists regularly gather to take bicycle tours of the city.  These rides are not races.  Rather, as the name implies, Slow Roll cyclists take a leisurely ride.  This makes the events doable for people of all ages and abilities.

The Dunkirk Pedal Party is being organized by The Resource Center; its STARS employee wellness program; Filling the Gap, Inc.; the Population Health Collaborative; and Slow Roll Buffalo.  The city of Dunkirk also is supporting the event.

Though the ride is free, organizers encourage those planning to participate to register online at www.slowrollbuffalo.org.  Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  Each participant is expected to wear a certified helmet.

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

Denise Jones has again been listed among the area’s most influential female executives.

Denise, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer, is ranked No. 34 on Buffalo Business First magazine’s list of the 200 most powerful women in Western New York.  This marks the seventh straight year she has been ranked in the top 50 on the annual list of the most powerful businesswomen in the eight-county region.

It also is the second time this year Denise has been recognized by Business First: in February, the magazine ranked her No. 62 on its list of the 250 most influential people in Western New York.

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

“The Board of Directors congratulates Denise on her recognition by Business First as ranking 34 of the 200 most powerful women executives in Western New York,” said Patricia Perlee, Board President.  “Denise leads TRC in a calm and thoughtful manner through this ever-changing time of COVID -19, decreased state reimbursements and staff shortages, all while recognizing and understanding the needs of staff, clients, residents, and families. This distinction by Business First is well earned, and TRC is very fortunate to have Denise as our Executive Director.”

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 2015.

The Resource Center operates three business lines.  TRC’s core mission is to support people with disabilities and their families.  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 for local businesses and the federal government at manufacturing facilities in Jamestown and Dunkirk.

Nominations are being accepted for The Resource Center’s 2021 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, if given a chance.

To recognize the efforts of people with disabilities and those who support them, each year The Resource Center holds 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.
• 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 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 people 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 with a disability who has made significant advancements in developing personal skills.
• Success of the Year, praising a person with a disability who has achieved his or her goals in the areas of community integration and/or employment.

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

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

Award recipients will be honored in October at The Resource Center’s 33rd annual Ability Awareness Awards Celebration.