The Resource Center honors outstanding direct support professionals

The Resource Center recently honored employees who have done an outstanding job of supporting people with developmental disabilities.

During the national observance of Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, The Resource Center held its annual “Everyday Hero Celebration.” The event recognizes members of TRC’s direct support workforce who have been nominated by co-workers for the jobs they have done supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in TRC’s homes, day programs and the community.  This year, six people were honored as Everyday Heroes: Raquel Carrion, Angela Dalrymple, Stephanie Diate, Julie Lanneaux, Mackenzie Miller, and Jacob Mortenson.

Here are profiles of the 2024 Everyday Heroes:

Raquel Carrion is a DSP at one of TRC’s day habilitation programs in Jamestown. “Raquel is always uplifting to the people we serve and to her co-workers. She always helps where needed no matter the circumstances. Raquel always has our clients’ best interests in her heart,” said one person who nominated Carrion as an Everyday Hero. Said another, “Raquel is caring and will take the time to getting to know each individual and what makes them tick. She has the ability to calm and soothe an individual when they are having a bad day.”

Angela Dalrymple is a DSP at one of TRC’s homes in Jamestown. A co-worker noted that Dalrymple was able to establish a good relationship with a new resident who had experienced struggles in his previous home, and this smoothed his transition to his new living arrangement. “Angela is so kind and caring to the people she supports,” the co-worker said. “She promotes independence and is always respectful to everyone. She always goes above and beyond for the people she supports.”

Stephanie Diate is a lead DSP at TRC’s day habilitation program in Dunkirk. Co-workers said Diate has a positive, upbeat personality and is a good problem-solver. She is a firm advocate for the people who attend the day program and utilizes a person-centered approach. Diate earned praise for her actions after people were involved in a traffic accident. She went to the hospital so people would see a familiar face when they arrived, and she provided medical personnel with information about those who were injured. “I know of no one who better exemplifies the personal and professional qualities that we honor through the award,” a co-worker said of Diate.

Julie Lanneaux is a self-determination assistant in TRC’s community-based services program in northern Chautauqua County. She was cited for keeping people safe and promoting independence. A family member of a young woman Lanneaux supports nominated her as an Everyday Hero. The family member praised Lanneaux for her efforts in supporting the woman’s transition from high school to adulthood. The family member said the woman’s mood swings during this transition created stress and that the family was grateful for Lanneaux’s commitment to helping the woman succeed.

Mackenzie Miller is a self-determination assistant TRC’s community-based services program in southern Chautauqua County. Miller was nominated for the award by a woman she supports. “I love working with Mackenzie because she helps me keep organized in order to keep my apartment clean. She has also taught me how to cook and prepare healthier meals in order to eat healthier. We go on walks together, do Zumba, do jigsaw puzzles, clean, go swimming, and color,” the woman said. “I love the smile on her face when she walks into my apartment.”

Jacob Mortenson is a DSP at one of TRC’s homes in Jamestown. Mortenson is described as being a hard worker who is willing to take on additional tasks when needed, as evidenced when he served in the capacity of the home’s assistant manager. “He is always willing to help his co-workers with anything they need and has wonderful communication skills with the people and their families,” said one of the four people who nominated Mortenson as an Everyday Hero. “He maintains his composure in difficult situations. He advocates for anything someone needs to ensure they are healthy and safe.”

Each Everyday Hero received a check, a hooded sweatshirt and congratulatory certificates from Congressman Nick Langworthy, Senator George Borrello and County Executive PJ Wendel.

Some of The Resource Center’s 2024 Everyday Heroes pose together at a luncheon held in their honor: from left, Julie Lanneaux, Raquel Carrion, Jacob Mortenson, Stephanie Diate, and Mackenzie Miller. The other Everyday Hero, Angela Dalrymple, was unable to attend the event.

Twenty-six other TRC employees who were nominated for an Everyday Hero award received honorable mention: Kyiah Carpenter, Pedro Casado, Laura Cummings, Debbie Dalziel, Lindsey Davis, Sierra Deese, Kaylee Frederick, Cheyenne Green, Karla Gutknecht, Amber Iuculano, Robin Kestler, Brianna Kightlinger, Bianca Larkins, Emily Lisek, Chris Marucci, Cherish Matteson, Brynn Pagett, Kreana Peru, Charles Reardon, Resa-Rosen Murray, Martin Seekings, Jenna Silzle, Christin Sweat, Don Traynor, Amanda Trout, and Hannah Verrett.

Each of the people who received honorable mention was given a ceramic pendant made by artists with disabilities at TRC’s KeyBank Art House at Edgewater.

Opening remarks were given by Executive Director Denise Jones, who noted that the Everyday Hero Celebration is one of her favorite events that TRC puts on. She thanked the honorees for their dedication and service.

Terri Johnson, Director of Employment and Community-Based Services, and Mark Constantino, Director of Program Operations for our Site-Based Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services, also gave remarks.

“When you think of heroes, you often think of firemen running out of a burning building or police officers putting their life on the line to keep people safe. But there are other kinds of heroes that we encounter every day,” Johnson said. “It’s those that show up every day, even when it’s going to be a hard day, gives their all and does it all while making it look fun and easy. That’s what those of you being honored today do. You make the most out of every day. You put in the work, even when it’s hard.”

Referencing TRC’s tagline (Making a Difference in People’s Lives), Johnson told the honorees, “It is the core of what we believe and what makes you get up every day and go to work. The work you all do is not for everyone. Not just anyone can do it, and not everyone can excel it. But you are all excelling at it.”

“Heroes are those that, no matter the situation, always rise to the occasion and demonstrate unwavering dedication,” Constantino said. “Your efforts are certainly noticed, and whether you recognize it or not, you exemplify the level of quality we hope to instill in all staff.”

He said the fact honorees were nominated by co-workers was significant.

“Often times, our peers are our harshest critics. So, receiving a nomination from your peers proves you are reliable, you are a team player and you most certainly make a difference in people’s lives,” Constantino said. “Thank you for setting the standard for which all of our DSPs can now emulate.”

Special guests included Christine Rinaldi from Langworthy’s office; County Legislator Lisa Vanstrom, representing Borrello; and James Feldmann from Wendel’s office. They praised DSPs for the work they perform and noted TRC is well-respected in the community.

Other activities that took place at The Resource Center during Direct Support Professional Recognition Week included daily prize drawings and events held by different departments to show appreciation for their direct support workforce.

Pictured from left are some of the employees who received Honorable Mention for being nominated as an Everyday Hero: Karla Gutknecht, Kreana Peru, Cheyenne Green, Hannah Verrett, Don Traynor, and Martin Seekings.