The Resource Center presents major staff awards

Britnie Barmore, Joan Scalise and Nancy Scott recently were honored with The Resource Center’s top staff awards for 2024.

Britnie, who has worked for TRC since 2014, received the Norma J. Smith Award for excellence in providing direct supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She was honored for her efforts in supporting people to enjoy self-directed lives. Britnie has supported people through major developments in their lives, particularly in learning about their early years and making connections with long-lost family members.

“She knows the people she supports and is able to help each person live a fulfilled life,” said a co-worker, Deseree Johnson, who added that Britnie is a fierce advocate for the people she supports people in obtaining the services they need. “This isn’t just a job to her; this is part of her life.”

The award was created in memory of the late Norma Smith, who worked as a direct support professional at The Resource Center from 1983 to 1991. The honor recognizes excellence exhibited by an employee in supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mark Constantino, Director of Site-Based Services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, presents the Norma J. Smith Award to Britnie Barmore. Looking on are Denise Jones, TRC’s Chief Executive Officer, and Melissa Rasmussen, a longtime TRC employee who is Norma Smith’s daughter.

Joan, who joined The Resource Center in 1987, received the Joseph Trusso Jr. Employee of the Year Award. As Assistant Director of Finance with responsibility over agency budgets, Joan has done a good job supporting personnel from throughout the organization develop their departmental budgets, and she is adept at effectively explaining financial matters in a way that non-financial people can understand, according to Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer.

“Her work alone is tremendously impactful for agency operations, but also to be recognized is her dedication to TRC mission,” said Michele Albaugh, Director of Staff Training & Development and Agency Facilitation. “She doesn’t forget that the work she does directly impacts service recipients in all departments of the agency.”

The award is named in memory of the late Joe Trusso, who served on The Resource Center’s board of directors for 38 years and was a strong advocate for TRC employees and people with disabilities.

Joan Scalise holds her Employee of the Year Award while posing with, from left, Resa Rosen-Murray, Donna Trusso, Denise Jones, TRC’s Chief Executive Officer, and Kelly Dimitri, Chief Operating Officer. Resa and Donna, both longtime TRC employees, are relatives of the award’s namesake, Joe Trusso.

Nancy, who has worked at The Resource Center since 2019, received the Allied Industries Employee of the Year Award. She was honored for the way she performs her job as a Production Lead at TRC’s Jamestown manufacturing facility.

“Nancy has the respect and admiration of her peers, management and our customers. She is reliable, efficient, and knowledgeable about everything in the pack department,” said Dan Micek, Production Superintendent. “Nancy leads by example with a can-do attitude, she is always looking for ways to improve the department.  She is friendly and easy to approach. She is a team player, she is always helpful and the go-to person for her co-workers and management when issues arise.”

The three were honored during The Resource Center’s 40^th annual Employee Service Recognition Luncheon, which was held at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron.

Nancy Scott holds her Allied Industries Employee of the Year Award while posing with, from left, Dan Micek, Production Superintendent; Dr. Dawn Columbare, Vice Chair of TRC’s Board of Directors; Ashley Winship, Director of Business Operations; and Nick Bell, Director of Allied Production Operations.

Other employees nominated for the Smith, Trusso or Allied awards were Jason Basile, Courtney Chapman, Kristen Farmer, Leslie Fickling, Briana Green, Jodie Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Kaitlin Kell, Matthew Makuch, Michael McCoy, Charles Nobbs, Shanon Odebralski, Matthew Olson, William Paul, Kreana Peru, Sara Skinner, Cheryl Stow, Ashlee Terry, Stephanie Thomas, and Terry Williams.

Members of the awards selection committee were Kevin Anderson, Victoria Bardo, Bonnie DeJoy, Verna Dickinson, Leslie DiNapoli, Marcos Figueroa, Deseree Johnson, Melissa Rasmussen, Wendy Stimson, Donna Trusso, and Jane Young.