Ad campaign focuses on TRC as “Agency of Choice” in Chautauqua County

The Resource Center’s newest ad in the ongoing “Agencies of Choice” campaign features a man with disabilities who is employed at Fredonia State.

The video begins with Terri Helwig, Human Resources Manager for the Faculty Student Association at the State University of New York College at Fredonia.

“The Faculty Student Association at SUNY Fredonia is proud to employ people with developmental disabilities as part of our work force,” Terri says.

As she speaks, the scene switches to footage of Robert Geffert working at the register in one of the college dining halls.

“I’m proud to be a productive member of the community,” Bob says on camera.

The video concludes with Terri and Bob standing together as Terri says, “That’s why our labor solution of choice in Chautauqua County is The Resource Center.”

The video’s goal is to inform people that The Resource Center works with local employers to find jobs for people with disabilities.  Currently, TRC’s Employment Services Office is supporting about 150 people with disabilities to have jobs with some 85 area employers.  The Resource Center also provides employment and work training opportunities to hundreds of other people with disabilities at its manufacturing facilities in Jamestown, Dunkirk and Buffalo.

Businesses that have hired people with disabilities learn that those workers make good employees who can add value to the work place.  Bob’s experience at Fredonia State is what prompted TRC to include him in the ad – Bob is well known and liked on campus, so much so that last year students conducted an event to raise funds for research into the condition that afflicts Bob.

The advertising campaign promotes TRC and four similar organization (Heritage Centers in Erie County; Opportunities Unlimited in Niagara County; The Arc of Orleans County; and Genesee Arc) as the “Agencies of Choice” for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families when seeking services.

TRC extends its gratitude to Terri and Bob for their participation in this latest ad.  The “Agencies of Choice” campaign began last year and will continue through the end of 2011, and talks are under way to extend the campaign into next year.  The ads appear on WGRZ (Channel 2) and on the station’s web site, www.wgrz.com.

Click here to see the first video in the campaign, featuring Paul Cesana, The Resource Center’s Executive Director.  Click here to see the second video in the campaign, featuring the Felice family.