Disability Awareness Awards presented

Every day, with support from The Resource Center, people with disabilities make tremendous accomplishments in their personal lives.  And there are countless community individuals, businesses and other organizations who do their part to improve the lives of persons with disabling conditions.

Once a year, we gather to salute some of those people at the Disability Awareness Awards Celebration.  The 22nd annual event was held October 20 at the Dunkirk Moose Lodge, with about 150 people in attendance.

Here is a list of the award recipients in the order they were honored.

Gregg Bender poses with Major Richard Cushing.

Allied Industries Customer of the Year – The Individual Armor and Load Bearing Team of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Program Manager, Infantry Combat Equipment (PM ICE).  This award is presented each year to a business partner that provides work to Allied Industries, which is The Resource Center’s manufacturing and employment division.  Allied provides employment, work training and skill development opportunities to individuals with disabilities at locations in Dunkirk, Jamestown and Buffalo.  Most of that work involves manufacturing and assembling items for America’s military forces.

Gregg Bender, TRC’s Director of Business Operations, told the audience about TRC’s relationship with the Marine Corps.  From 2008 through 2011, TRC will have shipped the Marines more than $72 million worth of Full Spectrum Battle Equipment (FSBE).  This equates to 150,000 man hours for TRC’s production workers.

“Most of us have heard of Semper Fi or Semper Fidelis,” Gregg said.  “This is Latin for ‘always faithful’.  It distinguishes the Marine Corps bond from any other. It goes beyond teamwork – it is a brotherhood and lasts for life.  It guides the Marines to remain faithful to the mission at hand, to each other, to the Corps and to country, no matter what.  Our relationship with PM ICE has developed just like that.  It’s more than just the normal customer/vendor role.  More than once they helped push an invoice through for payment.  Most recently, they added five new pouches we make for the production for FSBE.  They make us feel part of that bond.
“Over the years we have heard over and over: it is all about the mission - the Marine who is deploying.  They need the materials when they need it; Deployments had to be met.  So we know exactly what is required and how important we are to their mission.  Because of this, our employees feel a special bond with the Corps.  Most of us never had the opportunity, but we understand it is our way to serve.  It’s a great feeling when we see our pouches or plate carriers in the news.”

William Brothers

Carl Cappa Humanitarian of the Year – William Brothers.  Bill, the Chief Executive Officer of Premier Consulting Associates, has been supporting The Resource Center and TRC Foundation since 2003.  In 2008, he and his foursome won the Carl Cappa Memorial Classic, then promptly donated their winnings back to TRC Foundation.  Bill also was instrumental in assisting the Cappa Classic in its effort that year to hit the million-dollar mark in cumulative net proceeds over the years.  Bill pushed us over the top by securing the final $10,000.

Bill also donates to the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots drive in Chautauqua County (which is coordinated by The Resource Center).  Each year he buys a table for eight for the Disability Awareness Awards Celebration, and last year he donated those spots to individuals with disabilities who wanted to attend the event.  Bill also makes sure that TRC employees are fit and healthy by donating prizes that promote wellness for the annual TRC Expo.

The Humanitarian Award is named in honor of the late Carl Cappa.  The Jamestown businessman and philanthropist served as the Chair of TRC Foundation’s Board of Directors and created our most successful fund-raising event, the Carl Cappa Memorial Classic, a golf tournament that is held each August.

“I can’t tell you how much this award means to me,” said Bill, noting that one of his proudest moments was when he first met Carl Cappa.

Bill Moran and Diane Clark

Community Support Award – Greystone Nature Preserve.  The mission of the Greystone Nature Preserve is to provide outdoor environmental education that allows people of all ages and ability levels to understand and respect nature.  One group that over the past few years has benefited from this program is the Travelers, a community-based Day Habilitation Program at The Resource Center.  Diane Clark, who is Greystone’s Founder and Director, and Operational Manager Bill Moran are inspiring and compassionate when it comes to teaching the Travelers about gardening, caring for chickens, collecting eggs, Native American culture, and geology.  Staff who support the Travelers note that the participants are happy and excited about each visit to Greystone, building new experiences and memories each time.  Diane and Bill also take their love of music on the road, regularly appearing at TRC’s Day Habilitation site on Lake Shore Drive in Dunkirk, where they share their musical talents with the program participants.

In accepting the award, Diane said that when individuals with intellectual disabilities come to Greystone, there are magical “moments of awareness as someone holds a chicken and realizes where an egg comes from.”  She said she and Bill are energized by their weekly sessions at the Day Hab Program, saying the individuals in the program “motivate us and they just make us have a joyful experience.”

Dr. John Vona

Health Provider of the Year – Dr. John Vona.  John, a dentist at The Resource Center’s Dunkirk Dental Clinic, was selected because of his efforts in accommodating new patients with developmental disabilities.  He has a chairside manner that makes the patients feel comfortable and relieved that they are in kind, caring hands.

Sheila Richmond, right, accepted the award from Virginia Lehman.

Employer of the Year – Stratus Building Solutions in Gerry.  The Resource Center’s relationship with Stratus began in 2008 when Owner Sheila Richmond started working with TRC’s Employment Services Department.  Since then, Sheila has hired seven individuals with varying abilities to do many different cleaning tasks in building and factory settings.  Sheila has been understanding and patient in training these individuals and fine tuning work tasks and schedules until each individual is set in his or her particular job.  There have been several opportunities for growth in the company, with Sheila promoting one individual to the position of assistant supervisor.  Sheila has started all of her workers above the minimum wage and provided opportunities for pay increases.  Sheila comes to TRC to interview candidates to make it easier on them and always keeps TRC in mind when it comes to hiring additional staff.  She says she wants to continue to work with TRC because of the great workers she has been able to hire.

Marcos Figueroa poses with Steven Rodgers, the young man whom Marcos helped attend his class trip to New York City.

Advocate of the Year – Marcos Figueroa.  Marcos, the Assistant Supervisor at The Resource Center’s home on Orchard Road in the Town of Busti, was honored for his efforts to ensure that a young man with developmental disabilities had the opportunity to accompany his fellow high school seniors on a class trip to New York City.  Marcos met with school officials to advocate on the student’s behalf, and he accompanied the student on the trip as a chaperone.  In this situation, Marcos was able to teach the student how to support his own rights and become more independent and be able to integrate into the community.

Wearing a white sash inscribed with “Advocate of the Year”, Marcos displayed his characteristic energy and enthusiasm in accepting his award.  He reminded the audience that, “To be disabled does not mean you cannot achieve.  Every human being is gifted.”

Kristy Lauer, right, and Virginia Lehman

Edwin R. Roth Mental Health Award – Kristy Lauer.  Kristy, Program Manager of TRC’s Gateways Program in Dunkirk, is a mental health professional who contributes a great deal to the needs of her community, to recipients of mental health services and to advocacy in mental health treatment courts.  Kristy, a Licensed Master Social Worker, also has worked diligently to guide her program and her team at Gateways in the transition from a Continuing Day Treatment model to a Personalized Recovery Oriented Services system of care.  Her talented efforts and leadership have assisted immensely in providing a more comprehensive quality of care approach to mental health service delivery in our county.

This award is named after the late Ed Roth, an official with the New York State Office of Mental Health, for his dedication to supporting people living with mental health challenges.

In accepting her award, Kristy humbly noted that she is just one member of a team.  “I’ve been blessed with an incredible staff,” she said.  “Our consumers are courageous.”

Elmer Muench Volunteers of the Year – Michael and Laura Felice; Joann Titus; Don and Joan Yost.  These five individuals were recognized for their efforts in organizing monthly activities for individuals with disabilities.  The five not only plan the activities, which typically are dances or BINGO, but they then show up on the designated evening to coordinate the events, decorating TRC’s Conference Center and preparing the refreshments beforehand, then cleaning up after everyone has left. 

The Volunteers of the Year were, from left, Joan Yost, Don Yost, Laura Felice, Mike Felice, and Joann Titus.

In addition, the five are regular attendees at TRC’s monthly parent support group meetings in Jamestown.  Joan actually leads the support group meetings, while the other Volunteers of the Year are there to offer guidance to younger parents struggling with the challenges of raising a child with special needs.  By sharing their personal stories and offering encouragement, they give other families hope for their children’s futures.

Our Volunteers of the Year also serve on various TRC Boards and Committees.  And their volunteer efforts are not limited to TRC, as they also are active with Chautauqua County Special Olympics.

This award is named in honor of the late Elmer Muench, a longtime TRC volunteer.

In accepting her award, Joan noted that the inspiration for the monthly dances came from the realization that while her daughter lives in a TRC home with two other women, she doesn’t have much of a social life.  Other individuals with disabilities are in the same situation, and the monthly dances give them an opportunity to have fun and socialize with their peers.

Accepting the award on behalf of himself and his wife, Mike, the President of TRC Foundation’s Board of Directors, said that they have a daughter who receives supports from TRC and who enjoys the monthly activities in TRC’s Conference Center.  “We are so pleased to accept this in her honor,” he said.

Chris Davis

Success of the Year – Chris Davis.  In 1996, Chris was involved in a car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury.  His road to recovery included a hospital stay and many months physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.  Chris has short-term memory loss, which has made it difficult to maintain employment.  In February 2009, Chris was hired for the position of Supervisor of The Resource Center’s newly developed vehicle detailing shop.  Chris successfully completed all of the new hire orientation requirements as well as specific supervisory training.  He oversees a crew of five individuals, all of who have varying degrees of disabilities.  Chris and his crew alternate between Jamestown and Dunkirk.  Chris supervises the crew to perform their duties according to the job specifications, and he keeps on top of paperwork and quality assurance issues.  He continues to receive job coaching at a minimum level, and he demonstrates his ability to complete his job effectively.  Chris has overcome many obstacles to achieve his goal to become a productive, vital part of the community.

“I’d like to thank everyone,” Chris said as he accepted his award.  “I’ve got a great job.”

Claire Tomassini, left, and Laurel Walford

Bruce Walford Community Service Award – Claire Tomassini.  Two years ago, Claire had tears in her eyes when, for the first time, she watched her son, Matt, ride a horse at the Centaur Stride therapeutic riding center on Westfield.  They were tears of joy as Claire watched Matt do something she never would have thought possible due to the nature of his disabilities.  Claire was delighted with the progress and benefits Matt was getting out of riding, and was saddened to hear that the center was in a bit of a bind.  Funding and volunteer support were fading.  To support the organization, Claire joined Centaur Stride’s Board of Directors and, enlisting the support of her friends and family, raised funds through donations and assisted with the organization’s first Internet fund-raising walk-a-thon.  Claire also was able to have Centaur Stride be the beneficiary of the Daemen College of Physical Therapy Gala Event and the 106.9 Kiss FM Golf Tournament.  Thanks to Claire’s commitment as a Board member, Centaur Stride was able to hire additional staff and start a new program, providing additional opportunities for people with disabilities to experience therapeutic horseback riding.

This award is named for the late Bruce “Wally” Walford, who was the Manager of TRC’s Dunkirk Work Center Program.  This was the first time the “Wally Award” had been presented at the Awards Celebration, and Bruce’s wife, Laurel, told the audience a little about the award and why it was created.

Tristan Wassman and Virginia Lehman

Outstanding Achievement Award – Tristan Wassman.  Tristan lives in The Resource Center’s Supported Apartment Program on Benedict Avenue in Jamestown.  Tristan calls himself a lazy bachelor, but he has learned to cook for himself, wash dishes, clean his apartment, do his laundry, and take care of all of the other things related to living in one’s own place.  Tristan, who is legally blind,  has a keen sense of direction that enables him to navigate his apartment. Tristan has worked hard to learn to handle his own finances, using his computer to help him manage his budget.  Tristan is officially his own representative payee for his finances, which is an outstanding accomplishment.  The main objective of the Supported Apartment Program is to support individuals in gaining the most independence possible, and the staff who work with Tristan see a bright future for him and that someday soon he will be living on his own in the community.

”I was really surprised to be nominated,” Tristan said.  “I would like to thank my parents and everyone who has stood by me and helped me get to where I am now.”

Janice Hanley, right, and Terri Johnson, TRC’s Employment Services Administrator

New York State Industries for the Disabled Outstanding Performer – Janice Hanley.  Each year, New York State Industries for the Disabled, also known as NYSID, recognizes exceptional job performance by people with disabilities who are employed on NYSID contracts.  Janice has never relied on receiving the disability benefits to which she was entitled in order to support herself.  During her high school years she worked as a teacher’s aide and as a cafeteria worker.  Once out of school, Janice found herself with few opportunities that would fulfill her desire to work and live independently.  She began working for The Resource Center’s housekeeping division and also worked for Allied Industries, making wooden tent pins and mosquito netting for the U.S. military.

Janice entered TRC’s Supported Employment Program in 1992, and for the next dozen years held various jobs at a skilled nursing facility, a janitorial business and a factory.  In January 2008 she joined TRC’s Environmental Services cleaning team, and she’s been working at the Interstate 86 rest area near Bemus Point ever since.  This is the best-paying job Janice has ever had, and she can afford to pay her bills and provide for all of her necessities.  She feels fortunate and blessed to be able to make her own way in life.

Upon being recognized for this award, Janice humbly said, “I never thought I would ever get anything just for doing my job.”

Harry Glatz, left, and Don Traynor

Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr. Harry Glatz.  Paul Cesana, The Resource Center’s Executive Director and the President of TRC Foundation, shared some thoughts about Harry.  Click here to read Paul’s remarks.

In accepting his award, Harry mentioned the books Finishing Well and Halftime, in which author Bob Buford likened life to a football game – with a first half, a halftime and a second half.  For Harry and his wife, Dodie, halftime occurred in 1980 when their son Bruce became disabled.

“It was time for us to stop and think what the rest of our life would be about,” Harry said.

He entertained the audience with some magic, then sang two Broadway songs that expressed his deep love for Bruce – “Bring Him Home” from Les Miserables and “Not While I’m Around” from Sweeney Todd.  He also recited the poem “If You Think You’re Beaten”.

“You folks have motivated me,” Harry said.  “I love you guys.”

Paul Cesana gave welcoming remarks at the beginning of the awards presentation, while Michael Metzger, the President of The Resource Center’s Board of Directors, gave the closing remarks.  Steve Waterson, TRC’s Community Relations Director, was the master of ceremonies for the event.  Assisting in presenting the awards were Nancy Ann Battaglia, a Mental Health Clinician at TRC’s “Gateways” Personalized Recovery Oriented Services Program in Dunkirk, and several members of the Gateways Team of Hope – Keith Collins, Josephine Klee, Maria Lebron, Daryl Lehman, Virginia Lehman, and Carol Roussiau.

Jane Young, Site Supervisor for TRC’s Jamestown Rehabilitation Services, photographed the event, while Don Traynor, Staff Development Specialist.  Victoria Trass Bardo, TRC’s Special Projects and Events Coordinator, organized the event, with assistance from Kerstin Wyman, Marketing and Promotions Coordinator, and Carol Vinciguerra, Donor Relations Specialist.

Music was provided by two musical groups from Fredonia State – Take Five and the Percussion Guild.  Wayne Hotelling, a member of The Resource Center’s Board of Directors, gave the invocation.  Janelle Krueger was the Sign Language interpreter.  Paintings created by individuals in TRC’s Day Habilitation Programs were on display.

The Awards Selection Committee consisted of Greg Bacon, Assistant Managing Editor of the Observer; Roger Britz, a realtor with Howard Hanna Holt; Adam Dolce, the Governor of the Dunkirk Moose Lodge; Patricia Frey, the wife of Dunkirk Mayor Richard Frey; and Laurel Walford, Costume Manager for the Theater and Dance Department at Fredonia State.  They were supported by Ms. Bardo; Nancy Ingram, TRC’s Assistant Executive Director for Service Operations; and Kathy Field, Associate Executive Administrative Assistant.

Besides The Resource Center and TRC Foundation, businesses that sponsored the 2010 Disability Awareness Awards Celebration included AXA Advisors, NYSID, People Inc., Support Enterprises, and TEAM Services.

Although not everyone can receive an award, it is an honor simply to be nominated.  We congratulate everyone who was nominated for a 2010 Disability Awareness Award.  In addition, we want to express our gratitude to those who took the time to nominate someone for an award.  Click here to see a list of all of the 2010 Disability Awareness Awards nominees.

Click here if you would like to make a donation to TRC in honor of one of the award recipients.