TRC honors Direct Support staff

Those honored during the Everyday Heroes ceremony were, from left, front row, Kyrstyn Walz, Emily Storms, Bobby Morris, Bruce McQuilkin, and Tanya Wargo; and, back row, Joshua Clark, Jennifer Hinson, Lindsey Caldwell, Cathy Jo Bender, Jacqui Wiggers, Marlene Textor, Erin Lutgen, and Tina Uber.

TRC’s Director of Individualized and Community Services, Heather Brown, expressed her thanks as well and quoted, “Life is not a matter of milestones, but of moments.”

Nick Galofaro

And what a moment it was for this year’s honorees.  During the celebration, a presentation of DSP Honorable Mentions went to Vanessa Barone, Behavior Support Professional at the Individualized Residential Alternative on Orchard Road in Busti; Lindsey Caldwell, DSP at the IRA on Falconer Street in Jamestown; Joshua Clark, DSP in the A-1 home at the Intermediate Care Facility on Foote Avenue in Jamestown; Nicholas Galofaro, PROS Technician at “Gateways” Personalized Recovery Oriented Services in Dunkirk; Jennifer Hinson, DSP at Foote A-1; Erin Lutgen, DSP in the C-5 home at Foote; Emily Storms, DSP in the “Alternatives” Day Habilitation Program at the Michael J. Raymond Center; Tina Uber, DSP at Foote C-5; Kyrstyn Walz, Medication Technician at the IRA on Harris Avenue in Jamestown; Tanya Wargo, DSP at Foote C-5; and Jacqueline Wiggers, Medication Technician at the “Hunt Road” IRA in Busti.

Following that, special presentations were made to four DSPs who were selected as “Everyday Heroes.”  Each presentation started with a brief video interview with the person and the people who nominated them, followed by words from the honoree.

Vanessa Barone, left, and Koty Leeper, one of the residents at the home where Vanessa works

Those honored were Cathy Jo Bender, DSP at the Day Hab Program on Lake Shore Drive in Dunkirk; Bruce McQuilkin, DSP at the Day Hab Program on Fluvanna Avenue in Jamestown; Bobby Morris, DSP at the “Randall” IRA in West Ellicott; and Marlene Textor, Supported Living Specialist.  Each received a TRC goodie bag with a card and cash award, a mug, a T-shirt, a box of candy, a framed piece of art, and a copy of the video presentation.

“I’m very excited to get this award,” said Cathy Jo.  “I love my job, and I love watching the individuals smile when they accomplish a task.”

“On a scale of 1 to 10, this is a 20.  It’s absolutely amazing,” said Bruce.  “I love the family atmosphere that naturally happens.  This is just what we do.”

“This is very exciting.  I never expected it,” said Bobby.  “We’re all heroes; I think everyone is deserving.  I love the relationships you build, the smiles you see and the accomplishments you make.”

“It’s a very emotional day,” said Marlene.  “You don’t do this thinking anyone is going to notice.  I was very surprised.  It’s very exciting. 

Following the presentation, those on hand enjoyed refreshments and a cake to celebrate the week and a job well done.