TRC presents its 23rd annual Disability Awareness Awards

For more than 50 years, The Resource Center has been making a difference in the lives of Chautauqua County residents with disabling conditions.  During that time, we have been privileged to experience thousands of successes as people with disabilities have overcome the barriers they face to lead fulfilling, meaningful lives.

While The Resource Center takes tremendous pride in helping people achieve their fullest potential, we do not succeed on our own.  Many individuals, businesses and other organizations play a pivotal role is supporting persons with disabilities to be successful.

That’s why every year since 1989, TRC has taken time to salute individuals with disabilities who have made great accomplishments in their lives, as well as to recognize community-based entities that have supported those efforts.  The 23rd annual Disability Awareness Awards Celebration was held October 18 in TRC’s Conference Center on Dunham Avenue in Celoron, with some 150 people in attendance.  Below is a list of this year’s award recipients.  Click on the name to read more about each award recipient.

April Rosier and Busty Raffa

Advocate of the Year – April Rosier of Lakewood.  Ms. Rosier is an 18-year employee of The Resource Center who currently supervises TRC’s home for adolescents with developmental disabilities.  She helps the home’s staff stay focused on providing the residents with opportunities to achieve independence and community integration.  She insists that staff support residents in developing life skills such as cooking, self-care and hygiene, doing household chores, making responsible decisions, and being self-motivated.  Ms. Rosier advocates for what is best for the residents of her home.  This summer, when the residents were unable to participate in camping opportunities offered by TRC, Ms. Rosier successfully advocated for them to be able to go camping at Allegany State Park.  She also supports residents in realizing their aspirations.  For example, when a resident wanted to take baby-sitting classes, Ms. Rosier figured out a way to make it happen.  When another resident expressed interest in starting to exercise, Ms. Rosier assisted her in going to a community fitness club so that the young woman could meet other people, rather than simply exercising at home.  As an advocate, she treats her residents as valued assets.

Click here to read excerpts from Ms. Rosier’s acceptance speech.

John Gustafson, Devin Johnson and Geoff Thorp

Allied Industries Customer of the Year – Zurn Industries in Falconer.  This award is presented each year to a business partner that provides work to Allied Industries, 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.  The Resource Center and Zurn are nearing completion on a project that is seeing employees with disabilities at TRC’s Jamestown Work Center assemble 67,000 fixtures used in faucets and drinking fountains.  The project involves assembling 11 parts for each fixture, and I’m told that of the first 24,000 fixtures assembled, there was only one defective part.  Zurn officials have said that is the best performance of any of its suppliers.  The project has provided work for two people at TRC.  Additionally, TRC workers have been performing third-party inspections for Zurn, a project that keeps one to four people busy.  Though Zurn has announced plans to close its Falconer plant in a few months, the company intends to continue providing work for people with disabilities at The Resource Center.

John Gustafson, Devin Johnson and Geoff Thorp accepted the award on behalf of Zurn.

Sue Jones, right, President of the Jamestown Rotary Club, and Nancy Riolo pose with Sue’s fellow Rotarians who attended the Awards Celebration: from left, front row, Mark Olson, Lisa Goodell; Paul Cesana, TRC’s Executive Director; and Stacey Hannon; and, back row, Mike Metzger, TRC Board President; Greg Jones; and Assemblyman Andy Goodell.

Carl Cappa Humanitarian of the Year – Jamestown Rotary Club.  For several years, The Resource Center has supported 50 people in TRC homes to spend a week at the YMCA’s Camp Onyahsa.  It’s a lot of work, but The Resource Center is able to do it by utilizing staff from its Residential division.  People with disabilities who live in the community also wanted to attend camp, but The Resource Center wasn’t able to provide the staffing to make that possible.  The Jamestown Rotary Club stepped in and made a grant through its Wendy Sharp Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.  Through the grant, staffing was provided to 10 people from the community to attend Camp Onyahsa, and they – and their support staff – had a fantastic time.

Sue Jones, the Rotary Club president, and several Rotarians accepted the award.

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, a golf tournament that is held each August.

Click here to read Rotary President Sue Jones’ acceptance speech.  Click here to learn more about Camp Week 2011.

David Joy and Mary Lanphere

Community Support Award – Ira Lou Spring American Legion Post 149 and the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary 726 in Jamestown.  For the past two years, auxiliary members have organized a prom for people with disabilities and have held the event at the legion.  The legion and auxiliary members have thrown themselves into the project, creating a theme, soliciting goods and services for the event, and decorating the legion hall, and they have been attentive to the dietary needs of the prom-goers.  The auxiliary and legion members  intended the prom to be a one-time thing, but the 2010 event was such a success that they did it again this past spring, and they intend to continue holding the prom on an annual basis.  More than 200 people have attended the prom the first two years.  The auxiliary and legion members have enjoyed putting on the event and have established friendly relationships with the prom-goers, giving them the opportunity to help create the decorations.

The legion’s David Joy and Mary Lanphere of the auxiliary accepted the award.

Andrew Jasper and Nancy Riolo

Employer of the Year – Bob Evans in Jamestown.    Bob Evans has worked well with TRC’s Supported Employment Program, demonstrating an eagerness to hire individuals with disabilities and cultivating a successful work environment.  Working with TRC, the restaurant a few months ago hired a woman to bus tables.  Her supervisors liked the quality of her work so much that they started teaching her other tasks, and she now is doing some cooking and miscellaneous kitchen duties.  Management has been supportive of the employee’s efforts and has given her positive reinforcement about her skills and attitude.  Additionally, when this employee became ill at work, her supervisors made sure she received appropriate medical treatment and then called later to make sure she was all right.

Accepting the award was Andrew Jasper, the general manager at the Jamestown Bob Evans.

Jodi Sigmund and Busty Raffa

Health Provider of the Year – Jodi Sigmund of Warren, PA.  Ms. Sigmund is a registered nurse who oversees the medical and mental health care of residents at five of The Resource Center’s homes.  In her job, Ms. Sigmund supports people with disabilities who are experiencing mental health challenges, critical medical issues and the end-of-life process.  Whether she is teaching residents about living with diabetes, assisting them in managing their medications, helping them obtain the highest quality of medical care, or ensuring they are comfortable in their final days, Ms. Sigmund sets the standard for quality care and empowerment.  She always is willing to do whatever she can to support a person through a difficult time – increasing her visits with the person, attending medical appointments, consulting with medical professionals, and fluctuating her schedule.  She also makes her visits personal and puts forth a strong effort toward establishing personal relationships with the residents.

Bruce Main, left, helped Glenn Miller and other individuals with intellectual disabilities make ceramic sneakers that were given as awards at this year’s Laurel Run.

Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year – Bruce Main of Jamestown.  Main, an employee of The Resource Center since 1993, has been an active, reliable volunteer for a number of years, both at TRC and in the community.  He is a member of the Laurel Run planning committee, and each year he runs the inaugural leg of the Laurel Run relay (and also fills in to run other legs when we have no-shows).  This year, Main helped individuals with disabilities in TRC’s Day Habilitation Program make ceramic sneakers that were given as medals to the winners of this years’ Laurel Run races.  He is also a member of TRC’s Village People, a group that performs annually at the Toys for Tots Charity Ball.  He also lends his artistic talents to various projects, designing one of the floats TRC enters in Jamestown’s holiday parade each year.  This past year, he also helped create some of the props used in the Toys for Tots Charity Ball.  Outside of work, Main volunteers for the Chautauqua Striders and for its Runner of the Year Series.  And last year he dressed as Santa Claus for a children’s event at the Chautauqua Mall.

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

Stephanie Binkiwitz and Busty Raffa

Outstanding Achievement Award – Stephanie Binkiwitz of Dunkirk.  Realizing that her alcohol dependency was threatening her ability to maintain her job at The Resource Center’s Dunkirk Work Center, Ms. Binkiwitz entered a treatment program.  She returned to The Resource Center last February, working on pouches that TRC manufactures for U.S. military forces.  Since returning to work, Ms. Binkiwitz has demonstrated the tremendous growth that staff knew she was capable of achieving.  She went from needing constant reminders on attendance to arriving early for work each day.  Her solid work ethic has been as example to others.  She has received two raises since her return to employment, and she recently was promoted to the position of quality control inspector.

Raquel Spears (wearing carnation) and other members of the Mobile Crisis Outreach Program

Edwin R. Roth Mental Health Award – Raquel Spears of Fredonia.  Last year Ms. Spears, a licensed mental health clinician, assumed responsibility for the Mobile Crisis Outreach Program at Chautauqua Opportunities.  She has made a number of changes to its format to improve the quality of services offered to people experiencing a mental health crisis.  Ms. Spears has also worked closely with the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene to improve the consistency of care in the county.  She arranged a weeklong training for local law enforcement members in how to respond to mental health emergencies.  She is also a member of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, serving as the secretary of the Chautauqua County chapter.  She also facilitates NAMI’s Family-to-Family course, a 12-week class for family members of people with severe mental illness.

In accepting her award, Ms. Spears had other members of the Mobile Crisis Outreach Program join her.

The 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.

Vada Stone

Success of the Year – Nick Kilpatrick of Jamestown and Vada Stone of Busti.  Two years ago, Ms. Stone was an out-of-control 16-year-old.  Prone to severe behavioral outbursts, the staff at The Resource Center home where Ms. Stone lives struggled almost daily with her in getting her up in the morning, taking a bath, getting her ready for school, and getting her on and off the school bus.  Her grades were poor, and she was on a strict behavior support plan that limited her opportunities for socializing or community outings.  Today, Ms. Stone is a pleasure at home and school.  She follows her own schedule with little or no help from staff.  She completes her bath and bedtime routines without major meltdowns and often starts them without waiting for staff.  She interacts appropriately with housemates, staff and community members.  She is helpful within her home and the community, where she aids staff with the home’s weekly shopping.

“Thank you for this award,” Ms. Stone said when she came forward to claim her honor, supported by Marcos Figueroa, the Assistant Site Supervisor at her home. “Thank you to everyone who helped me. Go, Bills!”

Nick Kilpatrick holds his Success of the Year Award while posing with two members of his band, Raggedy

Kilpatrick has been receiving supports from TRC for the last eight years.  During the past year, he became involved with the Learning Institute, operated through People Inc, and New Vision Services.  The goal of Kilpatrick’s Learning Institute initiative was to promote hiss interest in music and assist him with integrating into the music community.  With support from TRC staff, his friends and his Learning Institute staff, Kilpatrick joined the local band Raggedy.  The group plays shows throughout Jamestown and the surrounding area.  In addition, Kilpatrick regularly attends local concerts and has made friends with many fellow musicians.  He continues making a name for himself in the music community, and he is an example for others with disabilities to follow.  He also received the Success of the Year Award in 2008.

“I am honored to have been chosen for this award,” Kilpatrick said when he came forward to accept his honor.  “I would like to thank:

• my Service Coordinator, Barb Wheeler
• my Learning Institute friends and band mates, Sara Rafaloski, Andy White, and Dan
• my roommates, Lisa and Rebekah
• my Day Hab staff, Marla, Cookie and Robin
• and all of the other people in my life that believe in me!

“I also want to give you some advice that has helped me over the years:

• Don’t be afraid to take risks and be yourself
• Don't look down at anyone unless you are helping them up!

“Thanks again.”

Bruce Walford Community Service Award – Greg Krauza of Fredonia and Mark Olson of Jamestown.

Mark Olson, left, and Greg Krauza, right, with Greg’s brother, Michael, who receives supports from TRC

Krauza and Olson, who serve on TRC Foundation’s board of directors, were recognized for their efforts in support of the three-on-three basketball tournament that is played on the streets of downtown Jamestown each year.  They both have been involved with the tournament since it began in 1997, serving on the planning committee and volunteering in support of the event.  In recent years, they represented TRC Foundation’s interests when it came time to renew contracts with the tournament’s national organizer, and they were successful in negotiating terms that were beneficial to TRC Foundation.  Last winter, when TRC Foundation decided to discontinue the tournament, Krauza and Olson volunteered to be the co-chairs of a new tournament called Street JAM.  Rather than having a full year to organize the event, Krauza, Olson and the planning committee had just four months.  Krauza and Olson worked hard to organize the event and garner support from the local community.  Thanks to their efforts, Street JAM was a success.  Krauza and Olson also are active with many other community organizations.

This award was created in honor of the late Bruce “Wally” Walford, who was the manager of TRC’s Dunkirk Work Center Program. 

Mike and Laura Felice with their daughter Jennifer

Lifetime Achievement Award – Michael and Laura Felice of West Ellicott.  Mike first became involved with The Resource Center in 1978 when their daughter began attending TRC’s Early Learning Center.  Shortly after that, Mike volunteered to become the public relations liaison for our Early Learning Center.  He joined TRC’s board of directors in 1981 and served as board president from 1988 to 1991.  After he left The Resource Center’s Board, Mike brought his experience and energy to bear to help establish TRC Foundation and a number of related entities.  He served as the chair of TRC Foundation’s board for seven years, and he continues to chair the boards of several of the other entities (Support Enterprises, New Vision Services, TEAM Services, Filling the Gap, Chautauqua Resources, and Community Inclusion).  In addition, Mike chairs TRC Foundation’s Public Relations, Marketing and Development Steering Group.  And for a number of years, he served on the steering committee for TRC Foundation’s most successful event, the Carl Cappa Memorial Classic.

Laura serves on several committees of The Resource Center: Mental Health, Membership Advocacy, Guardianship, and Nominating.  She also is a regular attendee at TRC’s monthly Parents for Parents support group meetings.  Together, the Felices helped start the dances that are held once a month at TRC, and they faithfully volunteer at those events.

Outside of TRC, the Felices are active in support of people with disabilities and long-term illnesses.  They have been involved with Special Olympics for many years, serving as board members and as coaches.  Mike started a fund-raising golf tournament to benefit Special Olympics.  He also volunteers at the Lutheran Social Services Skilled Nursing Facility, and he has served on a number of community boards over the years.

Laura has served on the board of Compeer Chautauqua and she is active with the Children’s Love Fund and the Michelle Kay Reynolds Memorial Leukemia Fund.

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.  Assisting in presenting the awards were several TRC service recipients: Doug Anderson, Clayton Brougham, Jennifer Felice, Laurel Hotelling, Busty Raffa, and Nancy Riolo.

Jane Young, Site Supervisor for TRC’s Jamestown Rehabilitation Services, photographed the event.  Victoria Trass Bardo, TRC’s Special Projects and Events Coordinator, organized the event.  Music was provided by Raggedy.  Janelle Krueger was the Sign Language interpreter.  The 2011 Exceptional Artworks exhibit of paintings created by individuals with developmental disabilities in Western New York was on display.

Though she was unable to attend the Awards Celebration, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand sent a congratulatory letter that read:

“Dear Friends,

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to send greetings to each of you attending the 23rd Annual Disability Awareness Awards Celebration presented by The Resource Center and TRC Foundation.

“I am grateful for organizations like The Resource Center and TRC Foundation for their dedication and commitment to the community.  By providing educational and training opportunities to persons with disabilities in Chautauqua County you are helping to build a stronger New York.  It is my hope that your efforts inspire others to take part in actions large and small, public and private, to better their communities.

“I send my best wishes for a wonderful event and much continued success.”

The Awards Selection Committee consisted of Celoron Mayor Jack Keeney; Shirley Sanfilippo Celoron Village Clerk; Mark Eckendorf, Executive Director of the YMCA; Kim Woodfield, Branch Manager of the Woodlawn Federal Credit Union; Lisa Lynde, Program Officer at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation; and Mynet Feinburg, the Owner of Calico Cat.  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 New York State Industries for the Disabled, Premier Consulting Associates, 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 2011 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 2011 Disability Awareness Awards nominees.

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