The Resource Center

04/18/2026

We were happy to take part in two “Pathway to Inclusion” events Thursday at Fredonia.

These low-key, non-traditional career fairs were designed for students with disabilities and other exceptionalities.

Terri Johnson, pictured center, our Director of Employment and Community-Based Services, gave a presentation. Afterward, students had the opportunity to speak with Terri and Lynne Newman, left, Employment Services Administrator, as well as Amanda Santiago Rivera, right, from our Human Resources Office.

The events gave students the chance to gently talk about careers and practice job conversations. And in a session presented by John Robinson of Our Ability, students learned practical strategies for self-advocacy and confidence building; workplace accessibility and accommodations; and navigating internships, employment and next steps.

It was a worthwhile afternoon, and we’re grateful to the Fredonia Career Development Office and the university’s Disability Support Services for including us.

04/17/2026

We send our deep appreciation to the employees of Cummins Inc who assisted with a project Wednesday during the company’s "Day of Caring" initiative.

About a dozen Cummins employees arrived at our Michael J. Raymond Center on Jones & Gifford Avenue in the morning and spent several hours with us. Their main task was to help move plaster casts and frames that had been in storage on the fourth floor and transport the items to our KeyBank Art House at Edgewater on Eighth Street.

Before starting in on the project, Cummins employees toured our Day Habilitation Program to learn what takes place there, and several of the Cummins team members knew some of our staff and the people who participate in the program. One of the people in the program has been taking karate lessons, and he briefly demonstrated some of his moves and talked about how he uses karate to calm his environment.

All in all, it was a great day!

“The volunteers from Cummins were absolutely amazing, eager to work, and full of smiles,” said Susan Gutierrez, our Art Instructor.

“Everyone from Cummins were so gracious and worked so very hard, and they were able to accomplish a great deal,” said Autumn Wilson, Assistant Director of Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services. “Really nice project. It brought us all together as a community, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration."

04/17/2026

This week our “Employee Spotlight” shines on Cheyenne Walters, the Employee of the Month in our Employment and Community-Based Services.

Cheyenne was honored for engaging two people to participate in our Community Habilitation Program. Prior to Cheyenne, it had been difficult to pair staff with the two individuals, and as a result they would not leave their homes when it was time for Community Hab. With Cheyenne’s support, the two now go out into the community, have found new hobbies and have discovered places they enjoy visiting.

Cheyenne previously worked in one of our homes, and she has maintained relationships with the people she supported in the home and is an advocate for one of them.

She is pictured holding her award alongside Ashley Russell, Community Services Manager. Congratulations, Cheyenne, and thanks for developing meaningful relationships with those you support!

04/17/2026

We're grateful to The Post-Journal for sharing the wonderful news about Robin Kestler being named Direct Support Professional of the Year for all of NYS.

ANCOR, a national association for community-based disability service providers, has announced that Robin Kestler, a direct support professional at The Resource Center, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Direct Support Professional of the Year award.
https://tinyurl.com/yeyz7crz

04/16/2026

We were saddened to learn of the passing of a former employee, Kevin Saff.

Before moving on to leadership roles with several area organizations that provide health care and senior services, Kevin worked for a few years at The Resource Center. His time with us included serving as the Manager of our Environmental Services division.

We extend our condolences to Kevin’s family and wish them strength during this difficult time. You can read more about Kevin and view details of his visitation at
https://www.falconerfuneralhome.net/obituaries/Kevin-A-Saff?obId=48116656.

04/16/2026

🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜

🤩 Join The Resource Center and Filling the Gap Inc. for our First Ever Color Run! 🏃‍♂️🏃🏃‍♀️

🫶 This event will be a 5K Race as well as an Inclusive Loop!

⏰ June 18, 2026 @ 200 Dunham Avenue, Jamestown NY 14701

‼️ Registration Starts at 5:00 PM, RACE BEGINS AT 6:00 PM ‼️

18 and under - $15 registration fee
19 and over - $20 registration fee

👉 Register today > https://runsignup.com/.../NY/Celoron/StepUpforAutismColorRun

Registration includes:

☑️ Official race t-shirt!
☑️ Color Stations Throughout the Course
☑️ Live Music & Community Celebration
☑️ Food and Drink

Join us for an evening of color, community, and connection!

☑️ Raise awareness about Autism
☑️ Celebrate inclusion
☑️ Bring our community together
☑️ Support individuals with disabilities

Raising Awareness, Creating Friendships and Promoting Acceptance.

👏👏👏 Special thanks to our generous sponsors, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Winning Tree, Kinetic Internet, and Fenton Mobility Products.

04/16/2026

Sharing a photo of 3 TRC legends as we count down the days to this year's 30th annual Laurel Run.

We have another fun photo to share as we count down the days to our 30th annual Laurel Memorial Run/Walk.

In this picture from "Laurel’s Lap" in 2010, event namesake Laurel Hotelling looks on while her friend Diane Muench raises her arms in triumph as she approaches the finish line with support from Tom Proper.

Laurel’s Lap is the signature feature of the Laurel Run/Walk events in Silver Creek. For Laurel’s Lap, people with disabilities are invited to take a lap around the track at the ballfield in downtown Silver Creek. Laurel’s Lap produces wonderful moments each year, with people displaying their determination to complete the lap as onlookers cheer them on.

Laurel’s Lap is just one of the events that will take place during the 30th Laurel Memorial Run/Walk on Saturday, July 18. Why not make plans to join us? You can learn more or register at any time by visiting https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/SilverCreek/LaurelMemorialRunWalk.
Hope to see you there!

04/15/2026

Continuing our shout-outs to local businesses that have supported our INVESTU program during this year’s workshop sessions, this time we thank Sandee's Bakery & Deli. Sandee’s generously provided two sets of meals for our INVESTU participants and the program facilitators.

THANK YOU, Sandee’s!

With financial support from the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County, The Resource Center has operated INVESTU workshops since 2021. The program really works. So far, 31 people have graduated from the program. In doing so, they’ve improved not only their own lives but also their community, since INVESTU graduates volunteer at local human service organizations.

We’d like to expand the INVESTU program and assist more people in breaking the cycle of poverty. To do that, we need support from local businesses. So we’re reaching out to caterers and restaurants to see if they’d be willing to provide free meals for one of this year’s class sessions, which run until June.

If your business would like to help, phone Steve Waterson at 716-483-2344, ext. 90135.

04/15/2026

We wish to inform everyone that CHQ Plus - Discover the Difference will be ceasing operations at the end of today, April 15.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community for the incredible support shown to CHQ Plus throughout its operation. Your encouragement, collaboration and patronage have made it possible for us to create meaningful opportunities that align with the employment goals of people with disabilities.

Through CHQ Plus, we have proudly partnered with many talented local vendors, showcasing their skills, creativity and dedication. Together, we built something truly special — an inclusive space that celebrates ability, entrepreneurship and community connection.

We are deeply appreciative of all that has been accomplished. The decision to close the store was not made lightly, and we are incredibly grateful for the relationships, experiences and successes we have shared along the way.

Among the organizations that made CHQ possible, we especially want to thank the Gebbie Foundation, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation and CHQ Chamber or providing the support and resources that enabled us to operate the store.

Thank you for standing with us, supporting our mission and helping to create opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen our community. The impact of your support will continue to be felt far beyond our closing.

04/14/2026

Scholarships are available so people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families can attend the annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day Conference on May 28 in Niagara Falls. First come, first served - apply now before the scholarships are gone!

⏳ Scholarships Are Still Available — But Going Fast!

We currently have 229 scholarships remaining for the 38th Annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day Conference — and they’re available first come, first served.

This is a great opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families to attend this impactful day of learning, resources, and connection at no cost. 💜

🎟️ Secure your scholarship today: https://tinyurl.com/vs5h3fee

04/13/2026

We are heartbroken today to share news of the passing of a longtime member of The Resource Center family, Maryann Nazzaro.

Maryann received supports from The Resource Center for decades. In that time, she built close relationships with staff and peers in the homes where she lived and the Day Programs she attended. Maryann had a great personality and really connected with people. She will be deeply missed by those who knew her.

We send our thoughts and condolences to Maryann’s family. Her visitation and funeral will take place Tuesday afternoon. You can read more about Maryann and leave a tribute at https://www.lindfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Maryann-Nazzaro?obId=48099790.