The Resource Center

05/29/2026

Continuing our shout-outs to local businesses that have supported our INVESTU program this year, we want to mention Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.

Scott Linden from COI came to an INVESTU class month. Scott spoke with investigators about the services COI provides, particularly in the area of housing supports.

THANK YOU, Scott and Chautauqua Opportunities!

With financial support from the United Way, The Resource Center has operated INVESTU workshops since 2021. During that time, 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 really like to expand the INVESTU program – offering it at a second time slot in Jamestown and adding a North County workshop. To do that, we need support from local businesses so we can assist more people in breaking the cycle of poverty. To learn how your business can help, phone Steve Waterson at 716-483-2344, ext. 90135.

05/29/2026

We were saddened to learn of the passing of a former employee, Judith Handkammer.

Judy joined The Resource Center in 2004 and spent almost 10 years with us as a Nurse Supervisor in one of our homes. She was dedicated to the people she supported, and she is being mourned by them and by her former co-workers.

Judy also financially supported The Resource Center’s mission, and she is a member of our Legacy Circle of monetary contributors.

We wish Judy’s family strength and peace as they grieve. To read more about her and leave a memory, visit https://www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com/obituaries/judith-handkammer.

05/29/2026

Here's an opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to share their stories.

Today, we're calling on self-advocates. People living with I/DD are at the center of the conversation - that's why your voice matters most. We talk a lot about workforce shortages and funding challenges. But how does that affect YOU?

Share your story here: https://bit.ly/3QOPoUl

05/29/2026

Sharing this information about the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk Logo Contest. Anyone can enter. Designs are due Monday, June 1.

REMINDER: Entries for this year's Laurel Memorial Run/Walk Logo Contest are due Monday, June 1.

The contest is open to anyone. So put your creative talents to use and submit a design. Who knows? Your creation could end up on the front of the official 30th Laurel Run/Walk T-shirt!

For more info about Laurel Run, visit https://fillingthegap.net/laurel-memorial-run-walk.

05/29/2026

🌈 21 DAYS TO GO! 🌈

The countdown is on — we’re officially 3 WEEKS away from the Step Up for Autism Color Run!

https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Celoron/StepUpforAutismColorRun

Join us on June 18th at 5:00 PM at the back parking lot of The Resource Center Administrative Building for an evening filled with:
🎨 Color stations
🏃 5K route
♿ Short inclusive loop available
🚚 Food trucks
💲 50/50 & Basket Raffle
🎶 Music
💙 Community connection and Autism awareness

Whether you run, walk, or roll, everyone is welcome as we come together to celebrate inclusion, friendship, and acceptance.

Register today at RunSignup.com

Who are you bringing with you? Tag them below! 👇🌈

05/28/2026

Joshua Rodriguez and Abbey Brunner from our Human Resources Department attended the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES Practical Nursing Program’s Job Fair in Jamestown.

Abbey and Josh enjoyed speaking with students about the nursing career opportunities available at The Resource Center. We thank for including us in this event!

05/28/2026

There are countless ways to get involved in your local community. What’s your favorite way to connect with those around you? Learn more about the power of connection: Bewell.ny.gov/power-of-connection.

The Resource Center is pleased to offer behavioral health services to our community. For more information, please visit >>> www.resourcecenter.org/services/behavioral-health.

05/26/2026

Lucas Nickerson, left, Joshua Rodriquez, right, and Patrick Smeraldo represented The Resource Center at the annual STEM Wars event at Northwest Arena in Jamestown.

They enjoyed speaking with students about careers in manufacturing and other fields at The Resource Center, as well as our internship opportunities for high school students. And they were happy to talk about the manufacturing work that our Allied Industries division performs for the federal government and local industry.

We’re grateful to Dream It Do It Western New York for including us in STEM Wars. And we thank the students who stopped by our table to learn about the career opportunities available at TRC. We wish them incredible future success!

05/25/2026

Connection reminds us that wellness is not a solo journey. When we connect with our communities, we can find a sense of belonging that is vital to our mental wellness. Try these ideas to get involved!

The Resource Center is pleased to offer behavioral health services to our community. For more information, please visit >>> www.resourcecenter.org/services/behavioral-health.

05/22/2026

We have a couple of incentives to encourage people to stop by our KeyBank Art House at Edgewater during this weekend’s Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail Studio & Hub Tour.

First, visitors are eligible to become a Member of The Resource Center. For us, Membership means having a stronger voice when we advocate on behalf of people with disabilities and their families.

For you, Membership means getting our TRC Membership Card, which entitles you to discounts at more than 40 area businesses.

As another incentive, people who come to the KeyBank Art House at Edgewater this weekend can be entered into a drawing to win original ceramic artwork created by artists with disabilities.

So be sure to stop by between 10 and 5 on Saturday or Sunday. You’ll see amazing art; meet the talented local artists who created it; and have the opportunity to win some artwork while showing your support for people with disabilities.