The Resource Center this week recognized several individuals and organizations throughout Chautauqua County who have worked to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Among the honorees at TRC's 37th annual Ability Awareness Awards ceremony was UPMC Chautauqua, which received the Business/Employer of the Year Award. TRC's Steve Waterson says the Jamestown hospital was honored for a nine-month internship program called Project SEARCH...
Steve Waterson: 22 have graduated from the program
Jaala Haskins and Ke-Khee Greenough of TRC's Gateway PROS Center for Wellness in Dunkirk were honored with the Bruce Walford Community Service Award. Waterson says the two help people through the Building Community Through Service (BCTS) initiative...
Steve Waterson: BCTS has been busy
Ray Graf and D.J. Wilson received the Special Event Volunteer Award. The two are now in charge of coordinating the Laurel Memorial Run and Walk in place of event founders Wayne and Elaine Hotelling. Waterson noted that Graf helped make this year's flag relay run happen under unusual circumstances...
Steve Waterson: personally rode his bike during wildfire smoke event
The awards ceremony, which was held at Fredonia's White Inn, also honored people with disabilities who have made great strides in their own lives.
The rest of the Ability Awareness Awards presented were:
Community Partnership Award: Jake and Abi Landean, 3 Lakes Cafe
Edwin Roth Mental Health Award: Trish McClennan
Health Provider of the Year: Ryan Rice
NYSID William Joslin Outstanding Performer: Donna Oyer
Henry Wesley Advocate of the Year: Raquel Carrion
Outstanding Achievement Award: Josh Steffen
Elmer Muench Volunteer of the Year: Bruce Main (awarded posthumously)
