Sunday Lifestyles

Top advocate, success honored by Resource Center

The Resource Center recently presented its Advocate of the Year Award and Personal Success Award.

Jennifer DeWolf of Sheridan was named the Advocate of the Year. She is a direct support professional at The Resource Center, working with people with disabilities in TRC's Dunkirk Day Habilitation Program and at some of the agency's homes in the North County.

DeWolf respects the people she supports and is committed to assisting them in meeting their milestones. She also engages the people she supports to participate in community service projects.

DeWolf stands out in other ways. When she notices issues that should be addressed, she shares her concerns with other members of her teams. Her co-workers praise the quality of her documentation regarding the people she supports, and noted DeWolf never gives the impression she is above any aspect of the demanding job of being a direct support professional.

"I'm very honored to receive this award on behalf of all the individuals I have supported the last seven years of working as a DSP. I would also like to thank all the people that I have worked with, all the managers and my co-workers that I've worked with from Lake Shore Day Hab, Birchwood, Eagle and Water IRAs ... and helped me grow to the DSP that I have become."

Courtney Poitras of Jamestown was the recipient of the Personal Success Award. Poitras has managed to remain employed after two previous jobs went away, and she now works in The Resource Center's Jamestown manufacturing facility, sewing items TRC produces for the federal government. Outside of work, Poitras has a self-directed plan and lives independently in the community.

DeWolf was honored during a luncheon at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron. Poitras was uncomfortable attending a luncheon because of the pandemic, and instead she was given her award at work.

"I love living on my own. I get to do whatever I want, and I feel free," Poitras said. "I love being on my own. It's awesome." She thanked her parents, as well as her support staff, her support broker and the staff at her former home for preparing her to live independently. Poitras was thrilled to receive the Personal Success Award ("I feel like I'm famous!"), and she had a message for other people with disabilities who may be considering moving out on their own or looking for a job:

"Keep trying, and don't be afraid to try new things."

DeWolf and Poitras each received a trophy, plus certificates of recognition provided by Congressman Tom Reed, Senator George Borrello, Assemblyman Andy Goodell, and County Executive PJ Wendel.

Borrello attended the luncheon, and he congratulated the honorees.

"TRC is such an incredibly important part of our community, and to recognize those that are every day making a difference in people's lives is why it was important for me to be here," he said. "Whether it's the everyday struggles and challenges and victories that your clients have that you are a part of, or it's important things like the Laurel Run that have also been a significant part of our community and raising awareness, I just can't thank you enough for what TRC does."

Opening remarks were given by Denise Jones, The Resource Center's executive director.

"In these trying times, it is as important as ever to take time to look beyond the uncertainties that exist in our world and set aside our hectic schedules to appreciate the inspirational stories which represent the positive difference we all make each and every day," she said.

Rich Kimball, a member of TRC's board of directors, gave closing remarks.

"Jennifer, what you do is an incredibly important job," he told DeWolf. "You've become a voice for many people and have also played a crucial role in showing others how to advocate and develop social skills. This leads to increased self-esteem and independence for those individuals while providing them with a meaningful opportunity for relationships in our community."

He added, "As we leave today, let us all please continue to be aware of the unique and innate ability found in each and every person we encounter. Provide them with words of encouragement, and help foster a society where every voice is heard and every talent is utilized."

This year's awards selection committee was composed of Sandy Ahlgren, a retired teacher; Victoria Trass Bardo, development and events manager for Filling the Gap; Toni DeAngelo, retired wellness director at UPMC Chautauqua; Kathy Field, TRC's associate executive administrative assistant; Dan Hocking, co-owner of ACME The Appliance Store; Elizabeth Williams, a member of TRC's board of directors; and Barrie Yochim, executive director of Meals on Wheels of the Jamestown Area.