The Resource Center

06/07/2026

Our friends at The Arc New York shared this update about the new SNAP work requirements:

The federal government recently made significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which could affect eligibility for New Yorkers who receive these benefits.

Since March, the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) has been communicating that people who receive SNAP benefits must now be actively employed for 80 hours a month, or participate in job search or education/training for 80 hours per month or volunteer activities for 18 hours per month, or document a qualifying exemption. Most people served by OPWDD will meet at least one exemption.

If people who receive SNAP benefits do not comply, they will only be able to receive SNAP for three months before losing their benefits. The expanded SNAP requirements went into effect on March 1, 2026, and some recipients began losing their benefits in early June.

For more information, visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/snap/work-requirements.asp.

06/05/2026

Check out last weekend's Chautauqua Sunrise show featuring Patrick Smeraldo from our Allied Industries manufacturing division.

🌟 Magnificent Monday at Allied Industries! 🌟

Today we are filled with gratitude for Doc Hamels and the entire Chautauqua Sunrise crew for welcoming Patrick Smeraldo, Coordinator of Business Development, into the studio this past Saturday to discuss the growing opportunities available at Allied Industries, a Division of The Resource Center.😊

At Allied Industries, we know that success comes from telling your story, building relationships, and sharing the impact that meaningful employment opportunities can have throughout our community. We are extremely thankful to Chautauqua Sunrise for providing this platform to highlight our mission, our workforce, and the exciting future ahead.👏👏

Thank you, Doc and the Chautauqua Sunrise team, for your continued support of organizations that are making a difference every day!❤️

🎥 Click the link below to watch the interview and learn more about the opportunities available at Allied Industries.

https://youtu.be/VDii8ie1qhU

06/05/2026

At our annual “Greg Peterson/TRC Night at the Ballpark” staff appreciation event this week, John Graham again performed the national anthem before the start of the Jamestown Tarp Skunks game.

Members of the BMore ASL Community Club provided American Sign Language accompaniment as John sang. The group’s members include current and former TRC employees and people we support.

Those attending the game gave John and the BMore group a nice round of applause in appreciation of their performance.

June 2, 2026

06/05/2026

Sharing this story about Dr. Hannah Finson Granger, who interned in our Clinical Services in 2020. We're extremely proud of Hannah and her sister, Laurel!

06/05/2026

We had a fun time the other night at the Jamestown Tarp Skunks game for our annual "Greg Peterson/TRC Night at the Ballpark" staff appreciation event.

We hold this event in honor of Greg, who has been supporting The Resource Center for almost 50 years and who was the driving force behind the creation of the Robert H. Jackson Center and the Tarp Skunks.

Employees, Board members, people we support, and families came together to enjoy the game. We thank our Human Resources Department and our Staff Learning & Development Department for creating a fun environment for everyone!

One of our employees, Jacob Schweinsberg, had the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch. Jacob received our 2025 Norma J. Smith Award for excellence in providing direct supports to people with disabilities in recognition of the ways in which he engages folks who participate in our Community Pre-Vocational Program.

June 2, 2026 was TRC/Greg Peterson Night at Russell E. Diethrick, J...

06/04/2026

Continuing our shout-outs to local organizations that have supported our INVESTU program this year, we want to recognize Chautauqua Home Rehabilitation and Improvement Corporation - CHRIC.

Valerie Lopez, CHRIC’s Homeownership Counselor, came to one of our weekly classes and gave participants an overview of the services the organization offers. CHRIC promotes neighborhood stabilization, community revitalization and economic development projects.

THANK YOU, Valerie and CHRIC!

With financial support from the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County, 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.

06/04/2026

New York State's annual Get Outdoors & Get Together Day takes place June 13. The nearest official events will transpire in Allegany State Park and at locations near Buffalo. And if you don't want to travel that far, don't worry - Chautauqua County boasts lots of great spaces where you can get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Get ready for Get Outdoors & Get Together Day on Saturday, June 13, at locations all across the state! Try something new as you experience the great outdoors in an accessible way that's open and free to everyone. Find a participating site near you: https://www.ny.gov/programs/get-outdoors-get-together-day

NY State Parks & Historic Sites
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
New York State Department of Veterans' Services
Office of Mental Health

06/04/2026

Sharing this moment in history.

The National Civilian Rehabilitation Act, also known as the Smith-Fess Act, was signed into law this week in 1920. It took earlier federal programs to help WWI veterans find work and applied them to all Americans with disabilities, acting as a foundation for later vocational programs on the federal and state level.

https://ldaamerica.org/legislative_news/100-years-vocational-rehab/

06/03/2026

Sadly sharing this post about the passing of Sarah, a former canine member of The Resource Center's family. Sarah belonged to our former Art Instructor, Kristin. Sarah was a sweet girl who was a natural as a therapy dog, and she made strong connections with people supported by TRC. We send Kristin our thoughts and condolences.