TRC Foundation - Challenge and Mission

The Challenge for TRC Foundation

According to the latest statistics, 43 million Americans, or 20% of the US population have some form of disability. In Chautauqua County there are over 28,000 residents with some form of disability. The great majority of these people, however, are able to perform most activities of daily living.

A severe disability, on the other hand, imposes a barrier to an individual's opportunity to live an independent life in the community. Disabilities can be caused by developmental, physical or mental health conditions that last a lifetime.

From that realiza

tion comes the vision of TRC Foundation. The vision of a time when all people with disabilities can obtain the support they need to achieve the three major goals that all persons want: to have a home, to have a meaningful job, an the ability to live as normal and productive a life as possible - right at home, right in their own community.

TRC Foundation was founded in 1994 by concerned family members and friends of persons with disabilities and other disadvantages. These family members and friends recognized that they would have to raise funds to establish endowments. The endowments provide support to "fill the gap" for services not funded, or under-funded, by the government.

TRC Foundation works collaboratively with The Resource Center to promote awareness of persons with disabilities. The Foundation has a nine-member Board that includes two members of the Board of The Resource Center.

Window to the Future: The Mission of TRC Foundation

The mission of TRC Foundation is to raise endowment funds that provide financial resources that respond to the needs if individuals with disabilities and other social and economic disadvantages in Chautauqua County, New York.

In order to fulfill this mission, TRC Foundation concentrates on three areas of emphasis:

1) The development of an endowment fund whose income can be utilized for services needed by men, women and children with disabilities - and their families;

2) The provision of responsive and adequate support of organizations and entities that serve people with disabilities;

3) The support and promotion of community awareness and greater understanding of individuals with disabilities, and their potential, aspirations and needs.

Realizing the Vision: Opportunities

Opportunities for support include:

Prevention / Early Intervention - Although it is estimated that nearly 50% of all mental retardation is preventable, little funding is available for community education programs which focus on accident prevention and healthy lifestyles. Infants and children who do experience developmental delays require early intervention services to minimize or eliminate consequences of the delay.

Home and Community-Based Services - Many of these services, including at-home habilitation, respite, family support, and transportation are provided only on a limited basis depending on the availability of government funding. Support from TRC Foundation helps to augment these vital services.

Employment Training and Placements - Underfunded programs such as job placement, supported work and work center employment, as well as job development for people with disabilities, have been supplemented with TRC Foundation grants.

Make a Contribution to TRC Foundation

Help us address the needs and aspirations of individuals with disabilities in Chautauqua County by making a contribution to TRC Foundation. Your contribution entitles you to all the benefits of membership with The Resource Center. Use the links below to review a description of member benefits, and to use our printable form for your contribution. You may also call Carol Vinciguerra, Development Coordinator, at (716) 661-1434 for more information. Thank you.

Related Resources:

· Board of Directors
· Become a Member / Donations