Whether driving through rural Chautauqua County or the cities of Jamestown and Dunkirk, observant passersby may notice "The Resource Center Inc." signs on a variety of buildings from Victorian homes to former grocery stores.

It's a simple name for an agency that provides an involved network of help.

"We're a 24-hour care center that offers services in over 50 sites, ranging from a former grocery story to health and dental clinics, two manufacturing work sites and dozens of group homes," explains Dennis Sheehan, president of The Resource Center United Employees Association.

At any time of day, the 646 members of the local can be found helping clients with employment issues or therapies and customized care programs.

Therapists, instructors and support staff work with adults — some born with disabilities and others who suffered traumatic injuries.

There are programs for disadvantaged children and adults.

"It's an amazing job and one I like because of the success stories," said Diane Cornell, who works at the Michael J. Raymond Center in Jamestown. She introduced Frank, who came to the center at 21, unable to speak a complete sentence. In March, at age 24, Frank was preparing to address a 4-H group about speech therapy.

"There's always positive improvement, whether it takes a couple of months or a couple of years," Cornell said.

Stephanie LeVoie-Beatty agrees: "There are challenges of working with people who may have many needs, but I like finding the strategies that will work for the clients and the accomplishment when it all works."

Founded in 1958 by a group of parents concerned about how their children with developmental disabilities would get services when they became adults, The Resource Center has grown to an $80 million agency funded largely through reimbursements from government agencies.

Workers at the center are trained to help others. As the agency grew, the private-sector workers realized that they needed to help themselves. They organized a union campaign and affiliated with NYSUT in 2004.

"We're new to unions but we're not new to working together to get the best result," said Barb Ferraro, union treasurer. "It's a good fit."

- Betsy Sandberg