The Children’s Safety Village in Chautauqua is a small village built specifically for children to help them to learn about safety. Restivo said that the village has specific ways to train children with items such as a real life kitchen with smoke-like vapor that allows them to experience what a real life fire might be like. There is also a door made to progressively heat up like there is a fire on the other side to help children learn what to do in that situation. There is also training for things such as babysitting and CPR.

“Its mission is to promote well-being through safety training and services,” Restivo said. “They don’t just sit around in a classroom.”

Additionally, Restivo said the village has smaller versions of community buildings such as Tim Hortons and Jamestown Community College. Children are allowed to travel through town and learn about bike and driver safety. One of the major events is safety day, where real community firefighters and EMS come in and talk to the children about their gear so children will know not to be afraid of them when they see them in gear.

“There’s only a handful of these types of villages in the United States,” Restivo said. “It’s a real treat to have one in Chautauqua County. The kids will come from the schools and they love it. They remember it and come back years later. It’s impactful and experiential. I think it has probably prevented a lot of incidents.”

Marcia Restivo

Restivo has been on the Safety Village Board for about five years and in Jan accepted the role as the president.

At the Resource Center, Restivo said she has had a variety of roles during her 24 years there, but her current position has been her favorite so far. Her role as Family Support and Engagement Specialist means she helps families make medical decisions for disabled family members who may not be able to on their own. There is also a guardian committee full of volunteers that Restivo consults with in certain situations, though all decisions need her signature to be final.

“We’re kind of like a surrogate family,” Restivo said. “We go visit during the holidays and send cards or Christmas presents.”

Restivo said the Resource Center also provides an annual reimbursement to families of those with disabilities for specific needs.

“It’s hard to be a parent, but especially for those with special needs,” Restivo said.

The money especially goes towards things such as respite, and hiring people to watch disabled family members to provide full-time guardians a break.

Restivo said the program also provides family education and training for self-advocacy.

Though most of the work focuses on the disabled, Restivo said when people think about what the Resource Center does she thinks a lot of them do not realize how hard it can be for family members.

“People don’t understand how complicated the system is for families,” Restivo said. “Whether they are waiting for services, or answers, or a diagnosis. We are in a really rural place, so it’s not always easy to get support for the family’s needs. We are there to guide and connect. It can be unnecessarily frustrating for families.”

As far as her achievements go, Restivo said she hoped she had not had her proudest one yet, though she was very proud to be a mother of a 21 year old who is about to graduate from St Bonaventure and to be a part of the Zonta Club.

She is also proud to be able to help families in the community.

“Every time I help families get a need or answer, the victories, they just fill my heart,” Restivo said.

Another thing that Restivo said was a common misconception when it came to the Resource Center was that they only provided support to those with disabilities. She provided examples of the big manufacturing facility that has contracts with the government and military to provide safety kits and tourniquets. The Resource Center also has a primary care facility, dental care, and physical therapy for the community.

Another new initiative from the Resource Center is the CHQ+ store in downtown Jamestown which has people with developmental disabilities working there, and which sells items from local artisans.

“It’s another active, busy storefront for downtown,” Restivo said. “It’s a community coalition. So, while the Resource Center is mostly recognized for empowering and providing for those with disabilities, we do so much more.”

Some of Restivo’s other favorite things to do include listening to live music from local bands and kayaking. She also referred to herself as a “bike person”, being a part of the Slow Roll Buffalo event in Dunkirk. She also attends spin classes with Evolution Spin and does events with the Zonta Club such as the upcoming Luna Fest on April 20.

In the future, Restivo is looking forward to seeing the revitalization of Jamestown with new stores opening up and activities happening. She is also looking forward to summer.

“I’m looking forward to spending time out on the lake,” Restivo said. “We live in a beautiful part of New York and we should get out and experience it.”

More than anything, Restivo emphasized the fact that people should take the chance to be involved in the local community.

“There are plenty of opportunities to be involved in the community,” Restivo said. “Don’t be shy to volunteer. The Resource Center is always looking for volunteers. The Children’s Safety Village is run by volunteers. There are always opportunities to get involved and volunteer. There are always activities going on. Take the opportunity to give back, which is also giving to yourself. Don’t be shy, volunteer and get involved.”