DDAWNY newsletter promotes People Inc. programs
In the latest the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York (DDAWNY) newsletter, two programs of People Inc. are featured. People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center's Health and Wellness Program and an upcoming conference: “Balancing Discipline, Motivation, and Behavior with Best Practice” - Click Here to Register

Educating Individuals on Medicare Part D and Local Elections
People Inc.’s Public Affairs Department has actively kept the agency up-to-date on the new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program and informed consumers on the latest local government elections.

People Inc. realizes the importance of providing information to help people understand the Medicare Part D Plan’s changes and benefits. Initiatives People Inc. have taken include:

• Staff worked with elected officials with distributing educational materials.
• An informational meeting for families is being planned with representatives from Parkview Health Services and the Department of Social Services.
• Service Coordinators are working one-on-one with the individuals served by the agency and their family members to help them better understand the Plan.
• Informational meetings were held with the agency’s senior case manager for People Inc.’s Senior Housing tenants.

People Inc. was highlighted in an article in The Buffalo News about the Part D Plan: “Medicare enters new era this week with Part D”

The Buffalo News: “Answering important questions about Part D”

In preparation for the November 8, 2005 Election Day, People Inc.’s Public Affairs Department disseminated non-partisan information packets to consumers who live in the agency’s group homes and Young Adult Life Transitions program participants as part of its “Get Out the Vote” initiative. The packets included information on each candidate who participated in the race for Buffalo Mayor, Erie County Comptroller, and Amherst Supervisor. This was done as a way to inform the individuals the agency serves about the issues the various candidates represented and to encourage consumers to participate in the election process.

Representative Reynolds and People Inc. honored at Parent Network of WNY Event

The Buffalo News recently reported on Parent Network's Harvest Honors Dinner. Representative Thomas M. Reynolds, R-Clarence, and People Inc. were honored at the Parent Network’s 3rd Annual Harvest Honors dinner held on October 28, 2005, at Shanghai Reds. Each year Parent Network of Western New York honors an individual and community group that they believe have helped children with special needs in the community or helped their organization in fulfilling its mission. This year, Parent Network awarded Representative Reynolds the Spirit of Empowerment Award for establishing Reynolds Center for Special Education & After-School Programs at Daemen College and supporting this collaboration that is helping many students with special needs in the WNY area learn and achieve. People Inc. was selected as Parent Network’s Community Partner. The event program thanked People Inc. for a “genuine spirit of collaboration and generosity that has allowed us through partnership to help thousands of children with disabilities and families who live in Western New York; you are truly People Caring for People.”

Parent Network Executive Director Max Donatelli (left) with awardees People Inc. Chief Operating Officer Rhonda Frederick (middle) and Representative Thomas M. Reynolds (right).

DDPC Awards
People Inc. Public Affairs Director Kevin Horrigan recently accepted an award at the Governor’s Mansion on behalf of Congressmember Thomas Reynolds. The award was from the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council. People Inc. had nominated Congressmember Reynolds for this prestigious award from Governor George E. Pataki and the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council. Reynolds (R-NY) has been a tireless advocate for people with developmental disabilities. As a leader in congress and as a member of the Western New York federal delegation, Representative Reynolds has worked closely with developmental disabilities agencies like People Inc.

L-R: People Inc. Public Affairs Director Kevin Horrigan, DDPC Consumer Caucus Chair Kevin Kennedy, and People Inc. board member and DDPC member and People Inc. Board of Directors member Patrick F. Reilly. People Inc. supporters recognized The Buffalo News reports on two long-time supporters of People Inc., Sam Savarino and Nancy Dobson, are recognized for their commitment to the community. Read More... November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Month. The month of awareness was first established by former President Ronald Reagan in 1983 who later suffered from the disease himself. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain, and the most common form of dementia. Approximately four million Americans have Alzheimer's disease. It is estimated that 14 million Americans will have Alzheimer's by the middle of the next century unless a cure or prevention is found. People Inc.’s Seniors Unlimited is the only program of its kind in the city of Buffalo that provides respite for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and other related memory loss. In a safe, comfortable environment, participants are involved in a variety of activities designed to foster self-esteem, maintain social and daily living skills, exercise the body and stimulate the mind. Activities include exercise, art, crafts, music, intergenerational program, community outings and interaction with peers. For a free information packet, contact Hilary Berzon, program administrator, at (716) 853-4500. For more on Seniors Unlimited or Alzheimer’s Association of WNY

Business First highlights the top Western New York Employers
People Inc. was listed in the October 21 issue of Business First as the 25th largest employer in Western New York. To learn more about direct care employment opportunities, visit or call Human Resources at (716) 634-8132.

New Trusts Help Disabled Plan For the Future
The Buffalo Law Journal recently reported on new trusts. Individuals who are disabled and their families have two new unique options when planning for their financial needs. People Inc. and Legal Services for the Elderly, Disabled of Disadvantaged of WNY have collaborated to create a one-of-a-kind supplemental needs trusts. Trust I provides a way for disabled persons under the age of 65 to use their own money to enhance their quality of life. Trust II provides for gifts from third parties and offers a wonderful tool for planned giving. The Western New York Coalition Pooled Trust is administered by co-trustees People Inc.; Legal Services for the Elderly, Disabled and Disadvantaged of Western New York; and KeyBank. For more information, contact Tracy Harrienger, Esq., general counsel, at (716) 817-7458.
Click here for a downloadable brochure.

Open House for Newest Group Home in East Aurora

The new residents of Paine Street welcome visitors to their home. Top row - left to right:  Katie Lanigan, Brian Edmonds, and Jeff Vance. Bottom row - left to right: Jillian Burger, Kirsten Weisberg, and Michelle Napierala.

On November 2, 2005, People Inc. held an open house for its newest group home on Paine Street in East Aurora. The open house provided an opportunity to tour the residence, talk with residents, and get a prospective from family and community members on the importance of having this home in East Aurora. Families, elected officials, community members, and neighbors were present. This particular People Inc. group home was established due to a group of parent’s efforts in fulfilling their children’s wish. The six individuals who reside at Paine Street are all childhood friends and their wish was to live together one day. Spearheaded by one of the mothers, Susan Lanigan, the group of parents lobbied with elected officials and community businesses to make this dream a reality. The residents, ranging in ages 22 to 28, grew up in the East Aurora neighborhood and have developed lasting friendships. Residents and their families shared their stories and welcomed guests into their new home.

Home Health Care radio ad running on WBEN-AM 930 and STAR 102.5
Has a loved one recently been discharged from the hospital from having a major surgery? Is a family member in need of a nurse, therapist, social worker, or personal care aide? Whether there is a need for professional care or assistance with daily living, People Inc.’s Home Health Care can help.

For more information, call (716) 874-5600 or visit http://www.people-inc.org/services/programs/lhha.html

Listen to the radio ad that recently aired on WBEN-AM 930 and STAR FM 102.5 or Read article in After 50

People Inc. Senior Housing featured on Living Prime radio show
Tune in to the radio interview that aired November 5, 2005, on Living Prime Time’s radio show on KB Radio 1520. Learn more about People Inc.’s Senior Housing from Mary Jo Giambelluca, senior services director, and Danielle Bush, senior housing site manager, and from the perspective from one of our very own tenants, Lee Zimpfer. Listen to the interview.
More on People Inc.’s Senior Housing

People Inc. and the Association of Fundraising Professionals recognize First Niagara Bank Foundation
National Philanthropy Day, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), provides an opportunity to recognize philanthropic contributions within the community. This year People Inc. nominated the First Niagara Bank Foundation for the Outstanding Foundation Award, in recognition of their contribution to People’s new Downing Respite House They were honored at National Philanthropy Day at the Adam’s Mark Buffalo-Niagara Hotel on November 15, 2005.
More on People Inc.’s respite services.
Read article in Business First

New 2005 IRA Charitable Gift Opportunity Ends December 31, 2005
A new, short term giving opportunity created as part of the Katrina Hurricane Relief Tax Package (H.R. 3768) and broadened to encourage continued giving to other charities.

One provision of H.R. 3768 effectively permits unlimited IRA withdrawals and gifts to charity from people who have reached age 59 1/2. The new law allows donors to make a gift to a qualified charity of any amount withdrawn from an IRA or similar retirement plan (such as a 401(k) or 403(b)) before the end of 2005 and deduct the entire amount in 2005. It is important to note that this giving opportunity includes IRA gifts to public charities, not only those involved in hurricane relief.
We want our friends and supporters to be aware of this giving opportunity as they review their year-end philanthropy. The window of giving opportunity is limited to gifts made between August 28, 2005 through December 31, 2005.

An excerpted question and answer primer <link to article>on the new law is available for review. Please note that each person's circumstances are different and other state and federal laws may affect plans. As with other charitable gift planning, check with a tax/financial advisor before taking a retirement plan withdrawal to fund a charitable gift. Please also feel free to call or e-mail People Inc. Foundation Director Denise Paszkiewicz if you wish to use this opportunity to make a charitable gift to People Inc. Thank you for your consideration and generosity.

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