People Inc. proud of Western New York response to disaster

People Inc. President and CEO James M. Boles, Ed.D., recently wrote a My View column for The Buffalo News about Western New Yorker’s compassionate response to one another during the suprise October storm.

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Group homes gaining acceptance

The Buffalo News reports on an increase of acceptance of group homes in Western New York neighborhoods. Previously when group homes were slated to open in a community, neighborhood development meetings conducted by People Inc. were met with negativity and anger. A shift in perception has been steadily occurring. Now, with over 90 group homes in Western New York, People Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer James M. Boles, Ed.D., points to People Inc.’s status as a good neighbor as the basis for continued growth and acceptance.

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Ribbon Cutting and special dedication

On November 21, friends and family gathered at our newest group home for a special dedication. The group home is one of several new specialty homes People Inc. is developing over the next year due to charitable donations to the agency during the 2006 Corporate Campaign. The campaign was led by Gregory Stamm and Ralph J. Vanner, Jr. Please see the list of generous supporters.

The new ranch on Sheridan Drive in Williamsville, the first of its kind in Western New York, will be home to six young adults with severe medical conditions, most of whom have been living in Deaconess nursing home. Our experienced staff will be able to take care of their complex medical needs and the smaller homier atmosphere will be a great environment for these teenagers. The home is dedicated in memory of Sylvia Vanner. The Vanner family has been very supportive of People Inc. throughout our history and Ralph Vanner Sr. continues to serve as Foundation Board President. Mrs. Vanner was known for her love of her family and will be remembered for her sense of humor, love of literature, warmth, and strength of character.

HUD official comes from DC to award $6 Million to People Inc. for Lockport Senior Housing

People Inc. received approximately a $6 million grant for a new low-income senior housing complex on Tonawanda Creek Road in Lockport. Congressman Thomas M. Reynolds, R-Clarence, and Roy Bernardi, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), presented People Inc. with a $5,915,800 check. The federal funding was acquired through HUD’s Section 202 Program, which provides grants to nonprofits to acquire, build or rehabilitate rental properties for senior citizens. Construction is slated to begin in the spring. Read more about the event

Read More in the Lockport Sun

and The Buffalo News

Learn more about People Inc. senior housing

Recognizing November as Alzheimer's Awareness Month

People Inc. supports Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. It is estimated that about 4.5 million Americans are suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Add the number of families, caregivers and support workers and you can begin to see the impact of Alzheimer’s. With so many people directly or indirectly affected by Alzheimer's it is good that a time of year is set aside to promote awareness.

It is not known what causes Alzheimer's disease and at present there is no cure. But there is hope and help for those people with Alzheimer's. Research into the disease is offering answers to many questions.

People Inc.’s Seniors Unlimited is unique program 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. Hot breakfast and lunch are served on a daily basis. Transportation is available.

More on Seniors Unlimited

Suggestions of how to work with individuals with Alzheimer’s

More on the Alzheimer’s Association

Federal Disability website provides wealth of information

DisabilityInfo.gov is the federal government’s one-stop web site for information of interest to people with disabilities, their families, employers, service providers and more. Some topics include: employment, education, housing, transportation, health, benefits, technology, community life, civil rights and more.

Visit DisabilityInfo.gov for more information.

FLAME ignites possibilities and a growing fan base!

Want to enjoy some great music, tap your feet, and dance a little? Tune in to a cover band called FLAME. These eleven talented people formed this phenomenal group at Lexington Center, Fulton County Chapter NYSARC Inc., in upstate New York in 2003. Since then, they have played over 150 performances, covered over 110 popular songs, are on tour, completed their first CD, and are currently negotiating to do a documentary. FLAME most certainly is blazing a trail in achieving the highest level of independence for those with developmental disabilities. Their premiere CD is appropriately entitled, “All for a Reason.”

For more information about the band, upcoming events, or booking information, visit www.flamesoftrock.com or e-mail Maria Nestle or call (518) 762-0024, ext. 204.

Director selected one of 40
under Forty

People Inc.’s Public Affairs Director Kevin Horrigan was recently honored as one of Business First's 40 Under Forty. Selected for for their records of professional success and community involvement, the 40 honorees are all under the age of 40.

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