On October 24, 2006, People Inc. hosted a Ceremony of Remembrance at the Jolls Cemetery in the Town of Perrysburg. The purpose of the ceremony was to honor the approximately 400 individuals who were past residents of the JN Adam Developmental Center, the Gowanda State Hospital, and the West Seneca Developmental Center and who are interred at the cemetery.  

Speakers at the ceremony included: Deacon Robert Bauer, former chaplain of JN Adam DC; John Koestler WNY DDSO and former staff of JN Adam DC, People Inc. Executive Vice President Francisco M. Vasquez, Ph.D.; and Kelly Schultes, Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, Inc. Soprano Andrea Todaro provided music for the event singing a number of spiritual hymns. The highlight of the ceremony was the reading of the approximately 400 names of the individuals being honored. A monument was also unveiled, dedicated to the past residents of New York State Hospitals and Developmental Centers. As the ceremony concluded, carnations were distributed. Many placed their carnation besides the monument as well as the individual gravesites.

The Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, Inc. featured this event on their website:   http://sanys.org/regions/Western.htm.

Some comments about the ceremony included:

"Standing in a remote cemetery on a cold day, seeing the unmarked field where so many lie interred virtually unnoticed, and then to hear the stories and the names...it became very clear that what you accomplished at that cemetery was the right thing and a very good thing. The sun came out for a reason during the reading of those names. I congratulate everyone involved."

"I wanted to let you know how beautiful today's ceremony was. It was very poignant and respectful, the perfect balance. I was very moved by Jack's speech; I certainly don't think of the impact that I have on people's life, both positive and negative, and I hope that I will be more aware of that, as well as to let those to whom I provide services know as well."

"Just wanted to let you know how moving the ceremony was yesterday. Thank you for all of the special touches. It truly was a heartwarming gesture that I will never forget."

Although this project was an initiative of People Inc., the agency collaborated with representatives from several self advocacy groups including United Voices for Change, Self-Advocacy/Americorps and Self-Advocacy Association of New York State, Inc.  

Special thanks to the Western New York Foundation for a $5,000 grant towards the monument.