People Inc.

Buffalo, NY, June 6, 2006: People Inc., Western New York’s largest human service agency, celebrated its 35th anniversary and launch of its new brand identity at an exclusive unveiling event on June 6, 2006 at the Park Country Club in Williamsville.

Over the past year and a half, People Inc. has undergone a branding initiative to create community awareness of its diverse services. As a result, a new logo and tagline have been developed and was unveiled to community leaders, family members, and long-time employees. The branding initiative was timed to coincide with People Inc.’s 35th anniversary. The event highlighted the agency’s 35-year history through a photo retrospective and recognition of long-time employees. Additionally, a video introduced the new look. People Inc. Inc. will begin to use its new logo publicly July 1. Travers Collins and Company of Buffalo provided the creative work for the branding project.

Although the current logo has served the agency well, it mainly depicted the developmentally disabled population. As the agency evolved, so have its marketing and community relations efforts. The new logo depicts a butterfly with two faces as silhouettes as the wings. People Inc.’s new tagline is “Where your world opens up.” According to Chief Operating Officer Rhonda Frederick, “Through the work we do every day with our consumers, we hope that this means that the lives we’ve touched open their world to hope, growth, and possibilities that they may not have ever imagined. For the parents we serve, we hope their world opens up to a sense of freedom, independence, and respite from the ongoing care and support they provide as caretakers for their child or parent. For our employees, we hope to provide a world of growth and potential, and give them a sense of pride in how they help in so many ways to transform the lives of people around them.” The new logo evokes emotion and shows how People Inc. offers a continuum of care for people of all ages.

Input by family members have been a key to People Inc.’s success. “I like what they do. If I call about something, they care take of it immediately. People Inc. has impacted our life tremendously,” said Jennie Manganello, a parent whose daughter receives services at People Inc.’s Brighton Park Day Services in Tonawanda. A parent of a daughter who lives in one of People Inc.’s residences, Christine Long, said, “Kelly moving into People Inc.’s group home with other children was the best thing for her. She has a life like any other 13 year old now. She has constant supervision, is safe, and has friends she can relate to.”

The event highlighted 23 staff who have worked for People Inc. for more than 25 years. “Their dedication to People Inc.’s mission is highly valued and their commitment to the people we serve is appreciated daily,” said President and Chief Executive Officer James M. Boles, Ed.D.

“I really enjoy working here,” remarked Senior Instructor Betty McClamb of Buffalo who has worked for the agency since 1972. “What I find so comforting is the progress that people make. They don’t have as many skills when they first get here; it is so gratifying to see their progress over a period of time.”

An employee since 1977, Program Director Mary Beth Iwanski of Orchard Park shared, “People Inc. has offered me the opportunity to experience an ever evolving, dynamic work environment. The agency has always fostered an atmosphere that strongly encourages the individuals we serve and staff alike to build relationships that support the attainment of their individual goals.”

A growing People Inc. service is affordable senior housing. It’s fourteenth housing complex for independent seniors will open in Wheatfield in the spring of 2008, the first in Niagara County. Tenants are able to live safely with all sorts of amenities. “I have been living here for seven years, it is so easy to get to the store, to church, and everyone is so loveable and my manger is one of the best there is,” remarks Mary Remolino who lives in People Inc.’s Ivy Rose Housing in North Buffalo.

The celebratory event was held to mark the momentous 35 years of People Inc.’s history: In August 1970, a small group of parents and professionals joined forces to form Services to the Mentally Retarded in Erie County (SMREC). SMREC initially referred consumers to other agencies for their services. Soon after, SMREC began to provide services, including social work services, job placement, and residential services. Granger Place and Linwood were the first group homes. In 1979, SMREC changed its name to People, Services to the Developmentally Disabled Adult, Inc. and started its first Day Treatment Center. In 1986, the agency changed its name to People, Services to the Developmentally Disabled, Inc. and the Admissions Department was added to the agency. In 1994, the Elmwood Health Center opened. In 1998, the agency changed its name to simply People Inc. and opened its third senior housing apartment. As of 2006, People Inc. operates dozens of Day Programs, over 90 residential sites, offers a variety of services for Children and Young Adults, nine senior housing living communities and the agency is in process of developing its fourteenth senior housing complex with continual growth for independent seniors. As an innovative human services agency, People Inc. expands services based on the needs of the individuals the organization serves.

People Inc.’s 35th anniversary is marked on August 14 and will be celebrated throughout the year.

People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human service agency providing programs and services to at least 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Kevin Horrigan
Public Affairs Director
Direct Line: (716) 817-7475
Cellular: (716) 866-5893

Nicole Passantino
Marketing and Communications Manager
Direct Dial: (716) 817-7469
Cellular: (716) 440-5161