August 14, 2006
People Inc. Celebrates 35th Anniversary
Leading human service agency has helped thousands become more independent
Buffalo, NY, August 14, 2006: People Inc.’s remarkable 35 years began as a grass roots effort and has grown into Western New York’s leading human service agency. The agency started with a dedicated group of parents who wanted to help their children and now the agency employs 2,000 people and serves more than 10,000 individuals. People Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer James M. Boles, Ed.D. is pleased to announce the agency’s official 35th anniversary was marked August 14. People Inc. helps people of all ages and abilities lead the most independent and fulfilling lives possible.
Boles remarked, “People Inc. is dedicated to the belief that every individual deserves the chance to get the most out of life.” This is reflected through the wide array of services provided by the agency. From birth to seniors, and all ages in between, individuals have an opportunity to prosper through the agency’s innovative programs.
People Inc. offers a wide range of services including residential opportunities, day programs, family support, vocational services, information and referral, recreation opportunities, children’s services, senior services, health care, community outreach, and the Museum of disABILITY History.
To coincide with the agency’s anniversary, People Inc. recently unveiled a new logo and tagline, “Where your world opens up.” The new logo depicts a butterfly with two faces as silhouettes as the wings. According to Chief Operating Officer Rhonda Frederick, “The new logo and tagline were developed to reflect People Inc.’s diverse services, which are no longer for only people with developmental disabilities, but a full service human service agency providing care for people of all abilities and stages of life.”
People Inc. celebrates its rich 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 individuals to other agencies for services. Soon after in 1971, SMREC began to provide social work services, job placement, and residential services. 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, a primary health care facility, opened. In 1998, the Museum of disABILITY History was established, which is dedicated to the collection, preservation and display of artifacts pertaining to the history of people with developmental disabilities. Also 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, ten 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. For more information about services or direct care employment, call 634-8132.
Nicole Passantino
Marketing and Communications Manager
Direct Dial: (716) 817-7469
Cellular: (716) 440-5161
