Accepting DSP Award Nominations

You can help recognize outstanding People Inc. staff members who do heroic work, making a difference in the lives of thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Nominate a People Inc. Employee today for the annual People Inc. Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year Award.  Nominations close on July 14!

People Inc. Unveils New Mission, Vision, and Values

After months of thoughtful input from key stakeholders, including People Inc. employees, families and board members, the People inc. Board of Directors recently approved new statements outlining the agency’s guiding principles – our mission, vision and values.

People Inc. Celebrates Opening of Mt. Olive Senior Manor

Elected officials, community leaders, and residents gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 3, 2025 to celebrate the grand opening of Mt. Olive Senior Manor, an affordable senior housing development providing 65 safe, comfortable apartments for older adults in the city of Buffalo.  

OPWDD Commissioner Tours People Inc.

Willow Baer, commissioner of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), and members of her state and regional management team were welcomed on Monday, May 19 by People Inc.'s Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO, and several members of the agency leadership and program staff.

Two People Inc. Nurses Given High Honors During National Nurses Week

By working diligently every day to protect and promote the health and abilities of the people we support, nurses are essential to the care provided at People Inc. The agency joined the nation in celebrating its many dedicated nurses during National Nurses Week, and two People Inc. RNs were recognized with top honors for their exceptional work in the field. 

A Night of Celebration to Remember

More than 300 People Inc. supporters attended “A Night of Celebration” on April 30 to celebrate a year of achievement and the far-reaching impact of People Inc.’s programs and services. The event helped the People Inc. Foundation raise $85,000 to support our mission. 

Celebrating Autism Acceptance

In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, People Inc.'s Katie Radecki, program director and Todd Lesmeister, teaching artist, were guests on News 4 WIVB Buffalo's Daytime Buffalo on April 3, 2025. Along with host Chelsea Lovell, they discussed the intersection of arts and autism and how People Inc.'s new ArtsWork program is enhancing creativity and empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can watch the segment  here . An important aspect of Autism Acceptance Month is a focus on learning how to communicate and understand people. Katie pointed out that there is no "one" profile for people on the autism spectrum and that the experience is different for each person. Therefore, the services that are provided are individualized. Todd shared how the artistic process allows people to process their thoughts and ideas, create something, and bring it into the world. To promote an understanding of some often-misunderstood activities common for people on the autism spectrum, we’ve created a video series about Stimming, short for Self-Stimulatory Behavior. It can provide comfort, help with focus, or offer a sense of calm in overwhelming situations. Watch "Stimming Looks Like This: The Power of Stims" here .

Advocacy's Mission Highlighted on WGRZ-TV

People Inc.'s Advocacy Department is dedicated to amplifying the voices of people with disabilities, ensuring they have a say in policies and decisions that impact their lives. Outreach, community education, and training future medical professionals are all part of advocacy in action. WGRZ - Channel 2, Buffalo, featured their efforts in a recent segment, which included interviews with People Inc.’s Israel Cruz, advocacy support professional, and Bradford Watts, associate vice president. Access the full story  here . More information about the People Inc. Advocacy Department is available  here and in our blog .

Buffalo Bills Player DeWayne Carter Visits People Inc. Day Program

People Inc.'s Orchard Park Day Habilitation Program hosted Buffalo Bills rookie Defensive Tackle DeWayne Carter recently.  People Inc. CEO Anne McCaffrey, staff, and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who attend the program enthusiastically greeted him. Many people were wearing Bills colors, including Bills shirts, sweatpants, hoodies, etc. As DeWayne posed with everyone for photos, he was serenaded with a Bills cheer: "Heyyyy...Let's Go Buffalo" and even joined in! A group of the program attendees presented DeWayne with a red, white, and blue wreath that they made. Eager to become more involved in the community, DeWayne promised to return and bring some of his football friends next time! Learn more about Day Programs