People Inc.
Through Self-Direction, Carly Gives Back
Feb 09, 2026
Carly Switalski loves socks and she loves to help others. These two passions came together in a powerful way when Switalski, a longtime participant in People Inc.’s Self-Direction program, started a community sock drive that has now collected nearly 3,000 pairs of socks for people in need across Buffalo.
Switalski (right) and her mom (left) have collected and donated more than 3,000 pairs of socks
The sock drive began in 2017, inspired by Switalski’s enthusiasm for volunteering and her fondness for socks, specifically slipper socks. Over the years, the project has grown into a holiday tradition, with donations distributed to people in need through community partners like Response for Love and Sister Mary Johnice on Buffalo’s East Side.
Self-Direction is a unique and highly flexible program where people served choose how and when services are provided, and who will provide the support. Jowsey, who has been employed by Switalski for more than ten years, said Self-Direction is a powerful way to serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Switalski has been part of People Inc.’s Self-Direction for more than 20 years, dating back to the program’s pilot days. According to her mom, Maggie Buckley, the program has been “a lifesaver” for her daughter.
“Self-Direction has really helped her because she needs a lot of individualized support. It has allowed us to create a program that really works for her,” she said.
Switalski worked closely with Self-Determination Assistant Jowsey (right) on promoting and planning for the sock drives
A key part of her success, according to Buckley, was the support Switalski received from Jim Jowsey, a People Inc. self-determination assistant. Switalski’s mom credits him as being instrumental in helping the project expand and stay visible.
“Jim has been tremendously helpful,” she shared. “He’s really been helpful with helping us design posters and do social media stuff.” She also noted his creativity and technical skills, adding that “he’s very clever with marketing kind of design, so he’s been incredibly valuable to us in all of these projects.”
Jowsey says that the sock drive stands as a testament to what’s possible when people are empowered to follow their interests, supported by dedicated staff and a flexible program like Self-Direction.
“Carly’s very satisfied and happy and fulfilled because we afford her the opportunity to work on the things she loves to do,” said Jowsey.
Switalski plans to continue raising money and organizing sock drives. Further information will be available at LarcheBuffalo.org.
Learn more about People Inc.’s Self-Direction program here: Community Based & Family Support Services - People Inc.