People Inc. Launches New Afternoon Program for Students with Developmental Disabilities

After-School Respite Now Available in Orchard Park People Inc. is now accepting students to attend a new after-school respite program in Orchard Park. Opening September 3, 2024, “OP Afternoon Respite” is for students with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities who are in middle school or high school. The program runs from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Orchard Park High School, 4040 Baker Road, Orchard Park. It offers group and individualized social activities, including arts, sports, outings in the community, homework assistance, and more. There is no fee for students who qualify for New York State OPWDD Home and Community-Based Services waiver, and People Inc. can assist with eligibility applications. “Respite services are essential in our efforts to support families of children with developmental disabilities, providing expert supervision for students and a break for families and caregivers,” said Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO of People Inc. “We’re proud to answer a need in the community and support these important services in Orchard Park.” Including Orchard Park, People Inc. currently operates 11 afternoon respite programs for school-age children in Western New York and two in Rochester. The nonprofit agency also offers site-based afternoon respite programs for people 18 and up, as well as in-home respite and respite programs for those who receive self-directed services. People Inc. is the only Western New York provider of overnight respite for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.   For more information, contact People Inc.’s Admissions Department toll free at 833.404.0032 or admissions@people-inc.org .

Increasing Independence & Safety is at the Heart of People Inc. Program

A person with a disability sometimes faces challenges in their home that make it hard to navigate everyday living safely, or that limit their ability to be independent. This can include anything from showers to hard-to-reach countertops to doorways, cars, beds, seating or more. That is where People Inc.’s Environmental Modifications (EMODS) Department can help. The EMOD Department is the only program serving both the Western New York and Rochester areas offering project management and oversight services that help eligible people with intellectual and developmental disabilities work through safety and other issues in their living area. The People Inc. EMODS team makes accessing modifications easy by guiding people and their care coordinators through a complicated approval process with the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). A key component to approval is that the modification must link directly to an eligible diagnosis and solve a safety concern or barrier to independence. People Inc. secures funding so that pre-screened architects may design modifications and contractors can complete the work. Project management services in the home can include changes such as ramps, wheelchair lifts, lowered countertops, barrier-free showers, widened doorways, grab bars, automatic or manual door openers, ceiling tracks, and fences. Assistive Technology devices can help increase safety, accessibility, and personal successes, such as hygiene seats, shaker beds, service animals, and specialized seating. And vehicle modifications can be made to a car, truck, van, or SUV that allow access to the community – such as modified driver controls, ramps, lift assist seating, and securement systems. The Lee family of Buffalo has gone through this process twice with People Inc. as the needs of their now 14-year-old daughter Yuna have changed. Jae Lee said most homes are not built to be accessible to people who use a wheelchair and lifts. When they first moved in, the Lee family was using a ramp into the front door that they felt was unsafe. People Inc. assisted the Lees with a comprehensive assessment of their home environment and in requesting a platform lift and an accessible landing in the garage, a ceiling lift system, door widening, and solid floor surfaces for rolling accessibility.

Building a Bridge Through Communication

It’s hard to predict where in the Western New York or Rochester areas you’ll find American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters providing services contracted through People Inc. You may see these industry experts at press conferences, on local tours or awards ceremonies. Or, they may be offering more individual ASL services, such as assisting with medical appointments, court proceedings or trainings. Either way, People Inc. is providing a crucial bridge to communication and independence for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. One very busy ASL interpreter, Karen Gambino, turned her experience of being a child of a Deaf adult into a lasting career that she is passionate about. “Put yourself in the shoes of a person who is Deaf, who is reliant on others to provide information or a service,” Gambino said. “People just want to be understood, maintain their autonomy and be part of the communication process. That is the main point of engaging an interpreter.” ASL is a rich, complex language with its own grammar structure and cultural context. It is surprising to people that it is not equivalent to spoken English and therefore requires interpretation. When using ASL – attitudes, emotions, tone and meaning must be conveyed simultaneously as each person is communicating. Gambino feels her role is to paint a picture using her hands and her facial expressions. She also shared that life experience is an invaluable part of the interpreter’s skill set. In other words, Gambino says she needs to keep up with current events and sometimes learn new technical language, because you can’t interpret what you don’t understand. For instance, when interpreting at a legal closing for a property, she had to expand on the word “deed” – spelling out the word and showing in ASL: “The paper that shows you own the house.” There are several interpreting and translation services offered by People Inc. to make meetings, appointments, trainings and events accessible for Deaf and hard of hearing communities. By providing interpreters in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses, organizations and medical practices can ensure that all people benefit from their services and that reasonable accommodations are provided. Jodie Chibi, an interpreter and Director of Language Services at People Inc., said she believes confidentiality and ethics are at the core of providing interpreter services. The interpreter must always remain respectful and neutral to properly build the pathways of communication. The interpreters offered through People Inc. are evaluated by highly qualified staff and adhere to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct, an industry standard. Gambino and Chibi agreed that the code of professional conduct is deeply ingrained and informs every interaction. Reflecting on her work, Gambino shared that it is fulfilling to know that she is helping not only to provide interpreting services, but to also bring awareness to the hearing community. She has often found herself educating people on what her role is and is not. Along with education, Chibi said that over her career the importance and acceptance of using interpreters has greatly expanded. “It’s all about seeing access being enabled for people, empowering them, and helping to break down barriers."

Drive Fore People Inc. Golf Tournament a Success

The People Inc. Foundation hosted its annual golf tournament, The Drive Fore People Inc., on July 15 at Park Country Club in Williamsville for a sold-out roster of supporters.  Although storms forced players inside early in the round, guests returned for a wonderful night of dinner, entertainment, silent auction, and a brief program featuring, People Inc. President and CEO, Anne McCaffrey. The day brought together corporate sponsors and donors to People Inc. in support of the agency’s mission to provide programs and services that enhance the lives with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, seniors, the Deaf and hard of hearing, and those seeking affordable housing. The event raised nearly $70,000. Special thanks are extended to all of People Inc.’s sponsors who made the event so successful, especially our Presenting Sponsor, Parkview Health Services, and the Hole-in-One Sponsors, including Long Associates Architects, Uniland Development Corporation and USI Insurance Services LLC.  Erica Sammarco, Senior Vice President for Advancement, who oversees the Foundation, reflected on the event saying, “We are overwhelmed by the consistent outpouring of support and the generosity of all our sponsors. Year after year, they make People Inc. a priority and recognize the critical role the agency plays in enriching the quality of life for Western New Yorkers through our programs and services.”

Anne McCaffrey Named to Buffalo Business First Power 200 List

Each year Buffalo Business First creates a list of the inspiring women who are shaping the communities of Western New York and beyond. People Inc. President & CEO Anne McCaffrey was named to the eighth spot on the distinguished 2024 Buffalo Business First "Power 200 Women" list. "Philanthropists. Lawyers. Businesswomen. Bankers. These women's talent and influence are fueling economic, social and cultural growth throughout Western New York. Every woman on the list has strengthened the community in their own unique way. They have grown thriving companies and built vibrant nonprofits. These leaders have paved the way for more women to ascend to our region's highest positions. With the doors they've opened and the opportunities they have created the next generation of women will build on this enduring foundation. " - Buffalo Business First

West Herr Subaru Donates to People Inc. Youth Transition Program

West Herr Automotive Group celebrated the grand opening of their Lockport Subaru dealership with a desire to give back to the community. They donated a 2025 Subaru Forester to People Inc.'s Young Adult Life Transitions (YALT) program . Anne McCaffrey, President & CEO of People Inc., members of the agency leadership team and people who participate in the YALT Program were on hand to accept the vehicle. McCaffrey spoke about this innovative program and its impact in the WNY community. YALT offers people with developmental disabilities transitioning from high school the opportunity to experience life on a college campus, participate in internships and volunteer at area organizations. These educational and social activities promote independence, offer employment preparation and support continued learning and development. The vehicle will help transport the YALT volunteers to many of the Lockport-area non-profits and businesses who benefit from their assistance, including the food pantry, Whispering River Donkey Rescue, Dale Association, Goodwill, I Thrift, Kith and Kin, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Veggie Van.

New Fund Created in the People Inc. Foundation

The People Inc. Foundation helps fund quality of life programs, medical equipment, technology, capital improvements, staff development and advocacy efforts. It relies on community support to provide services to people in need and the efforts of its Foundation Board volunteers.  A restricted fund was recently launched - the President & CEO’s Discretionary Support Fund - in recognition of  People Inc. CEO & President Anne McCaffrey’s new leadership and vision for the future. It will provide essential resources to: Support the development of new and innovative initiatives that engage and enrich the experiences of people receiving services. Address immediate needs and fund unexpected strategic priorities. Provide funds that support our dedicated DSPs when urgent or unexpected expenses arise. The fund was announced in a letter from People Inc. Foundation President William Regan, where he shared: "At People Inc., our services touch the lives of thousands of people annually. My own personal experiences with their staff of professionals and programs have provided me and my loved ones with an abundance of care, strength and hope, along with a vibrant sense of community. People Inc. is committed to investing in the latest resources available and in professional development programs that promote excellence in the delivery of services. It is for these reasons that I fully support the development of the President & CEO’s Discretionary Support Fund." Learn more and donate    

Support People Inc. During the "Give 716" Event

Mark Your Calendar for July 15 - 16! Give 716  is a collaborative giving event organized by the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres Foundations to unite fans and the community in support of local nonprofits. This epic giving event is a one-of-a-kind chance  to donate to People Inc.  while taking advantage of corporate challenges where gifts are matched, or special incentives are offered!  From 7:16 p.m. on July 15 through 11:59 p.m. on July 16, you can join the fun and make a difference with your donation. Every gift made to People Inc. will also be matched by the generosity of Uniland Development Company (up to $4,000)! Donations made to People Inc. will support our many life-changing services benefiting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, essential affordable housing, services for the Deaf and hard of hearing and a range of programs for seniors. Worlds open because of your generous philanthropy! Want to help even more? Share the  Give 716 information  with your networks through social media. Support a great cause, while enjoying these special perks!

Promoting Growth at the People Inc. Greenhouse

People Inc.’s Day Services throughout Western New York offer a place for people with developmental disabilities to grow and learn while gaining independence. And one unique program takes “growth” to a whole new level with a hands-on approach to education in a working greenhouse, where plants, trees, fruits and vegetables are the center of attention. The Brighton Park Day Services program and greenhouse sits adjacent to a park and neighborhood in Tonawanda. Each day the greenhouse is buzzing with activity – planting seeds, weeding, and watering. The array of tropical house plants, succulents, vegetables and more are tended to by 17 regular gardeners each week. They also take care of several raised garden beds outside. People who may wish not to go into the greenhouse often actively contribute by planting seeds in their classrooms to be transferred into it. The greenhouse, originally established in the late 1980s with a grant from the Blue Rose Foundation, is also a therapeutic experience for many of the program attendees who find a spot to relax, taking in the fresh scents, sitting by the fishpond and enjoying the beautiful greenery and colors. Several people will venture into the greenhouse when they feel an urgent need for the calming benefits of being in nature. Recently a team of planters were busy in the greenhouse with Patricia Coggins, People Inc. Senior Day Supervisor. She encourages choices on the types of vegetable seeds, discussing colors, uses and tastes, while expertly breaking down the process of planting and providing accessible tools. Johnsie Quick appreciates accessing the greenhouse using her wheelchair. She looks forward to watering the plants and watching the vegetables grow so they can be put outside – especially the green beans. Through generous assistance provided by the Lutheran Association for the Developmentally Disabled the motors in the greenhouse fans were overhauled and a larger plot of accessible raised garden beds are being installed. Checking on some of the plantings, including those in the new raised beds, Coggins used the opportunity to have the gardeners work on identifying the different type of plants and their uses. She was beaming as they correctly named the vegetables and talked about how they liked to eat them. “It’s all about watching the growth of the people we support – that’s why we put so much energy into this program,” Coggins said. “They learn new skills and we see their self-esteem blossom along with the plants.” Jessica Tolbert enjoys watering and weeding the plants almost every day, and her favorites are the differently colored flowers. She is looking forward to being able to plant all summer in the raised beds. People with disabilities who reside in the agency’s group homes often come to enjoy the greenhouse and gardens. There are plans to increase the integration of the community even more through partnerships and immersive activities such as horticulture education, relaxation, art viewing and sensory gardens.