Renovation Project for Oxford Square Community Lot Announced

Transformational Enhancements to Community Gathering Space Made Possible by State Grant Through NYS Senator Sean Ryan with Additional Financial Support from People Inc. Foundation On May 24, 2024, New York State Senator Sean Ryan and representatives from People Inc. announced plans for an estimated $600,000 in enhancements to the Oxford Square Community Lot in Buffalo. The renovation of the lot will add new amenities for visitors of all ages to enjoy in order to create a versatile, multigenerational community gathering space at the corner of Oxford Avenue and Lafayette Avenue on the land adjacent to People Inc.’s Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments. The preliminary design for the reimagined lot includes plans for an accessible playground, additional seating, and new shade structures. The design is the culmination of a year of close coordination with the Oxford Square Block Club to gather community feedback and determine which amenities would best benefit the surrounding neighborhood. Anne McCaffrey, President and CEO of People Inc., said, “People Inc. is committed to doing all we can to uplift and enhance the communities in which we offer housing and other services. Creating safe and accessible areas for people of all ages to enjoy is part of that commitment and at the core of our mission to improve lives. We are grateful for the seamless collaboration with Sen. Ryan and the Oxford Square Block Club and very excited to move forward with these important improvements to the Oxford Square Community Lot.” The project will be funded primarily through a state grant secured by Senator Ryan, which will cover the site preparation costs as well as the cost of the playground and other amenities. The People Inc. Foundation has generously committed an additional $75,000 to cover expenses that are not covered by the state grant. Senator Sean Ryan said, “Neighborhood gathering spaces are integral to maintaining vibrant communities. Having a dedicated space for neighbors of all ages to interact and pass the time provides a safe recreation option in urban environments and helps build lifelong relationships. The residents of Oxford Square have done a wonderful job maintaining the community lot for well over a decade. The addition of an accessible playground and new areas for visitors to sit and relax will make an important community amenity even more welcoming to all residents.” Jenifer Kaminsky, President of Oxford Square Block Club, said, “For nearly two decades, the Community Lot has been a project of purpose and pride for the Oxford Square Block Club. Our neighbors have committed countless hours, their personal resources and creativity to build this valued space for all of our families. We are honored and incredibly grateful to State Senator Ryan, our ‘forever partners’ People Inc., and our community of advocates for this transformational investment in the families of Oxford Square and our surrounding neighborhoods.”

Celebration Honors 100-Year-Old Volunteer

‘Mr. Prince’ Still Visits Seniors 4 Days a Week, 4 Hours a Day When Prince Whitstone decided in 2000 to fill his time in retirement by volunteering, his goal was to stay active while giving back. As he turns 100 years old this week, it seems this remarkable volunteer has found a secret to longevity we all may be looking for. For 24 years, he has been a stellar and well-loved volunteer with People Inc. Four days a week, Whitstone, who lives alone, takes a bus to his volunteer “job” on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo. Day in and day out, he arrives well before his 9:00 a.m. start time and works until 1:00 p.m.  providing companionship and support to seniors as part of People Inc.’s Senior Companion program. He provides socialization and conversation for seniors, does some housekeeping and keeps people and facilities in order. Why does he do it? “I have to keep moving,” Whitstone said. “And it keeps me out of trouble.” Volunteers and staff from People Inc.’s Senior Companion program honored “Mr. Prince,” as he is known there, with a surprise “celebration of aging” for his 100th Birthday. A soft-spoken and private man who was born and raised in Memphis, Tenn., Whitstone worked at Acme Steel in Buffalo for 29 years and then at National Gypsum for 10 years. While he was employed full time, he also worked as a barber. Alissa Yax, Senior Companion Program Coordinator, describes Whitstone as “very independent.” “He is a great volunteer, and he is full of energy,” she said. “If someone asks if he needs help, he politely declines. He often serves as a role model for other volunteers. Everyone here really appreciates him.” “We are grateful for ‘Mr. Prince’ and his incredible dedication to People Inc.,” said Anne McCaffrey, People Inc. president and CEO. “He is an example of the strides people can make at any age when they have a purpose and others around them who care. That is true for both our volunteers and the people supported through the Senior Companion program. We are so pleased to celebrate with Mr. Prince and wish him a very Happy 100th Birthday!”