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| President and CEO Rhonda Frederick Announces Retirement for April 2023
The People Inc. Board of Directors has announced that Rhonda Frederick will be retiring as president and CEO in April 2023.
Our entire team of staff and people we support are very grateful for Rhonda’s long-time dedication to the People Inc. mission and human services field. Rhonda’s retirement plans will bring to a close a remarkable career of 43 years of service at People Inc.
“It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to be able to spend my entire career here at People Inc.,” shared Rhonda. “It certainly wasn’t anything I expected when I walked through the door of the group home where I worked in 1980. I can’t even begin to describe what a profound impact the agency has had on me. I have been so incredibly fortunate to meet so many wonderful people – from the hundreds of families to the thousands of staff and community members – but most importantly, the people we support.”
The Board of Directors will oversee the process to choose Rhonda’s successor and has hired an outside firm to conduct the search. Our Board of Directors and our entire team of staff will remain focused on continuing the mission of People Inc. and our quality agency supports.
Our press release provides more information about this announcement – learn more
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 | Great Wellsville Balloon Rally Parade
at Island Park
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People Inc. booth at
Allegany County Fair
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| In the Community: Spreading People Inc. Pride
After the last couple of years of community events being on hold, People Inc. is happy to be back safely to help make a meaningful impact for families by sharing information about our various agency supports. Here’s a recap on a couple community happenings from July:
Our agency took take part in the Great Wellsville Balloon Rally Parade at Island Park. Staff and people we support came together to decorate our float for this vibrant display, honoring Wellsville’s annual hot air balloon launch.
People Inc. Self-Directed Services staff and recipients represented our agency at the Allegany County Fair, managing the booth and providing information about the services we provide in Allegany County.
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| Celebrating Disability Pride and the Anniversary of the ADA
Last month, People Inc. commemorated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which works to ensure all people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
We were proud to be a part of the Disability Pride of WNY Celebration on Sunday, July 24 at Canalside Buffalo! Staff members, along with our People Inc. Advocacy Department, shared information about our services and invited attendees to sign the Spread the Word: Inclusion Pledge. It was also great to spend time with Engelic Everett at her booth, author of the children’s book, Olivia the Bully, who receives supports from People Inc.
People Inc. joined Senator Tim Kennedy and Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera to recognize the passage of a bill requiring the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), Rochester-Genesee Transportation Authority, Capital District Transit Authority and Central NY Regional Airport to appoint a voting member who has a disability and is transit-dependent. “Nobody knows what it's like to have a disability except for us,” said BJ Stasio, a disability advocate born with Cerebral palsy and who receives supports from People Inc. He added during the presentation, “And when we're the voting members on the board, we can say, ‘this is how the disability community feels about this situation.’"
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Staff members and our People Inc.
Advocacy Department with the
Spread the Word: Inclusion Pledge
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Pictured L-R: Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera, Advocate BJ Stasio, Senator Tim Kennedy, Kristie Edwards of The Arc Erie County New York
and Kevin Horrigan of People Inc.
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Advocate for Seniors in Long-Term Care Facilities
Volunteers are urgently needed to help advocate for residents in long term care settings throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua Erie and Niagara Counties. The NYS Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, supported locally by People Inc., connects caring and effective advocates with older adults and people with disabilities who live in nursing homes, assisted living and other licensed adult care homes.
As an ombudsman in your community, you would:
- Visit with residents and work to identify complaints and concerns.
- Assist with monitoring resident care, staffing and building conditions.
- Investigate complaints.
- Work with facility staff to correct problems, using a range of problem-resolution and advocacy skills.
Wondering what the time commitment is as an ombudsman? Only two hours a week is needed! Volunteers receive free training, including mentoring opportunities.
Our next set of certification classes will begin in mid-October and offered via Zoom during the early evening hours.
If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of seniors, call 716.817.9222 or toll-free at 1.844.527.5509.
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| Out and About with People Inc.
Senior Living
Tenants of our People Inc. Maple Senior Living Apartments in Cheektowaga, NY, recently enjoyed a shopping trip to Vidler’s 5 & 10 in East Aurora and lunch afterwards.
Want to join the fun and live affordably? People Inc. Senior Living provides safe, comfortable and maintenance-free one-bedroom apartments for independent older adults age 62 and up who are income-eligible. We provide HUD approved apartments. Many locations are accepting applications, including Amherst, Angola, Blasdell, Gowanda, Grand Island, Lackawanna, Lockport, South Buffalo, Springville and Wheatfield.
Apartment units include kitchen appliances and safety features. They are also pet-friendly! Want to learn more or get an application to be added to our wait list? Call 716.880.3890. For more info and to check out apartment photos, visit: people-inc.org/seniorliving
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| Happening Soon: Drive Fore Disabilities
Golf Tournament
Thank you to all of the businesses who have registered their team for our golf tournament fundraiser! Our annual People Inc. Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, August 22, at the Orchard Park Country Club. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available, including tee signs to promote your business. Many thanks to all of our donors and tee sign sponsors! For more information, email foundation@people-inc.org or call Christine Melchiorre at 716.817.7269.
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| Career Spotlight: Direct Support Professionals AND Open Interview Event
Do you know someone, or are you, looking for a career with a purpose? An exciting and rewarding career awaits Direct Support Professionals helping people with disabilities in the Angola, Boston, Evans, Dunkirk, Farnham, Fredonia, Hamburg, Lakeview and Silver Creek areas. Will you challenge yourself to support a person’s character, choices, strengths, interests and needs, while ensuring a safe and healthy environment?
People Inc. values our staff and are committed to their ongoing personal and professional growth, while offering outstanding benefits. Positions do not require prior experience and offer PAID comprehensive training! There is a place for YOU on our TEAM! Apply anytime: people-inc.org/careers
Interested in working in Silvercreek and surrounding areas? People Inc. is holding an Open Interview Event on Tuesday, September 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the People Inc. Park Place location, 17 Park Place in Silvercreek, NY. Interested? Pre-apply in advance. Recruiters will schedule interview times with eligible candidates. Walk-ins are also welcome to discuss this rewarding career and learn more. Pre-employment drug screens will be provided.
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| Community Conversations
People Inc. Featured for Affordable Housing Topic
People Inc. is a proud sponsor of Community Conversations from Buffalo Healthy Living: “Heal. Talk. Act. – Racism as a Public Health Crisis.” The shows will air on WBBZ-TV Channel 5 or 67 throughout the remainder of the year. The following topics are scheduled:
How Racism Affected My Life: Part Two – featuring Brother Clifford Bell, Jr. and Brenda McDuffie, a People Inc. Board of Directors member Wednesday, August 17, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, August 20, at noon
Affordable Housing in Buffalo – featuring People Inc. staff Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO, and Bradford Watts, associate vice president of Community Relations and DEI, along with Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown
Wednesday, August 24, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, August 27, at noon
After they air, the shows can also be viewed online at buffalohealthyliving.com.
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| Book Discussion – Raising Jess: A Story of Hope
The People Inc. Advocacy Department is partnering with Peaceprints of WNY for a Speaking Volumes Book Club virtual discussion on Tuesday, August 30, at 6 p.m. The featured book, Raising Jess: A Story of Hope by Buffalo-based author Vickie Rubin, tells the story of one family’s survival and journey when faced with the birth of a child with special needs. People Inc. will guide
a discussion on the challenges of caring for a loved one with special needs, how the pandemic
has affected communication among family members and how we can all become more informed. The book can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other shops. Sign up for the discussion. There is no registration fee; however, online donations are welcome with a portion benefiting
People Inc.
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| Save the Date: People Inc. Annual Fall Event 2022
Mark your calendars and join the People Inc. Foundation for our Annual Fall Event, with a Fantasy Casino Night theme!
When: Thursday, October 20
Where: Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, 6461 Transit Road, Depew, NY
More details to follow. Unique sponsorship opportunities available! To support this event or for more information, email foundation@people-inc.org.
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| Thank You for Donating to Give716
Thank you to everyone who supported People Inc. during the Give716 online giving campaign! More than $1,000 raised benefits our agency to help make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults!
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| In the Media: Being a Resource to the Community
Local media stories have featured our team as they share their expertise about our agency and affiliates:
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| Julia Harris, of License2Smile and a motivational speaker, who also receives Self-Directed Services from People Inc., was included on a WIVB-TV Channel 4 “Hope Rises” segment with 95 Nutrition.
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| The July 2022 issue of After 50 featured our People Inc. Services for Seniors and Older Adults on the cover and with an article. Learn more about apartment options, plus companionship supports and case management. Contact us with questions:
- Senior Living and Affordable Apartments: housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890
- Senior Companion Program: Call 716.768.2381
- Senior Outreach Program: Call 716.768.2357
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| Staff Kudos
A round of applause to our amazing team:
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| Denise Bienko, People Inc. senior vice president, will be recognized with a Buffalo Business First Woman of Influence Award on Thursday, September 15. The Women of Influence Awards recognize the business expertise and community spirit of local women leaders.
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| People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick was named #5 among Buffalo Business First’s Power 200 Women! The list recognizes some of the region’s most talented and influential women. Also recognized were two members of our People Inc. Board of Directors: JoAnne Hudecki, chairperson, and Brenda McDuffie, a member.
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| Sharing Expertise with D'Youville
University Students
People Inc. staff members Terrance Hasan, Becky Korosi, Jenna Meyer, David Squires and Bradford Watts recently shared their knowledge with students at D’Youville University. Their lecture focused on several topics, spanning supports for people with disabilities. Attendees were first-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students, just beginning their journey to becoming physical therapists.
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People Inc. Respite: Where Friends and Fun Meet
Respite care is an essential part of the overall support that families may need to keep their family member with an intellectual or developmental disability at home. The word "respite" means to take a break from the daily challenges of caring for a loved one of any age with special needs. It can be planned for a few hours or for as long as a weekend. Respite can take place in your home or temporarily in another setting, such as a day center or in the community. Respite can take place regularly or intermittently, as you need it; however, it does need to be planned in advance.
The school year is fast approaching…
Did you know that People Inc. also offers afternoon Respite Programs in Erie, Monroe and Niagara Counties? One of the biggest challenges for parents of kids who have developmental disabilities is to find care for their children between the time that school gets out and the time the parent gets out of work. Sometimes their child needs care beyond the age that other children can be home alone. Other parents are looking for an opportunity where their children get to meet others and establish friendships, while they have time to accomplish things that might be difficult when their child is with them or maybe they just need some time to refresh and rejuvenate! Traditional afterschool programs may not have been able to meet the need. People Inc. offers Respite Services during the late afternoons that are ideal for such situations. Through these programs, there is an opportunity for a person with a disability to experience socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, playing games, assistance with homework and community outings. The times and the ages supported vary with each program. More information is available on our website. Contact your care coordinator to start the admissions process. Our Admissions Team is happy to answer your questions.
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Accepting Applications Year-round for Affordable Apartments
Your New Apartment Awaits!
People Inc. is pleased to provide a variety of apartment options for the Western New York community – open to the general public! Each location through People Inc. Affordable Apartments includes units with a refrigerator and stove. Plus, the apartments have safety features, AC, are pet-friendly and tenants enjoy the ease of using the building laundry facilities. Rental vouchers accepted. Our staff members are available to provide age and income eligibility details. Contact us today to learn more and complete an application: Email housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890.
Here’s the latest info about People Inc. Affordable Apartments, which are close to shopping, dining, schools and so much more:
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- People Inc. Oakwood Senior Apartments, 15 Oakwood Avenue in Blasdell, NY: One- and two-bedroom units available. This brand NEW apartment complex is for people 55+ years, income-eligible. There are also seven furnished set-aside apartments for people 55+ who are income-eligible and are frail elderly homeless individuals.
- People Inc. Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments, 637 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY: Age 55+ and income-eligible.
- People Inc. Grant Street Apartments, 25 Grant Street, North Tonawanda, NY: Age 18+ and income-eligible or who has an intellectual or developmental disability.
- People Inc. Highland School Apartments, 105 Highland Avenue, Tonawanda, NY: Age 18+ and income-eligible; have a traumatic brain injury or an intellectual/developmental disability.
- Locations for the Olmsted Apartments, managed by People Inc., are located in Buffalo, Cheektowaga, Lockport and North Tonawanda, NY: Age 18+ and income-eligible. Preferences for people with physical disabilities or vision impairments are provided.
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News from Deaf Access Services
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Fall Registration Now Open for ASL
September is Deaf Awareness Month! If you have been wanting to learn American Sign Language (ASL), it’s a great time to start or even get a refresher! Deaf Access Services, an affiliate of People Inc., is offering classes in American Sign Language (ASL) this fall! Classes will be held in-person and virtually. Space is limited. Register online.
Deaf Access Services responds to the interests of people who are Deaf and hard of hearing by promoting communication access, awareness and opportunities in the greater community. News and event updates are posted on the Deaf Access Services Facebook page.
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Follow Headway of WNY on Instagram
Headway of Western New York, an affiliate of People Inc., is now on Instagram! The organization hopes to reach a larger audience with more awareness and information on the important services Headway provides. Follow @HeadwayWNY for the latest happenings!
Headway of Western New York is a support and advocacy agency for persons with brain injuries and other disabilities. The agency is the Regional Resource Center/Single Point of Entry for the Department of Health's Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver and the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver.
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News from Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center
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- Upcoming Croquet Tournament: Join us on Wednesday, August 17, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., at The Roycroft Inn, 40 South Grove Street in East Aurora, NY, to cheer on the East Aurora Kiwanis and the East Aurora Rotary Club teams, as they play in a Croquet Tournament to raise money benefiting Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center. All welcome! For more information, call Maggie Keller at 716.655.1335.
- Donation from East Aurora Musicfest: John Venezia, organizer of the East Aurora MusicFest, is pictured with Maggie Keller, program director of Lothlorien, during a presentation of a $5,000 donation from the East Aurora MusicFest. Lothlorien is honored to receive the generous event proceeds.
- Odyssey and Wounded Warrior Project Workshop: On July 26, Lothlorien hosted veterans and their partners for a workshop. The group is part of the Odyssey Project with the Wounded Warrior Project, which sends veterans across the country to participate in events and workshops that use experiential learning to help warriors manage and overcome their invisible wounds. The groups visit Lothlorien for workshops throughout the year for a fun, relaxing, informative day, while working hands-on with the horses. At a recent workshop, they used safe, water-based paints to create colorful pictures on the horses’ coats, using them as a canvas to express their feelings about the great day they had! Learn more about Lothlorien’s veteran programs, as well as other offerings, on their website: lothlorientrc.org
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