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| People Inc. Travelers Make Dreams Come True
People Inc. supports the goals and dreams of many people – using creative outlets to encourage skill-building and the pursuit of new experiences. Through partnerships with likeminded organizations, the possibilities are even greater – paving the way for fun, rewarding opportunities. Since 1975, our agency has enjoyed a close link with People and Places, a local nonprofit organization that provides vacations for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Beth Duncan, senior day supervisor at our People Inc. Young Adult Life Transitions (YALT) Program in Lockport and Kristine Baskerville of our Self-Directed Services, have been involved in People and Places for many years, accompanying travelers as vacation escorts. They knew several people enrolled in our agency supports who were interested in traveling to a place where dreams are everything: Walt Disney World! Learn more about this exciting experience, as told by our program participants and staff.
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| Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown Dedicates Video and Proclamation to People Inc.
To help culminate our People Inc. 50th Anniversary, Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown dedicated a video and proclamation marking Friday, February 11, 2022, as “People Inc. Day in the City of Buffalo.” We are so honored to have Mayor Brown’s support and appreciate his long-time commitment and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, chronic health conditions and older adults to thrive, while promoting our region to be more inclusive. Although the proclamation was delayed due to COVID-19, the message remains strong as ever. Thank you, Mayor Brown!
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| February Celebrates Black History Month
People Inc. is proud to recognize the importance of Black history year-round and the countless accomplishments of Black Americans – including our staff and people we support. This year’s national theme is “Black Health and Wellness.” Learn more from the founders of Black History Month, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH®).
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| Julia Harris Inspires Smiles and Positivity
This past December, Julia Harris, who receives Self-Directed Services from People Inc., took part in the 15th Annual Buffalo Polar Plunge! The event raised awareness and funds for Special Olympics New York athletes in the Western Region. Julia shared, “It was great to see all the people come together for a common cause to support Special Olympics athletes, just like me!” Ahead of the plunge, Julia gave a motivational speech to inspire attendees, available on her Facebook page, License2Smile. She is pictured left alongside People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick. License 2 Smile was created by Julia to motivate others by sharing her personal story and keys to living life with a smile.
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| People Inc. Named #19 Largest Employer by Buffalo Business First
Buffalo Business First recently released their annual list of top employers in Buffalo and Western New York. People Inc. is number 19 in the ranking of 100 companies! View the full list.
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| Career Spotlight: Behavioral Intervention Specialist, Monday-Friday
Calling all Master’s level clinicians – Are you ready to take your career to the next level? People Inc. is offering several full time terrific advancement opportunities in both Western New York and the Greater Rochester Region for passionate professionals! Join us as a behavioral intervention specialist where you will work Monday through Friday in the community providing support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Your expertise and clinical skills will be valuable as you help them with the tools to address challenging behaviors. We are seeking energetic and creative staff to join our team in the Behavior Department supporting children, teens and adults. The team members greatly enrich the lives of those we support through our agency supports.
The minimum qualifications include: Master’s degree in social work, a clinical or treatment field of psychology, applied psychology or school psychology; OR a National Board certification in behavior analysis (BCBA) AND a Master’s degree in behavior analysis or a field closely related to clinical or community psychology OR a New York State license in mental health counseling.*
People Inc. offers outstanding benefits including: Mentoring and professional development opportunities (with a focus on help with taking the next step to clinical licensure), affordable insurances, ample PTO and tuition reimbursement. Our employees are our most valuable resource and we are committed to their ongoing personal and professional growth. There is a place for YOU on our TEAM! Apply online at people-inc.org/careers.
*Please refer to job postings for full qualifications and responsibilities.
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| Donate $10 a Month and Receive an Exclusive Calendar
Did you know you can help assist the thousands of people we support each day? The People Inc. Foundation helps fund quality of life programs and health care, specifically tailored to more complicated special needs, along with staff training and development to keep up with current trends and emergencies. Plus, some of the funds raised are designated to support the future of our agency. You can help by joining us as a People Inc. Foundation Supporting Member by pledging a recurring gift of $10 a month or a one-time gift of $100 or more annually. As a token of our appreciation, Supporting Members receive an exclusive 2022 calendar! With a theme of “What Inclusion Means to Me,” this year’s calendar is an ode to one of our agency’s overarching values: Diversity and Inclusion. Become a Supporting Member today! The People Inc. Foundation is grateful for your generosity.
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| Get Social with Us!
There’s a lot going on within our agency – our goal is to make sure you’re caught up! A great way to stay updated is through our social media channels. We will deliver agency news, updates about our supports, career opportunities and fun photos, plus info about our affiliates. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
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Topics include:
February 12: The Impact of the Two Pandemics: Covid-19 and Racism and Managing Chronic Health Issues, Loss, Grief and Trauma.
February 19: Diversity of Perspectives and Needs: Children, Black Males, Older Adults, Justice Involved and LGBTQ.
February 26: Social Determinants, Education, Engagement and System Change: Where do we go from here?
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| Staff Kudos
People Inc. is proud to recognize Julie Winegarden through LeadingAge New York’s special issue of their Adviser magazine. Julie is a chore worker through our Senior Outreach Program and assists older adults to help them maintain independence in their homes. Learn more about Julie’s dedication on page 24 of the LeadingAge New York’s publication.
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| COVID-19 Resources
The People Inc. team operates in a proactive, precautionary manner, with a primary goal of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for both the people we support and our staff throughout the global pandemic. For ongoing agency updates, refer to the Coronavirus section of our website.
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The following resources are available:
- Families are welcome to call group homes and programs with specific questions.
- A special Coronavirus Phone Line is available for families to call at 716.817.7445.
- An afterhours Coronavirus hotline is available for families and people enrolled in our Day Habilitation Programs and Vocational Services to share questions. The number is 716.529.6505.
- To have COVID-19 concerns addressed, contact us at COVIDconcern@people-inc.org.
- The People Inc. Advocacy Department continues to help people who receive supports to
stay connected and informed through Zoom video and phone conferences. Our Advocacy Phone Line is available for people we support to ask non-emergency questions by calling 716.322.7070.
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Want a Career Where You are Valued?
People Inc. is the Answer!
We value what’s important to you – making an impact, creating connections, feeling accomplished and enjoying outstanding benefits. People Inc. is hiring compassionate, energetic and creative people for full and part time positions across Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. If you value rewarding experiences, apply today! We have a place for people of all skill levels – from entry level to many years of experience. Direct support professionals, nursing, clinical, children’s care manager and behavioral staff are needed to help people with disabilities achieve their goals! People Inc. offers paid comprehensive training and a wide variety of flexible and consistent schedules, which are great for college students to gain hands-on experience and for people returning to the workforce. Staff earn generous PTO and PTO buyback is offered. Some of the other great benefits provided by People Inc. include affordable health insurances and tuition assistance. A sign-on bonus of $750 is now offered for some designated full time direct support positions and a $375 sign-on bonus for part time. For the group home in Springville, ONLY – Behavior Technicians are NOW eligible for a sign-on bonus of $1,000 for full time and $500 for part time. (Note: The sign-on bonus is subject to change and/or may be discontinued at any time). Take your career to the next step! View People Inc. employment openings at people-inc.org/careers or call 716.322.7050 for more information.
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What’s at Your Core? People Inc. E.T.H.O.S AmeriCorps
Has a Place for You!
Are you interested in serving as an AmeriCorps member at a leading, multispecialty, regional health and human service agency? Do you want to participate in meaningful national service while earning a living wage and an educational award? If you said YES, join the People Inc. E.T.H.O.S. AmeriCorps as a member! Now recruiting for positions to begin immediately and serve through early 2023. AmeriCorps members also receive student loan deferment and other benefits! Learn more and apply today at people-inc.org/ethos!
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Need Adaptive Equipment? People Inc. is Here for You!
If you are in need of adaptive equipment for accessibility, safety or positioning, the People Inc. Adaptive Equipment Clinic through our Rehabilitative Health Services can assist by performing clinical assessments, equipment trial, writing letters of medical justification and submitting to insurance/foundations for payment. Van modification assessments are also available. To schedule an appointment, call 716.566.5050. Check out the full range of People Inc. Rehabilitative Health Services at people-inc.org/rehab.
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New People Inc. Oakwood Senior Apartments Now Open and Accepting Applications
Do you have a friend or family member who may qualify for a senior apartment and prefers to live in the Southtowns area? Part of our Affordable Apartments Services, the new People Inc. Oakwood Senior Apartments in Blasdell, NY, are now open and applications are being accepted. This newly-built two-story apartment building is for people 55+ years, income-eligible. Additionally, there are seven furnished set-aside apartments for people 55+ who are income-eligible and are frail elderly homeless individuals. Located at 15 Oakwood Avenue in the village of Blasdell, one- and two-bedroom units are available. Section 8 vouchers accepted.
The apartment units include a refrigerator, stove and dishwasher, plus safety features and building laundry facilities. Tenants may have one small pet. People Inc. Oakwood Senior Apartments is near a major bus route, as well as within blocks of restaurants and shopping.
Download an application in English or Spanish. Staff members are available to provide income eligibility details. For more information or to request an application be mailed, email housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890.
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People Inc. Senior Living in Erie and Niagara Counties Accepting Applications
Looking for an affordable senior apartment for yourself, a family member or someone you assist? People Inc. Senior Living offers affordable and maintenance-free one-bedroom apartments for independent older adults age 62 and up who are income-eligible. Many locations are accepting applications, including Amherst, Angola, Blasdell, Buffalo, South Buffalo, Gowanda, Grand Island, Lackawanna, Lockport, Springville and Wheatfield. Two benefits of People Inc. Senior Living are affordable rent based on income and safety features. (*Our Gowanda location provides HUD Section 202 Affordable Housing and NYS Tax Credit apartments for seniors age 62+. Accessible unit available. Amenities vary. TTD/TTY: 1.800.662.1220). To learn more, email housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890.
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News from Deaf Access Services
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Deaf Access Services Newsletter Now Available
Deaf Access Services, an affiliate of People Inc., continues to make great strides to benefit people who are Deaf and hard of hearing. Learn more about how its team makes an impact in the community through its Spring 2022 biannual newsletter! For more information about supportive services and trainings available through Deaf Access Services, contact Office@wnydas.org, call 716.833.1637 or videophone at 716.335.9192. News and event updates are posted on the Deaf Access Services Facebook page.
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Virtual Headway Support Groups Continue
Headway of Western New York, an affiliate of People Inc., assists people and families with traumatic brain injury (TBI), other cognitive conditions, seniors and veterans. Bi-monthly support groups are available to address topics related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other cognitive conditions, as well as day-to-day challenges and maintenance of wellbeing. Visit the Support Groups section of the of the Headway website to sign up and view the most up-to-date listing of virtual meetings.
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News from Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center
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The Healing Power of Horses
Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc., an affiliate of People Inc., offers opportunities for people of all abilities to connect with horses and experience the unique, healing effects of equine therapy. Their work was recently featured in an article for In Good Health Buffalo.
“For anybody that’s looking for some type of healing, this is the place to come,” shared Maggie Keller, executive director of Lothlorien. “We see miracles here every day. And I think it’s the healing power of the horse. The connection is amazing. It’s beautiful to watch. We’re just a facilitator. That’s really where the magic happens is between the horses and the individuals.” Check out the full article (last page).
Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. is a non-profit, therapeutic horseback riding facility providing horsemanship and horseback riding opportunities for people with cognitive, physical, emotional and learning disabilities. Located outside the Village of East Aurora, NY, Lothlorien is the longest-running therapeutic program in Western New York, serving ages three and up. Follow Lothlorien on Facebook to stay up-to-date with the latest information.
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