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Check Out New Website with Improved Navigation and Features
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We’re so pleased to share that the People Inc. website, people-inc.org, was redesigned! The new and improved look has purpose behind every detail, every section and every new feature – to help each visitor feel welcome and access information easily. The refreshed design enhances the agency’s online presence, showcases our vast services to people in need of supports, families, care coordinators, healthcare professionals, donors, business partners and employees. Some of the new features include:
Audience Pages: These pages are found in colored
boxes on the homepage and under the top Welcome tab. They make it easy for people seeking services, care coordinators, families, older adults and businesses to locate crucial services and supports.
Interest Surveys: These are included on a few of the audience pages to provide a convenient access point for people seeking services for themselves, their loved ones or for those they assist.
Improved Navigation: Information on supports, health services, housing and services are now easier to find with improved navigation! Review the menu items along the top of the page to see everything our agency has to offer.
Enhanced Search: Find information in a flash with the new search feature, found in the upper right.
Locations and links to our agency affiliates and partners are in the footer throughout the website. You can also subscribe to our agency e-newsletters right from the homepage. Additionally, the website is now fully American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant and responsive – making it easier to view and move through on all devices – from phones and tablets to adaptive equipment.
To help make it easier for potential employees to actively seek employment, the Careers section was updated to highlight featured jobs, benefits and to view application status.
The improved and comprehensive People Inc. website is a vital part of being a resource for supports, information and employment.
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| Telling Our Story Since 1970:
View 50th Anniversary Video
We’re honored to celebrate 50 years and excited to bring you our People Inc. 50th Anniversary video! Family members, a program participant and advocate, as well as longtime staff members and local leaders share the impact our agency has made in their lives. Learn more about our history and milestones. We’re five decades in the making – and YOU can be a part of our next chapters – let’s continue to tell the People Inc. story – where your world opens up!
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| Congressman Brian Higgins Acknowledges
People Inc. 50th Anniversary
Congressmember Brian Higgins, a longtime supporter of People Inc. and our mission, delivered a speech on the floor of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., acknowledging our agency for its 50th Anniversary. We are so thankful for the continued support and advocacy Congressman Higgins has provided for our agency and the people we support!
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| People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments Recognized
People Inc. is honored to have received an award from the New York State Association for Affordable Housing under the category of “Project of the Year in the Upstate Region.” The recognition acknowledges our Jefferson Avenue Apartments, located in Buffalo’s historic Jefferson corridor, which began construction in 2018 and celebrated the public opening in August 2021. The award was presented to Concetta Ferguson of People Inc. and Timothy Henzy of Smith and Henzy Advisory Group on Tuesday, November 9, in New York City. In addition to providing safe and affordable housing, community members can admire a set of five murals that adorn the apartment building, all designed by local artists and representing the history of the Jefferson Avenue community.
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| Your Help is Needed to Increase Staffing for People with Developmental Disabilities
Letter Writing Campaign Continues
In an effort to bring attention to the staffing shortage across New York State for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive assistance, a local disability rights advocate is leading the way. BJ Stasio, who receives supports from People Inc., launched a campaign to bring New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s attention to a workforce crisis that is leaving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities without the assistance they need. Make your voice heard today! Families, direct support professionals (DSPs), people with disabilities and anyone who works for a disability services provider are encouraged to participate. Submit your letter online (pre-filled information is available) or email NYRiseUpTogether@gmail.com.
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| Now Accepting Referrals:
People Certified Home Health
Attention care coordinators and healthcare professionals – our People Certified Home Health is the only agency in Western New York that provides specialized home health care to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. People Certified Home Health was established as an affiliate of People Inc. for those with short-term health needs, who can be supported by in-home nurses and rehabilitation therapists. The emphasis is on treating acute conditions through brief, appropriate house visits. Our focus is on
proven, quality care, which:
- Specializes in supporting people with developmental disabilities
- Provides patients quality care in the comfort of their own home – to enhance their wellbeing and regain independence
- Offers more cost-effective services than alternative long-term care options
Supports are provided to people 18 years old and older, with and without developmental disabilities, at home (including certified settings and IRAs). Services include: Intermittent Skilled Nursing; Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapies; Nutrition and Medical Social Work.
There are many times that someone would benefit from People Certified Home Health, including: Treatment for new medical diagnoses, such as diabetes, cardiac and lung diseases; wound care and skin breakdown; frequent hospital emergency room visits; after an injury, surgery or hospital stay; age-related conditions and for assistance with medication management.
We welcome referrals from care coordinators and healthcare professionals. To make a referral, for more information or to arrange for a presentation, contact Jake Wilkins, RN, vice president, People Home Health Services, at jwilkins@people-inc.org or 716.566.4814.
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Pictured left to right:
Delaware North General Manager Michael Barnes, Delaware North Director of Government Affairs Shannon Patch and People Inc. Program Director Tina Polito.
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| Supporting Inclusive Businesses Year-round
Ensuring that people with developmental disabilities secure and maintain meaningful, competitive employment is an important part of what we do at People Inc. Our agency works with businesses in Western New York and the Greater Rochester region to employ people and create jobs around their talents and interests. People Inc. encourages everyone to join us in raising awareness by supporting inclusive businesses and encouraging companies to hire workers of all abilities! Here are some recent highlights:
Last month, Delaware North - Niagara Falls State Park was recognized by the WNY Employment Consortium and New York State Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) for their extraordinary efforts to provide on-site opportunities to young adults through the
People Inc. Supported Employment Program. A new business partner, Delaware North showed great flexibility with scheduling and provided an exceptional work-based experience for the participants. Michael Barnes, general manager for Delaware North, shared, “We find that employing people with special needs and different abilities is beneficial not only to the employee, but to our business and, most importantly, our guests. Delaware North is excited to work with People Inc. to expand this program because of the value of giving back to the community.”
Due to safety precautions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations required employees to work remotely, which helped create job opportunities for some people with disabilities. However, these numbers have been declining as companies return to on-site work. Alex Jusko, People Inc. Advocacy support specialist and his life coach Jim Jowsey, discuss the importance of flexible opportunities for people of all abilities in a recent news story with Spectrum News Buffalo.
Over the years, we’ve established several business solutions that offer high quality work, ranging from janitorial and carpet cleaning to workforce solutions and contract manufacturing. Some of our valued customers include: Cintas Corporation; Dynabrade Inc.; Eastman Machine; Great Lakes Dental Technologies; PCB Piezotronics, Inc.; Package Design; Performance Advantage Company; Pfannenberg Manufacturing USA; Promotional Images Inc.; Reliance Rx; RMF Print Management Group; Robinson Home Products; Sam-Son Logistics; Sealing Devices Inc.; Shuman Plastics and Wegmans Food Markets. For more information, email contractmanufacturing@people-inc.org or call 716.683.7100.
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| Shop for a Gift that Sparkles
Treat someone you care about or yourself to a beautiful piece of jewelry this holiday season! Check out the Embrace the Difference® wrap bracelets now for sale – each includes an exclusive silver tone butterfly charm. Pick from various styles: Black, crystal or a dark purple, teal and fuchsia jewel toned seed bead design on a silver wire to add a bit of dazzle. Bracelets are $30 each and can be ordered at people-inc.org/shop (additional cost for shipping). For more information or to schedule a pick up, contact Melanie Wilkinson at melanie.wilkinson@people-inc.org or call 716.817.7450.
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| Spread Some Cheer: Purchase Holiday Cards
This holiday season, purchase cards from the People Inc. Foundation and spread cheer while making a difference. Our holiday cards are a nice way to brighten the days of family, friends and customers during this upcoming festive season! The two designs available, Holiday Llama and Winter Mountains, were created by people we support. Proceeds from the sale benefit our various supports provided by People Inc. Order your cards until Friday, December 17 – shop fast, as a limited supply is available.
Choose your design and purchase packs of eight cards with envelopes for $9.99 each:
people-inc.org/holidaycards (additional cost for shipping). A special shipping rate is offered for ten or more packs of cards. A printable order form is also available. For more information or to schedule a pickup, contact Melanie Wilkinson at melanie.wilkinson@people-inc.org or call 716.817.7450.
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| Partners Help Recognize 50 Years
In recognition of our People Inc. 50th Anniversary, the People Inc. Foundation, Southeast Foundation and Rivershore Foundation collaborated to host an event on Thursday, October 21, with a “Fantasy Casino Night” theme. Board members and many of our longtime business partners came together to mark this milestone in our history. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible, including our Blackjack sponsors, Savarino Companies, LLC, Upstate Pharmacy, Vera B. Arrison Foundation, as well as our Roulette sponsors, KeyBank and Reliance RX!
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| Telling the People Inc. Story: Then/Now Series Feature
As our agency’s 50th Anniversary celebration continues, we’re sharing snapshots of how things were then and now.
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| Then: People Inc. did not offer services to children.
Now: About 30 percent of our disability services are for children and young adults. We work with care coordinators and families to support the needs of people from birth to age 26, offering Children’s Health Home Care Management, Early Intervention, Educational and Family Advocacy Services, Respite Services, Transition Services and Young Adult Life Transitions.
More of our agency’s Then/Now series is included in a photo album on the People Inc. Facebook page.
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| People Inc. Family Conference Call Scheduled for Monday, December 6
We have scheduled an information session for families of the people we support for Monday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams and phone. During this call, agency management will provide operational updates, projected plans and answer questions. Questions may be sent in advance and during the call to COVIDconcern@people-inc.org or texted to 716.868.9233. Given the anticipated volume of participants on the calls, this is the most effective way to have questions heard and answered. The conference call number is: 1.607.442.6488,
with the access code 194 146 554#.
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| COVID-19 Updated Guidance and Resources
Our focus remains on the safety of the people we support and our staff. The People Inc. team will continue to operate in a proactive, precautionary manner, with a primary goal of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for people we support and our staff throughout the global pandemic. For ongoing agency updates, refer to the Coronavirus section of our website. Thank you for your continued observation of the protocols that best keep the people we support and our staff as safe as possible.
Please note: Based on OPWDD guidance, throughout the agency: ALL People Inc. employees, vendors and visitors are required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status.
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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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Looking to Start a New Career or Change Direction… Make an Impact and Become Part of a Supportive Team at People Inc.
People Inc. is hiring compassionate, energetic and creative people for full time and part time positions across Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. If you value rewarding experiences and making an impact, then apply today! People with experience in retail, restaurants, customer service and education often become an outstanding part of our agency’s team. We have a place for people of all skill levels – from entry level to many years of experience. Direct support professionals, clinical 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 lots of PTO and PTO buyback. Some of the other great benefits provided by People Inc. include health insurances and tuition assistance. A starting hourly rate of $15 per hour is available for select direct support positions. 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 designated management positions, a sign-on bonus of up to $1,500 is also available. (Note: The sign-on bonus is subject to change and/or may be discontinued at any time). There are also immediate opportunities for speech pathologists, LPNs, RNs, behavior intervention specialists, behavior technicians, Children’s Services case managers, team leads and residential supervisors, just to name a few. Take the next step to grow your career today! View People Inc. employment openings at people-inc.org/careers or call 716.322.7050 for more information.
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New Niagara Falls Afternoon Respite
Seeking Applicants
We are currently accepting applicants for the People Inc. Niagara Falls Afternoon Respite. Located at 4455 Porter Road, Niagara Falls, NY, the program is for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ages 13 to 21, and available Monday through Friday, from 2 to 6 p.m. Transportation is provided to and from the program for students from the Niagara Falls School District.
Students will enjoy a fun and safe environment where they have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities with staff and their peers, including board game tournaments, cooking classes, arts and crafts and more. There is also regular access to a gymnasium for physical activities and a low-stimulus quiet area, which can be utilized for watching movies, playing games or reading.
To learn more, contact our Admissions Department at admissions@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3700.
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People Inc. Senior Living and Affordable
Apartments Available
Locations in Erie and Niagara Counties
Accepting Applications
People Inc. is pleased to offer housing opportunities for the general public who qualify. We offer a number of affordable locations across Western New York:
People Inc. Senior Living: Affordable and maintenance-free one-bedroom apartments for independent older adults age 62 and up who are income-eligible. Many locations are currently accepting applications, including Amherst, Angola, Blasdell, Buffalo (border of Cheektowaga) and South Buffalo, Gowanda*, Grand Island, Lackawanna, Lockport (border of Amherst), Springville and Wheatfield (border of North Tonawanda). (*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). Two benefits of People Inc. Senior Living are affordable rent based on income and safety features. Learn more about the apartment features provided by People Inc. Senior Living.
People Inc. Affordable Apartments: Reasonably-priced, safe apartments for people age 18 and over OR age 55 and over, who meet income eligibility. Rent subsidies and/or rental vouchers accepted. Adaptable apartments are available, with some that are specifically designed for people who have mobility and vision challenges or for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Numerous locations are accepting applications, including:
Olmsted Apartments, managed by People Inc. (preferences for people with physical disabilities or vision impairments are noted):
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The apartments listed below are also accepting applications (certain eligibility applies):
NEW Oakwood Senior Apartments, 15 Oakwood Avenue, Blasdell, NY: 55+ years of age and who are income eligible (affordable rent). The building is currently nearing completion, with tenants moving in to their apartments in early December.
Grant Street Apartments, 25 Grant Street,
North Tonawanda, NY: 18+ years of age and who
are income-eligible (affordable rent); or are intellectually/developmentally disabled.
Highland School Apartments, 105 Highland Avenue, Tonawanda, NY: 18+ years of age and who are income-eligible (affordable rent); have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or are intellectually/developmentally disabled. Currently, a two-bedroom unit with hearing and vision accommodations is available.
Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments, 637 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY: 55+ years of age and who are income-eligible, physically disabled and/or intellectually/developmentally disabled. Market rate units available. Varying rates apply, based on income.
Learn more about the apartment amenities provided by People Inc. Affordable Apartments.
For additional information about any of these apartment locations, email housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890.
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Volunteers Needed to Help Older Adults
Want to assist older adults to remain independent? The People Inc. Senior Companion Program is seeking volunteers 55 or over, who live in Erie County and meet income guidelines to assist older adults with grocery shopping, light cooking and housekeeping. Additionally, our volunteers have the opportunity to reach out to recipients virtually through our program’s “Phone Connection” initiative. Trained volunteers earn a stipend, mileage and meal reimbursement. To volunteer or for more information, contact Alissa Yax at ayax@people-inc.org or call 716.768.2381.
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Headway is Here to Help
Bi-monthly support groups hosted by Headway of WNY, Inc., an affiliate of People Inc., are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. These groups are for anyone living with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or other cognitive condition, as well as caregivers, friends and family members. Newcomers are always welcome. Upcoming support group dates are: November 17, December 1 and December 15.
To join any of these meetings, send your name, phone number, email address and date(s) you would like to attend to support@headwayofwny.org. Virtual connection instructions will be provided to your email address. If you have questions, call 716.408.3120.
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Coming Soon: Headway’s Annual Appeal
Over the course of the pandemic, Headway of WNY, Inc. has been challenged to reimagine its usual fundraising initiatives. While a small virtual silent auction was held in June, Headway’s largest fundraising event, its annual spring gala, has not been held since 2019. We hope to be able to offer some news on this front early 2022 and in the meantime, Headway asks for your support during its end-of-year Annual Appeal.
Thank you again to all who participated in our Starry Night with Headway virtual auction, as well as the many additional donations that have come in over the course of the year. Your support continues to help sustain Headway’s mission. Additionally, thank you to all current and new Members who have strengthened and sustained the Headway’s Membership Program.
Please consider making a contribution during Headway’s Annual Appeal. More detailed information will be announced about this campaign in the coming weeks. Keep up-to-date by going to Headway’s website and following their Facebook page.
Headway assists people and families with TBI, other cognitive conditions, seniors and veterans. The agency offers a variety of services to the Western New York community, including: support groups, identification of supports, educational programs, waiver programs, symposiums, outreach, special fundraising events and a bi-annual newsletter.
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