Julie Barber of Grand Island has been promoted to Clinical Program Manager at People Inc. Julie has been employed at People Inc. since 2003. In 10 years she has held positions of Senior Living Program Administrator and Direct Care Specialist. She is a graduate of UB with a Masters in Social Work.

Julie’s new position as Clinical Program Manager will involve supervising one of the three forensic group homes that are currently under construction where individuals from Finger Lakes Developmental Disabilities Services Office (FLDDSO) will be moving, the IRA’s are scheduled to open by the end of December; as well as helping to create a smooth transition for the individuals as they move from the FLDDSO. Once the sites are open, Julie will then be responsible for site operations, staffing, as well as working as a team player to complete assessments and provide treatment to the individuals who reside in the IRA’s, including volunteering opportunities, and engaging the community.

Julie first heard about people Inc., and since then has grown with the agency and says her job is so rewarding because, “Although I have only been in my current role for a few weeks I already find it very rewarding. The three forensic IRA’s are new to People Inc., I find it very exciting to be part of the new development. The individuals who will be residing in the three IRA’s will be coming to People Inc. from the FLDDSO. Since being in this role I have been able to visit the FLDDSO on a weekly basis to begin to build relationships with the individuals. It is so heartwarming to be able to witness how excited the individuals are to be moving from the institution to a group home.”

Ten years ago when she started at Long ICF as Direct Care, Julie recalls, "I was scared the first few weeks and often found myself questioning if I was in the right line of work. After a few months I was able to get to know the individuals, as well as build positive working relationships with them and I was hooked! Many of the individuals did not have family involvement so they built strong relationships with the staff and often viewed them as their family, I found it rewarding to be trusted as well as welcomed into the individual’s lives.”

Julie recently started volunteering at The Institute on Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care at UB and enjoys attending workshops/ classes to continue my education in the Social Work field. Julie said, ”People Inc. is an amazing agency! I get excited when I have the opportunity to explain to others what I do and how People Inc. creates amazing opportunities for staff and awesome meaningful lives for those the agency serves.”

People Inc. continues to be a leading employer in health and human relations with over 2,000 employees. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.