Residential Settings Provide Vital Supports for People with Prader-Willi syndrome

Prader-Willi Syndrome is not widely known, but it is on the list of diagnoses that qualify people for services from the NY State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. 

People Inc. Plays Major Role in Annual Developmental Disabilities Conference

The 36th Annual Developmental Disabilities Day Conference is a marquis event of the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of WNY, which is a collaborative group of member voluntary agencies who provide services to people with disabilities in the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions. This conference brought together advocates, industry connected vendors and suppliers, local and regional agencies, and leading experts to present on a wide variety of topics during the event. The event, run by volunteers, is the largest one of its kind in the United States. People Inc. was a proud sponsor of this event. Additionally, several agency employees volunteer their time and expertise in leadership roles on the planning committee. Receiving awards and presenting during the conference were: Kelly Special, Senior Residential Supervisor/LPN, was honored as the Service Provider of the Year for her commitment to ensuring the well-being of the women who live in a People Inc. supported community-based home and fostering an environment of respect and dignity. Brandon Scott whose original artwork was selected as the logo for the event. Brandon participates in the agency's ArtsWork program and has exhibited works locally and internationally. Dennis Garland, Ph. D., Associate Professor, Niagara University, who oversees the Special Olympics basketball competition received the Community Partner Award for his incorporation of people served by programs at People Inc. who participate alongside NU students with the planning of the event as well as the competition. Jenn Ball, Occupational Therapist, People Inc; Brian Clayback, General Manager, People First Mobility and Joanna Jackson, Physical Therapist, People Inc. presented a workshop on "Forget the Limitations – Focus on Solutions. Learn the Process to Obtain Seating, Mobility and Adaptive Equipment" Jeff Sanderson, Vice President Strategic Initiatives, People Inc. presented on "Best Practices for True Inclusion" along with Sam Mattle, Executive Director, Center for Self Advocacy and Chrys Malachowski. Jeff and Sam are co-chairs of the Partnership Coalition. People Inc. was proud to sponsor this well-attended event. In addition to our award honorees and workshop presenters, the agency also showcased our therapy dog program and art created through the ArtsWork program in a pop-up gallery.

Hundreds Support People Inc. at “Better Together” Event

Nearly 300 People Inc. friends and family attended “Better Together...A Night of Celebration” on May 9 to celebrate the coming together of the programs, services and agencies that make up People Inc. today. The evening included a wonderful choral performance by the “Traveling Troupe,” whose members attend People Inc.’s Arts Experience program. Guests also enjoyed live music, casino-style games, and an auction including original pieces created through the ArtsWork program. This event celebrated the expansion of People Inc.'s family of services over the last year and welcomed the programs of Deaf Access Services and Autism Services Inc. The evening also marked the coming together of the Rivershore and Southeast Foundations with the People Inc. Foundation. Event proceeds will assist the People Inc. Foundation in its support of the newly expanded comprehensive arts, music, and theater initiative under the ArtsWork umbrella. Thank you to all our sponsors, including Gold Sponsor, Creative Structures Services; and Silver Sponsors, Great Lakes Health, KeyBank, M&T Bank, Parkview Health Services and Upstate Pharmacy. A new overview video of the agency premiered. The video includes embedded captions and an ASL interpreter.

Nurse of Distinction Named

Nursing Director Stacey Edwards, RN, was nominated as a Buffalo News Nurse of Distinction for never losing perspective on the People Inc. mission and consistently focusing on protecting, promoting, and optimizing the health and functioning ability of each person under her and her team’s care, according to Senior Vice President Maralyn Militello, MPA, BSN, RN. Edwards’ outstanding leadership and support of the nurses, direct support professionals and management teams began in a very front-facing role as medication administration training nurse and continues through her current Director role, managing a team of 34 people. Her leadership skills have continued to grow throughout her nursing career at People Inc., and she is well-respected for offering potential resolutions for problems, innovative trainings and sharing valuable clinical insights. Through strategic education and communication, Edwards empowers both nursing and residential staff to find answers, learn new skills, take part in a workgroup, and consider roles in management. “Each day that I can advocate for those unable to advocate for themselves brings with it a feeling of accomplishment,” Edwards said. “Each time that I support and assist my nurses and staff in providing the best possible care for the people we serve carries with it a tremendous sense of achievement. I find that the greatest experiences are not only the moments that come with a feeling of gratification, but also those that provide a teachable moment. I have fostered many relationships within the agency that have afforded me the opportunity to educate others. My career journey itself has been extremely fulfilling.” Her thoughts about her most significant contribution to the nursing profession happened during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we found ourselves in uncharted territory, I was part of a team of nurses that took charge of creating COVID sites for the people we serve.  … During this challenging time we were able to provide the 24-hour nursing care that was needed for those diagnosed with COVID, as well as protect our already fragile population.” If you, or someone you know, are seeking a fulfilling career in nursing, this video highlights some of the dedicated People Inc. nurses in action and sharing their experiences.

People Inc. Plants Trees to Celebrate Arbor Day

People Inc. is planting trees for Arbor Day at locations across our service area. We are committed to nurturing the neighborhoods and communities in which we work, and where we maintain group homes, day programs and affordable apartment buildings. Arbor Day is a national observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care. First celebrated in 1872, it was established as a way to encourage farmers and homesteaders to plant trees that would provide shade, shelter, food, fuel and beauty to open areas. Communities, schools, businesses, and individuals alike join together to plant commemorative trees, hand out free trees, provide education on tree planting and care, and celebrate all the benefits trees provide. In New York, Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated the last Friday in April. However, communities around the state can celebrate Arbor Day any day of the year.  A ceremonial tree planting took place on April 26 at the agency's Brighton Park Day Program in the Town of Tonawanda. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate in the program were assisted by People Inc. staff and leadership. A feature of the habilitative services offered at the Brighton Park Day Program is a unique opportunity for participants to experience horticulture through an active on-site greenhouse. The greenhouse program is educational and therapeutic for people attending the Brighton Day Program. Through participation and visitation to the greenhouse, those served learn about the value of growing food, plants, flowers, and trees and their importance to the environment. People Inc.'s Seneca Cazenovia Senior Apartments in Buffalo, Lilly Senior Apartments in Blasdell, Nelson Hopkins Apartments in Lockport, Commonwealth Apartment in Buffalo, Union Square in North Chili/Rochester and the administrative building in Williamsville are also receiving the gift of new trees. 

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!”

Earth Day Celebrated by People Inc. Self-Directed Staff

Teamwork provided spring maintenance and a tree planting in Allegany County. Continuing a partnership with IMPACT: Friends Improving Allegany County Trails, Inc, members of the People Inc. Self-Directed team gathered on Earth Day 2024 to clear trails of winter blowdowns, trim branches, raking out drainage, mark trail hazards such as large fallen trees, and plant a new tree. The trails are open to the public and are an often visited attraction by people supported through the Self-Directed Program. IMPACT's mission is to conserve, improve and advocate for year-round access to a diverse network of public trails and greenways in Allegany County. These are multi-purpose trails used by hikers, backpackers, trail runners, snowshoe and cross-country skiers. The butternut hickory tree was planted near the parking lot and picnic area for trail #5, located  here  on the West Almond Trail System within the Turnpike Sate Forest. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Supervising Forester Greg Muller provided education and guidance on tree planting.

Celebrating Autism Acceptance Each Day at People Inc.

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to Autism, and that is clear in the approach to the People Inc. day program on Hertel Ave. in Buffalo, where all participants fall somewhere on the Autism spectrum. Whether it’s creating art, gardening, reading, volunteering, or learning daily living skills, each program attendee has a daily choice of activities and varied experiences. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a bio-neurological developmental disability that generally appears before the age of 3, impacting development of the brain in areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. April is known as Autism Acceptance Month and a time to draw attention to accepting all people with Autism. To Katie Radecki, director of the Hertel Avenue program, that means meeting people where they are. “When you’re meeting or supporting someone with autism, be aware that just because they may communicate in a unique way doesn’t mean they can’t,” said Katie Radecki, program director. “Don’t make assumptions. If you’ve met someone with autism, you’ve only met one person with autism! Step away from the stereotypes.” The key to the program's success is the individualized attention provided to each participant – each person has their own schedule, routine, and needs. There is a shared sensory room, and each activity room has a customized sensory space to meet the unique needs of the people who attend. Michael Egloff, for example, describes being creative as one of his favorite ways to spend his day. “I like all of the art projects and drawing the most,” he said. “I’m happy here.” Autism Awareness Month was first officially recognized in 1988. Many advocates today, however, prefer the name Autism Acceptance Month, as it recognizes Autism as a natural condition, along with an ongoing need to end discrimination. Autism can still be heavily stigmatized by the public, preventing those with Autism from living comfortably and being accepted for who they are.  Both Tony Rivera, senior day supervisor, and Radecki, agreed that some of their most important responsibilities are to advocate for those who attend the program, assist each person in finding their own way to communicate and be heard, and to help people in the community see beyond “disabilities.” Although art is an important part of the programming here, attendees are also involved with making music, creative movement and yoga, gardening, computers, working on daily living skills, reading, money management, and volunteering with community organizations—such as providing home-delivered meals and sorting/hanging clothes for Friends of Night People. Seasonal experiences can include visits to area farms for apple and pumpkin picking, as well as a very active participation with the Miracle League Baseball team. Through this wide range of activities, those enrolled in the program can be their authentic selves in an environment that nurtures growth and encourages a fulfilling experience every day.   People Inc. employees Abby Setlur, behavior coordinator, and Sue Abramowshi, direct support professional - residential, were invited to discuss the meaning and impact of World Autism Awareness Day during a segment of WGRZ's Most Buffalo Show on April 2.  Learn mor e

The Global Group Hosting Events for People Inc.

The Global Group is proud to be a part of the upcoming "Better Together...A Night of Celebration" benefiting the People Inc. Foundation. They are hosting a pair of public "gift gatherings" at their locations in Amherst and Blasdell this month. Mention that you are with People Inc. at check-out, and you will receive 20% off any wine and 10% off any liquor purchases from your full-price selections during the times noted below. This is a great opportunity to stock your shelves at home and contribute wine or liquor donations for the People Inc. Foundation's fundraiser,  Better Together . Stop by: Wednesday, April 17  from 6-8 p.m. at Global Wine & Spirits, 4990 Harlem Road, Amherst. This event features tastings of more than 100 wines and personal shopping with Kevin LoVullo from Spiel the Wine.   Thursday, April 18  from 5-7 p.m. at McKinley Wine & Spirits, 3820 McKinley Parkway, Blasdell.