People Inc. Employee Rick Banner Honored for DEI Advocacy

Buffalo Business First named Richard (Rick) Banner, People Inc. Associate Vice President of Advocacy one of the IDEA Award recipients. He was recognized for being a tireless champion helping people to find and utilize their voices for more than 20 years. He is responsible for developing and directing all advocacy initiatives in the agency, which includes promoting the idea that people have rights and can determine for themselves how to live as independently as possible. Rick leads a team of people tasked with supporting self-advocacy and educating others about advocacy. His work is unique and highly respected throughout Western New York, and includes networking, collaborating with and training staff at other agencies to strengthen the quality of advocacy programs and person-centered planning regionally, statewide, and nationally. He assures advocate perspectives and person-centered-thinking is integral throughout the agency.  Rick is actively involved in supporting the establishment and on-going work of several Advocacy groups and has put People Inc’s Advocacy Team on the map both locally and statewide. He not only supports, trains and guides others in facilitating communication and independence, but through his relationships and leadership he advises the entire agency on respectful and accepted language and practices, enhancing the execution of our mission. Rick does this through building relationships and then escalating questions and concerns to leadership, making true change that affects both employees and people served by People Inc. His groundbreaking work is the very definition of inclusivity. Rick shared his advice on making the workplace more inclusive, "Recognize that every employee has value in an organization and be mindful of a workplace that stives toward universal design." Buffalo Business First celebrates the people and companies around Western New York who make inclusivity, diversity and equity pillars of their business.

People Inc. Expands Services to Include Programs for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Deaf Services and Advocacy Efforts Across the Region to be Strengthened Deaf Access Services has merged with People Inc., expanding People Inc.’s comprehensive suite of human services programs. Sharing a common mission to serve the community where needed, the merger was part of a long-term plan when Deaf Access Services affiliated with People Inc. in 2018. The merger adds another element to People Inc.’s portfolio of programs that includes senior services, affordable housing, health care, as well as services for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. It also strengthens and sustains Deaf services and advocacy efforts throughout the Buffalo and Rochester areas. Since the affiliation, there has been a substantial increase in services provided. “The Deaf services People Inc. now provides were built from the ground up by the Deaf and hard of hearing community through Deaf Access Services. People Inc. took that foundation very much to heart with this affiliation, and now with the merger,” said Anne McCaffrey, People Inc. president and CEO. “It has been rewarding to expand these unique access efforts and we expect that growth to continue.” “The merger ensured no interruption in quality essential programming,” McCaffrey said. “Increased communication access, awareness and opportunities are the focus of the programs and central to People Inc.’s mission of helping people live a fulfilling life.” Additions to People Inc. services through the merger include: American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting, Captioning Access Real-Time Translation (CART), assistance with long-term employment, ASL classes, support groups, deaf refugee services, connections to resources, and more. “We are working to build a bridge that allows equity in communication and all levels of access for Deaf and hard of hearing people,” said David Wantuck, director of deaf community services. “With the merger, we have the momentum necessary to meet, and even exceed, our goals.”   ABOUT PEOPLE INC.: People Inc. provides an array of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, as well as health care services, senior services, services for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and affordable housing. Built on a strong foundation of innovation, collaboration, community and inclusion, People Inc. helps people throughout Western New York and Rochester achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Construction Starts on Blocher Apartments

People Inc. Plans 93 Units in Williamsville Project People Inc. broke ground recently on Blocher Apartments, an affordable living complex at 135 Evans St., Williamsville. The $42 million development will provide 93 rental apartments for adults who qualify based on income.   The project includes renovations to the former Blocher Homes senior residence, as well as construction of three additional buildings. The complex will include one- and two-bedroom apartments and rents will range from $704 - $918 per month for one-bedroom units and $1082 - $1,157 per month for two-bedroom apartments. There will be 23 apartments designated for people with developmental disabilities. Up to five apartments will be accessible for people who are hearing and/or vision impaired. The Evans Street location is just off Main Street, providing close access to the many village and town amenities. “The Blocher project is an exciting and unique opportunity to add and sustain housing options in an area where the need for affordable housing has been well documented,” said Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO of People Inc. “Providing these choices, including opportunities for people with disabilities, can be life-changing for residents.” People Inc. manages over 30 affordable housing complexes with over 1,300 residents. The development of Blocher Apartments will mark the 8th residential construction project that the organization has developed through the use of tax credits.  “Our goals with the development of Blocher Apartments will be consistent with our other housing initiatives: to provide safe and affordable living environments where there is an unmet need, to create aesthetically pleasing and welcoming buildings, and to have a positive impact on the communities in which we are located,” McCaffrey said. Funding for the Blocher Apartments comes from several sources, including federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, New York State’s Homes and Community Renewal, Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program, Supportive Housing Opportunity Program and the Town of Amherst HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan. Features available to residents include a new playground, activity rooms, multiple community rooms and a patio. There will be a parking lot for residents and visitors, and a live-in superintendent. The project also includes new walkways and landscaping. “At the core of People Inc.’s mission is responding to the needs of the people of Western New York,” McCaffrey said. “There continues to be high demand for healthy, affordable and safe living environments and we are grateful to all our government and other collaborators and funders who are working with us to answer that call.” Construction of Blocher Apartments is expected to be completed by mid-2026.   ABOUT PEOPLE INC.: People Inc. provides a diverse array of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, as well as health care services, senior services, services for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and affordable housing. Founded more than 50 years ago and built on a strong foundation of innovation, collaboration, community and inclusion, People Inc. helps people achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity, providing superior programs throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester regions.  

Autism Services Programs & Services To Transition to People Inc., The Summit Center

Separate Agencies to Provide Programs Based on Specialties Two local nonprofits that support people with developmental disabilities are working together to ensure the continuation of educational, residential, and other services currently provided by Autism Services Inc. Autism Services supports approximately 175 people in day programs, group homes and other programs funded and regulated by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). It also operates two New York State Education Department-certified school age special education programs located in Buffalo and Amherst, serving about 100 students. As a result of insurmountable financial challenges, beginning Feb. 1, 2024, Autism Services’ OPWDD-funded programs will transfer to People Inc. The Summit Center will expand its school services on or about Feb. 1, 2024, providing school age educational programs to current students attending Autism Service’s schools. Autism Services faces significant operational and financial challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, Autism Services approached People Inc. seeking an affiliation to provide assistance with administrative, back-office, and managerial support. As part of its strategic assessment of the agency, People Inc. hired an outside accounting firm to determine Autism Services’ financial viability. The findings revealed an operating deficit that threatened the continuation of Autism Services’ programs and services. Despite aggressive and deliberate efforts over the last several months to stabilize operations, Autism Services’ Board of Directors has determined the only way to preserve these vital services is to transition the operation of its programs to other agencies with the capacity and expertise to support them. “Since Autism Services came to us for assistance, the goal has been to ensure the continuation and consistency of high-quality services,” said Anne McCaffrey, President and CEO of People Inc. “After the results of our due diligence, we are grateful to have arrived at this best-case scenario, with The Summit Center taking on what they do best, and People Inc. doing what we do best. In the end, the people served and their families remain the focus.”  People Inc., a leading provider of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and The Summit Center, well known for its expertise in educational programs for people with autism, are working together with Autism Services to ensure a smooth and seamless transition as Autism Services ceases operation. McCaffrey and Lisa Foti, CFO and incoming CEO of The Summit Center, said they are thoughtfully planning for little or no disruption to the day-to-day services currently provided, including affording employment opportunities to Autism Services employees and keeping the schools and programs in the same locations. “We know that change can be very disruptive for students with autism, so our initial focus is on the seamless continuation of educational services provided by staff members they know and trust,” said Foti. “On the financial side, when these additional students come under Summit’s umbrella, we will be able to take advantage of higher reimbursement rates while continuing to provide a high-quality educational program.”  The OPWDD services moving under the auspice of People Inc. include 12 group homes with a total of 53 residents, two day programs serving 64 people, and other programs for neurodiverse adults and children. All Autism Services employees who work as direct support professionals in these programs will have employment opportunities at People Inc.   ABOUT PEOPLE INC.: People Inc. provides a diverse array of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, as well as health care services, senior services, services for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and affordable housing. Founded more than 50 years ago and built on a strong foundation of innovation, collaboration, community and inclusion, People Inc. helps people achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity, providing superior programs throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester regions. ABOUT THE SUMMIT CENTER: The Summit Center provides educational, clinical, adult, and community-based programs and services to more than 1000 Western New York children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Its specialized school, Summit Academy, provides a 12-month educational program to 340 students from 38 WNY school districts at two locations in Amherst, 150 Stahl Road and 165 Creekside Drive.