Mubu the Morph Children’s Book Kick-off Event Scheduled for August 8 Family-friendly Event to Release New Children’s Book

The Mubu the Morph book kick-off event will be held on Saturday, August 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo (between Bailey Avenue and Eggert Road). Families with children are invited to attend the free event, which includes book readings, coloring contest, chalk drawings, caricatures and refreshments. Mubu the Morph is Clarence, NY resident Stephen Nawotniak’s first children’s book and offers lessons on self-image, self-confidence and character development. The book is illustrated by Jeffrey Scott Perdziak, resident of Clarence Center, NY. Suitable for children grades K to 3 and the people who love them, Mubu the Morph is a beneficial tool for parents and teachers interested in sharing important lessons about individuality and a heartfelt read for anyone interested in the talents that make each of us special. “Mubu is about finding and following one’s inner gifts versus living a life of comparison with others,” said Nawotniak. The book is available for $9.95, at the Museum of disABILITY History’s store and online, store.museumofdisability.org and mubuthemorph.com. It is packaged with a free coloring book and bookmark. To RSVP for the kick-off event, call 716-629-3626. The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.

Museum of disABILITY History to Join Local Attractions for “History in Your Backyard” Cultural attractions collaborate to create ‘passport’ event in Erie and Niagara Counties

This August, the Museum of disABILITY History and six other Erie and Niagara county cultural attractions are teaming up to present “History in Your Backyard,” a collaborative month-long celebration enabling guests to visit seven locations for one low price. Participants will receive a commemorative “passport” that will be stamped at each attraction. The event was created to raise awareness of local museums and attractions, and to allow visitors the opportunity to enjoy a diverse array of history close to home. All ticket holders will be eligible to win a prize of a helicopter tour for two over Niagara Falls.  Get inspired while visiting the Museum of disABILITY History by taking in exhibits, such as Throughout History, Pop Culture and Sports and Disability. Kids and adults can sit in the Invacar, a three-wheeled car adapted for use by drivers who are disabled. Visitors will experience a visual story that shares the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children and students, and free for those under the age of 2. A family package is also available for $60. Tickets with passports can be purchased from the Museum of disABILITY History and can be used any time, at all participating sites, throughout the month of August. Additional participating attractions are: Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, Col. William Bond / Jesse Hawley House, Erie Canal Discovery Center, Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum, Niagara Aerospace Museum and Niagara County Historical Society. For more information, call 716-629-3626. The Museum of disABILITY History is located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo. Its hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attractions that are part of the “History in Your Backyard” initiative will be operating under its normal hours. The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.

“CarFit” Event for Older Adults at People Inc. Pine Senior Living

CarFit is an educational program that offers older adults the opportunity to check how well their personal vehicles “fit” them. Do you have a clear view out your vehicle’s windows? Are you able to reach and manage all controls and adjust the seat and seat belt so they are secure and comfortable? Find out at the CarFit – Helping Mature Drivers find their Safest Fit event on Wednesday, July 8, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at People Inc. Pine Senior Living, 6231 Tonawanda Creek Road North, Lockport (off Transit Road near Millersport Highway). CarFit is an educational program that provides a quick, yet comprehensive review of how well you and your vehicle work together. The program, which was developed by AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association, provides information and materials on community-specific resources that may enhance your driving safety and increase mobility. According to the CarFit website, driver safety programs improve adult driver safety by addressing cognitive abilities and skills, however, older drivers can also improve their safety by ensuring their cars are properly adjusted for them. A proper fit in one’s car may increase not only the driver’s safety but also the safety of others. Making adjustments may help you benefit from vehicle safety features by improving comfort, control and confidence behind the wheel. Additionally, during the event, there will be an opportunity to tour apartments at People Inc. Pine Senior Living, which provides affordable and safe apartments for independent seniors ages 62 and up who meet income guidelines. Monthly rent is based on income; some utilities included. People Inc. Pine Senior Living apartments include a living room, one bedroom, kitchen with appliances, accessible bathroom and safety features. The apartment building includes a furnished community room, laundry facilities, 24-hour on-call building services and group transportation to grocery stores. Tenants are welcome to have a small pet. Service coordinators are available to provide connections to services as needed to tenants at no extra charge. For those who like to remain active, there are a variety of activities held throughout the year. The event is hosted by AAA, Niagara County Sheriff’s Department and People Inc. Pine Senior Living. To register for the event or for more information, call 716-433-3381. 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.

Volunteers Needed to Support and Comfort Seniors in our Community

People Inc.’s Senior Companion program is seeking volunteers age 55 and over who want to make a difference in the life of a senior adult. The program matches qualified volunteers with seniors age 55 or over who live independently but could benefit from social contact and assistance. Volunteers provide in home support, companionship and understanding to seniors in Erie County. They help with daily living tasks like shopping, driving, processing mail and paying bills. Volunteers are carefully screened and serve 15 to 40 hours per week. They receive pre-service orientation and training and must pass a physical exam and background check. They are also reimbursed for travel and meals and may qualify to earn a tax-free hourly stipend. People Inc.’s Senior Companion program helps seniors remain independent in their homes for as long as they can instead of having to move to a more costly and/or unfamiliar setting. Currently, approximately 15,000 volunteers serve more than 56,000 seniors in our community. For more information about volunteering, call 716-768-2381. 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.

“Mike Randall and Friends” Performance at People Inc. Pine Senior Living in Lockport

People Inc. Pine Senior Living presents Magic, Puppets and Fun on Wednesday, June 17, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., 6231 Tonawanda Creek North, Lockport (off Transit Road near Millersport Highway). The family-friendly event includes a “Mike Randall and Friends” performance that features puppets, magic, ventriloquism and audience participation. A hot dog cookout and refreshments will be provided. Attendees can also tour apartments for independent seniors age 62 and up. Monthly rent is based on income; some utilities included. People Inc. Pine Senior Living apartments include a living room, one bedroom, kitchen with appliances, accessible bathroom and safety features. The apartment building includes a furnished community room, laundry facilities, 24-hour on-call building services and group transportation to grocery stores. Tenants are welcome to have a small pet. Service coordinators are available to provide connections to services as needed to tenants at no extra charge. For those who like to remain active, there are a variety of activities held throughout the year. To register for the event or for more information, call 716-433-3381. People Inc. manages 19 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York providing safe, affordable housing for seniors age 62 and older who meet income requirements. For more information about other locations, call 716-817-9090. 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. 

People Inc. Guys Group to Return Home Monday!

Cross country trip changed forever four WNY individuals with developmental disabilities What: Four participants of the People Inc. Guys Group and two staff mentors will return to Western New York after traveling 6,000 miles across the U.S. in an RV for 17 days and picking up new skills, friends, confidence and an appreciation for their families.   The trip was the first of its kind for People Inc., and media are invited to be the first to greet them after their trip of a lifetime.   People Inc.’s Guys Group, is a social program for young men with developmental disabilities (DD). Developed by People Inc.’s Life Quality Coaching Department, the program helps young men (ages 18 to 30) with developmental disabilities discover and nurture their passions, build lasting friendships and develop skills so they have increased opportunities to live and work independently.   Throughout their trip, photos were posted on the Facebook page “Crossing Borders WNY.” The trip was also documented on film. When: Homecoming Monday, June 15, 2015 9 a.m. Where: People Inc. (Northtown Business Center) 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst, NY 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.  

Memory Loss Program Provides Benefits for Participants and Caregivers

Families and caregivers often turn to many resources to help their loved ones with memory loss. A unique People Inc. day program is available and accepting participants. The Seniors Unlimited social day program meets the needs of adults who have developed dementia or memory loss, which may have been caused by Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, stroke, heart disease or other illnesses. Community members are welcome to visit during an open house event, held in conjunction with the Erie County Senior Services Department, on Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 2635 Delaware Avenue, Suite A, Buffalo (border of Kenmore). The program provides benefits for participants, but also a chance for caregivers to work or take a needed break. Participants receive socialization, intergenerational programming, exercise, reminiscing, art therapy and Laughter Yoga. Educational components and a hot meal all in a safe environment are provided. The cost of the program may cover participants enrolled in a Managed Long Term Care program eligible through Medicaid. There are also private pay rates and other funding sources that may be available through Erie county. For more information, call 716-853-4500.   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. 

People Inc. Willow Senior Living in Wheatfield Hosts Open House and Multi-family Yard Sale on June 5

Applications Accepted for Affordable Senior Apartments in Wheatfield/North Tonawanda Border If your parent is looking for affordable housing or if you are a senior looking to move, consider People Inc. Willow Senior Living. To showcase its apartment building, an Open House and Multi-family Yard Sale will be held on Friday, June 5, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at 3990 Forest Parkway in Wheatfield. Whether thinking of downsizing or removing the burden of household maintenance, People Inc. Willow Senior Living provides seniors the chance to live affordably. Apartments are for seniors, age 62 and up, who meet federally mandated income guidelines. Applications are being accepted and tours will be available during the Open House. A multi-family yard sale will be held in conjunction with the Open House event. Household goods, furniture, books, clothing and more will be available for sale. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the tenant fund to support activities. Located on the border of North Tonawanda, the affordable senior living complex is conveniently located to restaurants and stores near Niagara Falls, North Tonawanda and Tonawanda. For more information, call 716-694-1486. People Inc. manages 19 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York providing safe, affordable housing for seniors age 62 and older who meet income requirements. For more information about other locations, call 716-817-9090. 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. 

A 6,000-Mile Journey through America for the Change of a Lifetime

People Inc.’s Guys Group embarks on experiential learning trip, encouraging development of similar programs for the developmentally disabled What: On May 30, four guys will begin their journey of traveling 6,000 miles – an experience that will change them for a lifetime. It may seem like just another cross-country road trip, but it couldn’t be further from ordinary. These four guys are part of People Inc.’s Guys Group, a social group for young men with developmental disabilities (DD). Developed by People Inc.’s Life Quality Coaching Department, the Guys Group helps participants discover and nurture their passions, build lasting friendships and develop important life skills so that they have increased opportunities to live and work independently. With the assistance and support of two People Inc. life quality coaches, this trip is their chance to learn in action everything from planning and budgeting to safety and social skills – and at the same time enjoy the everyday tourist experience of visiting the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and Hollywood! Not only are these guys embarking on an incredible learning experience, but they will also stop throughout the country and visit other DD agencies, sharing the kids coaching philosophy and encouraging the organizations to create programs similar to People Inc.’s Guys Group. The agencies they plan to visit are Bethesda Lutheran Communities in Fort Collins, Colorado; Opportunity Village in Las Vegas, Nevada; TERI Inc. in Oceanside, California; and New Horizons in San Fernando Valley, California.  This trip is the first sponsored trip of its kind for People Inc., and Western New Yorkers are invited to wish the group well as they depart for their 17-day journey. While on the road, their action can be followed in real time on the Facebook page “Crossing Borders WNY.” When:                                                           Where: Well Wishers Send-Off                       People Inc. Headquarters Saturday, May 30, 2015                     1219 North Forest Road 12 Noon                                             Williamsville, NY 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.