People Inc. Receives Grant to Expand Intensive Behavior Training and Counseling Program

Funds allow program to serve 20 additional individuals June 14, 2016: People Inc., Western New York’s largest health and human services agency, has received a grant from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Family Support Services Program. The award, totaling $78,513, will allow People Inc. to expand the capacity of its Intensive Behavior Training and Counseling (IBTC) Program. The IBTC Program provides individuals with developmental disabilities who reside with their families a variety of behavior support services, including functional assessment of problem behaviors, development of behavior intervention plans and psycho-educational coaching.  Additional supports are also provided to address the needs of individuals with autism and those experiencing significant behavioral or psychiatric difficulties. Currently, there is a waitlist for People Inc.’s program, but the grant will be used, in part, to hire a new fulltime behavior specialist, who will serve an additional 20 families, annually. For more information on the IBTC Program, call 716.880.3700. “We are so thankful to the OPWDD and its Family Support Services Council for their investment in a program that helps ensure families can continue to take care of their children at home,” said Denise Bienko, vice president, People Inc. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York and Rochester. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals in achieving greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, visit people-inc.org. Like us on Facebook at People Inc. and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews.

People Inc. Receives Grant to Sustain Transportation Services for Respite Program

July 28, 2016: People Inc., Western New York’s largest health and human services agency, has received a grant from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Family Support Services Program. The award, $31,367, will allow People Inc. to provide transportation for individuals attending two of the agency’s respite programs, After the Belle (ATB) and Buffalo Afternoon Respite (BAR). The Buffalo-based programs, which currently serve 22 young people with developmental disabilities, ages 4 to 21, offer after school recreational and creative activities, help with homework, and peer socialization. For parents, guardians and caregivers, the afternoon sessions provide an opportunity to work full days and complete errands. Since 2012, the programs have provided transportation, but a combination of insufficient revenue and funding cuts have made the service unsustainable. The award from OPWDD Family Support Services Program will allow ATB and BAR to continue offering transportation with a vehicle that has the capacity to seat all participants, including one who utilizes a wheelchair. Funding will be used to staff the vehicle with a driver and an attendant. “We are so thankful to the OPWDD and its Family Support Services Council for their support of our programs for young people with developmental disabilities,” said Denise Bienko, vice president, People Inc. “Without transportation, many individuals wouldn’t be able to attend the programs, which open up opportunities to develop skills and build friendships that are so important at that age.” People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York and Rochester. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals in achieving greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, visit people-inc.org. Like us on Facebook at People Inc. and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews.

People Inc. Recognizes Performance Advantage Company as Business Partner of the Year

Since 2020, People Inc. has enjoyed a partnership with Performance Advantage Company , a privately-owned company that manufactures specialty mount tools for the fire industry, military and more. The People Inc. Contract Manufacturing team works with Performance Advantage to assemble handlelok kits. People Inc. recently presented the company with a 2022 Business Partner of the Year Award! “The partnership is one of great value to our employees,” shared Ken Levan, Business and Industrial Services Manager for People Inc. Contract Manufacturing. “It gives them a feeling of contributing to the community and a sense of belonging, with the added bonus of earning a paycheck.”

People Inc. Respite…Where Friends and Fun Meet!

People enrolled in our Hamburg-based Southtowns Afternoon Respite had a blast this summer, visiting local attractions and taking part in fun activities! Staff took special care to plan each trip, catering the group’s schedule to attendees’ wants and needs. From sporting events to skill-building, there were tons of things to do and see. Some examples include: Joining a boating excursion on Lake Erie through Excalibur Leisure Skills Center, Inc. Blueberry-picking and a enjoying a ropes course at Blueberry Treehouse Farm Taking a gallery tour and experiencing a workshop at Burchfield Penny Art Center Cheering on the Buffalo Bisons at an exciting home game Interacting with therapy goats and exploring the space at Rowandale Goat Farm Southtowns Afternoon Respite is part of People Inc.’s Respite Services, which offer enriching activities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while families get a break from everyday care. Our dedicated staff create a safe, nurturing environment where people can grow their skills, socialize and gain meaningful relationships. Learn more . Check out photos from Southtowns Afternoon Respite in the gallery below! (Click to expand each picture)

People Inc. Rochester Open Interview Day at Monroe Community College, Brighton Campus

People Inc. is recruiting staff who are looking for residential group homes, instructors and respite worker positions in the Rochester area. An Open Interview Day will be held on Wednesday, January 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Monroe Community College, Brighton Campus, 1000 East Henrietta Road, Rochester. Interviews will be held in The Warshof Conference Center, Forum Room.  Qualified candidates assist individuals with disabilities with personal care, household duties and recreational activities so they can live as independently as possible. Employees receive numerous benefits, including flexible hours for a more balanced life,  tuition reimbursement, paid new hire orientation, health insurance, paid time off for full time employees and 401k with employer match plan. Candidates should dress professionally and be prepared for an interview with a resume. Descriptions for specific jobs are listed on the agency’s website. For those who cannot attend, but are interested in applying may do so online at people-inc.org/careers . In 2012, People Inc. expanded its services into Monroe County  to provide quality services to individuals with developmental disabilities, families and the community. 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 and Rochester. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

People Inc. Seeking Community Based Instructors

Hosting Recruitment Event at Erie Community College November 14, 2016: People Inc., Western New York’s largest and most experienced health and human services agency, is seeking community based instructors to work one on one with people who have disabilities, helping them in their homes and in the community. An informative career event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Erie Community College, South Campus Cafeteria, 4041 Southwestern Boulevard in Orchard Park. Recruiting staff and hiring managers will be available to meet with interested candidates. No appointments needed. Applicants are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes, dress professionally and will have the opportunity to interview at the event, if they wish. A detailed description of the community based instructor position is listed on the agency’s website. Those who cannot attend, but are interested in applying may do so online at people-inc.org/careers. With a staff of 3,400, People Inc. is one of Western New York’s largest employers and offers a number of great employee benefits including tuition reimbursement, 401(k) pension plan with employer match, paid time off, no employee contribution toward the health insurance premium and more. For more information, call 716.322.7050. About People Inc. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York and Rochester. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, visit people-inc.org. Like us on Facebook at People Inc. and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews.

People Inc. Seeks New Businesses to Employ People with Disabilities

October 2, 2020: Ensuring that people with developmental disabilities and varying abilities secure and maintain meaningful, competitive employment is an important part of what People Inc. does year-round. Each October, People Inc. recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time set aside to acknowledge the talents and valuable contributions of workers with disabilities. This year marks not only the 75th observance of NDEAM, but also the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act – two milestones encompassing the theme, “Increasing Access and Opportunity.” People Inc. is seeking new businesses in Western New York and the Greater Rochester region to join its current 300 business partners. Several business solutions have been established that offer high-quality work, ranging from janitorial and carpet cleaning to workforce solutions and contract manufacturing. Additionally, People Inc. helps companies fill openings specific to their need and demand. Hiring a qualified person with a disability brings greater benefits beyond just filling an open job, including a return on investment, marketing, innovation and diverse perspectives that all contribute to a successful business. People Inc. is proud to support people in their career goals through its Supported Employment and Vocational Programs. Regardless of physical or cognitive disability and sensory impairment, people have the right to equal employment opportunities.  The goal of the agency’s Vocational Services is to help people with all abilities find a job that is suitable to their specific interests, strengths and abilities. “Besides providing a quality product to our customers, equally important is the opportunity that these businesses provide to those whom we support,” said James Scutt, associate vice president, People Inc. “We have been excited to see the change in businesses perceptions around the hiring of people from this largely unrecognized labor market,” added Scutt. “That’s why People Inc. has taken the approach that if there is not a good job match in traditional employment opportunities, we create them so that people who are ready and willing to work, can. These jobs are competitive and integrated and provide real wages to the people we support.” A nationwide effort has been made to encourage businesses to understand the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, a skilled group of job seekers who are unemployed at a rate that is twice that of job seekers without disabilities. If a person with a disability would like to learn more or for businesses to find out how to partner with People Inc., email James Scutt at jscutt@people-inc.org or call its Vocational Services Department at 716-817-5750. People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 10,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, special needs, families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted people to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. With nearly 4,000 employees, People Inc. is one of the region’s largest employers. To learn more, visit people-inc.org, follow People Inc. on Facebook or Twitter @PeopleIncNews .

People Inc. Senior Companion Recognition Luncheon Honors Volunteers who Assist Seniors who are Homebound and Frail

What: People Inc. Senior Companion Annual Recognition Luncheon   When : Friday, May 30, 2014, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.   Where: Schiller Park Community Center              2057 Genesee Street, Buffalo   Who:   Elected officials and professionals in the area of senior services.   Why:   Volunteers and participants that help make the People Inc. Senior Companion program a reality will be recognized during the event. The People Inc. Senior Companion program helps seniors who are homebound and other adults who are frail maintain independence in their own homes. The program is provided in the cities of Buffalo and Lackawanna and the towns of Amherst and West Seneca with plans to expand.The People Inc. Senior Companion Program could not be possible without the Federal Government’s Corporation for National Service, the State of New York, County of Erie, Cities of Buffalo and Lackawanna and the Towns of West Seneca and Amherst.   A Senior Companion, 55 or older, who lives in Erie county, volunteers his or her time supporting the lives of older adults. They provide non-health-related services such as shopping, errands, light housekeeping, reading, writing letters, transportation to and from physician appointments, daily visits, meal preparation and respite. They alert doctors and family members to potential problems and provide a break to family caregivers.   The Senior Companion volunteers are trained and paid a modest hourly stipend for their services and receive reimbursement for travel to and from the participant’s home. The extra assistance, which is free-of-charge fills a gap in care which, unfilled, would result in costly, unnecessary nursing home and residential care.   For more information about the People Inc. Senior Companion program, 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.   Contact: Nicole Forgione, Public Affairs Manager Direct line: 716.817.7490  

People Inc. Senior Living Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Two original tenants to be recognized and long-time tenants to share what affordable housing means What: 25th Anniversary Celebration for People Inc. Senior Living Highlights will include tenant stories and a short video will debut to commemorate the momentous occasion. When: Thursday, November 8, 2018, at 11 a.m. Where: People Inc. Iris Senior Living, 4150 Sowles Road, Building H, Hamburg, NY Who: Former Congressmember Jack Quinn, elected officials, Lisa Pugliese of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick and community leaders will share remarks to celebrate this achievement. Two original tenants will be recognized during the event and two long-time tenants will share what it means to live affordably and independently.  Why: People Inc. is proud to announce its twenty-fifth year of providing affordable and safe apartments for older adults. As people age, their needs change and services available to them become limited or difficult to access. Recognizing this, along with an increased number of seniors in its neighborhoods, People Inc. broadened its scope as a human service agency to include not only services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, but also older adults in need of affordable and safe housing. In 1993, the agency opened its first low-income senior living apartment complex, People Inc. Iris Senior Living in Hamburg, which is now home to 49 seniors. Over the last 25 years, People Inc. Senior Living has expanded, with a total of 20 locations throughout Western New York, including in Erie, Niagara, Genesee and Cattaraugus Counties. Today, 875 tenants, age 62 and older, choose to call People Inc. Senior Living home, right in the middle of communities they care about.  "Twenty-five years ago, we were thrilled to open the doors at People Inc. Iris Senior Living in Hamburg,” said Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO, People Inc. “From there, the need for affordable housing for older adults only continued to grow. In 2014, we opened our twentieth affordable senior living complex, People Inc. Walnut Senior Living in West Seneca. It’s been an honor to work alongside so many community members over the years to make the apartments a reality. These affordable apartments were made possible due to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 202 Program and we’re so grateful for their funding. Today, we continue to see the benefits of safe, affordable housing for our tenants and look forward to many more years of supporting independent living for older adults.” From a senior who receives a small pension and cannot afford an over-priced apartment, to a widow who can no longer afford to manage the upkeep of a house, People Inc. Senior Living assists hundreds of older adults with managing utilities, downsizing and removing the burden of home maintenance, like lawn care and shoveling the region’s snow. Two benefits of People Inc. Senior Living are the affordability and safety features. Apartments are for independent older adults age 62 and over who are income eligible. As an added cost savings, some utilities are included. One-bedroom apartments include a kitchen with appliances. Tenants and family members can feel at ease having a day-time manager on site and a live-in caretaker for building emergencies. Safety features include stove fire prevention devices, grab bars in the bathroom, emergency pull-cords, a secure entrance and a 24-hour response system. Along with laundry facilities, each complex has a beautifully furnished community room with a kitchen that can be reserved for family gatherings. Tenants are welcome to have one small pet. For those who like to socialize, there are a variety of social events and community outings held throughout the year. Another advantage to People Inc. Senior Living is Service Coordination that is provided if additional supports are needed. Tenants can utilize this unique benefit at no extra charge to help them thrive, as they are connected to supports and community services.  People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,050 people with developmental disabilities, special needs, their families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. With nearly 4,000 employees, People Inc. is one of the region’s largest employers. To learn more, visit people-inc.org, follow People Inc. on Facebook or Twitter @PeopleIncNews.