People Inc. Service Coordinator Netta Rowe Celebrates 40 Years at Largest Human Services Agency

As People Inc. has flourished over the years, so has Netta Rowe, who has been with the agency almost since its inception. Rowe has helped hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities receive services. A resident of Buffalo, she is celebrating 40 years with Western New York’s largest human services agency.   A Service Award celebration will be held in her honor on Thursday, May 29, at 9 a.m., at People Inc., 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst.   Rowe has held numerous positions, including secretary, receptionist, administrative specialist and admissions specialist. She has been in her current role as service coordinator since 2004, and works with individuals who have developmental disabilities live in the community. She helps them with obtaining necessities such as housing, day programs, environmental modifications, food, clothing, furniture and medical care.   Rowe shared that her current responsibilities have been her career’s central focus. “Most people stigmatize this particular population, but it is my job and most importantly, it is in my heart to protect, nourish and enrich their lives,” she said.   Nominated by People Inc. in 2003, Rowe was honored with the Black Achievers in Industry Awards for her tireless advocacy for individuals with special needs. The award recognizes contributions in various career endeavors.   In today’s society, it is uncommon to be employed by the same company for more than 40 years, but Rowe would not have it any other way.   “I have stayed with People Inc. because I love what the agency represents,” Rowe said. “The agency has always created a family-friendly environment for the individuals served and their family, as well those employed with the agency.”    Rowe’s dedication to People Inc. is admired. “Netta is a joy to work with and is a devoted employee,” said Tanya Wesolowski, People Inc. service coordination supervisor. “Netta has a genuine and caring heart and a strong advocate for all the individuals she has worked with over the years.”   Rowe has been a positive representative for the human services agency. “Netta is a true ambassador of People Inc.,” shared Rhonda Frederick, People Inc. chief operating officer. “Her skills, caring attitude and commitment to the people we serve is an asset to our agency.”   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. Sharpens its Focus on Healthcare with New Executive Level Appointment

January 21, 2015: People Inc. recently expanded its senior leadership team with the appointment of Bonnie R. Sloma as senior vice president. In this newly created position, Sloma will oversee the agency’s healthcare business development in addition to healthcare quality standards as the agency continues to position itself for success in a changing managed care environment.  “People Inc. will be impacted by New York State’s efforts to restructure our state’s healthcare delivery system,” said People Inc. President & CEO, Rhonda Frederick. “We have a fairly significant healthcare operation through our Elmwood Health Center and our Home Health Care Services. We brought Bonnie on board to help us stay ahead of the curve through these changes. Along with her extensive experience in healthcare, Bonnie brings tremendous knowledge and leadership to this role and will help to strengthen our position in the managed care environment.” A 30-year healthcare industry veteran, Sloma joins People Inc. from Erie County Medical Center Corporation where she served as vice president of ambulatory and diagnostic services. In this role, she was responsible for the development of policies, procedures, new services and programs and quality oversight for the organization’s outpatient ambulatory and diagnostic clinics. “People Inc. is the largest organization in Western New York helping our most vulnerable community members, individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs, and senior adults, to lead healthier, independent and productive lives,” said Sloma. “The agency is a significant employer, a leader and innovator. I am incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to serve an organization that has such an incredible mission and long-tenured, committed leadership team.” Sloma earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Niagara University. Active in the community, she serves on Niagara Community College’s board of trustees. She resides in Lewiston, NY, with her family. 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. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. The agency has 180 locations throughout Western New York and the Finger Lakes region and 3,400 employees.

People Inc. Silver Creek and Dunkirk Open Interview Day at Jamestown Community College

Opportunities for college students available People Inc. is hiring qualified candidates to assist individuals with disabilities with personal care, household duties and recreational activities so they can live as independently as possible. A Silver Creek and Dunkirk Open Interview Day will be held on Wednesday, December 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Jamestown Community College (Dunkirk Campus), 10807 Bennett Road, Dunkirk (Career Center, report to the Lobby-Main Building). Full and part-time group home, instructors, nursing and self-directed positions are available. Day, evening and overnight positions are available. Employees receive numerous benefits, including health insurance, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) pension plan and paid time off for full-time employees. Additionally, People Inc. offers paid training, holiday incentives and other benefits. Candidates should dress professionally and be prepared for an interview with a resume. Descriptions for specific jobs are listed on the agency’s website. No appointments needed. For those who cannot attend, but are interested in applying may do so online at people-inc.org/careers. 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 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

People Inc. Staff Help to Restore Gowanda Cemetery

WHAT: People Inc. leads team to restore Gowanda Cemetery/Wheater Road Cemetery WHEN: Wednesday, June 29, 2011; 10 a.m.-2p.m. WHERE: Gowanda Cemetery/Wheater Road Cemetery. Near Route 62 in Collins, NY. In its third year of work at the Wheater Road Cemetery, People Inc. is working with the Collins Correctional Facility and the Cattaraugus County Department of Mental Health. To date, teams of People Inc. staff and volunteers have unearthed and cleaned about 485 gravestones which have sunken over time. The team will work diligently today to clean the remaining stones and straighten the cast iron grave markers in front of the cemetery. A memorial garden is being planned for a future date. In an isolated field near Route 62 in Collins, NY, the graves of 550 former patients of the Gowanda Psychiatric Center are typically marked by number, not by name. Unidentified and un-mourned, the individuals there were patients from the 1950s to 1991, and a project led by People Inc. is helping to restore some dignity and honor to their lives. The Wheater Road Cemetery is the final resting place of approximately 1,200 people who resided in what was known as Gowanda State Hospital and later the J. N. Adam Developmental Center, which opened in 1898 to provide residential care for the "insane and idiotic." The restoration endeavor is also an active example of the strides that have been made in the treatment of people with disabilities and in acknowledging their history. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 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.  Directions to Wheater Road Cemetery 1. Take the 90 West toward Erie, Exit at 57 A (Eden Evans Center Road) 2. Turn left on to Eden Evans Center Road 3. Proceed into the village of Eden 4. Turn right onto Route 62 5. Proceed on route 62 through North Collins and into Collins 6. Across from the Collins correctional facility, you will see a barn on the corner at the left - turn left, this is Wheater Road 7. Just past the farm land on left, there will be a tire track drive - park in grassy area there 8. Walk down the hill and look for folks working toward the front of cemetery

People Inc. Sunflower Senior Living Apartments Hosts Veterans Tribute

Amherst, NY, November 3, 2010: The public is invited to join People Inc.'s Sunflower Apartments annual Veteran's Tribute from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 146 Franklin Street in Lackawanna. On hand as keynote speaker will be Gerald Tidd, a Vietnam Veteran and Cmdr. Post 120 Role of Honor Disabled American Veterans. A flag raising ceremony will be held to honor all past and present veterans for their service to our country. In conjunction with the Veterans Tribute, People Inc. is having a new clothing drive for homeless veterans and their families with a special request for gloves, scarves, hats, long underwear and socks. Items may be dropped off at the following locations: People Inc. Sunflower Apartments at 146 Franklin Street, Lackawanna People Inc. Iris Apartments at 4150 Sowles Road, Hamburg People Inc.'s Senior Living Apartments enable seniors to live enjoyably. Seniors interested in learning more about eligibility can call 716.817.9090 or visit the Senior Services section of www.people-inc.org.

People Inc. Team Advocating for Increased Wages for Direct Support Professionals

Educating the New York State Legislature on the need to invest in the future of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the staff who support them was the purpose of a rally in Albany attended by People Inc. President and CEO Anne McCaffrey and several People Inc. employees. The People Inc. team joined the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of WNY (DDAWNY) and hundreds of people, including people served and employees from agencies throughout the state, to press lawmakers on increased funding for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). The issue was Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive Budget, which includes only a 1.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for wages for DSPs, who provide essential care and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The group used the opportunity to press for a 3.2% COLA to Medicaid rates for provider agencies in the final state budget that is due April 1, and a $4,000 wage enhancement for DSPs. The 3.2% COLA is critical for I/DD agencies to maintain programs and services in the midst of rising costs for food, supplies, utilities and other essential items. McCaffrey met with members of Governor Hochul's health-care team in the Executive Chamber, as well as members of the New York State Legislature, including State Senators Sean Ryan, Minority Leader Robert Ortt, and Assemblymembers Mike Norris, Karen McMahon, Monica Wallace and Patrick Burke. The rally was just one of several public appearances from McCaffrey and People Inc. staff recently in ongoing advocacy efforts for DSP wage increases. She was recently interviewed by WIVB and WGRZ in Buffalo regarding the budget.  To add your voice to these advocacy efforts, you can reach out to the elected officials using this one-click tool .   Non-profit leaders from across the state met with local elected officials to advocate for an increase in operational funding and direct support staff wages.

People Inc. Teams up with the Buffalo Sabres to Host a Recruitment Rally

People Inc. has teamed up with the Buffalo Sabres to host a Recruitment Rally on Monday, March 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lexus Club at the KeyBank Center, 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo. People Inc., the leading health and human agency in Western New York, has various employment opportunities to help people with developmental disabilities and special needs move closer to their life goals and dreams. Attendees will have the chance to learn about People Inc. and interview on-the-spot with a recruiter, plus meet Sabres alumni and enter to win prizes, including signed items and game tickets. Event parking will be available in the KeyBank Center ramp on Illinois Street. People Inc. is actively recruiting for people to work within their group homes, as well as for behavior technicians, community based instructors, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses.  With a staff of 3,860, People Inc. is one of the region’s largest employers and offers a number of employee benefits including tuition reimbursement and 401(k) with employer match for full and part-time employees, generous paid time off for full-time employees and many more excellent benefits. The Buffalo Sabres are proud to support people with developmental disabilities and other special needs in the community, and People Inc. is pleased to have them as a partner. To learn more about the event or People Inc.’s employment opportunities, go to people-inc.org/careers or call 716-322-7050. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,500 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. to Host 13th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament

Bidding for Good online pre-auction now open On Monday, August 18, 2014, People Inc. will host its 13th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament to benefit the People Inc. Foundation. The event will take place at East Aurora Country Club, 300 Girdle Road, East Aurora.   Tee off times for the tournament are 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Snacks and beverages will regularly be offered throughout the course. An evening reception and auction will take place at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and an awards presentation at 7 p.m.   Robert O’Leary, vice president of Parkview Health Services, People Inc. Foundation board member and longtime supporter of People Inc., is serving as chairperson of the event.   Teams are encouraged to reserve spaces online at www.people-inc.org. Click on the “Event Registration and Online Orders” button to be directed to People Inc.’s secure e-commerce site.   Several sponsorship opportunities are also available.   In addition to day-of festivities, the Drive Fore Disabilities Auction is offering an online pre-auction hosted by charitable e-commerce company, Bidding for Good. Log on to biddingforgood.com/peopleinc to discover amazing auction items such as Disney Hopper tickets, sports memorabilia, jewelry, gift cards and more. The auction is now open and will continue through August 17, until 10 p.m.   For more information about sponsorships, or if you would like to donate an auction item, contact Sarah Snyder, annual giving manager, at 716-817-7269, or by email at ssnyder@people-inc.org .   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. The People Inc. Foundation supports people with developmental disabilities, families and seniors when needed services are not available from public or private resources.  

People Inc. to Host 14th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament

Bidding for Good Online Pre-auction Now Open People Inc. will host its 14th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament on Monday, August 17, at East Aurora Country Club, 300 Girdle Road, East Aurora. Proceeds benefit the People Inc. Foundation, which helps ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities and senior adults receive the services and care they need. The afternoon round with registration and lunch begins at 11:30 a.m.; tee-off starts promptly at 12:30 p.m. An evening reception with silent and basket auctions begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and an awards presentation at 7 p.m. In conjunction with the event, the Drive Fore Disabilities Auction is offering an online pre-auction hosted by charitable e-commerce company, Bidding for Good. Log on to biddingforgood.com/peopleinc for auction items such as Disney Hopper Passes, autographed sports memorabilia, vacations and gift packages. The auction is open and will continue through August 16, until 10 p.m., with the live event taking place at the golf tournament event on August 17, 2015. 

 Robert O’Leary, vice president of Parkview Health Services, People Inc. Foundation board member and longtime supporter of People Inc., is serving as chairperson of the event. Ryan Fisher of Independent Health is chairperson of the auction. For more information, contact Sarah Snyder, annual giving manager, at ssnyder@people-inc.org or by calling 716-817-7269. 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. The People Inc. Foundation supports and enhances the programs and services that People Inc. provides.