Going Green at People Inc.'s Senior Living Apartments

Federal Government Awards $1.2 Million Retrofit Funding BUFFALO, N.Y., January 25, 2011: The federal government has encouraged energy retrofits to reduce carbon emissions under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). HUD's new Strategic Plan has made energy efficiency and green building one of its top priorities with an ambitious goal of creating 159,000 energy-efficient and green public and assisted housing units over the next two years. One Western New York recipient of over $1.2 million for energy retrofits was People Inc.'s Senior Living Apartments which recently completed its first green retrofit at its Iris Senior Living Apartment location. People Inc. will celebrate the completion of over $400,000 of energy efficient additions at this location on January 27, 2011, at 2 p.m. at 4150 Sowles Road in Hamburg. The event will thank the tenants and contractors for their collaboration during this important energy saving project. To show support of the project, Assemblymember Kevin Smardz and Hamburg Town Supervisor Steven Walters are scheduled to attend the recognition event. As part of this overall green initiative, refrigerators have been replaced and new water savers have been installed in kitchens and bathrooms at People Inc.'s Iris Senior Living Apartments. Energy saving shower heads and exhaust fans, as well as combination boiler and hot water exchanges update this apartment building in a very green way. These retrofits are expected to save the tenants nearly 10% annually on their utility costs, however even more important are the resulting greenhouse gas reductions. In addition to the energy saving utilities, the site has implemented the use of green paints and carpets to improve the air quality for all of the residents. Recycling will become a way of life at the Senior Living locations managed by People Inc. Additionally, People Inc.'s Iris Senior Living Apartments will embark on an educational campaign with the Frontier High School Environmental Club to increase awareness for both generations. "Having a smaller carbon footprint is very important to our organization," said People Inc. Chief Operating Officer Rhonda Frederick. She added, "We are very committed to being green." People Inc. manages 17 senior apartments throughout Western New York providing safe, affordable housing for low-income independent seniors age 62 and older. To learn more, visit www.people-inc.org or call 716.817.9090.

"African Americans and the Disability Experience" Exhibit

"African Americans and the Disability Experience" Exhibit Debuts at People Inc.'s Museum of disABILITY History BUFFALO, N.Y., January 26, 2011: People Inc.'s Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to unveil its newest exhibit called, "African Americans and the Disability Experience." An opening reception, to coincide with Black History Month, will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2011, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street in Amherst. The keynote speaker will be Ellen Grant, Ph.D., LCSW-R. The one-of-a-kind exhibit chronicles the perspective of African-Americans in relation to their experiences with disability from colonial times, desegregation, advocacy and achievement. The goal is to bring awareness and attention to uncover the history of African Americans experiences with disabilities covering the first African slaves brought to colonial America, Brown vs. Board, civil rights, and medical accomplishments. It took three years for the Museum's researcher to uncover buried history to make a valuable and respectful exhibit. "This is a part of American history that has been mostly ignored. It is just now starting to receive attention from scholars," said Researcher Reid Dunlavey. From her health and educational background, Dr. Grant was instrumental with guiding the Museum's staff to help complete the exhibit. "The information is heart wrenching in many respects, but it is important that we force our eyes to look at it and be reminded of one's treatment of man to man," Dr. Grant shared. "The good news is that we continue to overcome and build bridges where once there were fences and walls." Dr. Grant provides management of the Buffalo City Mission's Women and Children's Shelter. She is managing partner of her consulting firm First Advantage Consulting. Dr. Grant began her career as a nurse at Erie County Medical Center. She was vice president and administrator of Buffalo General Hospital's Community Health Center. She was the first African American to be appointed Erie County Mental Health Commissioner and was the former chief executive officer of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Dr. Grant serves on numerous boards and has earned many awards for her accomplishments. The exhibit will be open to the public to view from February 4 to April 22. Educators, students, community groups, religious leaders, and medical and human service professionals are encouraged to visit. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 716.629.3626. Walk-ins welcome. The Museum of disABILITY History 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. Located in the Amherst/Buffalo border and at www.museumofdisability.org , the Museum offers educational exhibits and activities that expand community awareness.

Ceremonial Swearing In Event for Assemblymember Mark J. F. Schroeder Hosted by People Inc.

BUFFALO, N.Y., December 28, 2010: A ceremonial Swearing In Event in honor of New York State Assemblymember Mark J.F. Schroeder and other elected officials will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at People Inc.'s Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street in Amherst. The event is hosted by People Inc.'s Young Adult Life Transitions Program and the Museum of disABILITY History. Other elected officials scheduled to attend include: Assemblymember Dennis Gabryszak, Assemblymember Sam Hoyt and Senator George D. Maziarz. Terrance Hassan, a member of the New York State Partners in Policy Making and past recipient of People Inc.'s Young Adult Life Transitions program, will administer the ceremony. Students from St. Mary's School for the Deaf will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Assemblymember Schroeder was recently recognized for his advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities by introducing a Bill declaring October 18 as Disability History Day in New York. Schroeder has dedicated his time in the New York State Assembly to standing up for his constituents in Albany, as well as getting results for them in Western New York. As the chairman of the Assembly Subcommittee on Autism, Schroeder has created an inclusive panel of mental health professionals, autism advocates, and concerned parents with the mission of providing for better care for those afflicted with the disorder. He has also worked to ensure that veterans, young and old, get the care and assistance that they deserve. People Inc.'s Young Adult Life Transitions is a community-based program offering young adults, ages 18-23, with developmental disabilities an opportunity to experience life on a college campus while developing functional skills. The program focuses on independence in the community, preparation for employment, continuation of the learning process, and establishing and maintaining friendships. The Museum of disABILITY History 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. Located in the Amherst/Buffalo border and at www.museumofdisability.org , the Museum offers educational exhibits and activities that expand community awareness. 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.

People Inc.'s Museum of disABILITY History Store Now Open

Selected Items Discounted for Holiday Season Amherst, N.Y., December 3, 2010: People Inc. is pleased to present the newest edition to the Museum of disABILITY History, the Museum Store. The new Museum Store is open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside the Museum of disABILITY History, at 3826 Main Street in Amherst (near the University at Buffalo South Campus). While it is very quaint, the Museum Store offers merchandise made by individuals of the Day Habilitation programs of People Inc. Individuals have created unique items such as 100 percent silk scarves, cement garden turtles, dried hydrangea wreaths, stained glass butterflies, hand painted wine glasses and pillows. Each item is lovingly hand made and no two items are the same. Other items for sale include: canvas totes, t-shirts and paperweights with the Museum logo, copper and leather "Jewelry in Braille," and plant-able "bloomin" greeting cards with flower seeds embedded in the paper. Several different books are for sale, including children's books as well as autographed copies of GIMP , by Mark Zupan and Tim Swanson, and Dr. Skinner's Remarkable School by James M. Boles, Ph.D. and Michael Boston, Ph.D. For the holiday season, the Museum Store is offering two items with the Museum of disABILITY History logo at a 25% discount until December 31, 2010. The first item is a natural kraft spiral bound notebook with a pen included (regular price $7.95). The second item is a scented candle in a frosted glass jar with the Museum of disABILITY History logo in silver (regular price $14.95). The candle is offered in four different scents including balsam-fir, french vanilla, lavender and jasmine. Community members are encouraged to visit the Museum of disABILITY History to see the latest exhibits and stop by the Museum Store to find unique and one-of-a-kind gifts. All profits benefit the Museum of disABILITY History and the Museum's Educational Outreach programs. The Museum of disABILITY History 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. For more information, visit www.museumofdisability.org or call 629.3626.

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.

New Release!

Published by the Museum of disABILITY History, People Inc., and People Ink Press Just before the Civil War, Dr. Platt H. Skinner, a pioneer educator of the disabled, operated three schools for African-American children who were blind, deaf, or both. An ardent abolitionist, Dr. Skinner was forced to move his school twice. The second school, the subject of this newly released book, "Dr. Skinner's Remarkable School for 'Colored Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Children' 1857-1860", was located in Suspension Bridge, New York at a terminus of the Underground Railroad, on which Dr. Skinner may have been a conductor. This small book is published in association with the Museum of disABILITY History in the hopes that it will raise awareness of the educational challenges that faced minority children with disabilities in the past. Available at the Museum of disABILITY History Store (3826 Main Street, Amherst), and on  amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com .

Career Open House!

"I came to People Inc. to change someone's life for the better. I did. My own." Date: Tuesday, October 26th Time: 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Location: People Inc. Headquarters                1219 North Forest Road                Williamsville, N.Y. Come take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to learn more about what People Inc. has to offer! We are currently looking to hire for direct care staff and we would love to meet you. We will not be holding interviews but we will be accepting resumes. Our recruitment staff as well as representatives from multiple programs will be available to answer any questions. Apply online! www.people-inc.org/careers  

6th Annual disABILITIES Film Fest & Speaker Series

The Museum of disABILITY History and People Inc. are pleased to host the 6th Annual disABILITIES Film Festival and Speaker Series. The goal is to provide entertainment and information while exploring issues faced by individuals with disabilities. Join us in watching Profoundly Normal, with speakers Donna and Ricardo Thornton, active and strong self-advocates, and the subjects of this movie. October 11 University at Buffalo Center for the Arts Drama Room 103 Center for the Arts, Amherst, NY 14260 6:30 p.m. - Cocktail Reception 7:30 p.m. - Film screening and speakers Tickets $2/students with ID: FREE Click here to view the flyer!   The Film Profoundly Normal Based on the true story of Donna and Ricardo Thornton who met at Forest Haven; an institution for people with developmental disabilities in Laurel, Maryland. Donna (Kirstie Alley) and Ricardo (Delroy Lindo) form a bond of friendship that blossoms into love. The two overcome extraordinary circumstances to build a life together as husband and wife. Eventually, Donna and Ricardo become parents and rely upon their love for each other to raise their child in an uncertain world. Running time: 86 minutes Rating: Unrated The Speakers Donna and Ricardo Thornton Ricardo and Donna Thornton are active and strong self-advocates in the Nation's Capital, the District of Columbia. They married over 26 years ago and have a son, Ricky, Jr., who is 23 years old. A movie of their life was made, entitled "Profoundly Normal," and they have had multiple interviews with Mike Wallace on 60 Minutes about their life as one of Washington DC's first couples with developmental disabilities to be married. www.disabilityfilmfest.org www.disabilityhistoryweek.org

People Inc.'s Children & Young Adult Services Fair

Come learn more about People Inc.'s 50 unique and innovative programs! Date: October 13, 2010 Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Location: People Inc. 3131 Sheridan Drive (Northtown Business Center) Amherst, NY 14226 We are easiest to find by turning into the plaza from Bailey Avenue. People Inc. will be the first door of the plaza coming from Bailey Avenue. Please use our main front door. Kids on the Block to perform at 11 a.m. Staffing provided. Kids can watch the performance while you learn more about People Inc. services. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! For more information, call Linda Rinaldo 817.7481 or Jim Scutt at 817.5753. Click here to view the flyer!