Highmark Grant Supports Inclusive Meal Training Program

Thanks to a $225,000 grant from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, through the Highmark Bright Blue Futures, People Inc. will begin construction on a training kitchen to teach new employees about preparing safe and healthy meals for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD).

An Incredible Hole-in-One and Funds Raised for People Inc.

The People Inc. Foundation hosted its annual golf tournament, The Drive Fore People Inc., on July 14 at Park Country Club in Williamsville for a sold-out roster of more than 140 golfers and community supporters. The event raised nearly $175,000 in support of People Inc.’s programs and services.

People Inc. Opens Art Gallery at Tri-Main Center

Community supporters, families, and artists filled the lobby of Tri-Main Center with pride and excitement, as they came together to celebrate the grand opening of the new ArtsWork Gallery on Friday, June 20. The event marked a major milestone for People Inc.’s inclusive arts initiative, which now has a dedicated space to showcase art created by people participating in People Inc. programs.

People Inc. Unveils New Mission, Vision, and Values

After months of thoughtful input from key stakeholders, including People Inc. employees, families and board members, the People Inc. Board of Directors recently approved new statements outlining the agency’s guiding principles – our mission, vision and values.

People Inc. Celebrates Opening of Mt. Olive Senior Manor

Elected officials, community leaders, and residents gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 3, 2025 to celebrate the grand opening of Mt. Olive Senior Manor, an affordable senior housing development providing 65 safe, comfortable apartments for older adults in the city of Buffalo.  

OPWDD Commissioner Tours People Inc.

Willow Baer, commissioner of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), and members of her state and regional management team were welcomed on Monday, May 19 by People Inc.'s Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO, and several members of the agency leadership and program staff.

Two People Inc. Nurses Given High Honors During National Nurses Week

By working diligently every day to protect and promote the health and abilities of the people we support, nurses are essential to the care provided at People Inc. The agency joined the nation in celebrating its many dedicated nurses during National Nurses Week, and two People Inc. RNs were recognized with top honors for their exceptional work in the field. 

A Night of Celebration to Remember

More than 300 People Inc. supporters attended “A Night of Celebration” on April 30 to celebrate a year of achievement and the far-reaching impact of People Inc.’s programs and services. The event helped the People Inc. Foundation raise $85,000 to support our mission. 

Celebrating Autism Acceptance

In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, People Inc.'s Katie Radecki, program director and Todd Lesmeister, teaching artist, were guests on News 4 WIVB Buffalo's Daytime Buffalo on April 3, 2025. Along with host Chelsea Lovell, they discussed the intersection of arts and autism and how People Inc.'s new ArtsWork program is enhancing creativity and empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can watch the segment  here . An important aspect of Autism Acceptance Month is a focus on learning how to communicate and understand people. Katie pointed out that there is no "one" profile for people on the autism spectrum and that the experience is different for each person. Therefore, the services that are provided are individualized. Todd shared how the artistic process allows people to process their thoughts and ideas, create something, and bring it into the world. To promote an understanding of some often-misunderstood activities common for people on the autism spectrum, we’ve created a video series about Stimming, short for Self-Stimulatory Behavior. It can provide comfort, help with focus, or offer a sense of calm in overwhelming situations. Watch "Stimming Looks Like This: The Power of Stims" here .