People Inc. Pride on Display Summer 2024 Wrap-Up

The summer of 2024 provided many opportunities for the members of the People Inc. family to show their pride in the agency through area cultural parades, flag raisings and community festivals. In addition to the events noted below, the agency also participated in the Rochester Deaf Festival, the Wellsville Rainbow Revolution Pride Festival, the Allegany County Fair, the Steuben County Fair, and the Amherst Family Health Fair. Thanks to all of the staff, friends, families and people we support for the great teamwork preparing for and participating! Disability Pride Month In Buffalo, People Inc. participated in the Disabilities Pride flag-raising ceremony and sponsored the Artists' Showcase during the Disability Pride Festival. JP Morgan Corporate Challenge People Inc. staff joined with other human service agencies for the annual JP Morgan Corporate Challenge in Buffalo. Juneteenth Celebrations People Inc. sponsored the Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo, marching and staffing an agency table. The team brought home the first-place prize for Movement for our ASL interpretation of a song. People Inc. staff also volunteered their time to provide information to the community at a table at the Rochester Juneteenth Festival. LGBTQIA+ Pride Events People Inc. marched in the Buffalo Pride Parade and staffed a safe zone area midway on the parade route. In Rochester, staff spread awareness about the agency during the Rochester Rainbow Revolution Pride Festival and the ROC Pride Picnic. Puerto Rican and Hispanic Heritage People Inc. showed our celebration of this vibrant culture beginning with the flag-raising ceremony, marching in the parade, and volunteering at an information table. Wellsville Balloon Rally Parade The Self-Direction Department represents the agency at this annual parade.

Drive Fore People Inc. Golf Tournament a Success

The People Inc. Foundation hosted its annual golf tournament, The Drive Fore People Inc., on July 15 at Park Country Club in Williamsville for a sold-out roster of supporters.  Although storms forced players inside early in the round, guests returned for a wonderful night of dinner, entertainment, silent auction, and a brief program featuring, People Inc. President and CEO, Anne McCaffrey. The day brought together corporate sponsors and donors to People Inc. in support of the agency’s mission to provide programs and services that enhance the lives with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, seniors, the Deaf and hard of hearing, and those seeking affordable housing. The event raised nearly $70,000. Special thanks are extended to all of People Inc.’s sponsors who made the event so successful, especially our Presenting Sponsor, Parkview Health Services, and the Hole-in-One Sponsors, including Long Associates Architects, Uniland Development Corporation and USI Insurance Services LLC.  Erica Sammarco, Senior Vice President for Advancement, who oversees the Foundation, reflected on the event saying, “We are overwhelmed by the consistent outpouring of support and the generosity of all our sponsors. Year after year, they make People Inc. a priority and recognize the critical role the agency plays in enriching the quality of life for Western New Yorkers through our programs and services.”

New Fund Created in the People Inc. Foundation

The People Inc. Foundation helps fund quality of life programs, medical equipment, technology, capital improvements, staff development and advocacy efforts. It relies on community support to provide services to people in need and the efforts of its Foundation Board volunteers.  A restricted fund was recently launched - the President & CEO’s Discretionary Support Fund - in recognition of  People Inc. CEO & President Anne McCaffrey’s new leadership and vision for the future. It will provide essential resources to: Support the development of new and innovative initiatives that engage and enrich the experiences of people receiving services. Address immediate needs and fund unexpected strategic priorities. Provide funds that support our dedicated DSPs when urgent or unexpected expenses arise. The fund was announced in a letter from People Inc. Foundation President William Regan, where he shared: "At People Inc., our services touch the lives of thousands of people annually. My own personal experiences with their staff of professionals and programs have provided me and my loved ones with an abundance of care, strength and hope, along with a vibrant sense of community. People Inc. is committed to investing in the latest resources available and in professional development programs that promote excellence in the delivery of services. It is for these reasons that I fully support the development of the President & CEO’s Discretionary Support Fund." Learn more and donate    

Support People Inc. During the "Give 716" Event

Mark Your Calendar for July 15 - 16! Give 716  is a collaborative giving event organized by the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres Foundations to unite fans and the community in support of local nonprofits. This epic giving event is a one-of-a-kind chance  to donate to People Inc.  while taking advantage of corporate challenges where gifts are matched, or special incentives are offered!  From 7:16 p.m. on July 15 through 11:59 p.m. on July 16, you can join the fun and make a difference with your donation. Every gift made to People Inc. will also be matched by the generosity of Uniland Development Company (up to $4,000)! Donations made to People Inc. will support our many life-changing services benefiting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, essential affordable housing, services for the Deaf and hard of hearing and a range of programs for seniors. Worlds open because of your generous philanthropy! Want to help even more? Share the  Give 716 information  with your networks through social media. Support a great cause, while enjoying these special perks!

Dr. Lizbeth Booth 2024 Supervisors of the Year Celebrated

People Inc. celebrated the Dr. Lizbeth Booth Supervisors of the Year Awards, which recognizes the critical role of our supervisors who directly support people receiving services. The awards honor the memory and legacy of Lizbeth Booth, PhD, who was an integral part of many different areas at People Inc. for nearly 30 years. Dr. Booth inspired her staff, helped them build their own skills and empowered them to become a resource to others. At the recognition breakfast, People Inc. President and CEO Anne McCaffrey said, "As a supervisor, I know you are training and engaging your team, and your wisdom and expertise have a profound impact on them and the care we provide. Your guidance sets the tone and results in people achieving their dreams, turning houses into homes, and ensuring people can live fulfilling lives."  Noting her appreciation for all that the supervisors do, she added, "It is clear, both from my experience over the past year and from the voices of the nominators, that this year’s Supervisors of the Year are natural leaders who are: patient, encouraging, compassionate, inclusive, adaptable, and quick to offer recognition. Thank you for lifting People Inc. to incredible heights." The honorees are:  Diana Ball Quintella Cottrell Monica Debus Maura Dimino Kelly Dlugosz Erika Falinski Maddison Fleming Shannon Greiner Thomas Griffith Charmaine Henley-Brown Amy Johnson Ken Kraffert Sarah Loeffler Ijeoma Mack Jenna McKeone Natalie Moore Andrea Parrish Tara Polakiewicz Denise Smaszcz Daniel Soto Cassandra Special Angela Winslow Jason Zauner

People Inc. Plays Major Role in Annual Developmental Disabilities Conference

The 36th Annual Developmental Disabilities Day Conference is a marquis event of the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of WNY, which is a collaborative group of member voluntary agencies who provide services to people with disabilities in the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions. This conference brought together advocates, industry connected vendors and suppliers, local and regional agencies, and leading experts to present on a wide variety of topics during the event. The event, run by volunteers, is the largest one of its kind in the United States. People Inc. was a proud sponsor of this event. Additionally, several agency employees volunteer their time and expertise in leadership roles on the planning committee. Receiving awards and presenting during the conference were: Kelly Special, Senior Residential Supervisor/LPN, was honored as the Service Provider of the Year for her commitment to ensuring the well-being of the women who live in a People Inc. supported community-based home and fostering an environment of respect and dignity. Brandon Scott whose original artwork was selected as the logo for the event. Brandon participates in the agency's ArtsWork program and has exhibited works locally and internationally. Dennis Garland, Ph. D., Associate Professor, Niagara University, who oversees the Special Olympics basketball competition received the Community Partner Award for his incorporation of people served by programs at People Inc. who participate alongside NU students with the planning of the event as well as the competition. Jenn Ball, Occupational Therapist, People Inc; Brian Clayback, General Manager, People First Mobility and Joanna Jackson, Physical Therapist, People Inc. presented a workshop on "Forget the Limitations – Focus on Solutions. Learn the Process to Obtain Seating, Mobility and Adaptive Equipment" Jeff Sanderson, Vice President Strategic Initiatives, People Inc. presented on "Best Practices for True Inclusion" along with Sam Mattle, Executive Director, Center for Self Advocacy and Chrys Malachowski. Jeff and Sam are co-chairs of the Partnership Coalition. People Inc. was proud to sponsor this well-attended event. In addition to our award honorees and workshop presenters, the agency also showcased our therapy dog program and art created through the ArtsWork program in a pop-up gallery.

Hundreds Support People Inc. at “Better Together” Event

Nearly 300 People Inc. friends and family attended “Better Together...A Night of Celebration” on May 9 to celebrate the coming together of the programs, services and agencies that make up People Inc. today. The evening included a wonderful choral performance by the “Traveling Troupe,” whose members attend People Inc.’s Arts Experience program. Guests also enjoyed live music, casino-style games, and an auction including original pieces created through the ArtsWork program. This event celebrated the expansion of People Inc.'s family of services over the last year and welcomed the programs of Deaf Access Services and Autism Services Inc. The evening also marked the coming together of the Rivershore and Southeast Foundations with the People Inc. Foundation. Event proceeds will assist the People Inc. Foundation in its support of the newly expanded comprehensive arts, music, and theater initiative under the ArtsWork umbrella. Thank you to all our sponsors, including Gold Sponsor, Creative Structures Services; and Silver Sponsors, Great Lakes Health, KeyBank, M&T Bank, Parkview Health Services and Upstate Pharmacy. A new overview video of the agency premiered. The video includes embedded captions and an ASL interpreter.

Nurse of Distinction Named

Nursing Director Stacey Edwards, RN, was nominated as a Buffalo News Nurse of Distinction for never losing perspective on the People Inc. mission and consistently focusing on protecting, promoting, and optimizing the health and functioning ability of each person under her and her team’s care, according to Senior Vice President Maralyn Militello, MPA, BSN, RN. Edwards’ outstanding leadership and support of the nurses, direct support professionals and management teams began in a very front-facing role as medication administration training nurse and continues through her current Director role, managing a team of 34 people. Her leadership skills have continued to grow throughout her nursing career at People Inc., and she is well-respected for offering potential resolutions for problems, innovative trainings and sharing valuable clinical insights. Through strategic education and communication, Edwards empowers both nursing and residential staff to find answers, learn new skills, take part in a workgroup, and consider roles in management. “Each day that I can advocate for those unable to advocate for themselves brings with it a feeling of accomplishment,” Edwards said. “Each time that I support and assist my nurses and staff in providing the best possible care for the people we serve carries with it a tremendous sense of achievement. I find that the greatest experiences are not only the moments that come with a feeling of gratification, but also those that provide a teachable moment. I have fostered many relationships within the agency that have afforded me the opportunity to educate others. My career journey itself has been extremely fulfilling.” Her thoughts about her most significant contribution to the nursing profession happened during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we found ourselves in uncharted territory, I was part of a team of nurses that took charge of creating COVID sites for the people we serve.  … During this challenging time we were able to provide the 24-hour nursing care that was needed for those diagnosed with COVID, as well as protect our already fragile population.” If you, or someone you know, are seeking a fulfilling career in nursing, this video highlights some of the dedicated People Inc. nurses in action and sharing their experiences.

People Inc. Plants Trees to Celebrate Arbor Day

People Inc. is planting trees for Arbor Day at locations across our service area. We are committed to nurturing the neighborhoods and communities in which we work, and where we maintain group homes, day programs and affordable apartment buildings. Arbor Day is a national observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care. First celebrated in 1872, it was established as a way to encourage farmers and homesteaders to plant trees that would provide shade, shelter, food, fuel and beauty to open areas. Communities, schools, businesses, and individuals alike join together to plant commemorative trees, hand out free trees, provide education on tree planting and care, and celebrate all the benefits trees provide. In New York, Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated the last Friday in April. However, communities around the state can celebrate Arbor Day any day of the year.  A ceremonial tree planting took place on April 26 at the agency's Brighton Park Day Program in the Town of Tonawanda. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate in the program were assisted by People Inc. staff and leadership. A feature of the habilitative services offered at the Brighton Park Day Program is a unique opportunity for participants to experience horticulture through an active on-site greenhouse. The greenhouse program is educational and therapeutic for people attending the Brighton Day Program. Through participation and visitation to the greenhouse, those served learn about the value of growing food, plants, flowers, and trees and their importance to the environment. People Inc.'s Seneca Cazenovia Senior Apartments in Buffalo, Lilly Senior Apartments in Blasdell, Nelson Hopkins Apartments in Lockport, Commonwealth Apartment in Buffalo, Union Square in North Chili/Rochester and the administrative building in Williamsville are also receiving the gift of new trees.