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. 

Earth Day Celebrated by People Inc. Self-Directed Staff

Teamwork provided spring maintenance and a tree planting in Allegany County. Continuing a partnership with IMPACT: Friends Improving Allegany County Trails, Inc, members of the People Inc. Self-Directed team gathered on Earth Day 2024 to clear trails of winter blowdowns, trim branches, raking out drainage, mark trail hazards such as large fallen trees, and plant a new tree. The trails are open to the public and are an often visited attraction by people supported through the Self-Directed Program. IMPACT's mission is to conserve, improve and advocate for year-round access to a diverse network of public trails and greenways in Allegany County. These are multi-purpose trails used by hikers, backpackers, trail runners, snowshoe and cross-country skiers. The butternut hickory tree was planted near the parking lot and picnic area for trail #5, located  here  on the West Almond Trail System within the Turnpike Sate Forest. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Supervising Forester Greg Muller provided education and guidance on tree planting.

The Global Group Hosting Events for People Inc.

The Global Group is proud to be a part of the upcoming "Better Together...A Night of Celebration" benefiting the People Inc. Foundation. They are hosting a pair of public "gift gatherings" at their locations in Amherst and Blasdell this month. Mention that you are with People Inc. at check-out, and you will receive 20% off any wine and 10% off any liquor purchases from your full-price selections during the times noted below. This is a great opportunity to stock your shelves at home and contribute wine or liquor donations for the People Inc. Foundation's fundraiser,  Better Together . Stop by: Wednesday, April 17  from 6-8 p.m. at Global Wine & Spirits, 4990 Harlem Road, Amherst. This event features tastings of more than 100 wines and personal shopping with Kevin LoVullo from Spiel the Wine.   Thursday, April 18  from 5-7 p.m. at McKinley Wine & Spirits, 3820 McKinley Parkway, Blasdell.    

Plain Language Communication on the Eclipse

Thomas Ess, People Inc. Vice President for Emergency Management, was interviewed by WBFO's Disability Reporter Emyle Watkins on why plain language communication matters on communicating about the eclipse to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and how the eclipse is changing operations at the agency for April 8. Learn more

Volunteers Needed to Advocate for Residents in Senior Care Facilities

People Inc. is offering certification training this spring for people interested in advocating for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout Erie County.  The NYS Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program connects caring and effective advocates with older adults and people with disabilities who live in nursing homes, assisted living and other licensed adult care homes. The program is administered locally by People Inc.    Volunteers, known as ombudsmen, visit residents to identify concerns. They investigate and resolve complaints to advocate for the rights of people living in long-term care facilities. Ombudsman volunteers assist with monitoring resident care and building conditions, while working with facility staff to correct problems, using a range of problem-resolution and advocacy skills.    “Ombudsmen volunteers are urgently needed to serve society’s most vulnerable population,” said Susan Fenster, regional coordinator. “Our volunteers can make a tremendous difference in someone’s life.”  Upon successful completion of a comprehensive 36-hour training program, Ombudsman volunteers are certified by the NY State Office for the Aging. They will work closely with their staff supervisor and are assigned to a facility in their area where they make weekly visits to meet with the facility residents. Schedules are flexible with a minimum of two hours per week required.  The upcoming training will be provided virtually via Zoom on weekdays beginning in May. In-facility mentoring is also part of the curriculum. For more information on volunteering, call 716-817-9222.  ABOUT PEOPLE INC.: People Inc. provides an array of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, as well as health care services, senior services, services for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and affordable housing. Built on a strong foundation of innovation, collaboration, community and inclusion, People Inc. helps people throughout Western New York and the greater Rochester region achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.  For more information, go to people-inc.org.

Total Solar Eclipse Arrives on April 8 - Impact on Agency Operations, Safety Information & Radio Interview

On Monday, April 8, 2024, a Total Solar Eclipse will be observable in the Western New York and Rochester areas. This is one of the few places in the country where the eclipse can be observed. This rare event will draw close to a million people to the Western New York area and approximately half a million to the greater Rochester area. This influx of people will put a significant strain on infrastructure and services we rely on typically without delay. Agency Operations:  Because of this influx of people, there are several areas of agency operations that will be closed on April 8, they are as follows: Administrative locations in Buffalo and Rochester - Staff that work out of these buildings have several options regarding their hours from working from home, to making up the hours, to taking paid time off.        Day Services, Respite and Rehabilitative Health Services - Staff will report to their sister Residential site to assist with covering persons served that will now be home during daytime hours.    Thomas Ess, People Inc. Vice President for Emergency Management, was interviewed by WBFO's Disability Reporter Emyle Watkins on why plain language communication matters on communicating about the eclipse and how the eclipse is changing operations at the agency for April 8. Learn more   Eclipse Viewing Safety:  It is unsafe to view the eclipse without special glasses designed for such an event.  Note: Sunglasses DO NOT offer the appropriate level of protection. Eclipse viewing glasses will be distributed to staff and persons served at certain locations in the coming weeks. For staff, there will also be a limited number of eclipse viewing glasses available on a first come first served basis at administrative locations beginning the week of March 25. Additionally, appropriate eclipse viewing glasses may be found at locations in the community, including public libraries. Solar eclipse viewing safety reference guides are available in English and Spanish .  Additional information is available from  NASA  and  New York State .  

Paid Summer Direct Support Internships Available

People Inc. is pleased to continue to host its Summer Paid Internship Program running from June 3 - August 30. This is a part-time position paying $16/hour. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. The program is designed to allow students the opportunity to learn about the human services field, while gaining practical experience. Our Direct Support Internship Program places students in residential settings working in the personal living environment of people with developmental disabilities. Some internship opportunities also exist in agency day programs, as well as site-based or recreational respite settings. All Direct Support Professional Interns support the character, choices, strengths, interests and needs of people served, while ensuring a safe, healthy and clean environment. Direct Support Interns in both residential and day programming plan, coordinate and implement meaningful activities that promote independence, inclusion, and productivity of people served by People Inc. on a daily basis through areas of daily living, personal care needs, and activities such as games, music and art. In a Site Based or Recreational Respite setting, interns will assist person served in social/recreational activities and implementation of monthly activity calendars. The student will also have opportunities to interact and learn from program management, and coworkers, as well as learn the roles of different team members and career paths at People Inc. Intern applications are accepted through Friday, May 17, and can be completed using the “Direct Support Intern” listing at  people-inc.org/jobboard . Information on careers is available here .

New Slate of Officers for People Inc. Boards

The People Inc. Board of Directors is made up of people who work (without compensation) on behalf of the Western New York and Greater Rochester communities -- in governing the organization.  Elizabeth Mauro has been named the chairperson of the People Inc. Board of Directors, replacing JoAnne Hudecki, who served as chair for two years. Mauro, President and CEO, at Endeavor Health Services, has been on the People Inc. board since 2016. Other new officers include: Vice Chairperson Robert Mayer, Weinberg Campus Treasurer Dennis Schaeffer, Esq., Bond, Schoeneck & King Attorneys  Secretary JoAnne Hudecki, McGuire Development.   The mission of the People Inc. Foundation is to help fund quality of life programs, medical equipment, technology, staff development and advocacy efforts. The People Inc. Board of Directors are volunteers from the community who are committed to these philanthropic efforts. The People Inc. Foundation Board of Directors new slate of officers elected are: President - Bill Regan, retired executive SUNY at Buffalo; Vice President - Ralph J. Vanner, Jr., AssuredPartners; Treasurer - Alex Wehr, KeyBank  Secretary - Erica Sammarco, People Inc. The Foundation Board also welcomed Justin Waclawek, PharmD, of Parkview Health Services. Learn more about the People Inc. Board of Directors , the  People Inc. Foundation the  Foundation Board of Directors .