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 .

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.

Anne McCaffrey, People Inc. President & CEO Interviewed by WGRZ

Anne McCaffrey, People Inc. President & CEO addresses the impact of the Governor's proposed 2024 New York State budget and advocates for increased funding for direct support staff wages and services. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently released the proposed 2024 state budget. While some supports for people with developmental disabilities were included, agencies like People Inc. are deeply concerned about the lack of state-funded substantial rate increases to cover all of the services that people with developmental disabilities need and wage enhancements for our dedicated direct support staff. President and CEO Anne McCaffrey joined WGRZ-TV on January 31 to discuss the potential impact of the proposed state budget, our agency's mission, the role of a DSP, what the Medicaid funding supports, and the need for funding to increase direct support wages.  Watch the interview here .

Anne McCaffrey, People Inc. President & CEO Interviewed by WIVB

Anne McCaffrey, People Inc. President & CEO, addresses the proposed New York State budget and concerns about funding for a Cost of Living Adjustment for DSPs. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul released the proposed state budget for 2024 in January. While some supports for people with developmental disabilities were included, agencies like People Inc. feel left out due to the lack of state-funded substantial cost of living increases and sustainable wage enhancements for our dedicated direct support staff. President and CEO Anne McCaffrey joined WIVB Channel 4 on January 18, to discuss the state budget, our agency's work and the need for funding to increase direct support wages.  Watch the interview here .

Annual Appeal: Help Worlds Open Up!

A message from Anne McCaffrey, President & CEO, People Inc. When you think about People Inc., you realize that we are all part of a larger human story.  Our mission to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and others in the community through a diverse array of innovative programs and opportunities is deep and far reaching. What began as a small group home for those with developmental disabilities in 1970 has expanded to serve thousands each year in a variety of ways through the support, expert care, and commitment of more than 4,100 professionals in nearly 200 facilities across the region.  Today, People Inc. is the leading provider of programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We also expanded our efforts to support the community with essential affordable housing options, Deaf and hard of hearing services, and a range of supportive programs and services for seniors. Our person-centered focus and excellence in programming has even earned us accreditation with the prestigious Council on Quality & Leadership. A gift of financial support to People Inc. helps worlds open up even more for those we serve and provides access to the experiences, services and programs that might not otherwise be possible. For people we serve, their gifts and talents soar, their independence is secured, and their well-being is enhanced.  Every day we influence someone’s life story through the programs, services and opportunities People Inc. provides and the outstanding staff who enliven our mission. Your support and involvement enriches each story - the only question is, how many worlds can you help us open? Click here to make a gift today. Sarah Fink, whose artistry is featured this year, is an artist and participates in our Vocational Program. She loves photography, film, painting, multimedia art and drawing. Sarah reflected that she is driven “to create a safe space to explore, combine my skills, and foster compassion in guiding and helping others.” We are grateful to Sarah for sharing her photography with us. Thank you for your support and sincere wishes for a joyous holiday season and good health and prosperity in the New Year! - Anne McCaffrey, President & CEO, People Inc.    

People Inc. Continues Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Ensuring that people with developmental disabilities and other disabilities secure and maintain meaningful, competitive employment is an important part of what People Inc. does year-round. During the annual WNY Employment Consortium luncheon recently, People Inc. had the opportunity to acknowledge Grace Guest House and the Audubon Branch Library who have created a welcoming work environment so that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are able to learn, thrive and contribute to their communities.

Celebrating Our Direct Support Staff

Direct Support Professional Recognition Week held this year from September 11–15, is a time to celebrate the efforts and dedication of our frontline staff, who make a lasting impact on the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Whether they are teaching life skills, assisting with transportation, responding to medical needs, or supporting people in a myriad of other ways, People Inc.’s DSPs play a vital role in encouraging people to explore their talents, overcome obstacles, connect with their communities, and achieve goals. This year, we recognized the incredible DSPs across our agency with gift cards and other activities. If you would like to express appreciation for our frontline direct support staff, you are welcome to submit a  note . Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for the Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards. More than 100 submissions told amazing stories of devotion and compassion! Congratulations to our 2023 Direct Support Professionals of the Year: Robert Barlow Oona Belton Ashley Brown Lee Byrd Ciera Calhoun Janelle Cannon Cameron Fitch Bailey Fleischauer Andrea Harden James Jowsey Amanda Kiripolsky Ismaila Mane Melie Mell Gamalah Mohamed Deborah Moreland Warda Mosed Natalie Mullen Dan Noonan Terrence Owens Kate Powell Chris Spychaj Jessica Stein Steven Struble Robin Tate Jaida Tolbert Linda Tran Ashley Wilson   Curious about the role of a direct support professional, how to get started in this career and the impact these vital staff members make? Take a few minutes to view this  video  produced by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s Career Pathways initiative. We are very appreciative of their efforts to assist the agency in attracting new talent.

Family & Friends Tours Return In-Person

People Inc. proudly announces the return of the in-person Family & Friends Tours for people who want to learn more about our services. These tours may be of interest to: a person seeking supports, family seeking services for a loved one, teacher/school transition coordinator, or a care coordinator.

Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament a Success

Our annual People Inc. Foundation Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament was held Monday, July 24! Many thanks to all of the businesses, sponsors, golfers and volunteers for their generous support to help make the sold-out event a success! Their participation supports our mission to provide excellent resources and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as affordable housing opportunities for families and seniors. The nearly $100,000 raised will help us provide superior residences, day programs, rehabilitative health services, respite, and much, much more. And, of course, all our programs and services focus on opportunities for people to live their most fulfilling lives. On behalf of the more than 12,000 people who take part in our programs or live in People Inc. residences and the 4,100 dedicated People Inc. employees, we would like to express our gratitude to our 2023 supporters: Hole-in-One Sponsors: Allied Mechanical, Inc.; ePlus Technology, Inc/Cisco; Long Associates Architects, PLLC; Parkview Health Services; Savarino Companies, LLC and Upstate Pharmacy. Eagle Sponsors: Aries Transportation; Barclay Damon, LLP; Besroi Roofing & Siding; Calamar Construction; Cedar Bus Company; Cortese Construction Services; CSI Contract Specialists; CSS Construction; Davis-Ulmer; Dobmeier, Inc.; DV Brown & Associates, Inc.; Flaherty Salmin CPAs; Independent Health; KeyBank; Property Services of WNY; TOPS Friendly Markets; Ulrich Signs; United Business Systems; USI Insurance Services and Walsh Duffield Companies, Inc.