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.

Support People Inc. through Give 716

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 16 through 7:16 a.m. on July 18, you can join the fun and make a difference with your donation. Want to help even more? Share the Give 716 information with your networks through social media. Donations made to People Inc. will support our many life-changing services benefiting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and seniors. Worlds open up through your generous philanthropy! Without your help, people like Brandon Mazur may not have found the hands-on work experience he receives through People Inc.’s own “People Shoppe” in Buffalo. Brandon says he is “proud to be the first person customers see – it makes me and them feel happy.” Funds also provide services for people such as Kenyata Cooper , who lives with cerebral palsy and glaucoma and says, “If I did not have my physical therapy, I would be lost!” Your generosity helps creativity blossom for people like Nick Kilpatrick , who has built skills as a craftsman and musician with the help of a self-determination assistant. “I like to make new friends, along with the people I work with,” Nick says, “I really enjoy learning new things and playing my music for everyone.” Additionally, contributions bring shelter and sense of community to people like John Hartman , who has found a safe place to live in one of People Inc.’s Affordable Apartments. John says, “I walked into my apartment overwhelmed and so very thankful.” Support a great cause, while enjoying special perks!

New Hiring Salaries

Effective Monday, July 10, as a result of the most recently approved New York State Budget, People Inc. was able to make a significant wage enhancement for direct support professionals and frontline supervisors. The new salaries are: Interested in a career with People Inc.? Learn more!

Southampton Street Community Cleanup

On Saturday, May 13, People Inc. was proud to take part in a Great American Cleanup alongside Home Beneath Our Feet, a local nonprofit organization founded by People Inc. team member Dwight Lowe. Nearly 30 volunteers worked together to mow lawns, pick up trash and support our community in the Jefferson-Southampton area. Check out the People Inc. Facebook album . The cleanup was the second annual event of its kind, the first being held just hours before the tragedy of May 14, 2022. Many volunteers came together that day from all walks of life to work towards one common goal: bettering the lives of those in our community. For 2023, the motivation was very much the same, with the added goal of showcasing the power of unity in the face of tragedy. The volunteers honored the people effected by the May 2022 event with a moment of silence and a renewed commitment to continuing to support all of our neighbors in meaningful ways. The names of the victims are: Celestine Chaney; Roberta A. Drury; Margus D. Morrison; Andre Mackneil; Katherine Massey; Deacon Heyward Patterson; Aaron Salter; Geraldine Talley; Ruth Whitfield and Pearl Young. Three others were also injured: Christopher Braden; Zaire Goodman and Jennifer Warrington. "We are back here, we are showing we are not going anywhere," Dwight Lowe told WKBW in a recent interview. “People [are] coming from different spaces, different races and coming together with one mission and that is to take care of our community and support in any way we can.”     

A Message of Support Video Released

People Inc. President and CEO Anne McCaffrey and Associate Vice President for Community Relations and DEI Bradford Watts acknowledge the tragedy that happened on May 14, 2022, as well as resources available to the People Inc. family in a video released on May 3.