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.