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.