On behalf of the Rivershore Foundation and People Inc., we wish you a season that’s safe, merry and bright! We’re pleased to share our video holiday card, featuring artwork by participants of the People Inc. Artisan’s Edge Program, which is based in Niagara Falls, NY. We’re grateful for your support of our work throughout Niagara County, assisting people with disabilities. To stay connected, contact Denise Bienko, executive officer, at rivershorefoundation@people-inc.org or visit the Rivershore Foundation website.

Your support is welcome and appreciated.

Board Member Profile: Meet Joanne Beaton
We’re pleased to have Joanne Beaton as treasurer of our Rivershore Foundation Board of Directors. Learn more about her community involvement:

Tell us more about yourself.
I am a very active person in the community. I sit on various boards, along with being president of Women United of Niagara.

What is your work experience?
I am a financial planner and special care planner. I have worked in the financial field with over 25 years of experience. I am also a Medicare advisor and owner of Resource Health Advisors. I have two children, Joseph and Katelyn.

Why did you get involved with the Rivershore Foundation mission?
As a special care planner, I know how difficult it is for parents to get help for their children with disabilities. I like to say that I help families advocate for people with disabilities. With Rivershore, it is important that as part of the board, we are a voice and advocate for all involved. Seeking resources which might not be readily available, we can assist people to lead a full-purpose life.

What ambitions or goals would like to see realized while serving on the Rivershore Foundation board?
Our Rivershore board is focused on bringing in community involvement and partners. It is important to create awareness of our Rivershore Foundation and provide a stronger connection to the community and those we support. We welcome donations throughout the year to benefit our Rivershore Foundation.

Artisan’s Edge Program Participants Present Gifts to Niagara Falls Memorial
Medical Center
Participants from our People Inc. Artisan’s Edge Program recently presented paintings to staff of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Artisan’s Edge is a one of several unique People Inc. Day Programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Located at the Golisano Center of Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, the program provides a balance of community involvement and on-site activities. The beautiful and vibrant butterfly paintings were created by program participants Mike and Mark and gifted to Memorial’s President and CEO Joseph A. Ruffolo and Chief Operating Officer Sheila Kee.

Pictured (left to right): Nan; Jodie; Meghan; Mark, Joseph A. Ruffolo; Mackenzie; and Mike O’Shea, senior day Supervisor and Jill Magno, program director, both for the People Inc. Artisan’s Edge Program.

Telling the People Inc. Story: 50th Anniversary
As the People Inc. 50th Anniversary celebration comes to a close, we’re so proud to have marked this milestone through a commemorative video and stories highlighting historical moments.

In 2014, Rivershore, Inc. merged into People Inc., further expanding supports to people with developmental disabilities in Niagara County. Today, the existing Rivershore Foundation continues to raise funds and promote advocacy efforts – enabling people with developmental disabilities in Niagara County to live independently.

Partnerships with other organizations are examples of how People Inc. has grown and diversified its services, while supporting organizations that expand our reach. The agency is thankful to the community and to all of its partners for joining together to be part of the People Inc. family.

To learn more about People Inc. 50th Anniversary celebration, check out the agency’s historical moments and Then/Now series, featured in separate photo albums on the People Inc. Facebook page.

Now Hiring Compassionate, Energetic and Creative People in Niagara County
People with experience in retail, restaurants, customer service and education often become an outstanding part of our agency’s team
People Inc. has immediate full time and part time openings for direct support professionals, LPNs, RNs and behavior technicians to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A variety of shifts and locations across Western New York, including Niagara County are available. People with experience in retail, restaurants, customer service and education often become an outstanding part of our agency’s team. We have a place for people of all skill levels – from entry level to many years of experience. People Inc. offers paid comprehensive training and a wide variety of flexible and consistent schedules, which are great for college students to gain hands-on experience and for people returning to the workforce. Staff earn lots of PTO and PTO buyback. Some of the other great benefits provided include health insurances and tuition assistance. A starting hourly rate of $15 per hour is available for select direct support positions. A sign-on bonus of $750 is now offered for some designated full time direct support positions and a $375 sign-on bonus for part time. For designated management positions, a sign-on bonus of up to $1,500 is also available. (Note: The sign-on bonus is subject to change and/or may be discontinued at any time). If you know someone who may be interested, refer them to learn more or view employment openings at people-inc.org/careers or call 716.322.7050 for more information.

Niagara Falls State Park Recognized as an
Inclusive Business
Ensuring that people with developmental disabilities secure and maintain meaningful, competitive employment is an important part of People Inc. Our team works with businesses throughout Erie, Niagara and Monroe Counties to employ people and create jobs around their talents and interests. People Inc. encourages everyone to join us in raising awareness by supporting inclusive businesses and encouraging companies to hire workers of all abilities year round!

One example of an inclusive business is Delaware North - Niagara Falls State Park, which was recognized in October by the WNY Employment Consortium and New York State Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) for their extraordinary efforts to provide on-site opportunities to young adults through the People Inc. Supported Employment Program. A new business partner, Delaware North showed great flexibility with scheduling and provided an exceptional work-based experience for the participants.

Michael Barnes remarked, “We find that employing people with special needs and different abilities is beneficial not only to the employee, but to our business and, most importantly, our guests. Delaware North is excited to work with People Inc. to expand this program because of the value of giving back to the community.”

Another example of the success of the People Inc. Supported Employment Program is Ian Rolfe, who was previously featured in the Niagara Gazette.

To learn more about how to get employed through the People Inc. Supported Employment Program or to become a business partner, contact James Scutt at businesssolutions@people-inc.org or call 716.817.5750.

Pictured (left to right): Delaware North General Manager Michael Barnes, Delaware North Director of Government Affairs Shannon Patch and People Inc. Program Director Tina Polito.