Stories of People Inc.
A Place to Call Home
A Place to Call Home - Homes for Children
When Christine Long's young daughter, Kelly DeFedericis, began to show severe behavioral issues, she knew that she must do something. "It was getting to the point that we couldn't ensure her, or the family's safety," said Christine. Luckily she was directed to People Inc., where a friend was once employed. People Inc. had just the place for Kelly, a children's Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA) located on Zollars Avenue in Buffalo. Zollars was developed as a result of four children whose needs were more than their families could provide.
With the waiting list for children's services growing, more IRAs have been proposed for children, and those who have been able to be part of Zollars are grateful for the opportunity. Christine believes that placement at Zollars was the best thing for her daughter. Kelly was hesitant to go; initially afraid that her parents would abandon her or not love her anymore. This was far from the truth; this difficult decision was motivated by love. "Kelly has a life now, like any 14-year old," says Christine, "She has constant supervision, is safe, and has friends she can relate to." Since placement at Zollars, Christine and Kelly's relationship has only improved. "Chris is much more relaxed," says Program Director Kimberly Kadziolka, "The time they spend together now is quality time."
Christine is taking an active role in Kelly's case and has joined People Inc.'s Family Advisory Council whose mission is to serve as advisors in the area of program development and to share perspectives that help improve communications between agency staff and family members. Christine continues to be pleased with People Inc.'s Zollars IRA and says that she now knows how innovative People Inc. is. The most important opinion of all however is Kelly's, and she feels very positive about her new home saying she likes her staff and that she enjoys the fun things she now does living at Zollars. As for her favorite thing about Zollars, Kelly could not think of any one thing - she loves everything.
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