The People Inc. story began on August 14, 1970. The agency originally started with just a small group of parents and professionals who joined together to address the needs of people with intellectual disabilities and formed what would grow to become People Inc. Now, the agency is much more – not only in numbers, but also in the programs and services provided for people of all ages and abilities. Today, People Inc. is a leading multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, providing person-centered and innovative supports to more than 10,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. As other organizations affiliated with People Inc., services were preserved in the community and expanded to meet the needs of even more people. 

Continuing to Evolve

The variety of our programs and services have evolved to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families, children and older adults. Over the years, People Inc. has expanded these offerings to support even more people to live, work and thrive – to be independent, to have access to numerous supports and health services, as well as affordable, safe housing – all while promoting independence and fulfilling experiences.

Our programs include: Residential Services, Children and Young Adult Services, Community Habilitation, Day Services, Vocational Services and Supported Employment, Family Supports, Respite Services, Self-Directed Services, Health Services, Senior Living and Services for Older Adults, Affordable Apartments and various Business Solutions.

Grateful for Support

People Inc. is so appreciative of its nearly 4,000 dedicated and caring employees, loyal families, committed board members, generous supporters, government leaders and community partners for being a part of the journey for the past five decades. Together, we are People Inc. By developing innovative programs and services, providing opportunities for independence and inclusion – as well as encouraging advocacy and raising funds – People Inc. has formed a strong groundwork, both rich in experience and knowledge for a promising future.

Our Goals and Values

Through collaborative innovation, we continue to support people of all abilities and ages. At People Inc., our organizational values guide our decisions and reflect what sets us apart: Improving Lives, Respect, Integrity, Relentless Pursuit of Excellence, Diversity and Inclusion, Flexibility and Creativity.

The People Inc. logo, a butterfly with the wings containing silhouette faces, represents our agency’s evolution and desire to help people improve their lives and represents a continuum of care – through all ages and stages of life. Our continuing motivation is defined by our motto: Where your world opens up.

We’re pleased to recognize the People Inc. 50th anniversary throughout the year until the end of December 2021. As we move forward, let’s continue to tell the People Inc. story!

Milestones 

1970: People Inc. was formed by a small group of parents and professionals. 

1971: First group home residence opened.

1977: Established first community-based training program. 

1985: Expanded to offer Respite Services for families. 

1986: Established Supported Employment Program, providing support to people with disabilities, allowing them to develop skills to secure meaningful and competitive employment. 

1989: Established Licensed and Certified Home Health Care, open to anyone and specializing in care for people with developmental disabilities. 

1993: Expanded into Senior Living to provide older adults, age 62 and older who meet income requirements, affordable and safe apartments. 

1994: Opened the Elmwood Health Center, specializing in health care for people with developmental disabilities, as well as for the general public, at one convenient and accessible location.

1997: Expanded Home Health Care services to include Consumer-Directed Services, where the person receiving services is the employer and directs his or her own care.

1998: Founded the Museum of disABILITY History, the only museum of its kind in the U.S., providing educational exhibits, programs and publications to create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery.

2004: Established Western New York Coalition Pooled Trusts. 

2006: Opened New York State’s first residence for people requiring respiratory assistance.

2009-2014: Earned COMPASS (Consumerism, Outcome, Management Plan and Agency Self-Survey) certification, in which People Inc. was recognized by New York State as the top one percent of disability service agencies.

2011: The Elmwood Health Center introduced electronic medical records and HEALTHeLINK.

Headway of Western New York became an affiliate of People Inc., providing support groups, trainings and educational programs to both survivors and caregivers of brain injury. 

2012: Expanded services to the Greater Rochester region in Monroe County. 

2014: Earned national Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) Accreditation in Person-centered Excellence for proficiency in helping people with developmental disabilities make choices. People Inc. has maintained the accreditation since 2014.

Rivershore, Inc. merged into People Inc., further expanding supports to people with developmental disabilities in Niagara County.

2015: Launched a durable medical equipment supplier, People First Mobility, the agency’s first for-profit venture that leverages its experience to meet community needs.

2016: Southeast Works affiliated with People Inc., doubling the agency’s employment services offered to people living with developmental and other disabilities. 

2017-2020: Established Affordable Apartments, including tax-credit and mixed-housing, for a diverse group of people, meeting age and income requirements. The first building, Highland School Apartments, opened in Tonawanda, NY, in 2017. Additional apartment buildings opened in 2019 with Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments in Buffalo, NY, followed by Jefferson Avenue Apartments in Buffalo, NY, and Grant Street Apartments in North Tonawanda, NY, both opening in 2020.

2018: Southeast Works merged with People Inc. The existing foundations for Rivershore and Southeast Works continue to raise funds and promote advocacy efforts – the Rivershore Foundation supports people in Niagara County with developmental disabilities to live independently. The Southeast Foundation raises funds to enhance employment opportunities for adults with disabilities supported by People Inc.

2019: Deaf Access Services affiliated with People Inc. to broaden its reach and support the needs of people who are Deaf and hard of hearing.

2020: Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc., a non-profit horseback riding facility, affiliated with People Inc. The facility provides therapeutically-based equine activities for people of all ages with cognitive, physical, emotional and learning disabilities.

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

People Inc. produces an annual strategic plan to advance the mission, vision and values of the agency.

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Diversity is our strength, equity our virtue, inclusion is our passion.

People Inc. was founded on the basis that Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are key principles in everything we do. We are committed to the work of becoming more inclusive as a health and human services agency. This commitment involves effort, respect, understanding, caring approaches, bravery and time. It truly is never ending, as we work towards continual improvement. Diversity and inclusion is about experiences, values, creativity, perspectives and the sharing of ideas. We learn from each other’s strengths – this includes the people of all abilities and ages who we support – and our employees. We are committed to cultivating an environment of respect and support for all employees. Each member of our team is valuable and we feel our commitment to diversity will drive creativity and ultimately success at People Inc. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is instilled in all of our employment practices, which includes recruitment and hiring, benefits and opportunities for development. People Inc. has prioritized Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as core values critically important to our work. Our goal to help advance Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will continue, while we learn and grow together.

Our People Inc. Inclusion video marks the ongoing goal of our commitment to inclusion and to encourage people to stand together against what divides us.

A monthly calendar is produced by the People Inc. DEI Committee to share seasonal observances and events with people the agency supports, families, employees and the community.

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What does People Inc. do?

Through a variety of programs and supports, People Inc. enables people of varying ages and abilities to lead more healthy, independent and productive lives.

What kinds of services does People Inc. provide?

People Inc. provides programs and supports to thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region.

A common misconception about People Inc. is that it is a placement or temporary employment agency. While we offer placement programs for adults with developmental disabilities, as well as welfare recipients through Employment and Training services, this is only one of numerous programs and services we offer.

How did People Inc. get started?

Formed in 1970 by a small group of committed parents and citizens who wanted a better life for their loved ones with developmental disabilities, People Inc. turned its focus on residential, vocational, case management, and day treatment services for adults with developmental disabilities.

Over the years, the agency has broadened its range of supports to include health services, senior services, community outreach and more.

Who does People Inc. support?

People Inc. is many things to different people. While the core of our services help people with developmental disabilities from birth throughout their life, we reach thousands of people each year with and without disabilities including children, older adults, family members and the general public. View the full listing of services by selecting the “Programs & Services” tab above.

Who qualifies for services?

People Inc. offers a wide range of services for people of varying needs and abilities, most of the services we offer are designed specifically for people with developmental disabilities. In regard to services for developmental disabilities, the New York State (NYS) Office for People with Developmental Disabilities defines a developmental disability as a "severe, chronic disability of a person which is attributable to a mental or physical impairment, manifested before the age of 22, and likely to continue indefinitely."

The disability must result in a substantial limitation in major life activities such as self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, and capacity for independent living or economic self-sufficiency. Qualifying disabilities include intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, neurological impairments such as epilepsy or traumatic brain injury, and autism.

There are several circumstances where the above criteria is not necessary to receive services. Our Early Intervention program is also available to children who may show signs of developmental delay, but have not yet been diagnosed with a developmental disability. We also offer services for individuals who have survived a traumatic brain injury which occurred after the age of 22. Home Health Care services are available to people with and without developmental disabilities. It is best to call Admissions toll-free at 833.404.0032 where they can help determine eligibility for such situations.

For our People Inc. Senior Living and Affordable Apartments, please note that various age and income eligibility must be met. To learn more, call 716.880.3890. 

How does someone get linked up with your services?

People are often referred to People Inc. through schools, hospitals, family members, friends, attorneys or other agencies. The most in demand services are Day and Residential Programs.

There are a few ways to access services from People Inc. For general information about the agency, call our Administrative Office number at 716.817.7400.

If you are looking to access services for someone who has a developmental disability, call Admissions toll-free at 833.404.0032. An Admissions specialist will ask you several questions to determine eligibility. If you are eligible, you may meet with a case manager or care coordinator, who will make a needs and wants assessment. They will then make appropriate referrals to services offered by People Inc. or other agencies.

For rehabilitative health or counseling services, call 716.566.5050. For Home Health Care Services, call 716.874.5600. Information is also available for other health services.

For all other services and information, call the Admissions Department toll-free at 833.404.0032. An Admissions specialist will be able to provide you with information about all services.

How do people pay for disability services?

Fee for disability services is determined by a variety of factors and reviewed on a case by case basis. Depending on the services received, a person may or may not be responsible for payment. Services may be covered by Medicaid, Medicare, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, sliding scale or private pay.

Where are you located?

People Inc. Administrative offices are based in Williamsville and Rochester, NY. However, People Inc. operates many residential sites, day programs, regional offices, apartment buildings and other locations throughout the Western New York and Greater Rochester regions.

How is People Inc. funded?

Most of the agency's funding comes from various sources, including the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, the federal government, Social Security, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Vocational and Employment Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID), Medicaid, Medicare, corporate and foundation grants, private donations and fund raising initiatives.

How do I join the People Inc. team?

People Inc. offers a number of career opportunities across Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Learn more and apply today!

How can I support or donate to People Inc.?

Thanks for your interest! People Inc. offers a number of ways to help support our mission. Learn more.

Does People Inc. make the organization’s IRS Form 990 available to donors?

Yes. Please note that our organization files two 990 Reports annually: People Inc. and People Inc. Consolidated. Taken together, the reports reflect the total financial picture of People Inc. and affiliates. For more information, refer to People Inc. 990 Forms.