People Inc. Hosting Southtowns Career Fair on September 27

Seeking Group Home Staff, Behavior Technicians, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses In order to fill a variety of human service job openings, People Inc. is hosting a Career Fair on Saturday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3763 Southwestern Boulevard in Orchard Park. The recruitment event is a beneficial way for anyone interested in learning more about People Inc.’s career opportunities including full and part-time group home, behavior technician, team leader, site supervisor, LPN and RN positions. While walk-ins are welcome, those who register for the Career Fair in advance through People Inc.’s website, people-inc.org, by September 24 can also book a one-on-one meeting with a recruiter. People Inc. assists individuals with developmental disabilities and other special needs live as independently as possible. Staff assists individuals with personal care, household duties and recreational activities. Day, evening, overnight and weekend shifts are available, with an immediate need in the Southtowns. Employees receive numerous benefits, including health insurance, 401(k) pension plan, tuition reimbursement and paid time off. Additionally, People Inc. offers paid training, holiday incentives and other benefits. For those who cannot attend the Career Fair, but are interested in applying may do so online at people-inc.org/careers. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

People Inc. Orchard Senior Living Hosts Open House, Craft and Bake Sale

Tours Available of Senior Living Apartments People Inc. Orchard Senior Living Apartments will host an Open House, Craft and Bake Sale on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 276 Waverly Street in Springville. Seniors in need of affordable housing and family members accompanying their loved ones are encouraged to attend to receive a tour and learn about income eligibility. Many craft and bake sale items will be featured, including paintings, scarves, pies, cookies and much more! Attendees can meet with tenants, tour the building and learn about People Inc. Senior Living from expert staff. A hot dog lunch will be offered at 11 a.m. For independent seniors age 62 or older, People Inc. Orchard Senior Living apartments include a living room, one bedroom, kitchen with appliances and accessible bathroom. Monthly rent is based on income and some utilities are included. Potential tenants need to meet both the federally mandated income and age requirements at the time of application. The exceptionally-maintained apartment building includes a furnished community room, laundry facilities, 24 hour on-call building services and group transportation to grocery stores. Service coordinators are available to provide connections to services as needed by tenants at no extra charge. For individuals who like to remain active, there are a variety of activities held throughout the year. For more information on People Inc. Orchard Senior Living and its Open House event, call 716-592-4640. People Inc. manages 18 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York providing affordable and safe housing for independent seniors age 62 and older who meet income requirements. For information about other locations, call 716-817-9090.

Starlight Studio Artists, Executive Director Join Museum of disABILITY History's Person First Forum

Discussion to include art exhibition, screening of two short films The Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to welcome the latest speakers in its Person First Forum series: Carrie Marcotte, director of Starlight Studio and Art Gallery, Teaching Artist Maggie Parks and six participating artists. The event, entitled "Six Minds - Two Ways to Beauty" will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2014 from 1 p.m. to 2:30p.m. at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo. Marcotte, Parks and the artists will host a panel discussion concerning their creative work with local media arts company, Squeaky Wheel. Two short films, which are the result of this partnership, will be screened. An exhibition of student art will also be on display. Supported by a grant from the Arts Service Initiative of Western New York, Starlight Studio and Art Gallery worked alongside Squeaky Wheel Film and Media Center to create two portraits in documentary film. The films, which highlight artists from Starlight Studio, were created through collaborative effort by six Starlight participants. Production included not only filming, but also storyboarding, sound editing and interviewing. The process took them on a journey of self-discovery which resulted in two honest, reflective portraits of their fellow artists.   The Person First Forum is a free event. Regular admission applies to those who wish to tour the Museum of disABILITY History, which is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information or to register for the event, call 716-629-3626.   Starlight Studios, a vibrant studio and gallery located in downtown Buffalo, supports adults with disabilities in their artistic development. The Starlight Program is funded by the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OWPDD) with additional support from the John R. Oishei Foundation, the James H. Cummings Foundation and the Castellani Family in memory of Eleanor Castellani.   The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.  

Headway of Western New York Hosts 5th Annual Walk, Run and Wheel 5K

Event to raise awareness for those living with traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities Headway of WNY will host its 5th Annual Walk, Run and Wheel 5K on September 7, 2014, at the Erie Basin Marina and The Hatch, in Buffalo. Registration and check-in begin at 8:30 a.m. with races commencing at 9:30 a.m. The cost is $20 to register.   The event allows participants the opportunity to walk, run or wheel along Buffalo’s beautiful waterfront. Post-race festivities will include a basket auction and live music. Refreshments will also be served.   Walkers are encouraged to form teams based on family, agency affiliation or company. There will be a prize this year for the team raising the most money, as well as first and second place prizes for individuals who bring in the most pledges. Runners will receive a small award for winning their age category and there will be a prize for top male and female runner.   All funds raised will support Headway’s mission of ensuring that individuals in WNY with brain injuries, other disabilities and seniors have access to advocacy, resources and support systems to enable them to live as independently as possible in the community.   Sponsors of the event include: Dolce Panepinto Attorneys at Law, Feroleto Law, The Hatch Restaurant, The Ballow Law Firm, Trigilio Ciambrone Partnership, the Landwehr family and the Reed family.   For more information on the Walk, Run and Wheel event, call 716-408-3117 or visit headwayofwny.org.   Headway of WNY, a not-for-profit agency and an affiliate of People Inc., provides resources, support groups, recreational programs, training and educational programs to both survivors and caregivers of brain injury. Headway of WNY, Inc. is a volunteer support, advocacy and resource organization that was founded in 1985 by caring families and individuals who have survived brain injury and other disabilities.

Elmwood Health Center Participates in Federally-Funded Pilot Project That May Help Reduce Hospital Readmissions

People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center has been selected to play a major role in a federally-funded study project that may eventually change how patients are treated following their discharge from the hospital.   The Center will participate with the University at Buffalo School of Nursing as the lead entity and HEALTHeLINK, the regional health information organization, in the pilot project funded through a two-year, $298,000 grant from the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).   Called the Care Transition Project, its goal is to work with primary care physician offices, their patients and families to see that patients receive follow-up care very soon after leaving the hospital.   Hospital readmissions is an area of increasing healthcare financial focus. Medicare alone spends an estimated $15 billion annually on readmissions, which occur after 30 days of discharge most frequently with older patients and especially those with a chronic disease.   “Experts believe that one way to prevent a return to the hospital or emergency room is through better communication to patients and their physicians about follow-up care,” said Associate Vice President, People Inc./Director, Elmwood Health Center, Frank Azzarelli.   As part of the study, the Elmwood Health Center will serve as the project’s only community-based health center. The Center will participate in the timely exchange of electronic health information to support nurse care coordinators in primary care offices in making proactive decisions that will prevent the readmission of patients to hospitals.   An important component of the project, a Care Transition Dashboard, will be developed to incorporate an alert message about a hospital discharge from HEALTHeLINK with information from Elmwood Health Center’s electronic medical record on that specific patient.   “This will enable discharged patients to be connected with, and seen by, their primary care provider in a much more timely manner, thus reducing readmission rates and subsequently overall hospital costs,” Azzarelli said.   “Ultimately, once the dashboard and care coordination processes are developed, this approach can be replicated in many primary care locations across the country,” he said.  

People Inc. to Host 13th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament

Bidding for Good online pre-auction now open On Monday, August 18, 2014, People Inc. will host its 13th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament to benefit the People Inc. Foundation. The event will take place at East Aurora Country Club, 300 Girdle Road, East Aurora.   Tee off times for the tournament are 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Snacks and beverages will regularly be offered throughout the course. An evening reception and auction will take place at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and an awards presentation at 7 p.m.   Robert O’Leary, vice president of Parkview Health Services, People Inc. Foundation board member and longtime supporter of People Inc., is serving as chairperson of the event.   Teams are encouraged to reserve spaces online at www.people-inc.org. Click on the “Event Registration and Online Orders” button to be directed to People Inc.’s secure e-commerce site.   Several sponsorship opportunities are also available.   In addition to day-of festivities, the Drive Fore Disabilities Auction is offering an online pre-auction hosted by charitable e-commerce company, Bidding for Good. Log on to biddingforgood.com/peopleinc to discover amazing auction items such as Disney Hopper tickets, sports memorabilia, jewelry, gift cards and more. The auction is now open and will continue through August 17, until 10 p.m.   For more information about sponsorships, or if you would like to donate an auction item, contact Sarah Snyder, annual giving manager, at 716-817-7269, or by email at ssnyder@people-inc.org .   People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. The People Inc. Foundation supports people with developmental disabilities, families and seniors when needed services are not available from public or private resources.  

People Inc. Announces Retirement of James Boles, EdD, as President/CEO; Appoints Current COO Rhonda Frederick as Successor Effective Oct. 1

Board Follows Long-Term Succession Plan for Smooth Leadership Transition The Board of Directors of People Inc., Western New York's leading non-profit human services agency, announced today that James M. Boles, EdD, will retire as president and chief executive officer effective October 1, 2014, and will be succeeded by Rhonda Frederick, currently chief operating officer for People Inc.   “We truly want to thank Dr. Boles for his more than three decades of service in building People Inc. into one of the flagship human services agencies not only in Western New York but throughout the country,” said Mary Ann Kedron, PhD, board chairperson, in making the dual announcement.   “As the human services field continues to evolve and change, we are well poised with Rhonda’s experience and demonstrated capabilities to continue our person-centered service as a leader and innovator,” she said.   Dr. Boles assumed the leadership position at People Inc. in 1981 and in 33 years oversaw the growth of the agency from 200 staff members and a $2 million annual budget to one with more than 3,200 staff serving 12,000+ individuals and a budget of $144 million.   He is the founder of the Museum of disABILITY History in Buffalo and was honored for his work there with the Hervey B. Wilbur Preservation Award from the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD).  Dr. Boles was also appointed in 2006 by President George W. Bush to serve as an advisory committee member on the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID).   Frederick first began working at People Inc. in 1980 as a direct care staff member after receiving her bachelor’s degree in social work from Rochester Institute of Technology. She later earned her master’s degree in public administration from Canisius College and rose through the ranks to become the agency’s chief operating officer in 2002.   Because of the commitment by the board and senior leadership to succession planning, Frederick was able to assume increasing responsibilities as COO to facilitate her eventual transition to the top agency leadership role.  She oversaw 93 percent of the annual budget and almost the entire workforce in that capacity.   Frederick was also responsible for overseeing all residential and day services, service coordination, in-home supports, senior services and health-related services; and administrative oversight of the quality improvement, government relations, program development and legal functions.   She is People Inc.’s lead liaison with regulatory and government funding agencies and serves as president of the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York (DDAWNY).   As part of the agency’s succession plan the board looked at various options, as well as the environment, future challenges and the agency’s culture, when choosing a successor to Dr. Boles.   “Because of Dr. Boles’ strategic direction, we anticipate a very seamless transition in our CEO position,” Kedron said. “We will continue in that direction as we strengthen and enhance our services as the largest human services agency in the region with a special focus on quality improvement, staff support and continued expansion into healthcare services.”   After the leadership change becomes effective October 1, Dr. Boles will continue to serve in an advisory capacity and assist in the transition until the end of 2014 before continuing in his education, advocacy and research role supporting the work of the Museum of disABILITY History and producing publications through People Ink Press.   People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.  

U.S. Paralympic Athlete Joins Person First Forum at the Museum of disABILITY History

Presentation to focus on athlete's personal experiences, road to Paralympic success The Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to welcome U.S. Paralympic athlete, Adam Page, as the latest speaker in its Person First Forum Series. The event, entitled, "Living an Independent Life, Making Dreams a Reality," will take place on Saturday, July 19, 2014 from 1p.m. to 3p.m. at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo. The presentation will focus on Page's personal experiences, highlighting his introduction to sled hockey and road to Paralympic success. A resident of Lancaster, NY, Page is a Paralympic athlete who has inspired many with his abilities on and off the ice. Born on March 10, 1992, with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, Page found sled hockey at the age of 6 and has been playing for sixteen years. At 14, he was chosen for the USA Development Team and, not long after, joined the USA men's national team at the age of 15. Page has participated in the 2010 and 2014 Paralympics in Vancouver, British Colombia and Sochi, Russia, respectively. Additionally, he has taken part in four world championships, winning two gold medals, a silver and a bronze. Alongside his role as an athlete, Page currently volunteers with his father, Norman, starting new sled hockey programs across the country. The programs give youth, adults and veterans the chance to play the sport that has given Page, himself, so many opportunities. In his spare time, Page enjoys downhill skiing, golf and bowling. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sports management. Page’s childhood hockey sled, crafted by his father, is presently on display at the Museum of disABILITY History as part of the Sports and Disability exhibit. The Person First Forum with Adam Page is a free event. Regular admission applies to those who wish to tour the Museum of disABILITY History, which is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information or to register for the event, call 716-629-3626.   The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.  

Lockport Artist Cindy Few Joins Person First Forum at the Museum of disABILITY History

Artist's struggles, successes and whimsical illustrations to be the focus of presentation The Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to welcome its latest addition to the ongoing Person First Forum series: local artist Cindy Few. Few’s discussion, entitled, “Art, My Gift and My Companion,” will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2014 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo.   The presentation will focus on the artist’s personal experiences and will highlight numerous aspects of her growing career, from the people who have supported her to her plans for the future. Few will also discuss the evolution of her work over time.   A resident of Lockport, Cindy Few is a local artist whose whimsical illustrations have helped her overcome life’s hurdles and have inspired many in the process. Few was born with a congenital heart defect and, at 14, underwent open heart surgery to help correct oxygen insufficiency and the possibility of stroke. Alongside this complication, learning disabilities made schoolwork a challenge. However, Few discovered a talent that was more powerful: her artistic abilities.   Throughout her student career, Few found numerous outlets for her talent, even discovering that her illustrations could be used to better understand her studies. However, Few would later find she had another challenge facing her besides her learning disability. She developed schizophrenia, which adversely affected her concentration, as well as the motivation she had once had for her illustrations. However, with the help of a naturopathic doctor, medication and alterations to her diet, Few has since reconnected with her artwork. She now has greeting cards professionally printed and would like to write and illustrate a book in the future.   The Person First Forum is a free event. Regular admission applies to those who wish to tour the Museum of disABILITY History, which is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information or to register for the event, call 716-629-3626.   The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.