| Tenant from People Inc. Orchard Senior Living Gets Her Wish
Mary Ann Peters, a tenant of People Inc. Orchard Senior Living in Springville, loves to cook, but with worn out pots and pans, she was not able to do as much cooking as she would have liked. Thanks to the United Church Home Society’s Senior Wishes program, which enriches the lives of seniors by granting them a meaningful wish, Mary Ann recently received a new set of high quality, cookware.
In addition to the cookware, Mary Ann also received the royal treatment from Mark Herle, director of Dining Services and executive chef at Fox Run at Orchard Park, who made her a meal using her new pots and pans. He brought the linens, china and a beautiful centerpiece! Joining her for the meal was Mary Wellington, director of Residential Services at Fox Run and a member of the Senior Wishes committee, and Wendy Miller Backman, director of Programs and Development for United Church Home Society.
To learn more about this story, click here.
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| It’s Official!
On January 14, the retirement of James M. Boles, EdD, who served at the helm of People Inc. for 33 years, was made official. Long-time staff, family members, industry peers and public officials celebrated his contributions at a small gathering that was held in his honor. To view the Dr. Boles tribute video, photos from the event or to make donation on his behalf, click here.
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| People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center is Helping At-Risk Patients Change Their Outlook
Leading health care centers in and around Buffalo, including our own Elmwood Health Center, are improving how vulnerable patients receive their health care. By working closely with diverse patient groups, these leading clinics are helping patients with diabetes modify their diets, develop lasting exercise regimens and change the way they manage their health. These efforts are led by the P² Collaborative of Western New York, which has brought together providers, patients, employers and insurers to help improve regional health care.
This program is part of a larger effort by AF4Q to boost the overall quality of health care in communities across the country and provide models for national reform. To learn more, click here.
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| We Need your Help Sending Letters to Government Officials
On November 21, the Governor vetoed four bills representing critical issues to people with developmental disabilities and their families. With the Governor’s budget proposal due at the end of this month, the vetoes represent a political opportunity to initiate an effort with the public, the press and, most importantly, with the Legislature and the Governor.
The Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York (DDAWNY) Family Committee, working in conjunction with other statewide groups, has been asked to mobilize our members asking them to send letters to the governor, state senators and assembly members. Click here to send an email or letter. We need to influence the Governor’s budget proposal due out on or before January 21.
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Visit with the Mayor Leaves an Impression
Around holiday time, People Inc. staff and participants from our Young Adult Life Transitions Program presented Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown with artwork from our Arts Experience Program and cookies from our Orchard Park Day Program. Mayor Brown welcomed the group and provided a tour. They were also given a tour of the Office of Citizen Services by its Director, Oswaldo Mestre Jr. The whole event was particularly meaningful for our program participants who were wowed by the Mayor and his generosity. They are still talking about it!
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|  | Kevin Horrigan, People Inc. associate vice president of Public Affairs, and Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. |
| Hanging with Hochul
People Inc.’s Government Relations team was out and about around election time advocating for people with disabilities and seniors and they were thrilled to run in to People Inc. supporter Kathy Hochul! While in her role as congresswoman, Kathy spent some time with our seniors from our various senior programs, looking to them for advice and input on Medicare. We’re proud to count her as an advocate and are looking forward to doing more with her in her role as lieutenant governor.
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Incredible Years Program Provides Free Training for Parents
The Incredible Years Program offers free training designed to teach parents who have children with special needs how to foster positive behaviors in their children, ages 3-12, and develop effective techniques for dealing with behavior problems. Sessions are scheduled throughout the year. To learn more, click here or call 716.880.3826. This free training is made possible by a Family Support Services grant through the Western New York Development Disabilities Service Organization.
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| Join us for Living Healthy
Do you have diabetes and want to take charge of your life? Join us on Thursdays, January 29 to March 5, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., at People Inc. Willow Senior Living, 3990 Forest Parkway, Wheatfield. The Living Healthy program is a six-week workshop for people with diabetes and/or their caregivers. Tips and strategies for living well with this chronic condition will be provided. The workshop will be taught by People Inc. Senior Living staff Kristen Obarka, case manager, and Becky Orton, manager of People Inc. Marigold Senior Living. They are peer leader trainers through the Chronic Disease Self-Management (CDSM) and Diabetes Self-Management (DSM) Program. The series is free and open to the public; registration is required. To register, click here. For more information, call Kristen at 716.817.9237 or Becky at 716.773.0907.
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PEOPLE INC. IN THE NEWS Recent news stories that include information from People Inc. and agency representatives.
“Healing waters of Niagara: “They Did No Harm” explores alternative health in the 19th century:” The book, They Did No Harm: Alternative Medicine in Niagara Falls, NY, 1830–1930, was featured, which was written by James M. Boles, EdD., business development and senior research advisor, People Inc. Niagara Gazette, January 11, 2015 (print).
“Meet Christopher Polisoto, who doesn’t let Asperger’s syndrome define him:” People Inc. program participant featured. The Buffalo News, January 3, 2015.
“People Power, Adults with developmental disabilities thrive at People Inc.:” People Inc. Day Programs and Elmwood Health Center are featured. In Good Health, January 2015.
“People Inc. Orchard Senior Living helps residents feel at home:” People Inc. Orchard Senior Living is featured. Springville Journal, December 28, 2014.
“Featured home: People Inc. Senior Living grows in West Seneca:” People Inc. Senior Living is featured. The Buffalo News Homefinder, December 19, 2014.
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Give $10 a Month or More and Receive our Calendar
Pledge a recurring gift of $10 a month or a one-time gift of $100 or more to become a People Inc. Supporting Member and receive an exclusive gift.
Only Supporting Members receive our 2015 calendar featuring photos of the individuals we serve who benefit from your generosity. Plus, Supporting Members can identify a loved one and we will mail him/her a calendar on your behalf. To donate online, click here. Please include your loved one’s name and contact information in the “note” section. If you have questions about becoming a People Inc. Supporting Member, contact Sarah Snyder, annual giving manager, at ssnyder@people-inc.org or 716.817.7269.
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| NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM OF DISABILITY HISTORY
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Updated Workshop Information: Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders in the Classroom
Hosted by the Museum of disABILITY History and in association with Learning Partners, a workshop called Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders in the Classroom, will be held on Saturday, January 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. The presenter is Susan Conners, author; president and founder of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater NYS. Educators, human service and medical professionals, parents and students are encouraged to attend. The workshop is $40 for professionals and parents and $10 for students, and includes continental breakfast and lunch. There is an additional $20 fee for those interested in earning CEUs. Limited to first 80 participants. Click here for the updated registration form or call 716.629.3626 with payment information.
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Traveling Exhibit Coming this February!
When Willard Psychiatric Center in New York’s Finger Lakes closed in 1995, workers discovered hundreds of suitcases in the attic of an abandoned building. Many of them appeared untouched since their owners packed them decades earlier before entering the institution. The suitcases and their contents bear witness to the rich, complex lives their owners lived prior to being committed to Willard. They speak about aspirations, accomplishments, community connections, but also about loss and isolation.
This February, the Museum of disABILITY History will host the traveling exhibit, The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic. The goal of this exhibit is to bring the stories of the suitcase owners and a patient-centered view of the history of psychiatry to a wider audience across the country. More information will be announced soon on our website and Facebook page.
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OTHER LOCAL, STATE, NATIONAL NEWS The Buffalo News: Separated from brother, left to toil far from home
“Jones may be the last working member of the so-called Henry’s Boys – men recruited from Texas institutions decades ago....”
LifeNews.com: She was Once Called “Retarded” Because She has Down syndrome, Now Her Art is Considered “Genius”
“Judith Scott was born in 1944, a member of the baby boom generation. But, per the standard of care, because Ms. Scott was born with Down syndrome, she was institutionalized.”
The Mighty: This Man Invented a Font to Help People with Dyslexia Read
“A new typeface is making life easier for people everywhere who live with dyslexia.”
The New York Times: Song and Daughter Inspire Plans to Celebrate People with Disabilities
“The goal of the pride day is to increase awareness and help ‘break the stereotypes and show people that these people are not to be pitied.’”
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