 | Jocelyn Jamieson is a graduate of our YALT Program at Buffalo State. | |
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Congratulations Graduates!
Nine individuals taking part in People Inc.’s Young Adult Life Transitions (YALT), a community-based program offering young adults with developmental disabilities an opportunity to experience life on a college campus, graduated from programs at Buffalo State, Erie Community College and University at Buffalo. Through their experiences with YALT, these individuals have gained a range of important life skills that will allow them to succeed in their communities and the working world. One such participant is Jocelyn Jamieson, a Buffalo State YALT graduate who is enrolled in People Inc.’s Employment and Training program and is working with a job coach to develop skills and find work. She has used her time at Buffalo State as a learning experience, and has accomplished her goal of obtaining a driver’s permit. Currently living in a supportive apartment, Jocelyn is looking to move into her own apartment in due time.
People Inc.’s YALT program is for individuals age 18-23 and focuses on fostering independence in the community, preparation for employment, continuation of the learning process, and establishing and maintaining friendships. Six area colleges currently partner with the program including Buffalo State College, Canisius College, Daemen College, ECC South Campus, Niagara County Community College and UB South Campus.
Click here to learn about the other graduates. Congratulations to all!
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| Looking for a Job You’ll Love?
We are seeking program instructors for our Afternoon Respite programs that provide after school care for young people with developmental disabilities, ages 5 to 21. Program instructors assist with enriching activities, such as homework, arts and crafts, peer socialization, community outings and more. Part-time positions are available in Buffalo, East Aurora and Hamburg. If interested, apply online.
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| Paint on Tap Event is a Success!
On July 6, Paint on Tap in Williamsville held a special painting event to benefit People Inc. With nearly 35 participants, the class was a great success, and all who attended had a fun time! Between this and a previous Paint on Tap event in April, more than $1,000 was raised to support the people our agency serves. Thank you to all who participated!
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| Follow Us on Facebook!
All summer long, we’ll be posting photos of People Inc. at some of Buffalo’s coolest new spots on our Facebook page. Make sure to follow along to catch the fun and see if you can “Guess the Spot!”
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Make a Difference in Someone’s Life
People Inc.’s Senior Companion program is seeking volunteers age 55 and over who want to make a difference in the life of a senior adult. The program matches qualified volunteers with seniors age 55 or over who live independently but could benefit from social contact and assistance. Volunteers provide in-home support, companionship and understanding to seniors in Erie County.
Patricia Butler, 63, lives in Buffalo and has been serving as a senior companion for seven years.
“The program is a blessing. It goes both ways – you can get fulfillment in return – and you help someone in need,” she said.
Companions like Patricia help with daily living tasks like shopping, driving, processing mail and paying bills. Volunteers are carefully screened and serve 15 to 40 hours per week. They receive pre-service orientation and training and must pass a physical exam and background check. They are also reimbursed for travel and meals and may qualify to earn a tax-free hourly stipend. Currently, approximately 15,000 volunteers serve more than 56,000 seniors in our community. For information about becoming a volunteer, click here or call 716.768.2381.
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| Become a Sponsor
People Inc.’s 14th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, August 17, at East Aurora Country Club, 300 Girdle Road, East Aurora. Sponsorships are available for eight, four or two golfers. Not interested in golfing? Businesses can show their support and receive great exposure by being a tee sign sponsor.
An early bird morning round of golf is available and an invitation to the dinner program. Morning and afternoon rounds include lunch and will follow a four-man best ball scramble format with a shot gun start. A dinner program will conclude the event, complete with silent auction and raffle prizes.
For more information, click here or contact Sarah Snyder, annual giving manager, at ssnyder@people-inc.org or by calling 716.817.7269.
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| PEOPLE INC. IN THE NEWS Recent news stories that include information from People Inc. and agency representatives.
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| Join the Americans with Disabilities Act Celebration
Western New York Independent Living invites you to join them for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 25th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, July 26, from 2 p.m. until dusk at Buffalo Canalside. Enjoy food and games! The event is free and open to the public. Click here for more information or contact Yvette Lucas at ylucas@wnyil.org.
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| People Inc. Willow Senior Living Basket Raffle and Open House
People Inc. Willow Senior Living will host a Basket Raffle and Open House on Friday, August 28, from 4 to 7 p.m., at 3990 Forest Parkway, Wheatfield (between Shawnee and Townline Roads, off of Niagara Falls Boulevard). Proceeds will benefit tenant recreational opportunities.
Community members are welcome to attend! Apartment tours will be available during the event. People Inc. Willow Senior Living provides affordable and safe apartments for independent seniors ages 62 and up who meet income guidelines.
For more information, call 716.694.1486.
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| NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM OF DISABILITY HISTORY
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Curator Doug Platt Celebrates 30 Years
Museum of disABILITY History Curator Doug Platt celebrated his 30 year anniversary with People Inc. on June 25. Throughout his career, Doug has assisted individuals with developmental disabilities through various roles within the agency, including program instructor and recreational specialist. He started as our Museum project coordinator in March of 1999, and is currently Museum curator. Last year, Doug was appointed to the New York State Historical Records Advisory Board, which provides guidance on historical records programs and issues in New York.
An avid fan of history and an advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, Doug has helped to grow our archives to more than 6,900 items and enhance community awareness about our mission and educational programs.
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|  | L-R: Doug Platt, Museum of disABILITY History curator and Dave Mack-Hardiman, People Inc. associate vice president. | |
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| OTHER LOCAL, STATE, NATIONAL NEWS
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