Advocacy Efforts Under Way Seeking Fair Wages
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It’s New York State budget season, and People Inc. President and CEO Anne McCaffrey has been tirelessly advocating for increased funding for direct support professionals, who provide critical care for people with developmental disabilities. McCaffrey was recently interviewed by WIVB and WGRZ regarding Governor Kathy Hochul’s executive budget, which calls for only a 1.2% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
In addition, McCaffrey joined 400 people at a rally in Albany on February 12 to educate the New York State Legislature on the need to invest in the future of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and those who support them. People Inc. joins advocates calling for a 3.2% cost of living increase and a $4,000 wage enhancement for direct support professionals.
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| Anne McCaffrey, center, with N.Y. Assemblymembers Karen McMahon and Michael Norris.
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“The Edge” Day Program Opens in Niagara Falls
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In celebration of Developmental Disability Awareness Month, we are highlighting a new program in Niagara Falls where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can participate in a weekday program. Known as “The Edge,” the program offers opportunities for recreation, cooking, volunteering, community exploration and more. The staff empower each person who participates at The Edge to make decisions about their activities based on their needs and interests.
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| Rocking with the karaoke stage at The Edge.
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People Inc. Expands Services to Include Programs for the Deaf
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Deaf Access Services has merged with People Inc., expanding People Inc.’s comprehensive suite of human services programs. Sharing a common mission to serve the community where needed, the merger was part of a long-term plan when Deaf Access Services affiliated with People Inc. in late 2018. Check out the video prepared to welcome staff, volunteers and the entire Deaf and hard of hearing community to the People Inc. family.
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| People Inc. E.T.H.O.S. AmeriCorps members Ryan Elphick and Kelly Clark.
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New Slate of Officers for People Inc. Boards
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Elizabeth Mauro has been named the chairperson of the People Inc. Board of Directors, replacing JoAnne Hudecki, who served as chair for two years. Mauro, President and CEO, at Endeavor Health Services, has been on the People Inc. board since 2016. Other new officers include: Vice Chairperson Robert Mayer, Weinberg Campus; Treasurer Dennis Schaeffer, Esq., Bond, Schoeneck & King Attorneys and Secretary JoAnne Hudecki, McGuire Development.
The Board of Directors of the People Inc. Foundation also elected a new slate of officers. They include: President Bill Regan, retired executive SUNY at Buffalo; Vice President Ralph J. Vanner, Jr., AssuredPartners; Treasurer Alex Wehr, KeyBank and Secretary Erica Sammarco, People Inc. The board also welcomed Justin Waclawek, PharmD, of Parkview Health Services.
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Elizabeth Mauro,
new chair of the People Inc. Board
of Directors.
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Diversity, Inclusion Efforts Recognized
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In celebration of the people and companies around Western New York who make inclusivity, diversity, and equity pillars of their business, Buffalo Business First named Richard Banner, People Inc. Associate Vice President of Advocacy, one of the IDEA Award recipients.
Banner’s dedication to inclusion, education, advocacy, diversity, and person-centered planning in the workplace and the community truly sets him apart. Banner has been very involved regionally and statewide in advocacy for people with disabilities, increasing awareness and influencing policy direction and provider approaches. Congratulations, Rick!
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| Richard Banner, center, receives Buffalo Business First’s IDEA Award.
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Mark Your Calendars – Come Together to Support a Great Cause
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Save the dates for two upcoming events in support of the philanthropic efforts of the People Inc. Foundation to help people with disabilities, families and older adults reach their full potential.
Join us on Thursday, May 9, for “Better Together…A Night of Celebration” at the Buffalo Powerhouse. Then, get your golfing friends lined-up for the annual Drive Fore People Inc. Golf Tournament on Monday, July 15, at Park Country Club.
A gift of financial support and participation by individuals and businesses helps worlds open up even more for those we serve and provides access to the experiences, services and programs that might not otherwise be possible.
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For information, go to people-inc.org or call 1.888.773.6753.
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