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AGENCY NEWS

Successful Supporting Member Appreciation Arts Event
People Inc. Foundation Supporting Members attended the first exclusive Appreciation Arts Event held at the People Inc. Arts Experience program in North Buffalo on May 7. Beautiful works of art included jewelry, pottery, woodworking and painting! There were even live performances of singing, dancing, acting and rapping! The event was an amazing representation of the talented individuals we are proud to serve. Click here to see photos from the event on Facebook.


Participant of People Inc. YALT Program Meets Survivor Winner
Proud! That explains how we feel about Brandon Federowicz. He is a participant of the People Inc. Young Adult Life Transitions (YALT), a community-based program offering young adults with developmental disabilities an opportunity to experience life on a college campus while developing functional skills. A huge fan of the reality show Survivor, Brandon contacted Survivor Philippines winner Denise Stapley. A friendship developed and they recently met in California. They competed together in the annual Reality Rally, a fundraiser for cancer, in memory of Brandon’s father John who died of cancer.

Brandon is in his first year of People Inc.’s (YALT) program at Erie Community College South Campus. He is working on his social and life skills and studying to get his driver’s permit. He is also an intern in the library at Erie Community College City Campus and also at the YMCA. With assistance from the YALT program, Brandon will continue his journey toward independence.

Click here for a story about Brandon that aired on WIVB-TV Channel 4.


Advocating in Albany for Cost of Living Raise
On behalf of People Inc. and the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of WNY (DDAWNY), Kevin Horrigan, People Inc. government relations director, recently joined several members of the NYS Assembly and providers from throughout the state at an event Assemblymember Harvey Weisenberg (Long Beach) hosted in Albany. Assemblymember Weisenberg and Assembly Michael Kearns (Buffalo) rallied their colleagues and non-profit providers to advocate for a cost of living raise (COLA) for direct support professionals.

Kevin Horrigan, People Inc. government relations director (middle), along with Assemblymember Harvey Weisenberg (Long Beach; left) and Assemblymember Michael Kearns (Buffalo; right).
People Inc. is Hiring!
People Inc. is looking for qualified candidates that are passionate about changing lives and making a difference. Is that you? Do you know someone looking for a rewarding career experience? We are currently recruiting for group home staff, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Evening, overnight and weekend shifts are available with an immediate need in Boston, Eden, Hamburg, Orchard Park and Silver Creek. Apply online: www.people-inc.org/careers.

UPCOMING EVENTS
The following community events are hosted by the Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc.:

Tourette Syndrome - What Makes us Tic?
Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series featuring Susan Conners, author and president and founder of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State.
Friday, May 30, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY
Cost: Adults – $5, Students, Seniors, and Human Service Employees – $2.50, Members of the Museum of disABILITY History – free
Information/RSVP: Call 716.629.3626

Niagara County Almshouse Cemetery Restoration Project Rededication Ceremony and Memorial Plaque Unveiling
The event will recognize volunteers who have restored the cemetery which serves as the final resting place for people who lived at the Niagara County Almshouse. A ceremony of remembrance will be included to honor those who are buried there.
Thursday, June 5, 10 a.m.
5526 Niagara Street Extension, Lockport, NY
The cemetery is located across the street from the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, between Townline Road and Sunset Drive.
Information/RSVP: Dave Mack-Hardiman at dmack@people-inc.org or 716.629.3606.
Person First Forum Featuring Local Artist Cindy Few
Cindy will share a story about her life as an artist and display her artwork.
Saturday, June 21, 1 p.m.
Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY
Cost: Free
Information/RSVP: Call 716.629.3626

Person First Forum Featuring U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Champion Adam Page
Adam will share his experiences as a paralympian athlete. He was born with Spina Bifida, a birth defect caused by incomplete formation of the vertebrae.
Saturday, July 19, 1 p.m.
Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY
Cost: Free
Information/RSVP: Call 716.629.3626

Dialogues on disABILITY with Neurologist Lance Fogan, MD
Dr. Lance Fogan, retired neurologist and author, will speak about epilepsy.
Friday, August 8, 7 p.m.
Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY
Cost: Adults – $5, Students, Seniors, and Human Service Employees – $2.50, Members of the Museum of disABILITY History – free
Information/RSVP: Call 716.629.3626

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Seniors Live in the Community they Care about
People Inc. Senior Living apartments provide affordable and safe housing for seniors age 62 and up who are looking to maintain an independent lifestyle. People Inc.’s Senior Living offers monthly rent based on the tenant’s income, which includes some utilities. To help families and tenants feel at ease, there is a day-time manager and live-in caretaker for building emergencies. The one-bedroom apartments include kitchen appliances and are small pet friendly. Service coordinators are available to provide tenants assistance. Group transportation to grocery stores and a variety of activities are provided for tenants who wish to participate. Serving Erie, Niagara and Genesee counties, many locations are accepting applications, including Amherst, Angola, Akron, Grand Island, Lackawanna, Lockport, South Buffalo and Wheatfield. For more information about People Inc. Senior Living, call 716.817.9090.




HOW YOU CAN HELP

Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament and Auction
The People Inc. Foundation is gearing up for its 13th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament. The event is Monday, August 18, at East Aurora Country Club. We have brought back our Early Bird Morning Round to accommodate those who might not have a full day to attend the event. You can expect a quick round of golf, but are welcome back for the dinner program. Both rounds will follow a four-man best ball scramble format with a shot-gun start. The early round will tee off at 7:30 a.m. and the afternoon round will tee off at 12:30 p.m. As always, snacks and beverages will be regularly offered throughout the course for your enjoyment!

Please take a minute to register now by going to www.people-inc.org and clicking in the Event Registration and Online Orders button or contact Sarah Snyder, annual giving manager, at ssnyder@people-inc.org or 716.817.7269.

Become a Supporting Member!
People Inc. Foundation Supporting Members are critical for us to continue our mission. To learn how to become a Supporting Member, go to www.people-inc.org and select the Supporting Members tab under How to Help. For questions, contact Sarah Snyder, annual giving manager, at ssnyder@people-inc.org or 716.817.7269.

PEOPLE INC. IN THE NEWS
Recent news stories that include information from People Inc. representatives
Changes on the Way: Article about changes in leadership at area nonprofits includes quotes from People Inc. President and CEO James M. Boles, Ed.D. and Chief Operating Officer Rhonda Frederick. Buffalo Business First, April 25, 2014.
Sheltered Workshops Fading Away: Article about the future status of sheltered workshops for people with developmental disabilities includes quotes from People Inc. Chief Operating Officer Rhonda Frederick. The Buffalo News, April 26, 2014.
What’s the Best Living Situation for Aging Parents?: News story about options for seniors features People Inc. Senior Living includes comments from People Inc. tenants, family members and Chief Operating Officer Rhonda Frederick. WKBW-TV Channel 7, May 7, 2014.

Moonlight On The Green: News story features a fundraiser and services available for individuals with traumatic brain injuries provided by Headway of WNY, an affiliate of People Inc. Caregiver and advocate Diana Landwehr was interviewed for the story. WKBW-TV Channel 7, May 14, 2014.


OTHER LOCAL, STATE, NATIONAL NEWS

Tonawanda News: NT Paralympian Given Key to City
“Marine Cpl. Paul Schaus, who returned to Western New York to great fanfare in March from his gold medal victory in Sochi, Russia as part of the United States men’s Paralympic sled hockey team, received the key to the city during Tuesday evening’s North Tonawanda Common Council meeting.”

The Huffington Post: Man with Down Syndrome Fulfills Life Goal, Sings National Anthem at Red Sox Game
“Many people dream of singing the national anthem at a major sports event, but few can do it with a spirit rivaling Michael Mullins.”

USA Today: Watch Kid with Cerebral Palsy Wrestle Olympic Coach
“Lucas Vialpando is the definition of inspiring. After being told by countless people in high school that he would never be able to wrestle, he defied odds and proved them wrong.”

The Washington Post: Amy Purdy’s Bionic Grace on Dancing with the Stars
“Like any good dancer, Amy Purdy has a great pair of legs. But as with any good dancer, there is far more to her talent than what she does with them.”


Back issues of People Inc. in the News.