People Inc. provides internship opportunities for college students, allowing them to gain practical experience working within the agency, to the mutual benefit of both students and agency programs. This past summer, Amherst resident Katy Sloan, who is a junior at SUNY New Paltz in the school’s art education program, lent her talents to People Inc.’s Arts Experience, a fine arts day habilitation program for individuals with developmental disabilities.

By utilizing her teaching and artistic skills, Sloan led program participants in painting their own unique squares that would, when pieced together, create a portrait of Rhonda Frederick, People Inc. president and CEO. Sloan worked one-on-one with the program participants, sharing her artistic skills and encouraging them to be creative. 

“It was so beneficial to have Katy be part of our Arts Experience Program,” said Anne Paulk, senior day supervisor, People Inc. “She gained valuable work experience while developing relationships with the program participants. We were so fortunate to have her share her skills. She brought fresh and creative ideas to the table, allowing our program participants to develop large scale projects like this one.”

This was Sloan’s second internship with the program, with plans to return in the future during college breaks. To learn about internship experiences with People Inc., email internships@people-inc.org or call 716.322.7050.

People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York and Rochester. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, visit people-inc.org. Like us on Facebook at People Inc. and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews.