Collaboration aims to strengthen agencies, provide improved services for people with disabilities

May 26, 2016: Southeast Works, a neighborhood-based not-for-profit that helps people with developmental disabilities lead productive, independent and fulfilling lives, has entered into an agreement to become an affiliate of People Inc., Western New York’s largest and most experienced health and human services agency. Effective in the fall of 2016, the collaboration will allow for more efficient operations and a sharper focus on service excellence in a changing environment.

Southeast Works first formed in 1974 when a group of families from Alden and Lancaster, NY, sought to establish a community-based, family-oriented center to provide employment to adults with developmental disabilities. Today, it employs 279 and serves over 500 people through numerous programs, including family support, Medicaid service coordination, residential, vocational and community habilitation services.

The affiliation is a proactive response to more than $1.5 million in state budget cuts and is expected to benefit both agencies, allowing them to pool resources and expand services for individuals throughout Western New York.

“Our goal is to always provide the best quality services and we are fortunate to partner with People Inc. to ensure the individuals we serve have continued opportunities and choices to lead fulfilling lives,” said Southeast Works’ Executive Director Timothy J. Pfohl. “It is the right time to strengthen our services for long-term sustainability. We are proud to be part of People Inc.’s team, and to broaden our own community by joining a reputable health and human services agency.”

As an affiliate of People Inc., Southeast Works will retain its name and separate corporate status, and no jobs will be lost as a result of the change. Agency supports will be integrated and strengthened, thereby reducing overhead, furthering services and lowering administrative costs. 

“We work every day to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities, special needs and senior adults can lead healthy, productive and independent lives. Welcoming another agency like Southeast Works to our People Inc. family means that we can extend what we do and better address the abundant need for services in Western New York,” said People Inc.’s President and CEO Rhonda Frederick. “With this affiliation, People Inc. and Southeast Works can continue to strengthen our respective organizations while accomplishing goals together.”

In light of a challenging fiscal climate, Southeast Works will remain open to a merger arrangement in the future if it is determined to be in the best interests of those the agency serves. Whether or not this takes effect, both People Inc. and Southeast Works look forward to working in close alignment, providing quality services for individuals with disabilities. 

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.