Funds Continue to Support Individuals with Disabilities, Goals for Independence

May 12, 2016: People Inc., Western New York’s largest health and human services agency, has been awarded a 2-year grant from the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation to support adolescents and young adults with intellectual disabilities (to age 26) in navigating life transitions.

The grant, totaling $231,754, will be used to continue the work of People Inc.’s Life Quality Coaching (LQC) Program, which helps an average of 50 individuals per month, and provides each with the opportunity to work towards a goal that doesn’t necessarily fit into the box of traditional programming. Individuals work closely with a life quality coach to achieve their goals in a three to six month time span, enough time to gain the confidence and tools needed to move forward with the goal on their own. The grant will enable the program to focus on guiding participants with life-changing goals, such as moving into an independent apartment or acquiring meaningful employment.

“We appreciate the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation’s leadership in making investments that transform the lives of young adults with intellectual disabilities,” said People Inc. Vice President Denise Bienko.

The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation supports community programming that results in children, adolescents, and young adults affected by substance abuse, learning disabilities, mental illness, and intellectual disabilities achieving their full potential.

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.