Center for Disability Studies Established

The State University of New York at Buffalo and the Museum of disABILITY History celebrate the establishment of new Center What: The State University of New York at Buffalo and the Museum of disABILITY History are hosting event to celebrate the establishment of the Center for Disability Studies. When: Thursday, April 30, 2009; 6:00pm to 9:00pm              6 pm - 7 pm          Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres              7 pm - 8:30 pm      Program Where: Jacobs Executive Management Center (Butler Mansion) 672 Delaware Avenue (corner of Delaware and North), Buffalo, New York Why: The purpose of the Center will be to encourage the study, teaching and accurate representation of disability history and of individuals with disabilities. With collaborative efforts, The State University of New York at Buffalo and The Museum of disABILITY History will sponsor a visiting scholar for one semester each academic year beginning in the spring semester of the year 2010. The scholar will not only teach and promote the study of disability history, but also develop new exhibits for the ever expanding collections at the Museum of disABILITY History. Who: Speakers for the evening's program include: NYS Assemblymember Mark J. F. Schroeder Dr. Bruce McCombe, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, University at Buffalo Dr. Francisco M. Vasquez, Board Vice President, Museum of disABILITY History Dr. David Gerber, UB Distinguished Professor, Department of History, University at Buffalo Dr. Catherine Kudlick Keynote: When Blind People March for Dr. King Catherine Kudlick is the president of the Disability History Association, an international scholarly organization that promotes the academic study of disabilities. She received her BA from UC Santa Cruz in 1980, and her MA and PhD from UC Berkeley in 1988. Dr. Kudlick has been a professor in the history department of The University of California Davis since 1989. She has also studied and taught in France. Dr. Kudlick has published a number of works on disability and on the history of medicine, within the context of her specialty, French social and cultural history. Event Sponsor: The event is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York. A division Of HealthNow New York Inc. An Independent Licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. A flagship institution in the State University of New York system, the University at Buffalo is the largest and most comprehensive campus in the 64-campus SUNY system. UB is a premier, research-intensive public university dedicated to academic excellence. For more information, visit www.buffalo.edu The Museum of disABILITY History is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs, and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society's reactions. For more information, visit www.museumofdisability.org.

Ceremonial Swearing In Event for Assemblymember Mark J. F. Schroeder Hosted by People Inc.

BUFFALO, N.Y., December 28, 2010: A ceremonial Swearing In Event in honor of New York State Assemblymember Mark J.F. Schroeder and other elected officials will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at People Inc.'s Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street in Amherst. The event is hosted by People Inc.'s Young Adult Life Transitions Program and the Museum of disABILITY History. Other elected officials scheduled to attend include: Assemblymember Dennis Gabryszak, Assemblymember Sam Hoyt and Senator George D. Maziarz. Terrance Hassan, a member of the New York State Partners in Policy Making and past recipient of People Inc.'s Young Adult Life Transitions program, will administer the ceremony. Students from St. Mary's School for the Deaf will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Assemblymember Schroeder was recently recognized for his advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities by introducing a Bill declaring October 18 as Disability History Day in New York. Schroeder has dedicated his time in the New York State Assembly to standing up for his constituents in Albany, as well as getting results for them in Western New York. As the chairman of the Assembly Subcommittee on Autism, Schroeder has created an inclusive panel of mental health professionals, autism advocates, and concerned parents with the mission of providing for better care for those afflicted with the disorder. He has also worked to ensure that veterans, young and old, get the care and assistance that they deserve. People Inc.'s Young Adult Life Transitions is a community-based program offering young adults, ages 18-23, with developmental disabilities an opportunity to experience life on a college campus while developing functional skills. The program focuses on independence in the community, preparation for employment, continuation of the learning process, and establishing and maintaining friendships. The Museum of disABILITY History is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs, and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society's reactions. Located in the Amherst/Buffalo border and at www.museumofdisability.org , the Museum offers educational exhibits and activities that expand community awareness. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Cheryl Stiller promoted to Benefits Manager at People Inc.

Cheryl Stiller of Orchard Park has been promoted to Benefits Manager at People Inc.  Cheryl has been employed at People Inc. since 2010. In 3 years she has proved her value at the agency as a Health and Benefits Analyst. She is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources Management. Cheryl is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Cheryl is also a member of Buffalo Niagara Human Resources Association. Cheryl will be responsible for oversight of the benefits department, including its function, supervision, and development of the benefits team. She will ensure effective and legal administration of all agency benefit plans. Cheryl states, “I love my job, the people I work with, and you can’t beat that, because it involves helping the people (employees) that work directly with the individuals People Inc. provides services for.” According to Trisha Duke, PHR, Director of Human Resources at People Inc.,"Cheryl has been in the Human Resource arena for many years and brought an extensive HR knowledge base with her to People Inc. She promotes the HR vision by creating a workplace that allows People Inc. employees to provide the highest quality of service to the individuals our agency serves. Cheryl enthusiastically looks for ways to take good care of our employees and is committed to their health and well-being.”  

Christina Jarczewski Recognized with Award from NYSID

Christina Jarczewski, who participates in our People Inc. Supported Employment Program, was recognized as an Outstanding Performer through the William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Awards Program, presented by New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID). Christina is a caring and dedicated employee who works as a day porter for People Inc. She was recently offered an opportunity working on the janitorial contract People Inc. and NYSID have with the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA). Over the years, she has strengthened her communication and socialization skills and enjoys doing meaningful work. “I like to work hard, get things done and talk to people,” Christina shared.

Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop Held in Springville Now Accepting Participants

People Inc.’s Living Healthy Program will have its Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop beginning January 10 and continuing every Tuesday through February 14. The free workshop will be held at People Inc. Orchard Senior Living, 276 Waverly Street, Springville. The course is open to older adults who are living with or caring for someone with a chronic condition.  The workshop provides attendees new skills, enabling them to confront challenges associated with chronic disease. Additionally, tips to maintain an active lifestyle will be provided. Attendees who complete the workshop will earn a $30 Tops gift card. Registration is required. To register or for more information, call Becky Orton, peer leader trainer and manager of People Inc. Marigold Senior Living, at 716.773.0907. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,500 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 .

Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop Held in West Seneca Now Accepting Participants

People Inc.’s Living Healthy Program will have its Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop beginning August 17 and continuing every Thursday through September 21. The free workshop will be held at People Inc. Walnut Senior Living, 804 Union Road, West Seneca. The course is open to older adults who are living with or caring for someone with a chronic condition. The workshop provides attendees new skills, enabling them to confront challenges associated with chronic disease. Additionally, tips to maintain an active lifestyle will be provided. Attendees who complete the workshop will earn a $30 Wegmans gift card. Registration is required. To register or for more information, call Becky Orton, peer leader trainer and manager of People Inc. Marigold Senior Living, at 716.773.0907. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,500 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 .

Comittment to the Community

A Message from Rhonda Frederick, President and CEO, People Inc. Dear Friends, We are here for the long-run! We are heartbroken as we extend our deepest sympathies and support for the families of victims, and survivors, of the horrific acts of racially motivated hate that occurred on Saturday. The cowardly attack by a white supremacist who targeted people because they are Black, is nothing short of pure evil. It requires nothing short of full condemnation, full force of the law and our full and persistent attention in ridding the poison of hate, bigotry and ignorance from every corner of our community. We know that the fear and trauma so many in our community now feel on a daily basis will not be quickly or easily resolved. There is deep pain, as a tremendous process of personal and community grieving continues.   People Inc. is invested and integrated into every area of our community. We cherish the people and relationships developed with community groups along the historic Jefferson corridor; we are here for the long-run. The below photo was taken just hours before Saturday’s attack, as People Inc. staff joined others in a community cleanup near our apartments on Jefferson Avenue. We pledge to continue our work toward creating a community of inclusion and belonging for all. Let’s become what this community is meant to be.

Community Meeting to be held for Proposed Development of the Mt. Olive Senior Manor Apartments

March 8, 2021 What: Community Meeting for Proposed Development of the Mt. Olive Senior Manor Apartments in Buffalo When: Thursday, March 11, 2021, at 6 p.m. Where: Three ways to participate: In-person: Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 701 East Delavan, Buffalo Virtually: Via zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 897 0836 9735 • Passcode: 701MODC Phone: 1.929.205.6099 Meeting ID: 897 0836 9735 • Passcode: 7268227 Who: Representatives from Mt. Olive Development Corporation, People Inc., CSS Construction and Silvestri Architects, along with elected officials or their staff members.  Why:  The community meeting, hosted by Mt. Olive Development Corporation and fellow partners, People Inc., CSS Construction and Silvestri Architects, will provide an opportunity for community members to learn about the new proposed development of the Mt. Olive Senior Manor apartments and a new vision for the neighborhood. The in-person event is being held in compliance with all COVID-19 public health and safety orders. Attendance is limited with social distancing. Protective masks must be worn at all times.  People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 10,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, special needs, families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted people to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. With nearly 4,000 employees, People Inc. is one of the region’s largest employers. To learn more, visit people-inc.org , follow People Inc. on Facebook or Twitter @PeopleIncNews.

Construction Starts on Blocher Apartments

People Inc. Plans 93 Units in Williamsville Project People Inc. broke ground recently on Blocher Apartments, an affordable living complex at 135 Evans St., Williamsville. The $42 million development will provide 93 rental apartments for adults who qualify based on income.   The project includes renovations to the former Blocher Homes senior residence, as well as construction of three additional buildings. The complex will include one- and two-bedroom apartments and rents will range from $704 - $918 per month for one-bedroom units and $1082 - $1,157 per month for two-bedroom apartments. There will be 23 apartments designated for people with developmental disabilities. Up to five apartments will be accessible for people who are hearing and/or vision impaired. The Evans Street location is just off Main Street, providing close access to the many village and town amenities. “The Blocher project is an exciting and unique opportunity to add and sustain housing options in an area where the need for affordable housing has been well documented,” said Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO of People Inc. “Providing these choices, including opportunities for people with disabilities, can be life-changing for residents.” People Inc. manages over 30 affordable housing complexes with over 1,300 residents. The development of Blocher Apartments will mark the 8th residential construction project that the organization has developed through the use of tax credits.  “Our goals with the development of Blocher Apartments will be consistent with our other housing initiatives: to provide safe and affordable living environments where there is an unmet need, to create aesthetically pleasing and welcoming buildings, and to have a positive impact on the communities in which we are located,” McCaffrey said. Funding for the Blocher Apartments comes from several sources, including federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, New York State’s Homes and Community Renewal, Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program, Supportive Housing Opportunity Program and the Town of Amherst HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan. Features available to residents include a new playground, activity rooms, multiple community rooms and a patio. There will be a parking lot for residents and visitors, and a live-in superintendent. The project also includes new walkways and landscaping. “At the core of People Inc.’s mission is responding to the needs of the people of Western New York,” McCaffrey said. “There continues to be high demand for healthy, affordable and safe living environments and we are grateful to all our government and other collaborators and funders who are working with us to answer that call.” Construction of Blocher Apartments is expected to be completed by mid-2026.   ABOUT PEOPLE INC.: People Inc. provides a diverse array of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, as well as health care services, senior services, services for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and affordable housing. Founded more than 50 years ago and built on a strong foundation of innovation, collaboration, community and inclusion, People Inc. helps people achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity, providing superior programs throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester regions.