Free Webinar: What is Care Coordination 8.23

People Inc. is pleased to share this information for parents, family members and caregivers. Person Centered Services is hosting a free webinar on Tuesday, August 23, from 6-7 p.m. titled What is Care Coordination? Focusing on information for parents and/or caregivers of children ages birth to five years old with a suspected or diagnosed disability. Topics to be discussed include: An overview of Care Coordination; OPWDD eligibility and services; referral process and a Question/Answer session.  Register for the event. Please note: Even if someone is unable to attend the live webinar, registration for the event is encouraged, as a follow up email will be sent to all registrants with a link to the recording and materials.   

After 50 Publication Features People Inc. Senior Services

Our People Inc. Services for Seniors and Older Adults is the cover and feature story of the July 2022 issue of After 50 . Learn more about our various apartment options, plus companionship supports and case management. This is a helpful story for those in need, family members and caregivers who help a loved one, as well as for healthcare professionals. These supports are a beneficial resource, whether they may be needed now or in the future. Have a question? Contact us – our staff are happy to help:  Senior Living : housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890  Affordable Apartments : housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890  Senior Companion Program : Call 716.768.2381  Senior Outreach Program : Call 716.768.2357 

Support People Inc. through Give 716

We’re excited to be a part of Give 716 this year! Starting July 14, at 7:16 p.m. and ending on July 16, at 7:16 a.m., the 36-hour online giving campaign provides an easy and fun way for our entire community to unite in support of local nonprofits, including People Inc.! Give 716 was created as a joint effort between the Buffalo Bills Foundation and the Buffalo Sabres Foundation in response to the urgent needs our nonprofit community is facing. Donations made to People Inc. will support our various services benefiting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults. You can help by making a generous donation and also spread the word on your personal social media channels by encouraging others to support People Inc, too! Go to this link to donate and share with friends. Support a great cause, while enjoying special incentives and giveaways! You can help ensure that our comprehensive supports for thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults continue to be met. With nearly 4,000 employees, People Inc. is one of the region’s largest employers. Thank you for your generosity! 

People Inc. Celebrates Grand Opening of its People Shoppe in the Tri-Main Center

A new initiative where every purchase has a purpose to support people with disabilities People Inc. opened its newest vocational initiative to provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to engage with the community through meaningful activities and hands-on work experience through the People Shoppe. Every purchase supports the agency’s mission to provide inclusive experience, including training for a career in retail by exploring every aspect of operating a store from inventory to stocking to customer service to sales. Working toward achieving these skills at the store located at the Tri-Main Center, 2495 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, is part of the individualized goals that each of the participants set for themselves. Speakers who addressed those gathered included: City of Buffalo Common Council Member Ulysees O. Wingo, Sr.; Erie County Office for People with Disabilities Director Frank Cammarata; Tri-Main Development President Matthew Wolfe; People Shoppe Ambassador Jackie Baich; People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick and People Inc. Vice President and Southeast Foundation Board Member Tim Pfohl. Members of the Project Development Team, funding partners, community leaders, People Inc. volunteers and staff, as well as people who participate in the People Shoppe experience also were in attendance. People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick stated, “From an idea to a reality, this project has been a true collaborative journey with many people coming together to make this day possible, including Deaf Access Services, an affiliate of People Inc., Tri-Main Development, the Southeast Foundation Board, as well as all of the People Inc. support departments. The primary purpose of this space is not as a retail outlet, but instead a space for people to come and build relationships, engage with the community and enjoy a hands-on experience.”  Frederick added, “Ensuring that people with developmental disabilities and varying abilities secure and maintain meaningful, competitive employment is an important part of what People Inc. does year-round. Hiring a qualified person with a disability brings greater benefits beyond just filling an open job – it means increased productivity, enhanced corporate culture and dedicated, loyal and efficient employees – all of which contribute to a company’s success!” People Inc. Vice President and Southeast Foundation Board Member Tim Pfohl shared, “The participants from the programs, our Ambassadors, have focused on engaging the Tri-Main’s business tenants and guests, asking for their suggestions for items to carry, increasing traffic and sharing information about People Inc. in general. One group, using donated flowers, created arrangements and distributed them to all of the building’s tenants.” People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, 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.

People Inc. Announces the Grand Opening of the People Shoppe in the Tri-Main Center

A new initiative where every purchase has a purpose to support people with disabilities MEDIA ADVISORY What: Grand Opening for the People Inc. People Shoppe at Tri-Main   When: Thursday, June 30, 2022 Program with Speakers: 11 a.m. in the lower level conference room, followed by opening of the store on the second floor. Where: Tri- Main Center, 2495 Main Street, Buffalo, NY (enter from Halbert Street; parking is behind the building in the visitor’s lots or on Halbert and Phelps Streets). COVID-19 precautions in place. All unvaccinated guests are required to wear a mask. If guests are vaccinated, wearing a mask is a personal choice. Who: City of Buffalo Common Council Member Ulysees O. Wingo, Sr.; Erie County Office for People with Disabilities Director Frank Cammarata; Tri-Main Development President Matthew Wolfe; People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick and People Inc. Vice President and Southeast Foundation Board Member Tim Pfohl will provide brief remarks. Members of the Project Development Team, funding partners, community leaders and people who participate in the People Shoppe experience will also be in attendance. Why: People Inc. is pleased to open its newest vocational initiative to provide people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities the opportunity to engage with the community through meaningful activities and hands-on work experience through the People Shoppe. Every purchase supports the agency’s mission to provide a meaningful and inclusive experience, including training for a career in retail by exploring every aspect of operating a store from inventory to stocking to customer service to sales. People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, 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 .

Book Signing Save the Date July 21: Meet Book Author and Parent Vickie Rubin 

Join us on Thursday, July 21, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Spruce on Main, 4446 Main Street, Snyder, NY, where Vickie Rubin will sign copies of Raising Jess: A Story of Hope. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., she will read from her book and answer your questions. Spruce on Main has generously agreed to donate a portion of the book sales during the event to benefit the People Inc. Foundation.

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.

A Statement from People Inc.

People Inc. sends its condolences and sympathies to the families and victims of this horrific and racist incident. On Saturday morning, just hours before, in collaboration with civic groups in the community, we did a friendly neighborhood cleanup. It was a wonderful celebration of diversity where a group of our staff partnered to beautify the streets surrounding our apartment complex at Jefferson and Dodge.  Hate and racism have no place in our community. For more than 50 years, the People Inc. mission has been to build a more accepting society. We will continue to strive for that goal in memory of the victims of this tragedy.

Update: Missing Person Found -- Missing Person Alert as of 5.13.2022

Ms. Hill has been safely located. Thank you all for your assistance! People Inc. is seeking assistance for a missing person, Marilyn Hill, who lives in North Buffalo and receives agency services. An attempt to locate was made when Ms. Hill did not return from an outing in downtown Buffalo, which is atypical. Ms. Hill is a vulnerable person and is community independent. She is described as a black female, 57 years of age, approximately 5’6”, 200 lbs. She was last seen on the morning of May 12, 2022. She wears glasses and was last seen in jeans and a cream/brown/black sweatshirt. If you have information or have seen Ms. Hill, call 716-714-5384. A photo of Ms. Hill is pictured. People Inc. has been working quickly with law enforcement, staff and family members to diligently monitor the situation. Hospital emergency rooms and the NFTA have been contacted. Our hearts go out to Ms. Hill’s family. Staff members are providing support and will provide assistance in areas that may be needed. People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, 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.