Contract Manufacturing Benefits Local Businesses

Since its inception in 1970, People Inc. has grown to offer more services than any organization in the region, assessing and addressing the needs of the communities where we operate and providing innovative, person-centered, creative and cutting-edge options for program participants and their families. During this time, People Inc. has established several business services that offer high-quality work, ranging from janitorial and carpet cleaning to workforce solutions. A work center that is dedicated to Contract Manufacturing has been added to the list as one of People Inc.’s complete Business Solutions. Ensuring that people with developmental disabilities secure and maintain meaningful and competitive employment is an important part the agency’s goals.  Contract Manufacturing offers complete assembly/disassembly, packaging, inspection or mailings in a timely and cost-effective manner to community business partners. The program is a beneficial alternative to temp agencies that provides a quality-driven, flexible workforce with on-site supervision to ensure all jobs are done to a business’s expectations and satisfaction. This valuable service provides meaningful employment for hardworking people and positions People Inc. as an important partner in the community. Whether it’s working at a company’s location or bringing the work to our site, Contract Manufacturing benefits companies. Some of valued customers share why they are so pleased with the service, including: “We at Great Lakes have depended on the work center to assemble and package various products that we sell worldwide. Our business relationship is a strong one and, I believe, will continue for many years to come.”  - Terry Cowles, Great Lakes Orthodontics LTD “The work center is basically an extension of our company on certain projects. We can always trust them to represent our company in the most efficient and competent way as possible.”  - Tony Cirelli, RMF Print Management Group People Inc. is currently looking to expand its services to more companies across Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. If you know of any companies that may benefit from innovative and customized solutions to their current workforce challenges, referrals are happily accepted. High-quality work with quick response times at a very reasonable cost may be an important extension of any local business. For more information, email contractmanufacturing@people-inc.org or call 716.683.7100.

Contract Manufacturing Receives Award from Buffalo Business First

On Wednesday, May 17, our Contract Manufacturing team was honored to receive a 2023 Manufacturing Award from Buffalo Business First in the Workforce Innovation and Training Category. People Inc. President and CEO Anne McCaffrey and Contract Manufacturing Production Lead Jeremy Little accepted the award. Our Contract Manufacturing supports meaningful integrated employment for people with disabilities by providing business solutions such as general and light assembly/disassembly, packaging, light manufacturing or inspection to area businesses in a timely, professional and cost-effective manner. Contract Manufacturing invests in the integrated model by ensuring the workforce we provide is screened, trained and committed to quality. We ascertain each business partner’s unique project details, deadlines and quality requirements and shape our workforce to meet these needs. Within any partnership we provide regular supervision and facilitation of natural supports on a work site through modeling to and training of our and the partner’s employees on workplace and disability etiquette. People Inc. also can provide a broad overview training related to working with people with disabilities to any community partner/business who is interested in supporting and diversifying their workforce. People Inc. supports the integration of people with and without disabilities through our site-based and community business locations. Our Contract Manufacturing operation provides the natural opportunity for this when we partner with community businesses and supplement their workforce. We supply a trained workforce to assist with contracted tasks, such as assembly/disassembly, packaging, light manufacturing and inspection. Not only does this result in meaningful employment for people with disabilities, but we also become a valuable solution for local businesses struggling with recruitment and meeting project deadlines. Learn more about this unique business service.

Couponing and Stretching Your Food Dollars Workshop at People Inc. Pine Senior Living in Lockport

A “Couponing and Stretching Your Food Dollars” Workshop will be held during an open house event at People Inc. Pine Senior Living on Thursday, June 16, from 3 to 6 p.m. at 6231 Tonawanda Creek North, Lockport. The presentation will start at 4 p.m. During the free presentation by Catholic Charities, participants will learn how to buy fruits and vegetables on a budget, compare unit prices to find bargains, read and compare food labels, identify whole grains and stick to a budget.  Participants will receive a $10 Tops gift card, a booklet with recipes and tips on buying healthy low-cost foods, along with a reusable grocery bag. Apartment tours of People Inc. Pine Senior Living and refreshments will be available. Whether thinking of downsizing or removing the burden of household maintenance, People Inc. Pine Senior Living provides older adults a chance to live affordably. Apartments are for seniors, age 62 and up, who meet federally mandated income guidelines. Monthly rent is based on the tenant’s and/or couple’s income. As an added cost savings, some utilities are included. The one-bedroom apartments include a kitchen with appliances. Tenants are welcome to have one small pet. Service coordinators are available to provide tenants assistance to supports and services at no extra charge. Group transportation to grocery stores is provided. For tenants who like to socialize, there are a variety of social events and community outings held throughout the year. Registration for the workshop is encouraged. For more information, call 716.433.3381. People Inc. manages 19 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York. For information about other locations, call 716.817.9090. 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 .

Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls Provides Opportunity for Growth

People Inc. Employment Specialist Amy Allen loves to see people happy and successful. She plays an important role in helping people with disabilities focus on what they are interested in, assess what skills they already have and learn how to build on what they are passionate about to find a position. When Amy met Brenda Morgan, Brenda was looking for a new opportunity to use her housekeeping experience at a business near her home. Amy reached out to Ken Kirisits, the general manager at the Courtyard by Marriott in Niagara Falls to explore a placement for Brenda. Ken was receptive to learning about how the Supported Employment Program works, like the idea of “giving back” and became a partner business. Some of the skills that Amy has helped Brenda work on include navigating transportation and communicating with coworkers. Having been there only a short time, Brenda has become a valuable member of the team. Ken remarked that, “Brenda is like any other employee. Sometimes she just needs a little extra training, but she accepts every new task and responsibility eagerly, is respected by the hotel staff, takes pride in her work and is a joy to be around.” Brenda shared, “It is very important that guests have a clean and happy stay here and I like being a part of that. I have a great trainer, Angel Lopez, and a great boss in Ken, who help me to work at my own pace. I had so much fun meeting all of the staff at the hotel during the recent employee appreciation week.” Ken offers this advice to other businesses thinking about getting involved with the various Vocational Services offered through People Inc., “Take a chance, these workers are ready and willing to work, always on time and it is easy to work with People Inc. The employment specialist offers assistance, insights and bridges the communication between employer and staff – which is so helpful, especially in the beginning. If you manage a business, consider the many benefits of bringing a person with disabilities onto your team. People Inc. has a number of services that can connect your company with qualified employees and provide ongoing support. To learn more, contact James Scutt at businesssolutions@people-inc.org or call 716.817.5750 . People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 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 .  

CQL Awards People Inc. with Person-centered Excellence Accreditation

First Agency Headquartered in WNY to Undergo Rigorous Process, Receive Coveted Award   May 5, 2014: People Inc., Western New York's leading non-profit human services agency, has been awarded the coveted four-year, national Person-centered Excellence Accreditation from CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership.   People Inc. is the first agency headquartered in Western New York to achieve this accreditation, which confirms that People Inc. shares CQL’s vision for person-centered solutions to improve the quality of life for people receiving supports and services.     Through a variety of services including residential, employment, community outreach, senior services, health care and recreation programs, People Inc. helps people with developmental disabilities, seniors and families and live more healthy, independent and productive lives.   “The CQL Person-centered Excellence Accreditation process was an important avenue for all of us at People Inc. to reaffirm our commitment to providing the highest level of services focused on helping individuals with developmental disabilities to participate and succeed in today’s society,” said Rhonda Frederick, chief operating officer for People Inc.   “As part of this accreditation, People Inc. will continue to enhance its systems directly related to person-centered services and in empowering the people who receive support from us to make choices in how they live their lives … where they work, where they live, and how they create a community,” she said.   When People Inc. partnered with CQL to pursue accreditation, it undertook a rigorous process to review and improve services and supports.   “It was not only the size and scope of our services but more importantly the level of commitment from our team and our culture, which focuses innately on person-centered services, that helped us through the process to achieve this accreditation,” Frederick said. “It was an excellent opportunity to take a good look at ourselves, with the help of the individuals we serve and their families, and see how we can raise the bar even higher for their future benefit.”   People Inc. was awarded CQL accreditation as a result of demonstrating proficiency in the areas of:   Basic Assurances (ensuring fundamental safeguards related to health, safety and human security) Personal Outcome Measures® (supporting and empowering people to achieve their goals and dreams) Person-centered Excellence (demonstrating organizational commitment to continued enhancement of systems directly related to person-centered services) Cathy Ficker Terrill, President and CEO of CQL, stated, “CQL commends People Inc. for its success in increasing the quality of life for the people it supports. We are pleased to partner with them on this journey.”   For more information on CQL's Person-centered Excellence Accreditation go to   About CQL For more than 40 years CQL has been a leader in raising the bar for human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure and improve the quality of life of all people. Organizations that are awarded accreditation by CQL meet a stringent set of criteria and demonstrate an on-going commitment to person-centered excellence.   About People Inc. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 12,000 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.     Contact: Nicole Forgione, Public Affairs Manager Direct: 716-817-7490 or nforgione@people-inc.org

Culture Change for the Aging

Buffalo, NY, March 19, 2008: By the year 2015, nearly a quarter of the people living in Western New York will be at least 60 years of age and by 2020, 1 in 5 New Yorkers will be a senior citizen. The current model of institutionalized nursing home care for the frail elderly will be a thing of the past. The time has come to utilize a group living model for seniors that allows freedom, individuality, enjoyment and dignity. A culture change for the aging is mobilizing. Many look to the Green House Project as a way to reinvent long term care. The Green House Project creates homes that allow our elderly to live in environments that are designed to look and feel like their own homes. Instead of warehousing individuals in multi-bed unit facilities - these homes typically house six to ten people and blend into their communities. The New York State Office for the Aging is partnering with local providers People Inc. and the Western New York Network in Aging to bring this exciting forum to Erie, Monroe, and Niagara counties. Community leaders and experts in the field of elderly care will share their insights and learn about the Green House project and the culture change movement in nursing homes. Invited program participants are from a cross-section of stakeholders, including nursing homes, senior centers, civic groups, religious groups, skilled nursing, and non-profit providers. This forum will provide the knowledge and tools participants need to further educate others in their communities about the promise of the Green House Project and culture change. Panel will be led and facilitated by Kevin Horrigan, Director of Public Affairs, People Inc. and Anne M. Moretti, President, Moretti Consulting, LLC. Additional Panel members: Robert R. Meiss President and CEO Beechwood Continuing Care Aimee C. Gomlak Vice President, Strategic Redevelopment Catholic Health System Rhonda Frederick Chief Operating Officer People Inc. Rose Marie Fagan Co-Founder Pioneer Network The forum will include a presentation on the Green House Project; an assembled panel of experts on the culture change in elder care; dialogue and Q & A! Forum Dates and Information: Erie County March 20, 2008 - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. People Inc. 3131 Sheridan Drive/Northtown Plaza Amherst Monroe County March 27, 2008 - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. St. John's Home 150 Highland Avenue Rochester Niagara County March 28, 2008 - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. DeGraff Community Center 139 Division Street North Tonawanda

Day of Caring at Six People Inc. Senior Living Apartments

Volunteers from Area Businesses Come Out for Beautification Efforts DATE/TIME: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19TH AT 9 A.M. WHO: Over 60 volunteers from local schools, businesses, and other public sectors will volunteer their time to Western New York's leading Not-for-Profit Health and Human Service provider. Six People Inc. Senior Service Living Apartment Communities throughout Western New York will benefit from the United Way's Day of Caring on Wednesday, August 19, 2009. WHAT: Volunteers from Erie Community College, 3M, Columbus McKinnon Corp., Azerty, Inc., Iroquois Central Schools, APP Pharmaceuticals, and Customs/Border Patrol will assist seniors in sprucing up their homes and community. Many will clean windows, pick-up trash, stain fences, dig flower beds, and even host a Luau. The volunteer effort on this momentous day means so much to the seniors, their loved ones, and the staff of People Inc. This collaborative effort shows a community valuing its growing senior population, and supports collaborative efforts of public and not-for-profit supports and endeavors. WHERE: Sunflower Apartments, 146 Franklin Street, Lackawanna, NY Seneca-Cazenovia Apartments, 2171 Seneca Street, Buffalo, NY Marigold Apartments, 3026 Grand Island Boulevard, Grand Island, NY Lilly Apartments, 36 Arthur Avenue, Blasdell, NY Elm Apartments, 4122 Sowles Road, Hamburg, NY Burchfield Commons Apartments, 2290 Union Road, West Seneca, NY

DDAWNY Family Committee Hosts Breakfast with Legislators

WHAT: Breakfast with Legislators to discuss key issues faced by people with developmental disabilities and their families. WHEN: 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Friday, December 2, 2011 WHO: Sponsored by the DDAWNY Family Committee. Legislative representatives to include: Congresswoman Kathleen C. Hochul Congressman Brian Higgins New York State Senator Timothy Kennedy New York State Senator Patrick M. Gallivan New York State Senator Mark Grisanti New York State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer New York State Senator George E. Maziarz Assemblymember Robin Schimminger Assemblymember Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes Assemblymember Jane L. Corwin Assemblymember Dennis H. Gabryszak Assemblymember Sean Ryan Assemblymember Mark J. F. Schroeder Assemblymember Kevin Smardz New York State Legislator Raymond Walter WHERE: Millennium Hotel Buffalo 2040 Walden Avenue Cheektowaga, New York 14225 The Developmental Disability Alliance of Western New York (DDAWNY) Family Committee is hosting a breakfast with local legislators. Family members of individuals with disabilities will have the opportunity to speak with their legislative representative about key issues, including: the lengthy waiting list for living opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and the 1115 Medicaid Waiver through the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

Deaf Access Services Becomes an Affiliate of People Inc.

Collaboration to provide increased services to a wider audience  February 21, 2019: On February 12, 2019, the Board of Directors for Deaf Access Services (DAS) voted to become an affiliate of People Inc. in preparation for a more competitive service delivery environment. The affiliation with People Inc., the region’s largest health and human services agency, will provide the best possible supports to people receiving services from DAS and the staff who support them. This partnership allows both organizations to pool resources to meet growing demands, enhance collaborative power, expand services for a broader geographic reach, improve capacity to deliver more services and enrich Deaf services already delivered through People Inc.  As an affiliate of People Inc., Deaf Access Services will continue to provide services through their experienced staff and interpreters. The partnership will showcase the power of collaboration and will allow continuation of the legacy created by the Deaf community. It will also provide cost benefits by efficiently combining office operations, such as administration, finance and human resources.  “This affiliation is very exciting for the board and staff of Deaf Access Services. This is an opportunity for us to honor the history created by Buffalo’s Deaf leaders, while developing critical new services and reaching more people,” said Pamela Kefi, executive director, Deaf Access Services.  This affiliation is mutually beneficial. Together, the agencies will explore improved access to health and mental health services for the Deaf community, enhanced services for older adults and increased employment opportunities for the Deaf community. “By addressing our key audiences, in particular for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, we will be able to enhance the awareness of our services and strengthen our community outreach,” said Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO, People Inc.  DAS serves over 600 people through various programs, has 12 employees, 100 contract interpreters and partners with over 700 service providers. Services include: In-Person Interpreting, Video Remote Interpreting (VRI), American Sign Language classes, community services navigation and advocacy, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART), assistive technology supports, employment placement, specialized Deaf refugee services, and Life Skills and Literacy adult education classes. Formed in 1983 by a group of dedicated Deaf leaders and volunteers concerned about the welfare of the Deaf community, Deaf Access Services is the only local community organization solely dedicated to serve the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. Deaf Access Services envisions a community where all people experience equality, empowerment and inclusion to lead lives full of possibilities. People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people, not only with developmental disabilities, but other special needs, their families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals 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.