People Inc. Announces New Website with Improved Navigation and Features

People Inc. proudly announces New American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant and responsive website with improved navigation, events, locations and content to enhance the agency’s online presence, while reflecting its agency brand to people in need of supports, families, care coordinators, healthcare professionals, senior/older adults, donors, business partners and employees.

November Lunch and Learn – Medicaid Answering Services

People Inc. invites interested Care Coordinators to join us on Thursday, November 18, as we host our monthly virtual “Lunch and Learn” workshop from noon to 1:00 p.m. 

People Inc. 50th Anniversary Video Released

In honor of the People Inc. 50th Anniversary, a video was created to mark this important milestone and share some of our agency’s history! Family members, a program participant and advocate, as well as longtime staff members and local leaders share the impact our agency has made in their lives. We’re five decades in the making – and YOU can be a part of our next chapters – let’s continue to tell the People Inc. story – where your world opens up! Watch the video and feel free to share with family, friends and colleagues!

Letter Writing Campaign Underway to Increase Staffing for People with Developmental Disabilities

In an effort to bring attention to the staffing shortage across New York State for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive assistance, a local disability rights advocate is helping to make his and other voices heard. BJ Stasio, who also receives supports from People Inc., is launching a campaign to bring New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s attention to a workforce crisis that is leaving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities without the assistance they need. The goal is to gather at least 10,000 letters written by people with disabilities, their families, workers and community members, that BJ plans to deliver to Governor Hochul. Learn more about this letter writing campaign in a feature story by WBFO , where BJ shared, “This is your opportunity to make change for yourself and for others. So please use your voice. It doesn’t have to be a long story. It can be a short story; it can be however long you want.” BJ continued, “This is an issue for all people with disabilities and all those who love them and all those who support them. Because if we’re not seen, it’s not a truly inclusive community and without the staff who support us, we can’t be in the community to do what we’re all doing.” Families, direct support professionals (DSPs), people with disabilities and anyone who works for a disability services provider are encouraged to participate. Submit your letter online or email NYRiseUpTogether@gmail.com .

Celebrate and take a chance! NEW event on October 21!

Celebrate and take a chance! As part of our People Inc. 50th anniversary celebrations, we’re hosting a “Fantasy Casino Night” on Thursday, October 21 , from 5:30 to 10 p.m., at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, 6461 Transit Road, Depew, NY. Here’s the Deal: The event will feature a two-hour open bar, a full cash bar including a signature cocktail, raffles and an auction. Experience our Fantasy Casino Night: Blackjack, roulette and slots! Plus, our People Inc. 50th anniversary video will debut. Limited tickets are available. Purchase tickets online today! Contact Melanie Wilkinson at melanie.wilkinson@people-inc.org or 716.817.7450, for more information, learn about sponsorships or to purchase tickets by phone/check. Event proceeds benefit People Inc., the region's leading multispecialty nonprofit health and human services agency, helping thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults. We look forward to continuing our mission for 50 more years and beyond.

Virtual Training for Care Coordinators Announced for October 28, 2021

People Inc. invites interested Care Coordinators to join us on Thursday, October 28, as we host our monthly virtual “Lunch and Learn” workshop from noon to 1:00pm.  The topic of “ Afternoon Respite Services ” will be presented by Jamie Oswald, program director at People Inc. Some of the discussion will focus on: For the people you work with, which Afternoon Respite Services are available? Who qualifies for Afternoon Respite services? How do you apply for Afternoon services and what is the process that follows? These are just some of the topics that will be addressed during this session. We look forward to your questions and active participation during this workshop! Registration is required. Please contact Kim Russi at 585.719.3424 or krussi@people-inc.org by the end of the day on Monday, October 25, 2021. You will receive the link for the training by email.

Now Open: New People Inc. Health Services Building

Helpful Phone Numbers  October 1, 2021: As of October 4, 2021, primary care patients of the Elmwood Health Center have been transitioned to Evergreen Health at the newly-constructed People Inc. Health Services Building at 800 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14207 (corner of Elmwood and Hertel Avenues). This includes Adult and Pediatric Medicine, Gynecology, Podiatry and Neurology Services. This building will continue to be owned by People Inc., with the primary care clinic and pharmacy operated by Evergreen. The building will include: People Inc. Rehabilitative Health Services (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy), People Inc. Counseling Services and Evergreen Health, as well as People First Mobility, a medical business providing durable medical equipment and wheelchairs. Additionally, ECMC Dental is part of the expanded health services, offering dental services opening later this year. Here’s some helpful phone numbers:  Evergreen Health   (This includes Adult and Pediatric Medicine, Gynecology, Podiatry and Neurology Services.) : 716.847.2441 People Inc. Rehabilitative Health Services  and Counseling Services : 716.566.5050 People First Mobility : 716.566.5000 ECMC Dental : 716.898.3189 For more than 50 years, People Inc. has provided various supports and health services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults. Learn more by visiting the People Inc. website .

Increase Inclusion: People Inc. Seeks New Businesses to Employ People with Disabilities

October 1, 2021: Ensuring that people with developmental disabilities and other disabilities secure and maintain meaningful, competitive employment is an important part of what People Inc. does year-round. Each October, People Inc. recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time set aside to educate the community about disability issues and to celebrate the many and varied talents and valuable contributions of workers with disabilities and their impact on the economy. This year’s theme is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion,” which reflects the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This group of job seekers are unemployed at a rate that is twice that of job seekers without disabilities. The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month. “Our national recovery from the pandemic cannot be completed without the inclusion of all Americans, in particular people with disabilities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success, and are more important today than ever. We must build an economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.” People Inc. is seeking new businesses in Western New York and the Greater Rochester region to join its current 300 business partners. People Inc. helps companies fill openings specific to their need and demand through the supported employment program . Additionally, several  business solutions  have been established that offer high-quality work, ranging from janitorial and carpet cleaning to workforce solutions and contract manufacturing. 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. is proud to support people in their career goals through its Supported Employment and Vocational Programs. People of all abilities have the right to equal employment opportunities.  The goal of the agency’s  Vocational Services  is to help people with all abilities find a job that is suitable to their specific interests, strengths and abilities. A hallmark of the success of the People Inc. program is that if there is not a good job match in traditional employment opportunities, the agency creates them so that people who are ready and willing to work, can. These jobs are competitive and integrated and provide real wages to the people supported by the agency. “People Inc. is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Rhonda Frederick, President and CEO. “We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of people with disabilities.” Reflecting this year’s theme, she remarked, “People Inc. confirms its commitment to an inclusive work culture, continuing to be a resource to the business community on disability employment issues and opening the door to building new relationships with business of all sizes across the region.” For a detailed conversation about employing people with disabilities, revisit this TEDx Buffalo talk, entitled “Differently Abled: Employing the Next FDR,” presented by Rhonda Frederick from 2015. “This presentation is still relevant today and I challenge all owners of businesses of any size, as well as community organizations, to think differently about people with disabilities in the workplace – how can you promote inclusion in your workplace? Together, let’s break down the barriers that still exist.” If businesses would like to find out how to partner with People Inc., or a person with a disability would like to learn more, email James Scutt at businesssolutions@people-inc.org or call its Vocational Services Department at 716-817-5750. People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 5,000 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 .

Apartment Application Day for New Senior Apartments in Blasdell

People Inc. Oakwood Senior Apartments is currently nearing construction completion and accepting applications for a fall move-in.