Flag-Raising Ceremony for Deaf Awareness Week at Buffalo City Hall

September 20, 2021 What: Flag-Raising Ceremony in Recognition of Deaf Awareness Week When: Monday, September 20, 2021, at noon Where: Buffalo City Hall, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY Who: Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown; representatives from Deaf Access Services, People Inc., St. Mary’ School for the Deaf and the Erie County Office for People with Disabilities; along with community members and people supported by the fellow organizations. Why: In honor of Deaf Awareness Week, Deaf Access Services (DAS), an affiliate of People Inc., is hosting a flag-raising ceremony. The ceremony is also presented by People Inc., St. Mary’ School for the Deaf and the Erie County Office for People with Disabilities. The Global Flag of Deaf Communities will be raised, which symbolizes the following: The shape in the middle represents a hand, which is used by people who communicate through Sign Language. The light blue represents how the Deaf community cherishes Sign Language. The gold symbolizes light, hope, knowledge and enlightenment. The dark blue indicates Deafhood, an individual and collective journey to combat audism and embrace Deaf gain.  Deaf Awareness Week is celebrated for the following: - To spread awareness and educate people about the Deaf community’s issues and push for equal access/communication. - To celebrate the culture, language and heritage of people, who are Deaf all around the world. - To learn that there are many kinds of hearing loss, from hard of hearing to Deaf and to Culturally Deaf and many more. - To recognize the achievements of notable people who are Deaf. - To show that people who are Deaf are capable of doing anything, except hear. Formed in 1983 by a group of dedicated Deaf leaders and volunteers concerned about the welfare of the Deaf community, Deaf Access Services, an affiliate of People Inc., is the only local non-profit 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 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. St. Mary’ School for the Deaf has been serving the Deaf community throughout Western New York since 1853. The school is committed to providing equitable access to exemplary educational programs that prepare Deaf students to be self-directed, lifelong learners.

Expanded Medical Services and Partnerships Celebrated at New People Inc. Health Services Building

Primary Care Transitioned to Evergreen Health and People Inc. Rehabilitative Health Services Provided, both specializing in services for people with developmental disabilities. September 14, 2021: A celebration was held earlier today to announce the opening of the new People Inc. Health Services Building, offering multiple medical services for people of all abilities and ages. Enhanced care will be provided through innovative partnerships, enabling medical physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical support staff and social workers to work as a team all under one roof offering a coordinated approach to the delivery of health care. The People Inc. Health Services Building, a newly-constructed medical facility, located at 800 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo, NY, corner of Elmwood and Hertel Avenues, is a culmination of a goal set years ago through fundraising and seeking the best partners. Known for its innovative services, People Inc. is moving its patient-base from its affiliate, the Elmwood Health Center, to the new building and is proud to embark on a new partnership with Evergreen Heath. This partnership will help ensure sustainability for primary and specialty medical care, all under one roof for thousands of patients, while also opening opportunities for continued collaboration. Primary healthcare (Adult and Pediatric Medicine, Gynecology, Podiatry and Neurology Services) will be transitioned to Evergreen at the People Inc. Health Services Building. Evergreen will move to the new location on October 1 and begin seeing patients at that location on October 4. There will be no interruption in the delivery of patient care, as the Elmwood Health Center medical providers will become Evergreen providers. Rehab Services (Article 16 Clinic), formerly Elmwood Health Center Rehab, will also be offered at this new building through People Inc. Rehabilitative Health Services. Effective October 4, People Inc. Rehabilitative Health Services and Evergreen will begin providing their services. Pharmacy services through Evergreen will also be offered at a later date. 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 and Counseling Services, 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. The new $10 million health center and 32,000 square feet facility, replaces the 13,000 square feet that comprised the Elmwood Health Center, at 2128 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo. The new building, located just a few blocks away and on a bus route, will offer more services and patient parking. Growing from 500 patients in 1994, when People Inc. established the Elmwood Health Center to more than 5,000 patients, the new location will have the capacity to provide specialty services to over 7,000 patients. For more than 50 years, People Inc. has established a reputation for its innovative services and exceptional healthcare supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults. The health and human services agency is pleased to partner with Evergreen. Prior to the global COVID-19 pandemic, People Inc. began identifying potential partners and selected Evergreen for its similar mission, values and experience supporting those who are underserved by the healthcare system. Evergreen is an FQHC-Look-Alike, which will bring in rates that can sustain operations, whereas the Elmwood Health Center has had unsustainable rates for years. Patients will continue to benefit from the same exceptional service provided, as the Elmwood Health Center Primary Care team (Article 28 Clinic) staff will transition to become employees of Evergreen. People Inc. continues to operate various health services, including Early Intervention, People Certified Home Health, Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Program and telemedicine. The People Inc. Health Services Building project is funded by: NYS Department of Health, Congressman Chris Jacobs NYS Senate Funding, People Inc. Foundation, First Niagara Foundation, John R. Oishei Foundation, B. Thomas Golisano Foundation, Independent Health Foundation, KeyBank, M&T Bank Foundation, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, James H. Cummings Foundation, Garman Family Foundation, J. M. McDonald Foundation, Maria Love Convalescent Foundation and Josephine Goodyear Foundation. The celebration event featured remarks from several prominent officials, along with acknowledgments from agency leadership, a ceremonial ribbon cutting and guided tours of the new medical building. People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick: “After years of planning, we are excited to move forward with our new partnerships. An emphasis on quality and patient-focused care are the trademarks of what the community can expect from the services that will be offered at our People Inc. Health Services Building. I want to thank everyone – our healthcare associates, funders and community supporters, who have come together to provide enhanced medical care. To all of the staff, we appreciate their dedication and the tremendous work they do every day. This new medical facility is a great example of the work that we are all doing to ensure that medical care is accessible – all in one place – creating a more inclusive community.” Evergreen Health President and CEO Raymond Ganoe: “I’m thrilled to be here today to celebrate the grand opening of 800 Hertel Avenue and our partnership with People Inc., a partnership that benefits patients, impacts health outcomes, keeps our organizations financially viable and improves the health of our community. People Inc. and Evergreen are both local organizations with long histories of serving populations that have been underserved by the healthcare system, and we welcome patients to 800 Hertel Avenue and the Evergreen family with an unwavering commitment to judgment-free, affirming and patient-centered care.” Dr. Elizabeth Kapral, DDS, MS, director, Special Needs Dentistry, ECMC Dental/Oral Oncology: “The dental team at ECMC is excited to continue to provide the highest level of care to some of our most vulnerable patients at 800 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo. The new state-of-the-art dental center will offer the full range of general dentistry, from routine cleanings to comprehensive restorative care. Dental care will be offered for patients of all abilities.” Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown: “People Inc. is one of our City’s great partners, be it providing affordable housing on Jefferson Avenue or ensuring that our residents have access to high quality, affordable health care in our community. As our City continues to grow, change and deal with this next phase of the pandemic, continued access to healthcare is a critical component of our social and economic success. I thank People Inc. and Evergreen Health for continuing to invest in Buffalo with an expansion of services in new Health Services Building on Hertel Avenue. While this expansion in North Buffalo is great news, I also want to thank the talented medical staff and support team of both People Inc. and Evergreen Health, who are at the forefront of providing care to our residents, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This expansion will play an important role in helping us further strengthen the health and wellness of our community.”  U.S. Congressmember Brian Higgins: “This is a great project that brings together some of the best service providers in the region in a collaborative way to improve access to care for patients and to also build a holistic synergy around how our community helps people.” U.S. Congressmember Chris Jacobs: “I am excited to finally welcome the new People Inc. Health Services facility and I want to thank them for their steadfast commitment to our Western New York community. I made it a priority to secure them $1 million in funding as a State Senator, and I look forward to continuing a strong partnership together at the federal level. This is a very unique facility in that People Inc. and Evergreen health will provide a wide range of critical health care services to residents in the surrounding community, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities – a truly inclusive and comprehensive health care model.” Senator Sean Ryan: “For decades, People Inc. has provided a wide range of health and human services to the people of Western New York. The opening of the Health Services Building kicks off an exciting new chapter for People Inc. and Evergreen Health, and brings a variety of important physical and mental health services to one convenient location right in the heart of North Buffalo.” Assemblyman Bill Conrad: “The pandemic has not only taxed American healthcare providers, it has also exposed longstanding inequities in our healthcare system. I am grateful that here in Western New York, we have an agency like People Inc., which – since well before we’d even heard of COVID-19 – has been tending to the health and wellness needs of our most vulnerable citizens, including the residents of traditionally underserved areas and individuals with developmental disabilities. The new People Inc. Health Services Building, offering a ‘one-stop’ center for the holistic care of each patient, with more space in an easy-to-reach location, is a testament to the mission of People Inc. and its partner, Evergreen Health. I commend People Inc. and Evergreen Health for their continued commitment to our community, and I thank its team of loyal supporters, both public and private.” People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to thousands of 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 . Evergreen Health fosters healthy communities by providing medical, supportive and behavioral services to individuals and families in Western New York – especially those who are living with chronic illness or who are underserved by the healthcare system. People First Mobility, a durable medical equipment division of People Inc., is Western New York’s premier provider of mobility, seating and home medical equipment to assist people with disabling conditions reach their functional potential in their home and community. The ECMC Center for Dental Care provides general dental health services for families, including people with special needs, providing a variety of treatments and procedures. Services are provided for patients who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury and dementia, among other complex medical conditions.

Media Alert: Celebration for the People Inc. Health Services Building

September 13, 2021 -- MEDIA ADVISORY: People Inc. Announces Celebration of Expanded Health Services Building with Evergreen Health and Community Partners September 14 --  Expanded medical care options for patients, specializing in services for people with developmental disabilities When: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 Advance Media Tours: 10:15 a.m./Program with Speakers: 11 a.m. approximately Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting: Completion of program, followed by guided tours for dignitaries and guests. COVID-19 precautions in place. All guests are required to wear a mask. Where: 800 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, NY (corner of Elmwood and Hertel Avenues, enter from Hertel Avenue, parking in lot) Who: Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown; U.S. Congressmember Brian Higgins; U.S. Congressmember Chris Jacobs; NYS Senator Sean Ryan; NYS Assemblymember Bill Conrad; Buffalo Councilmember Joseph Golombek; People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick; Evergreen Health President and CEO Raymond Ganoe and Dr. Elizabeth Kapral, MS, DDS, director of Special Needs Dentistry, ECMC will provide brief remarks. Members of the Project Development Team, funding partners and community leaders will also be in attendance. Why: People Inc. is pleased to open its newly-constructed Health Services Building, a $10 million medical center and 32,000 square feet facility, at 800 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo, NY. Known for its innovative services, People Inc. is moving its patient-base from its affiliate, the Elmwood Health Center, to the new building and is proud to embark on a new partnership with Evergreen Heath. Primary healthcare (Adult and Pediatric Medicine, Gynecology, Podiatry and Neurology Services) will be transitioned to Evergreen in its new Article 28 licensed clinic at the new location. Evergreen will move to the new location on October 1 and begin seeing patients there on October 4.    There will be no interruption in the delivery of patient care, as the Elmwood Health Center medical providers will become Evergreen providers. Rehab Services (Article 16 Clinic), formerly Elmwood Health Center Rehab, will also be offered at this new building through People Inc. Rehabilitative Health Services. Effective October 4, People Inc. Rehabilitative Health Services and Evergreen will begin providing their services. Pharmacy services through Evergreen will be offered at a later date. The new 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 and Counseling Services, 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. The People Inc. Health Services Building project is funded by: NYS Department of Health, U.S. Congressman Chris Jacobs NYS Senate Funding, People Inc. Foundation, First Niagara Foundation, John R. Oishei Foundation, B. Thomas Golisano Foundation, Independent Health Foundation, KeyBank, M&T Bank Foundation, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, James H. Cummings Foundation, Garman Family Foundation, J. M. McDonald Foundation, Maria Love Convalescent Foundation and Josephine Goodyear Foundation. 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 .

People Inc. Oakwood Senior Apartments Accepting Applications

Move-in this fall – your new apartment awaits! September 10, 2021--Are you, a loved one or someone you assist, looking for an affordable senior apartment and maintenance-free living? People Inc. Oakwood Senior Apartments is accepting applications for move-in this fall! Located at 15 Oakwood Avenue in the village of Blasdell, NY, the apartments are for people age 55+ and who meet income eligibility. One- and two-bedrooms available. Section 8 vouchers accepted.   The apartment units include a brand new refrigerator and stove, plus safety features and laundry facilities. And, yes, furry friends welcome – tenants may have one small pet! Seven units are reserved for people who are frail elderly/homeless and in need of support services. Additional features include: • Part time professional on-site management  • Accessible or barrier-free apartment units available • Located near a bus route and within a few blocks of restaurants and shopping • Smoke-free living • Community Room • On-site laundry facilities • Central air conditioning • Attractive grounds and outdoor space Download an application in  English or Spanish . For more information, email housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890.

People Inc. 2020 Report Now Available

The past year revealed a great deal about human strength and perseverance. People Inc. is made of up of an incredible team – our frontline heroes, clinicians and administrative employees – who each play an important role in ensuring the safety of the people we support. Our partners and supporters have also played a huge part in our success. We’re pleased to present our 2020 People Inc. Annual Report, which is built around three words that have aptly defined the previous year: Resilience, Responsiveness and Results. Learn more about our accomplishments, how we delivered on our mission through challenges and our agency’s growth.

People Inc. Hosting Technology Sessions for Older Adults in Akron

“Ready, Set, Click and Learn” connects smiles and miles through technology People Inc. is hosting “Ready, Set, Click and Learn,” a free, interactive four-week program that teaches people age 55 and older, how to safely connect with loved ones through video chat, electronic calendaring and social media outlets, as well as access information through Internet searches. Sessions will be taught by an instructor, with mentoring provided by volunteer students from the Akron Senior High School’s Interact service club. The program will take place at the Akron Newstead Senior Center, 5691 Cummings Road, Akron, NY, beginning on September 28, and running every Tuesday and Thursday through October 21, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. A limited number of tablets will be available and complimentary refreshments will be served. This class is open to the public. You do not need to be a member of the Center to participate. Transportation is available through Hearts and Hands for this program. COVID-19 safety precautions are in place. Mask requirements will be determined by the host location. To enroll in all sessions, contact the Center at 716.542.6645 or add your name to the sign-up sheet located at the Center by Monday, September 20. Class size is limited to 15. This program is provided by People Inc. through support by a grant from the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York. The Health Foundation is an independent private foundation that advocates for continuous improvement in health and health care by investing in the people and organizations that serve young children and older adults. 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, their 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 .

Virtual Training for Care Coordinators Announced for September 23, 2021

People Inc. invites interested care coordinators to join us on Thursday, September 23 , as we host our monthly virtual “Lunch and Learn” workshop from noon to 1:00 p.m. The topic of Family Reimbursement will be presented by Kim Russi. The presentation will cover: How the program works The paperwork Importance of providing FI/budget info What is and is not eligible for reimbursement People Inc. process. Registration is required. Please contact Kim Russi at  krussi@people-inc.org  or 585.719.3424 by Monday, September 20. Registration links will be provided via email to those who register. We look forward to your questions and active participation during the workshop! Please share this  flyer  with others who may be interested.

Media Advisory: Opening of New Jefferson Avenue Apartments Celebration August 2, 2021

July 30, 2021 -- MEDIA ADVISORY: NYS Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, City of Buffalo Mayor Bryon W. Brown, Community Leaders and People Inc. Celebrate Opening of New Jefferson Avenue Apartments When:  Monday, August 2, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.   Where:  1166 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY (corner of Jefferson Avenue and Northampton Street) Who:  New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown, U.S. Congressmember Brian Higgins, NYS Senator Timothy Kennedy, NYS Assemblywoman Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Erie County Legislator District 1 Howard Johnson, People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick and apartment tenants will provide brief remarks. Members of the Project Development Team, funding partners and community leaders will also be in attendance.   Why:  New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s support of funding sources, including from NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), allowed People Inc. to move the completion of this new $31 million affordable housing and mixed-income apartment project forward on Buffalo’s East Side to be a part of the historic Jefferson corridor. People Inc. continues to broaden its scope to bring diverse audiences together for affordable and unique housing models. People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments features a total of 90 apartments, including 16 with support services, and over 16,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space. The head of household must be 18 years or older and meet income eligibility. Jefferson Avenue Apartments features 71 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom apartments across two three-story buildings, which includes one caretaker apartment unit. Sixteen apartments are reserved for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, who live independently and will have access to supports by People Inc. The ground floors of both buildings will contain a total of 16,500 square feet of commercial space, which includes space for People Inc. offices, staff training and meeting rooms. Sinatra and Company Real Estate is the master leaser and currently has three tenants: Northwest Banking Center, a financial education center run by Belmont Housing Resources of WNY; Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship, Inc., a postsecondary tuition assistance program and ABC Learn and Play 2, a daycare facility. The project is funded by: NYS Homes and Community Renewal; NYS Housing Finance Agency; JP Morgan Chase Bank; Raymond James Tax Credit Funds; City of Buffalo HOME Program; NYS Empire State Development; NYS Energy Research and Development Authority and NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.   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 .

URGENT REQUEST - Contact U.S. Senator Charles Schumer ASAP!

July 22, 2021 -- There is talk of slashing the $400 billion projected funding for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) to only $150 billion. This is crucial funding that directly impacts the programs and services People Inc. provides. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer is in the key position to make sure that the $400 billion for HCBS remains at that level of funding. He is New York’s senior Senator and it’s important that we all - people we support, families and employees - reach out to his office immediately to advocate on behalf of the HCBS funding. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out to support this important effort. If you have not contacted Senator Schumer, fill out this easy-to-use form  that includes a message you can personalize. Senator Schumer also pays close attention to Twitter and we’re inviting everyone to make their voices heard on this social media platform as well. Here is a suggested Tweet: @SenSchumer Home & Community Based Services are key to ensuring ppl with disabilities are included in the community. #COVID19 exacerbated a long-standing crisis in recruiting/retaining direct care workers. Ensure all $400B proposed by Biden stay in the reconciliation package. Additionally, you can email the senator using this online form . Here is a suggested message: Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) are key to ensuring people with disabilities are included in the community, but the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated a long-standing crisis in recruiting/retaining direct care workers. Senator Schumer, please ensure that all $400B proposed by President Biden is included in the reconciliation package. HCBS NEEDS ALL $400B and we need YOUR HELP to make it a reality. Thank you also for your efforts to TWEET, CALL and SEND personal Emails TODAY (or over the next few days)! Together, we can push for this vital funding!