Open House Scheduled for People Inc. Afternoon Respite in the Town of Gates

Afternoon program for young people with disabilities accepting applicants People Inc. is pleased to announce an Open House to provide an overview of the Buffalo Road Afternoon Respite Program for children with developmental disabilities who meet eligibility criteria as set by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Care Coordinators, teachers and families are invited to attend on Thursday, August 5, from 2 to 7 p.m. to take a tour and meet some of the staff. The Buffalo Road Afternoon Respite Program, located at 1860 Buffalo Road in Gates, NY, is currently accepting participants. The program offers youth ages 11 to 21, who have a developmental disability, participation in activities available in both group and individual formats. Various opportunities for socialization are provided, along with assistance with homework, movies, basketball, sensory activities and board games. A grassy area and a paved section affords opportunities for outdoor games. Trips to Homesteads for Hope offers planting, gardening, fishing and picnics. One of the hallmarks of this respite program is Martin, a standard poodle and certified therapy dog, who brings extra joy to members of the program and is trained to help them relax if they are having a tough day. The goal of a respite program is to provide engaging activities for the participants, while providing an opportunity for their parents or guardians to complete their work schedule, attend medical appointments, go to the gym or take a break from their own busy schedule. Anna Korus, Senior Vice President, People Inc, of Monroe County, commented, “Afternoon respite care is truly an important program that can have a positive impact on those being supported and their families. Parents can feel comfortable that their family member’s needs are met in a safe and encouraging environment.” The Buffalo Road Afternoon Respite Program operates Monday through Friday, from 2 to 6 p.m. There is no program fee, pending OPWDD eligibility. Transportation is provided by the Gates Chili Central School District. Interested families from other school districts will need to provide their own transportation. For more information, call 585-719-3415.

Career Opportunities to Make an Impact Available at People Inc.

Virtual Interviews, Paid Training and Rewarding Experiences Offered July 15, 2021: When someone lives with an intellectual and developmental disability, they may need help with everyday tasks. People Inc., the region’s leading health and human services agency, is seeking staff to provide supports to people primarily in its residential and day programs. Developmental disability service providers across the state are facing a staffing shortage to fill this vital need. Recently, People Inc. created a new job title called Direct Support Professional to reflect the central importance of the contributions made by these staff members daily. Managing staffing needs during the global pandemic provided an occasion to examine this model. This will help increase flexibility and provide opportunities for employees to more easily pick up shifts and work across different programs, while gaining additional work experiences. As an essential employer with a team of nearly 4,000 staff members, People Inc. is hiring compassionate, creative and energetic candidates for positions across the career spectrum, from entry level to management. Celebrating more than 50 years of service, People Inc. has various part and full time, per-diem and summer openings available throughout Western New York. These positions are beneficial for college students to gain hands-on experience, with many remaining with the agency upon graduation. People with experience in retail, restaurants, customer service and education often become an outstanding part of the agency’s team.  Staff truly make a difference. Nicole Shields, team leader in the People Inc. Residential Program, said, “When you are employed by People Inc., you have the opportunity to help wonderful people. While supporting them with their daily livings skills and promoting independence, you also learn so much about yourself.” Shields, like hundreds of employees, have numerous opportunities for professional development. A resident of Depew, Shields, reflected, “My career journey has created a growth mindset where I am always looking for a chance to learn. While working at People Inc., there are so many opportunities for personal growth and development, plus no two days are ever the same. I stay at People Inc. for all the opportunities to continue my education, explore positions in other departments and take advantage of the flexible schedules offered.”  A sign-on bonus of $750 is now offered for some People Inc. designated direct support positions. For designated management positions, a sign-on bonus of up to $1,500 is also available. (Note: The sign-on bonus is subject to change and/or may be discontinued at any time.) A new starting hourly rate of $15 per hour is available for select direct support positions, plus weekend and overnight shift differentials. Additionally, there are immediate opportunities for LPNs, behavioral staff and residential management. Virtual interviews, paid comprehensive training, a variety of flexible and consistent schedules, tuition reimbursement, mentoring and career advancement are offered. Some of the other benefits provided by People Inc. include health insurance, paid time off and discounts, along with rewarding experiences.  To view employment openings, go to people-inc.org/careers or call 716.322.7050 for more information.  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.

Nominations Now Accepted for DSP of the Year 2021

People Inc. is accepting  nominations  for its annual Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year Awards! Award recipients are agency staff members who provide direct support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and demonstrate superior care and consistent dedication. At least 15 winners will be selected and announced during DSP Week, September 12-18, 2021. Each winner will receive a $1,000 monetary award. DSP Week is observed nationally and honors these wonderful professionals for the valuable contributions they provide. We are seeking nominations from people we support, parents, guardians, family members, community members and staff. Winners will be chosen through an impartial committee review. Nominations must be received by August 8. 

People Inc. to Host Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament

July 6, 2021: The People Inc. Foundation will host its Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament on Monday, August 16, with a tee-off at 12:30 p.m., at the Orchard Park Country Club, 4777 South Buffalo Street, Orchard Park, NY. Registered golf teams receive 18 holes of golf, a unique golfer gift and gourmet food.  The proceeds from this event will benefit People Inc. programs and services to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, special needs and older adults to lead healthy, independent and productive lives.  The People Inc. Foundation is grateful to its businesses supporters, including Hole In One sponsors: Allied Mechanical; Parkview Health Services; Savarino Companies, LLC; Upstate Pharmacy Ltd and William L. Long & Associates, as well as to our Eagle sponsors: Barclay Damon, LLP; CSI –Contract Specialists Inc.; Cisco Partner; CSS Construction; D.V. Brown & Associates; Dobmeier Janitorial; ePlus Technology; Flaherty Salmin CPAs; KeyBank; Towne Automotive Group; United Business Systems; USI Insurance Services and Walsh Duffield. Robert O’Leary, vice president of Parkview Health Services, People Inc. Foundation board member and longtime supporter of People Inc., is serving as chairperson of the event. For more information about this largest fundraising event for People Inc., contact Melanie Brown at mbrown@people-inc.org or call 716-817-7450. 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 Apartments Under Construction Accepting Applications

July 1, 2021: People Inc. is pleased to announce that its new apartments for older adults 55 and over are under construction. People Inc. Oakwood Senior Apartments , located at 15 Oakwood Avenue in Blasdell, NY, is slated to open for occupancy in September 2021. This two-story apartment building is available for heads of household 55 years and older, with 31 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments. Seven units are reserved for people who are frail elderly/homeless and in need of support services. Note: Section 8 Voucher Holders are welcome and will automatically qualify within some income limits. Minimum income does not apply to you. Applications are now being mailed to interested people.  A lottery will be held on Tuesday, September 7. Completed applications must be postmarked by Monday, August 23, 2021, in order to be opened at the lottery. Per COVID-19 requirements, we will be videotaping the lottery to be viewed later on the People Inc. Facebook page. For more information or an application ( English and Spanish ), email housing@people-inc.org , visit NYHousingSearch.gov or call 716.880.3890. 

Housewarming for New People Inc. Transitional Housing Opportunity

What: Housewarming Celebration for People Inc. “On Our Way @Wayside” Guided tours will be provided of the training apartments and the common areas used for group instruction. When: Tuesday, June 29, at 11 a.m. Where: 5235 Roberts Road, Hamburg, NY Parking available at Wayside Presbyterian Church, 5017 Lake Shore Road (the church is adjacent to Wayside) Who: Hamburg Town Supervisor James Shaw, Assemblymember Jonathan Rivera, People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick and a Wayside tenant will share brief remarks.  Why: People Inc. On Our Way @Wayside is a transitional housing opportunity to help prepare people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for independent living, while developing skills through hands-on learning.  The residential crisis facing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities negatively impacts the psychological, emotional and social well-being and health of affected families. Parents often live in fear of the future, as they wait for years for a residential opportunity to become available. Only people experiencing the greatest crisis and imminent danger are prioritized for a group home. Too often, this means families must wait for an emergency, such as a death or physical incapacitation of a caregiver.  The People Inc. “On Our Way @Wayside project started with the donation of a former daycare building, which was donated on the corner of Wayside Drive and Roberts Road in Hamburg, and a new building was recently completed. Three tenants at a time will live at Wayside for a three to nine-month period and their progress will be tracked monthly through an assessment process. The residence consists of three separate pods/en suites. Staff will be present at limited, set times to work on skills for independent living. The larger, common training spaces will allow for group learning activities on cooking, cleaning, laundry, budgeting and mobility training. On Our Way @Wayside will help provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to gain independence by being progressively responsible for aspects of their “next step” community apartment, while living in a safe practice model. COVID-19 safety protocols in place for this event. Social distancing and face masks required within the house. 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.

Care Coordinator Alert: Important Change in Life Plan Process at People Inc.

For all Care Coordinators and Care Managers, effective Monday, June 7, 2021, please send all Life Plans and Life Plan Addendums through the secure People Inc. Life Plan e-mail box, and not to individual Interdisciplinary team (IDT) members. Please send to: LifePlans@people-inc.org Upon People Inc. receiving the Life Plan through the dedicated e-mail box, the Life Plan will then be uploaded and secured into People Inc.’s internal electronic record. The People Inc. IDT member(s) for the person’s OPWDD programs will receive an internal notification that the Life Plan is available for review and acknowledgement/agreement. The IDT member(s) will return the acknowledgement/agreement, and communicate directly with you on any issues with the received Life Plan. The People Inc. Life Plan e-mail box is used to obtain and secure Life Plans, and to make available to People Inc. programs. All previous Service Provider tasks, communications, and the CCO Agreements are unchanged. Please continue to work as a team to support people receiving services, following a person-centered approach. Please also continue to communicate with each other as necessary for sharing day-to-day happenings and significant events.         

New Salary of $15/hour for Direct Care Positions Announced

People Inc. is pleased to announce that the new starting rate for employees providing direct support to people with disabilities is $15 per hour.  The dedication and resiliency that all of our staff have shown during this pandemic has been incredible, and we sincerely appreciate each employee. We are proud of the critical work of our current staff and encourage others to join our family. The agency is also announcing $750 sign-on bonus is now available for designated direct support positions. Up to $1,500 sign-on bonus is now available for designated management positions. (The sign-on bonus is subject to change and/or may be discontinued at any time.) For more information about taking the next step to a rewarding career with People Inc. please visit our careers page.

Virtual Training for Care Coordinators Announced for May 20, 2021

People Inc. invites interested Care Coordinators to join us on  Thursday, May 20 , as we host our monthly virtual “Lunch and Learn” workshop from noon to 1:00 p.m.  The topic of “Employment Services” will be presented by Jamie Oswald, program director at People Inc. Some of the discussion will focus on: What employment services are available for the people you work with? Who qualifies for employment services? How do you apply for employment services and what is the process? 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 Tuesday, May 18. You will then receive the link for the training by email. Please share this  flyer  with others who may be interested.