Mural Unveiling and Artists Recognition for People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments - April 19, 2021

What: Mural Artists Recognition Event for People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments  When: Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 11 a.m. Where: 1140 and 1166 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY (corner of Jefferson Avenue and Southampton Street) Who: Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown; John Baker, president, The WNY Urban Arts Collective and Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO, People Inc., will provide brief remarks to recognize the mural artists and the project partners.  Why: People Inc. and The WNY Urban Arts Collective partnered for the Jefferson Avenue Apartments Art Mural Project. The mural artwork is displayed on the newly-constructed People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments. This creative community collaboration is an important reflection of the People Inc. agency value for inclusion and represents the rich history of Jefferson Avenue through artwork from several local artists who were commissioned to help beautify the neighborhood. A “Rolling Parade” will be held after the remarks for guests to view the murals.  The artists of the five outdoor murals will be recognized: Designing Artist: Mark G. Pearce Title: Strong Solo Fabricating Artist: Markenzy Julius Cesar Artist: James Cooper III Title: Elements of Jefferson Designing Artist: Gino Morrow Title: Jefferson Jubilee Fabricating Artist: Princessa Williams Artist: Kobie Barber Title: Warp Speed Designing Artist: Phyllis Thompson Title: Ancestor Watching Over Fabricating Artist: John Baker Supervising Artists: John Baker (Project coordinator) and James J. Cooper III COVID-19 safety protocols in place for this outdoor event. Face masks and social distancing required. 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.

National Service Recognition Day in Buffalo Acknowledged People Inc.

Buffalo, NY proved why it’s called the City of Good Neighbors on National Service Recognition Day. Mayor Byron Brown hosted a virtual celebration on April 6, to recognize the numerous AmeriCorps service members in Buffalo and their contributions to improving our communities. Buffalo is host to several different AmeriCorps programs, including two at People Inc. – the Senior Companion Program (AmeriCorps Seniors) and ETHOS AmeriCorps. The event was made accessible with captioning and an ASL interpreter provided by Deaf Access Services, an affiliate of People Inc. Each AmeriCorps program nominated one of their members to be recognized for their dedication and to highlight their service. People Inc. nominated Betty Grazes from the Senior Companion Program and Yann Spindler from the ETHOS AmeriCorps program. Betty was recognized for her almost 25 years of providing companionship and developing strong bonds with the people she supports. She became a Senior Companion to stay busy while still earning a little extra money. Betty has said that her main goal when providing companionship is to “lift her clients up.” Since moving to Buffalo in 1957, she has been an active member of her community. Betty has remained active as a volunteer with Senior Companions even during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Instead of providing in-person services, Betty has been able to volunteer with our Senior Companion Phone Connection program. She has been able to keep in touch with four different seniors and keep them company over the phone. Even though she has not met them in person, Betty has developed a strong bond with each of them. She told us that she is very excited to finally be able to meet her clients in person. They are also very excited to be able to meet her. We are truly proud to have Betty recognized for her service as a Senior Companion. Her care and dedication shines brighter than a sunflower. Yann was recognized for his tremendous flexibility and patience in delivering services to some of our area’s most vulnerable people. He is currently serving in his third service year with Deaf Access Services, an affiliate of People Inc. Yann assists Deaf refugees with their adjustment to life in the U.S. by providing cultural orientation, ASL instruction and promoting their self-sufficiency. In addition to this core service, Yann also represents Deaf Access Services while tending to his community gardening program with Grassroots Gardens Accessible Gardening Project. He is also a beekeeper and has created educational videos about bees and gardening for the local Deaf community. Thank you Yann for your service and for creating pathways to a better life for the Deaf community members in Buffalo. Thank you Betty, Yann and all of the Senior Companion and ETHOS AmeriCorps members for creating stronger communities! The event concluded with all of the present members raising their right hands and reciting the AmeriCorps pledge that each one had taken at the beginning of their service: “I will get things done for America - to make our people safer, smarter, and healthier. I will bring Americans together to strengthen our communities. Faced with apathy, I will take action. Faced with conflict, I will seek common ground. Faced with adversity, I will persevere. I will carry this commitment with me this year and beyond. I am an AmeriCorps member, and I will get things done.” If you are interested in serving your community through one of the People Inc. AmeriCorps programs, or know someone who is, more information can be found on the  ETHOS  or  Senior Companion  sections on this website.

Western New Organizations Selected for Health Improving Program

April 7, 2021: In a unique upstate cross-regional collaboration, 12 Western New York health serving organizations have been selected to participate in the Health Literacy CALL to Action Training program, funded by the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York . Low health literacy is a barrier to the health of a community and raises the costs of healthcare.  Helping community members increase their capacity to obtain, communicate, process and understand health information is a significant way to decrease healthcare costs and hospitalizations.  Initially developed in Central New York through the Medicaid redesign efforts to reduce avoidable hospital use by 25 percent, the CALL to Action program seeks to improve how health literacy is taught to community members by health and health care providers. Participants undergo 21 hours of virtual training to become Master Trainers so that they can disseminate their learnings to their own and other organizations in their communities. This “train-the-trainer” model has shown success in helping patients improve their ability to better manage their health and treatment and, says Sue Ellen Stuart, executive director of the Visiting Nurse Services of Ithaca and co-writer for the grant.  “With COVID-19, increasing health literacy throughout our communities may be needed now more than ever.  It’s what helps patients understand the risks of the virus and the protocols needed to fight it.”   The following organizations will be taking part in the upcoming training, beginning in April. All are members of or have a work-relation to the Fellows Action Network , a program of the HFWCNY and its Health Leadership Fellows program: Population Health Collaborative; Daemen College; D'Youville College; BestSelf Behavioral Health; Healthy Community Alliance; Buffalo Prenatal Network; Harvest House; Jericho Road Community Health Center; Catholic Charities of Buffalo; People Inc.; ARC of Genesee Orleans; and Southern Tier Health Care Systems, Inc.

Deaf Access Services to Host Spring Virtual Fundraiser Events to Support Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

April 1, 2021: Deaf Access Services, an affiliate of People Inc., is the only non-profit organization in Western New York that bridges gaps in services and communication among the Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing communities. To help support its programs, Deaf Access Services is hosting three ways you can help:  An online auction will be held from April 8 to15, with a variety of items to win. Check out wnydas.org . Deaf Access Services will hold its “Celebrating Deaf History” Spring Fundraiser virtually on Thursday, April 15. A virtual tour of the Museum of Deaf History, Arts and Culture, located in Olathe, Kansas, will be provided. If you are curious about the Deaf experience or want to learn about the rich heritage, this will be a great opportunity. Ticket are $11 and can purchased at wnydas.org. Another way to provide support is with BW’s Smokin’ Barrels Barbecue on Thursday, April 15, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at People Inc. Administrative Offices, 1219 North Forest, Williamsville. Three meal selections will be available and can be ordered online in advance at wnydas.org or on the day of the event, while supplies last. This is a drive-thru event only.  To learn more, contact Office@wnydas.org , call 716.833.1637 or videophone at 716.335.9192. Deaf Access Services continues to provide services remotely, due to the pandemic, in order for its clientele and businesses to access critical services. These include interpreting services, advocacy, employment readiness, educational supports for students, assistive devices and American Sign Language classes. Program information and event updates are posted on the Deaf Access Services Facebook . 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 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. 

Olmsted Apartments Managed by Peopled Inc. Accepting Applications

Section 8 Vouchers Accepted from Qualified Older Adults, Veterans and Applicants with Disabilities March 30, 2021: If you or a family member have a low income and are looking for safe housing, the Olmsted Apartments are currently accepting applications. People Inc. is now managing these apartments as part of its Affordable Apartments services, with locations in Erie and Niagara Counties. There are some immediate openings, while applications are also being accepted for waiting lists. These include one- and two-bedroom apartments for people 18 years of age and older, who meet income eligibility. Section 8 vouchers are accepted (except for Bawny Excelsior/HUD Apartments). Preferences are provided to applicants who have physical disabilities and/or visual impairments. Locations include: Austin Manor Apartments: 395 Tonawanda Street, Buffalo, NY Bawny Excelsior/HUD Apartments: 130 Central Avenue, Buffalo, NY Elizabeth Harvey Apartments: 525 Oliver Street, North Tonawanda, NY Gratwick Manor Apartments: 840 Tonawanda Street, Buffalo, NY Haskell Stovroff Apartments: 30 Alpine Place, Cheektowaga, NY Nelson Hopkins Apartments: 5562 Davison Road, Lockport, NY The apartments feature: Kitchen with stove and refrigerator; utilities for water and garbage removal; on-site laundry facilities; safety features; air-conditioning and community rooms. Amenities may vary. On-site management is available. Tenants may have one small pet. The apartment buildings are located near bus routes and shopping.  People Inc. is pleased to add the Olmsted Apartments to its management and to have as part of its variety of affordable housing options. The agency understands there is a need in the region for affordable and suitable housing for people of all incomes, ages and abilities. Section 8 is a federal program that helps qualified people with low-income, including older adults, veterans and applicants with disabilities, afford housing in the private market.  Staff are available to provide income eligibility details. For more information or for an apartment application, email housing@people-inc.org or call 716-880-3890.  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.

Statement in Support of Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

March 26, 2021: People Inc. continues to be a leader in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Recently, there have been several acts of violence that have impacted the lives of so many. Our thoughts are with those that have lost loved ones or who are impacted by these tragic events. We do not condone violence. We also do not condone any forms of hate-based activity, violent or non-violent. Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been historically marginalized and have experienced many forms of prejudice. This prejudicial behavior has only gotten worse over the past year. At People Inc., we support and participate in the effort for equality and inclusion for all, within our People Inc. family and throughout our communities. To the members of our organization who are impacted by the unfair treatment of Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our nation, we support you. We always have and that support will continue. 

Care, Not Cuts! Virtual Rally on March 24

March 23, 2021: A virtual rally for New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities will take place on Wednesday, March 24 at noon. New York Disability Advocates and The Arc New York will be hosting this rally to both thank our legislators for including important funding in their one-house budgets and to ensure that we can cross the finish line on Thursday, April 1 with our needed funding in place. Co-sponsors are the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York, Statewide Advocacy Network of New York, New York City Family Advocacy Information Resource, Long Island Advocacy Network for the Developmentally Disabled and Eastern New York Developmental Disabilities Advocates.  We expect the event will last about one hour with appearances by various legislators, family members, DSPs, self-advocates and others. There are two ways to participate: It will be streamed live to The Arc New York Facebook page, so there is no need to register in advance.  We encourage all who are interested to join in this rally by going to facebook.com/thearcny .  If you wish to join the call, you can register in advance through . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining. Please note – there is a 1,000-person capacity on this call, so to ensure that you get in, please join a few minutes early! Another way to let the elected officials in Albany know about your thoughts on "Care, Not Cuts," is to send  these “1 click” letters  to your Legislators and the Governor – volume is key – you can send your letters every 24 hours for maximum impact!

Virtual Training for Care Coordinators Announced for April 15, 2021

People Inc. invites interested Care Coordinators to join us on  Thursday, April 15 , as we host our monthly virtual “Lunch and Learn” workshop from noon to 1:00 p.m.  The topic of “Afternoon Respite Services” will be presented by Adam Perry, program director at People Inc. Some of the discussion will focus on: What Afternoon Respite Services are available? Who qualifies for Afternoon Respite Services? How do you apply Afternoon Respite Services and what is the process? Registration is required. Please contact Kim Russi at 585.719.3424 or  krussi@people-inc.org  by the end of the day on Tuesday, April 13. You will then receive the link for the training by email. We look forward to your questions and active participation during this workshop! Please share this flyer  with others who may be interested.

Family Advisory Presentation Rescheduled

March 15, 2021: There are technical difficulties with the Family Advisory presentation on Legislative Issues, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. today on Microsoft Teams. The session will be rescheduled. We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you.