Community Meeting to be held for Proposed Development of the Mt. Olive Senior Manor Apartments

March 8, 2021 What: Community Meeting for Proposed Development of the Mt. Olive Senior Manor Apartments in Buffalo When: Thursday, March 11, 2021, at 6 p.m. Where: Three ways to participate: In-person: Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 701 East Delavan, Buffalo Virtually: Via zoom.us/join Meeting ID: 897 0836 9735 • Passcode: 701MODC Phone: 1.929.205.6099 Meeting ID: 897 0836 9735 • Passcode: 7268227 Who: Representatives from Mt. Olive Development Corporation, People Inc., CSS Construction and Silvestri Architects, along with elected officials or their staff members.  Why:  The community meeting, hosted by Mt. Olive Development Corporation and fellow partners, People Inc., CSS Construction and Silvestri Architects, will provide an opportunity for community members to learn about the new proposed development of the Mt. Olive Senior Manor apartments and a new vision for the neighborhood. The in-person event is being held in compliance with all COVID-19 public health and safety orders. Attendance is limited with social distancing. Protective masks must be worn at all times.  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.

Virtual Training for Care Coordinators Announced for March 18, 2021

People Inc. invites interested Care Coordinators to join us on Thursday, March 18 , as we host our monthly virtual “Lunch and Learn” workshop from noon to 1:00 p.m.  The topic of “Environmental Modifications (E-Mods)” will be presented by Anthony j. Rushford, project director at People Inc. Some of the discussion will focus on: What is an E-Mod? How can it benefit the people I work with? What qualifies for an E-Mod? How do you apply for an E-mod 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, March 16 . 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.

Announcing the “Family & Friends Virtual Tours” for 2021

If you are: a person seeking supports, family seeking services for a loved one, teacher/school transition coordinator, or a care coordinator, we would like to invite you to join us for the monthly People Inc. Family & Friends Virtual Tours.  Register in advance for your seat to a behind the scenes look at many of our Day and Vocational Programs. The first tour departs on Friday, February 19 . To sign up for a tour, contact Lindsey Rosenberg at lrosenberg@people-inc.org or call Admissions at 716.880.3700 (Western New York)/585.441.9300 (Greater Rochester region). Meeting information will be sent for each tour once your registration is received. Please share this flyer with anyone who might be interested.

Virtual Training for Care Coordinators Announced for February 18, 2021

People Inc. invites interested Care Coordinators to join us on Thursday, February 18, 2021, as we host our monthly virtual “Lunch and Learn” workshop from noon to 1:00 p.m.  The topic of “Children’s Health Home” will be presented by Shayrah De Jesus Pena, Children Services Senior Care Manager at People Inc. What is a Children’s Health Home? How can it benefit children and families? What is the difference between an OPWDD Health Home and a Department of Health (DOH) Health Home? How does a child enroll? These are just some of the topics that will be addressed during this session! People Inc. will also share information about our Children’s Health Home program, how we transfer children from our Health Home to the OPWDD system and from OPWDD to the DOH Health Home. Registration is required. Please contact Kim Russi at 585.719.3424 or  krussi@people-inc.org  by the end of the day on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. You will then receive the link for the training by email.  Please share this  flyer  with others who may be interested.  

Now Accepting Recipients for Senior Companion Friendly Caller Opportunity

The People Inc.  Senior Companion Program  is providing a “Phone Connection” for recipients who qualify and would benefit from making regular connections. This serves as an alternative to providing in-home visits, which are limited due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  The program is now enrolling recipients who are 55 or older and living in Erie County. They will receive the benefit of socialization and a conversation with friendly volunteers. Companions will call recipients once a week and share any concerns with program staff, who then make referrals to family members or other resources.  Registering for the program is free and easy. To enroll, or to recommend an older adult whom you assist, contact Alissa Yax at  ayax@people-inc.org  or 716.768.2381.

Statewide Virtual Rally – Save Our Services December 9

As a proud member of the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of WNY (DDAWNY), People Inc. encourages everyone to help rally against budget cuts for direct support professionals and save our services! On Wednesday, December 9 at 11 a.m., you can get involved through this virtual Zoom event, organized by statewide family groups, including SWAN (Statewide Advocacy Network), NYC DD Councils and Developmental Disabilities Alliance of WNY Family Committee. Contact  info@nycfair.org  with any questions. How to get involved: 1) ATTEND the rally virtually: WE MUST BE SEEN! WE MUST BE HEARD! WE MUST INSIST ON NO MORE CUTS! Join Zoom Meeting at , Meeting ID: 819 8581 4195, Passcode: 477149 or One tap mobile: +19292056099,,81985814195#,,,,,,0#,,477149# US (New York). 2) Help us in advance of the event by sending in your personal story (include a photo!) . If possible, include a photo of your loved one and their DSP holding signs with statements such as "SAVE OUR SERVICES", "NO BUDGET CUTS". A montage will be created and shown during the RALLY and used in future visits and advocacy efforts with the governor and other elected officials. Stories/photos should be sent to nycfair@gmail.com  both before and after the event.

Affordable Apartments Now Accepting Applications

Do you have an elderly family member or friend or someone you assist who is in need of affordable and maintenance-free living? People Inc. provides various options, including: People Inc. Senior Living is for independent, older adults age 62 and up who are income-eligible. Apartment applications are accepted year-round for its 19 locations throughout Western New York, including Amherst, Angola, Blasdell, Clarence, Grand Island, Lackawanna, Lockport (border of Amherst), South Buffalo, Springville and Wheatfield (border of North Tonawanda). Two benefits of People Inc. Senior Living are affordable rent based on income and numerous safety features. As an added cost-savings, some utilities are included. Tenants are welcome to have one small pet. Info: Email seniorliving@people-inc.org or call 716.817.9090. NOW available: One-bedroom Tax Credit apartment unit at Academy Place Senior Apartments in Gowanda, managed by People Inc. The apartment building, ideal for older adults in the Southern Tier, is located at 1 School Street in Gowanda, NY. The HUD Section 202 Affordable Housing and NYS Tax Credit apartments provide housing for independent, older adults age 62 and up who meet income guidelines. Vouchers are accepted for Tax Credit units. Info: Download an application or call 716.817.9090. Rental applications are being accepted for the new People Inc. Grant Street Apartments , offering one and two-bedroom units. Located at 25 Grant Street in North Tonawanda, the apartments are for people who are head of household and 18 years or older, who meet income eligibility. Amenities include: Kitchen with refrigerator, stove and dishwasher; water and garbage removal included; on-site laundry facilities; safety features; air conditioning and on-site management. Tenants may have one small pet. Rent subsidies and/or rental vouchers accepted. Some apartments are designed for people who have mobility and vision challenges or who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Info : Email housing@people-inc.org or call 716.693.4249.

Museum of disABILITY History Announces Closing

Store Sale Includes Buy One/Get One Free Select Books and Discounts Until End of December December 4, 2020: The Museum of disABILITY History, which has been closed to the public through the COVID-19 pandemic, will not re-open its doors at 3286 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. Like so many museums across the country, lack of adequate dedicated funding has made operations unsustainable. Devoted to advancing the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities for the past 22 years, numerous resources are currently digitized. A planful approach has been conducted to identify alternative outlets and partners to preserve the historical artifacts and collection items. The People Inc. Training Center for Human Service Excellence will continue to operate in the building’s space. Educational components have long been integrated into New Employee Orientation for thousands of People Inc. staff and will be continued. “While closure decisions like this are difficult, we will continue the Museum of disABILITY History’s spirit through community education and staff development at People Inc.,” said David Mack-Hardiman, museum director and associate vice president for People Inc. “A solid resource has been built to tell the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities. We are truly thankful for the valuable participation of partners and supporters in this worthwhile effort to showcase inclusion and appreciate differences,” added Mack-Hardiman.  The Museum of disABILITY History online store has select books that are buy one/get one free from its “Abandoned History Series,” as well as books from the “Ivan the Invacar” children’s book series. Plus, various merchandise has been discounted throughout the store. An additional 20-percent off items can be applied by using a “save20” discount code during the online checkout. Discounted books and various merchandise remain for sale through the end of December at store.museumofdisability.org. For questions about the closing, information about collection and artifact items or to arrange a curbside pick-up of merchandise, contact David Mack-Hardiman at dmack@people-inc.org or 716.629.3606. The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., was established in 1998 by James M. Boles, EdD, in an effort to improve access to disability history for students. People Inc. is Western New York’s leading regional non-profit health and human services agency. 

Virtual Training for Care Coordinators Announced for January 21, 2021

Registration Deadline extended to Tuesday January 19, 2021 People Inc. invites interested Care Coordinators to join us on Thursday, January 21, 2021, as we host our monthly virtual Lunch and Learn workshop from noon to 1:00 p.m.  The topic of “Self-Direction” will be presented by Matt Graves, Fiscal Intermediary Representative at People Inc. What is Self-Direction? It is an OPWDD service that allows people to choose services and supports that are tailored to their wants and needs. With Self-Direction, people can create a schedule that will work for them, making each plan unique. It empowers people to design supports based on their individual strengths and needs. Self-Direction gives people more control over their funding, allowing them to choose the services that are the best fit for them. Care Coordinators are the key to all services. Join us for an overview of Self-Direction and learn how to best assist people to choose their services and enjoy as much independence as possible. Registration is required. Please contact Kim Russi at 585.719.3424 or  krussi@people-inc.org  by the end of the day on Monday, January 19, 2021. You will then receive the link for the training by email. Please share this flyer with others who may be interested.