Going Green at People Inc.'s Senior Living Apartments

Federal Government Awards $1.2 Million Retrofit Funding BUFFALO, N.Y., January 25, 2011: The federal government has encouraged energy retrofits to reduce carbon emissions under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). HUD's new Strategic Plan has made energy efficiency and green building one of its top priorities with an ambitious goal of creating 159,000 energy-efficient and green public and assisted housing units over the next two years. One Western New York recipient of over $1.2 million for energy retrofits was People Inc.'s Senior Living Apartments which recently completed its first green retrofit at its Iris Senior Living Apartment location. People Inc. will celebrate the completion of over $400,000 of energy efficient additions at this location on January 27, 2011, at 2 p.m. at 4150 Sowles Road in Hamburg. The event will thank the tenants and contractors for their collaboration during this important energy saving project. To show support of the project, Assemblymember Kevin Smardz and Hamburg Town Supervisor Steven Walters are scheduled to attend the recognition event. As part of this overall green initiative, refrigerators have been replaced and new water savers have been installed in kitchens and bathrooms at People Inc.'s Iris Senior Living Apartments. Energy saving shower heads and exhaust fans, as well as combination boiler and hot water exchanges update this apartment building in a very green way. These retrofits are expected to save the tenants nearly 10% annually on their utility costs, however even more important are the resulting greenhouse gas reductions. In addition to the energy saving utilities, the site has implemented the use of green paints and carpets to improve the air quality for all of the residents. Recycling will become a way of life at the Senior Living locations managed by People Inc. Additionally, People Inc.'s Iris Senior Living Apartments will embark on an educational campaign with the Frontier High School Environmental Club to increase awareness for both generations. "Having a smaller carbon footprint is very important to our organization," said People Inc. Chief Operating Officer Rhonda Frederick. She added, "We are very committed to being green." People Inc. manages 17 senior apartments throughout Western New York providing safe, affordable housing for low-income independent seniors age 62 and older. To learn more, visit www.people-inc.org or call 716.817.9090.

Governor Cuomo Announces Grand Opening Of $10.5 Million Affordable And Supportive Housing Development In Tonawanda

Highland School Apartments Provides Homes and Support Services for 38 Individuals and Families Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the grand opening of a $10.5 million affordable housing development in the City of Tonawanda. The development, known as Highland School Apartments, is the adaptive reuse and substantial rehabilitation of a three-story century-old former school building that provides 38 homes for low-income individuals and families. People, Inc. will provide support services. "The opening of this new development will help expand opportunity and provide much-needed services for some of the most vulnerable among us," Governor Cuomo said. "Every New Yorker deserves a safe, decent affordable place to call home and this investment puts us closer this this goal while also strengthening this community and Western New York as a whole." Located at 105 Highland Avenue, Highland School Apartments has a total of 38 affordable apartments. Ten units are designated for developmentally disabled adults, and of those units, four will be for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. An additional five units are designated for homeless adults with a traumatic brain injury. Rents will range from $533 to $866 a month, and will be affordable to households with incomes at or below 70 percent of the area median income. "This is a truly collaborative effort that gives a vacant school a new lease on life and provides a home for those who otherwise might struggle to afford one," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, who attended today's ceremony. "Under Governor Cuomo, New York State is committed to combating homelessness and making affordable housing a reality for those in need, and I'm proud that we are a partner in making the future brighter for those who now call the Highland School their home." Supportive services for the special needs tenants will be provided by People, Inc., and will include service coordination, independent living skills training, day/residential habilitation, employment training, medical services, transportation to appointments, programs and employment, and recreational facilities. Highland School was originally built in the 1920s and closed in 2009. People Inc. acquired the property at an auction two years later. Funding for Highland School Apartments included $432,672 in Low Income Housing Tax Credits from New York State Homes and Community Renewal that will generate 4.2 million in equity. HCR also provided $2.4 million in NYS HOME funds and $39,207 in State Low Income Housing Tax Credits that will generate $218,000 in equity. In addition, $1.9 million was provided from the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program; $1.4 million in capitalfunding, in the form of debt service, and ongoing housing subsidies from the New York State Office of People With Developmental Disabilities; $76,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, as well as funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and People, Inc.  Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Highland School Apartments is the result of the combined efforts of many state and local partners. This development has transformed a vacant school property into a residential community that will provide 38 affordable and supportive homes and also continue the Governor's efforts to revitalize the City of Tonawanda." Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Samuel D. Roberts said, "The Governor continues to lead the way forward in ensuring our most vulnerable New Yorkers have a safe, affordable place to live. With the creation of these supportive housing units, not only are individuals and families provided with stable housing, but given access to the support services they need to succeed."  Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Acting Commissioner Kerry A. Delaney said, "Secure, affordable, supportive housing is a firm stepping stone as we work to help people achieve fulfilling lives in their communities. We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with our sister agencies in New York to expand and improve supportive housing throughout the state. Housing communities like this one build richer lives, more cohesive and diverse communities, and ultimately, an even better and stronger New York." Senator Chris Jacobs said, "Today's opening of the Highland School Apartments is welcome news given the tremendous need for affordable housing across our region. The collaboration between the state, the City of Tonawanda and People Inc. is a great example of how public-private partnerships can drive positive changes in our community."  Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, "Affordable housing is critical to vibrant, diverse communities and helps to build neighborhoods that are not only more inclusive but that also reuse old buildings as part of new development. The Highland School Apartments bring a former school building back to life and will bring new opportunities to low-income families and individuals with developmental disabilities as they grow into their new community. This is an inclusive, exciting reuse of our existing infrastructure and I thank Governor Cuomo, People, Inc. and all the parties involved in making it happen." City of Tonawanda Mayor Rick Davis said, "Over the years we have had closed schools that have become eyesores in our community. This is why I pushed hard for this project. Many thanks to Governor Cuomo and People Inc. for investing into our community and for giving low to moderate income residents a safe place to live." Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO, People Inc. said, "The innovative program model is one element of our agency's strategic development as we continue to provide quality housing to a diverse community. This integrated living community project offers a unique opportunity to revitalize a vacant building, improve neighborhood appeal and provide much needed housing. Not only can we help people in our community live affordably without the burden of maintaining a home, but we can do so in a way that benefits the surrounding community," added Frederick. "The State of New York, Governor Cuomo, Lieutenant Governor Hochul and the State Legislature have made affordable housing a key component of the State's revitalization and we are glad to be a part of it. We are grateful for their support, along with the support of City of Tonawanda and all the nearby neighbors and businesses."

Grand Island Resident David Squires Promoted to Director of Staff Development and Training at People Inc.

David Squires of Grand Island, NY has been promoted to the position of Director of Staff Development and Training at People Inc. Squires began his career at People Inc. as a program administrator in the Residential Department. He has also held the position of training coordinator and most recently as assistant director of Training. Squires attended Alfred University. In his new position, he will be responsible for the oversight and administration of all agency Staff Development and Training functions. He will also be involved with the provision of training to employees from other local agencies in Western New York. Squires would like community members to know that People Inc. can offer so much and many opportunities. He said, “I originally started working in this field because I enjoy assisting people of various abilities. In my current position, I am still able to assist the individuals we serve, but now it is by ensuring that the staff providing support to them receives the highest level of training possible. I also try to stress to our employees what a tremendous opportunity they have to make a positive impact on the lives of others.”  Squires first heard about People Inc. while working as a program manager for another local agency. He recalled, “We were preparing to open a new group home on Grand Island and I contacted the manager of one of the People Inc. sites on the Island to ask if I could tour the facility. The manager not only gave me a tour of the facility, but also drove me to another site on Grand Island operated by People Inc. and gave me a tour there as well. To me the sense of collaboration and teamwork was amazing.” Squires also has a fond memory of his first year with People Inc. and said, “One of the individuals I was working with invited me to their high school graduation ceremony. It was great to see how proud he was of himself; it was just a great day.” Squires enjoys spending time with his family. He also enjoys playing golf, hiking with his dog and anything that involves the outdoors. He noted that he “likes how the employees of People Inc. put their titles aside to help those that are in need; and as the agency continues to grow, it seems the employees of People Inc. genuinely remember the agency mission and the reason why we are here in the first place.”  

Grand Island Resident Jessica M. Ritzenthaler Promoted to Senior Program Manager/Community Habilitation at People Inc.

Jessica M. Ritzenthaler of Grand Island, NY has been promoted to Senior Program Manager/Community Habilitation at People Inc. Ritzenthaler has been employed at People Inc. for three years. She has held positions as team leader, community habilitation and residential habilitation instructor and community habilitation. She has her Bachelor of Science in Economics/Finance from Buffalo State College. Ritzenthaler’s job duties include a caseload of more than 20 individuals, attending Individualized Education Plans and updating habilitation plans based on what the individual would like to work on to maintain their independence. Ritzenthaler said, “If People Inc. is representative payee for anyone on my caseload, I maintain a budget for them to be able to pay their bills and have money for everyday living.” She also maintains rental subsidies. She said, “I review billing and write monthly summaries. I keep all participants on my caseload’s paperwork current and within People Inc. and the State’s regulations. I also supervise staff.” Ritzenthaler loves her job, and states, “This job is so rewarding because it is amazing to see a participant progress in the goals that they have chosen to work on. For example, I work with someone who has a valued outcome: To be more independent with his finances. I have seen such a great progression in this skill from him… He writes  is own checks to pay his bills, ledger’s them into his checkbook along with his other receipts and maintains his bank balance through reconciling it with his bank statement. He has come so far with this goal that he now does most of these skills independently with very little help anymore.” Ritzenthaler shared, “In this job I am learning new skills and procedures and will need to be able to implement and teach them to participants in my program, my staff and others in the agency. I really like helping others achieve their goals and feel that this is a good tool to use while working in this field and in life.” People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.  

Groundbreaking for 18th Affordable People Inc. Living Apartments

Senior apartments rejected by Orchard Park to be greeted with open arms in Springville What: Groundbreaking Celebration for People Inc.’s Orchard Senior Living  When: Thursday, August 23, 2012; 1 p.m. Where: 276 Waverly Street (Commerce Drive) Springville, NY 14141 (Erie County) Who:  Springville Mayor William Krebs; Village of Springville representatives; staff from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); People Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer James M. Boles, Ed.D.; People Inc. Chief Operating Officer Rhonda Frederick; community leaders; and People Inc. Senior Living staff will be in attendance. Why:  After trying unsuccessfully to develop this senior living opportunity in the Town of Orchard Park, People Inc. worked closely with the Village of Springville and surrounding areas to provide safe affordable senior living for Springville and its adjacent communities. “Due to the unfortunate controversy in the Town of Orchard Park, we took the $6 million dollar award to the Village of Springville where they greeted us with open arms,” said Rhonda Frederick, People Inc. Chief Operating Officer. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Springville; its business community and especially its aging people that want to stay in an area where they raised their families.”   People Inc. is responding to the needs of a growing elderly population within the community with its 18th Senior Living location. Located in Springville, People Inc. Orchard Senior Living will be home to independent seniors, age 62 and up, who meet the federally mandated income guidelines. Once construction is completed, People Inc. Orchard Senior Living will include 42 one–bedroom apartments that are handicap adaptable, with a unit specifically designed for individuals who are vision/hearing impaired. Additionally, a community room, laundry facilities, secure entrance with key cards and a 24-hour on call emergency service will be provided. The rental apartments will consist of one bedroom, kitchen, living/dining area and an accessible bathroom. People Inc. Orchard Senior Living will be a smoke-free community and is expected to open in late spring of 2013. People Inc. operates Senior Living apartment complexes throughout Western New York in Akron, Amherst, Angola, Blasdell, Cheektowaga, Clarence, Grand Island, Hamburg, Lackawanna, Lockport, Orchard Park, North Buffalo, South Buffalo, West Seneca and Wheatfield. For more information about People Inc. Senior Living, call 716-817-9090. Thanks!

Groundbreaking to be held for Angola Senior Housing

Wednesday, June 10th, 2:00pm 174 N. Main Street, Angola Mayor Howard Frawley of the Village of Angola asks that you please join People Inc., County Executive Chris Collins, Village of Angola Public Officials, Department of Housing Urban Development (HUD); Erie County Legislator Bob Reynolds, the Western New York Foundation, Town of Evans officials, local organizations and officials for a groundbreaking ceremony to introduce our new addition soon to be completed for our community - "Holly Senior Housing." With the negative impact on the economy and the hopes of everything reaching it's peak and turning around for the better, it's time to show some positive moving forward news for our community and our seniors. Please Contact: Mayor Howard Frawley, Village of Angola, 549-1126 Kevin Horrigan, People Inc., 866-5893.

Grow with Us - Rochester Area Open Interviews October 27

Join People Inc. and Ibero-American Action League Inc. to take the first step in exciting careers with these experienced organizations!

Grow with Us - Rochester Open Interviews May 17

People Inc. is partnering with Ibero-American Action League Inc. to host an Open Interview event on Tuesday, May 17 from noon to 6 p.m. Join us to discuss a range of exciting career opportunities supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and others. The event will be in the Ibero Building at 817 East Main Street, Rochester, NY. Spanish and ASL interpreters will be available during the event.

Hair X Salonce presents "Cut-A-Thon"

All proceeds benefit Headway of WNY , a support and advocacy group for survivors with brain injury. Headway of WNY, an affiliate of People Inc., is devoted to ensuring that all appropriate services and needs of the brain injured and their families are met and available in Western New York. On Thursday, March 31, from 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Hair X Salonce will host a Cut-A-Thon. This event helps raise funds to support Headway of WNY. Hair X Salonce will be cutting hair for a minimum donation of $10 for men and $20 for women. There will be a basket raffle and refreshments. Appointments are not necessary but if you are in a rush, please call ahead to get the time slot you desire. Contact Information: Hair X Salonce (Carol or Angela) 5484 Main St., Williamsville, NY 14221 716-632-3705 www.hairxsalonce.com