Virtual Training for Care Coordinators Announced for November 19

People Inc. invites interested Care Coordinators to join us on Thursday, November 19, 2020, as we host our monthly virtual Lunch and Learn workshop from noon to 1:00 p.m.  The topic of “Advocacy and the Life Plan” will be presented by Rick Banner, Director of Advocacy and Person-Centered Practice at People Inc. With the move toward managed care, the approach we take to support people must be focused on person-centered practices. Join us to learn quick tools that can assist in making the Life Plan more meaningful. Attendees will also learn how to navigate roadblocks as they come up. Rick will answer questions and provide resources to help professionals continue to be successful. Registration is required. Please contact Kim Russi at 585.719.3424 or krussi@people-inc.org by the end of the day on Monday, November 16, 2020. You will then receive the link for the training by email.

Walden Offices Moved to Spindrift Location in Williamsville

Admissions and Other Departments Relocated Several People Inc. departments and offices have relocated from the Walden Business Center, 3332 Walden Avenue, Suite 100, Depew, NY, to 280 Spindrift Drive, Williamsville, NY, effective October 12, 2020. Departments and Offices that Moved: Admissions Behavioral Health/Behavior Services  Care Management for Children Community Habilitation Early Intervention Environmental Modifications (E-mods) Family Education and Training Family Support Services Educational Advocacy Family Reimbursement Parent Aide Program Personal Development Mentoring In-Home Respite Self-Directed Services   The above departments can be reached through Spindrift reception at 716.817.9000. Staff emails will remain the same. The Admissions email remains the same, admissions@people-inc.org and the Admissions phone number remains the same at this time, 716.880.3700.

People Inc. Seeks New Businesses to Employ People with Disabilities

October 2, 2020: Ensuring that people with developmental disabilities and varying abilities secure and maintain meaningful, competitive employment is an important part of what People Inc. does year-round. Each October, People Inc. recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time set aside to acknowledge the talents and valuable contributions of workers with disabilities. This year marks not only the 75th observance of NDEAM, but also the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act – two milestones encompassing the theme, “Increasing Access and Opportunity.” People Inc. is seeking new businesses in Western New York and the Greater Rochester region to join its current 300 business partners. Several business solutions have been established that offer high-quality work, ranging from janitorial and carpet cleaning to workforce solutions and contract manufacturing. Additionally, People Inc. helps companies fill openings specific to their need and demand. Hiring a qualified person with a disability brings greater benefits beyond just filling an open job, including a return on investment, marketing, innovation and diverse perspectives that all contribute to a successful business. People Inc. is proud to support people in their career goals through its Supported Employment and Vocational Programs. Regardless of physical or cognitive disability and sensory impairment, people have the right to equal employment opportunities.  The goal of the agency’s Vocational Services is to help people with all abilities find a job that is suitable to their specific interests, strengths and abilities. “Besides providing a quality product to our customers, equally important is the opportunity that these businesses provide to those whom we support,” said James Scutt, associate vice president, People Inc. “We have been excited to see the change in businesses perceptions around the hiring of people from this largely unrecognized labor market,” added Scutt. “That’s why People Inc. has taken the approach that if there is not a good job match in traditional employment opportunities, we create them so that people who are ready and willing to work, can. These jobs are competitive and integrated and provide real wages to the people we support.” A nationwide effort has been made to encourage businesses to understand the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, a skilled group of job seekers who are unemployed at a rate that is twice that of job seekers without disabilities. If a person with a disability would like to learn more or for businesses to find out how to partner with People Inc., email James Scutt at jscutt@people-inc.org or call its Vocational Services Department at 716-817-5750. 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. Business Solutions Featured on Radio Show

People Inc. Business Solutions  was featured on “A Slice of Life” radio show on ESPN 1520 AM on Saturday, September 12, 2020. James Scutt, Associate Vice President of Business Solutions and Vocational Services was interviewed during this live, call-in show. Ensuring that people with developmental disabilities and varying abilities secure and maintain meaningful, competitive employment is an important part of our agency. Scutt spoke about how our agency helps people maintain employment and the many benefits for employers. Plus, Scutt shared information about People Inc. offering cost-effective janitorial and carpet cleaning for businesses, following CDC guidelines, as well as information on Contract Manufacturing. The radio show is  available online .

People Inc. and WNY Urban Arts Collective Begin Jefferson Avenue Mural Project

Local Art Initiative Becomes a Blueprint for Using Art to Beautify Neighborhoods September 17, 2020: People Inc. and the WNY Urban Arts Collective (UAC) announced the official start of the Jefferson Apartments Art Mural Project. This important community effort will represent the rich history of Jefferson Avenue through artwork from several local artists who were recently commissioned for the project. The mural artwork will be displayed on the newly-constructed Jefferson Avenue Apartments, located at 1140 and 1166 Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo, NY. The ground floor of both buildings will contain a total of 16,500 square feet of commercial space, which will include retail shops and house a People Inc. recruitment office.   The formal process to bring about this art project began the summer of 2019, as a collaboration between People Inc. and the WNY Urban Arts Collective. Together, with people from around the community, they formed the Jefferson Apartments Art Mural Committee. In November of last year, the community came together to select the mural themes that will now grace the side of each of the new People Inc. affordable apartment buildings on Jefferson Avenue. At the beginning of 2020, the committee turned over those artistic themes and ideas to the WNY Urban Arts Collective. In February, there was also a community-wide call for artists and artwork. Unfortunately, the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic and recent racial tensions reached a tipping point. During this time, the committee and amazing artists stayed committed to creating artwork that would be reflective of the ideas and our community’s history. “This initiative will become a blueprint for using art to beautify the community, instill pride and convey ownership, in an attempt to uplift others,” said Rhonda Frederick, People Inc. president and CEO. “It has been so impressive to see the beautiful artwork progress that has been made to encourage inclusion, equity and acceptance within our community.” The goals of the project are to create collection of murals that set the transformative platform for fine arts within community neighborhoods. The artwork of Jefferson Avenue will be indicative of relatable images that create urban art galleries to beautify these neighborhoods.  John Baker stated, “Years from now, when this project is history, the community of artists involved will be part of the story for future generations.” Thanks to the dedication, input and time given by the community, the selections were made and the following artists will create the murals (and possibly art renderings): John Baker (art director/coordinator/contributing artist), President The WNY Urban Arts Collective. Kobie Barber (artist) - Warp Speed: Children working on the “warp speed” equations to create reality out of theory. Trying to highlight/focus on bringing math and sciences back to the intercity – Knowledge equals Power. Markenzy Julius Cesar (contributing artist): Born in Haiti, he has lived in the United States since 1987. In 1993, he moved to Buffalo, NY, to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts from SUNY College at Buffalo. Cesar came to feel a connection with Western New York and has built a life with his family in the region. James Cooper III (artist) - Elements of Jefferson: Cultural representation of Jefferson Avenue legacy, the first host of the Juneteenth Festival. This includes images of historic landmarks and colors meant to convey a vibrant energetic mood of liveliness. Gino Morrow (artist) - Jefferson Jubilee: People, Families, Children, Concerts, Parades/ Marchers, Festivals and a reflection of many experiences. Meaningful and impactful – creative interpretation of the celebrations of life culture and beauty. As a Buffalo native, he reflects upon his childhood and Juneteenth activities. Mark G. Pearce (artist) - Strong Solo: A powerful tenor saxophone soliloquy captures the ear of the listener. Symbolic of Buffalo's vibrant jazz legacy, it is a tribute to Buffalo's great musical heritage. Phyllis Thompson (artist) - Ancestor Watching Over: Depicts an ancestor seated at a table gazing back at all who look at her. The shapes, patterns and colors that surround her are influenced from family quilts and wallpaper. The spirit of elders and ancestors is always present as they guide, protect and watch over the community. Princessa Williams (contributing artist): Her diversity as an artist, paint instructor, photographer and jewelry designer, the Buffalo, NY native’s artwork is compelling symbolism of black empowerment and abstract designs. Well known for its development of group homes for people with developmental disabilities and affordable senior housing, People Inc. continues to serve the community by bringing various audiences together for a unique housing model. The Jefferson Avenue Apartments house 89 total apartments (71 one-bedroom and 18 two-bedroom). Some apartments have been specifically designed for people who have mobility and vision challenges or who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing; the remaining apartments are handicapped adaptable. 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 .

New Affordable Apartments in North Tonawanda Now Available

People Inc. offers affordable apartments across Western New York, including its newest location at 25 Grant Street in North Tonawanda, NY. People Inc. Grant Street Apartments is open and accepting rental applications. The head of household must be 18 or older and meet income eligibility. Located in a suburban setting, the apartments are ideal for a single person, couple or family.  The one and two-bedroom apartments are spacious and have beautifully landscaped grounds. Features include: On-site management; kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, with a dishwasher; safety features; water and garbage removal included; on-site laundry facilities and air conditioning. Tenants may have one small pet. Some apartments are designed for people who have mobility and vision challenges or who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing. The smoke-free living apartment building is two blocks from a major bus route. Rent subsidies and/or rental vouchers accepted. For more information about income eligibility and for an apartment application, email housing@people-inc.org or call 716-880-3890. Please share this information and flyer .

A Message from People Inc. President and CEO

People Inc. Celebrates 50th Anniversary  People Inc. was officially established on August 14, 1970. I’m so pleased to share that this month marks the 50th anniversary of the agency! I have been a part of People Inc. for 40 years and I’m so proud of how far we have come! It’s a time to look back on all of our accomplishments. We are also in a middle of a pandemic – a time that I certainly could not have imagined – we are getting through this together. We started with just a small group of parents and professionals who joined together to address the needs of people with intellectual disabilities and formed what would grow to become People Inc. Now, we are many – not only in numbers, but also in the programs and services we offer for people of all ages and abilities, our employees and areas served throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Our continuum of programs and services have evolved to support 10,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults. Over the years, we have expanded these services to support even more people to live, work and thrive – to be independent, to have access to supports and health services and affordable, safe housing – all while promoting independence and fulfilling experiences. As other organizations affiliated with People Inc., services were preserved in the community and expanded to even more people. To all of our loyal families, 4,000 employees, supporters and community partners, thank you for being a part of the People Inc. journey for the past five decades, through developing innovative programs and services, providing opportunities for independence and inclusion, as well as advocacy and fundraising. While we won’t be able to celebrate in-person in the short-term due to the national pandemic, we look forward to safer and better times ahead. I want to reassure you that People Inc. is focused on continuing to provide high quality services and safe environments for the people we support and for our staff. We will celebrate our 50th anniversary between August 2020 and July 2021. We will include information in this e-newsletter, our social media channels and website as the celebration continues. Here’s to many more accomplishments. Let’s continue to tell the People Inc. story! Gratefully, Rhonda Frederick President and CEO, People Inc.

Local Landmarks Lighting Up Blue

On Friday, August 14, 2020, local landmarks will light up blue in recognition of our anniversary! Keep an eye out for these sights: Niagara Falls* at 10 p.m. for a duration of fifteen minutes ( live cam link to view from home).  Buffalo, NY City Hall to be illuminated at night through the Buffalo LIT (Landmark Illumination Team) initiative. Downtown Buffalo, NY Electric Tower Building to be illuminated at night. If you spot any of these landmarks, safely snap a photo and send your pictures to communications@people-inc.org ! We will share them in future communications and across our social media channels. Remember to wear a face mask and adhere to social distancing procedures when viewing the landmarks. *Please note that all Illumination times are approximate and subject to change according to light conditions. Niagara Region, Ontario is currently in Stage 3 of the reopening of the Province and the Niagara Falls Illumination Board would like to reiterate that social gatherings are limited to 100 people and physical distancing remains a requirement for all people who are not from the same household or established social circle of 10 people. In all instances, no more than 10 people are permitted to be closer than 2 meters (6 feet) and when not possible, a face mask must be worn. On behalf of the Niagara Falls Illumination Board we feel it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure all measures are taken to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

People Inc. Debuts Inclusion Video

Inclusion has always been the fundamental purpose of People Inc. The agency’s longtime values of Improving Lives, Respect, Diversity and Inclusion are meant to guide everyday actions in very practical ways. They are especially important in times of uncertainty and distress. People Inc. has led the way in advocating for inclusion of people with disabilities and continues that work. The agency is recognized as a leader in providing high quality housing for people with income disparities and continues that work. But there is still work that needs to be done.  People Inc. can be part of the solution by standing together against racial injustice. People Inc. has made it a priority to focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for people supported and its staff to become a more culturally competent agency. It’s critical to have conversations, treat each other with respect and really listen – this helps to transform perspectives and move forward together. View the People Inc. Inclusion video as part of the agency's continued expression of its values and commitment.