People Inc. and WNY Urban Arts Collective Seek Community Feedback on Mural Theme

November 6, 2019 – Buffalo, NY:  On Wednesday, October 30 at 5:30 p.m., over 70 people came out to make their collective voice and vision heard and recorded at a community meeting in the Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Branch Library Auditorium. Committee co-chairs and People Inc. employees Christie Nelson and Bradford Watts joined Jocelyn Bos and Rachel Rodriguez of People Inc., alongside fellow committee members including John Baker, president of the WNY Urban Arts Collective; Constance D. Strother, vice president of the WNY Urban Arts Collective; and architect Mark Brooks of Long Associates, who surveyed and collected the community's suggestions for the theme of artwork to be displayed at 1140 and 1166 Jefferson Avenue Apartments. 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. A huge thanks goes to the committee and Ms. Rodriguez for fielding and answering questions from the community, as well as for their valuable time and expertise to help push this initiative and vision forward. Well known for its development of group homes for individuals 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 are mobility and vision/hearing impaired; 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 individuals 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. Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments Offer 37 Mixed-Income Apartments in Gates Circle Neighborhood

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments in Buffalo, a new $11.6 million affordable housing development with 37 apartments for older New Yorkers. The development will also include support services that allow people with intellectual or developmental disabilities to live independently. The apartments were constructed on the site of the vacant Millard Fillmore Hospital in the Gates Circle neighborhood of Buffalo, offering residents easy access to public transportation and retail.  "By transforming a long vacant space into high-quality homes, we are making another strategic investment in Buffalo and furthering revitalization efforts for the Gates Circle neighborhood," Governor Cuomo said. "Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments is a welcome addition that will provide new affordable housing options to city residents and help continue Buffalo's resurgence." "We want people who grew up in Buffalo and across the state to stay here and have affordable housing options," Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said. "The Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments add affordable units for our older residents and provide critical support services for individuals with developmental disabilities. This investment is part of our aggressive $20 billion, five-year housing plan to add and preserve affordable homes. We want to give everyone in New York an opportunity to live independent, healthy, and safe lives." Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments is part of Governor Cuomo's commitment to providing all New Yorkers with access to safe, affordable housing is reflected in the State's unprecedented $20 billion, five-year Housing Plan. The plan makes housing accessible and combats homelessness by building and preserving more than 100,000 units of affordable housing and 6,000 units of supportive housing. Since 2011, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has invested more than $763 million to create or preserve more than 4,400 affordable homes and apartments in Western NY, including nearly $197 million in the city of Buffalo to house about 5,700 people. Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments was constructed on a parking lot at Linwood and Lafayette Streets, which has sat unused since the Millard Fillmore Hospital closed. The development includes 31 one-bedroom apartments and six two-bedroom apartments. The apartments are affordable to people 55 years or older with low to moderate household incomes. Located in one of Buffalo's oldest and most historic neighborhoods, known as the Linwood Preservation District, it is situated between the Elmwood Village and Buffalo's Main Street. Project amenities include Energy Star heat and air conditioning, dishwashers in each unit, laundry facilities and outdoor patio space. Housing support services are provided through a partnership between the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and People Inc., who is also the project's developer and one of Western New York's largest providers of affordable housing for older adults and residential opportunities for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. HCR provided state and federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated about $7.6 million in equity and an additional $2.5 million in subsidy.OPWDD is providing $1 million in capital plus rental subsidies and funding for support services. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority provided $37,000. Additional funding includes $265,505 from the city of Buffalo. The State's investment in Linwood Lafayette supports the Governor's "Health Across All Policies" and "Age-Friendly State" initiatives by preserving affordable homes for seniors. The initiative is a collaborative approach that integrates health considerations into policymaking across all sectors to improve community health and wellness. Learn more here . People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick said, "There's an incredible need for a variety of affordable housing options in the City of Buffalo and surrounding areas. We are so pleased to have our agency help fulfill a gap in the community with our mixed-income housing options for older adults and for people with disabilities. We're proud to have the Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments be an example of collaboration for the Gates Circle revitalization. We are grateful to have New York state funding sources, along with the support of important partners and community groups in order to provide this affordable housing opportunity." New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, "Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments provides 37 apartments for older adults so that they can live comfortably and affordably in their own communities. Governor Cuomo understands that by increasing housing opportunities for older New Yorkers and providing them with access to services, we build stronger neighborhoods for all. The city of Buffalo is no exception and we join our many partners on welcoming residents to their new home." Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Theodore Kastner, MD, MS said, "Affordable, supportive housing provides integrated, community living for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Under the leadership of Governor Cuomo, and with the assistance of our state agency partners,  we can help to ensure the people we support live happy, fulfilled lives in their neighborhoods and communities." New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "Through his support of housing developments like the Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments in Buffalo, Governor Cuomo is truly making New York an Age-Friendly State. Residents will have ready access to Delaware Park and nearby public transportation to connect them with the rest of the community, all in a beautiful historic neighborhood."   Congressman Brian Higgins said, "People Inc. continues to demonstrate leadership on projects that meet a community need to provide quality housing opportunities accessible to a variety of residents.  The Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments, funded in part through federal HOME funds and federal low-income housing tax credits, is an exciting new addition to a neighborhood with a great deal of history." Senator Tim Kennedy said, "As our nation continues to face an affordable housing crisis, our state and extraordinary partners like People Inc. remain committed to investing in new housing opportunities that are both attainable and sustainable models. With assistance from New York State, the City of Buffalo, and federal tax credits, this project was truly a team effort, and today's ribbon cutting is the result of People Inc.'s vision and tireless advocacy for a more equitable and achievable future for all Western New Yorkers." Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, "Congratulations to People Inc. and NYSHCR on the opening of the Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments. This $11.6 million dollar development project in the Linwood preservation district is a testament to how financial support from and the partnership between the state and federal government can help create affordable housing and provide support services for some of our most vulnerable residents - older adults and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities."  Mayor Byron Brown said, "My administration has aggressively supported affordable housing in Buffalo since 2006, aiding the creation of more than 2,000 units of affordable housing. I applaud People, Inc. for this project that targets seniors, and also includes units designed to accommodate persons with disabilities.  This is a great fit for the Gates Circle neighborhood."  County Executive Mark Poloncarz said, "Preserving affordable housing for seniors is critical and this investment in the new Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments does that, giving low- to moderate-income seniors the opportunity to live in one of Buffalo's most historic neighborhoods and be a part of the community there. This type of development opens new possibilities for our seniors and enriches neighborhoods at the same time, and will be a great addition to the Linwood Preservation District."

October 18, 2019 | Media Advisory: NYS Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Brown and People Inc. Celebrate Opening of New Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments

What:  Celebration and presentation for People Inc. Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments will bring together New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Byron W. Brown, People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick, other elected officials and community leaders for the opening of new and affordable housing located in the City of Buffalo. As part of the exciting Gates Circle revitalization, the project will consist of 37 mixed-income apartments for older adults ages 55 years and older; ranging from 30 to 100 percent of median income. Additionally, the building includes seven units for people with developmental disabilities, also age 55 years and older, who live independently. When:  Monday, October 21, 2019, at 10 a.m. (apartments tours available after the program) Where: 637 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo (corner of Linwood and Lafayette Avenues) Who: New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown, People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick, elected officials and community leaders. Development partners: Montante Construction and Long Associates Architects. Why:  New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s support of funding sources from NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) allowed People Inc. to move this new mixed-income apartment project forward and become part of the Gates Circle revitalization. People Inc. continues to broaden its scope to bring diverse audiences together for affordable and unique housing models. Along with the People Inc. Senior Living 19 subsidized apartments throughout Western New York, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, this new apartment building marks the agency’s second funded NYS Housing and Community Renewal project.  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 individuals 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.

Open House for Academy Place Senior Apartments in Gowanda

Tours available and apartment applications now being accepted October 11, 2019: Older adults in the southern tier and families who advocate for them have an affordable housing option. Apartment applications are now being accepted for Academy Place Senior Apartments, which will have an Open House on Friday, October 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1 School Street, Gowanda, NY. Tours and eligibility information will be available. Academy Place Senior Apartments, managed by People Inc., is a HUD Section 202 Affordable Housing and New York State Tax Credit complex. The apartments provide affordable and safe housing for independent older adults age 62 and up who meet the federally-mandated household income guidelines. During the Open House, attendees can enter to win a fall-themed raffle basket, which includes a Tim Hortons gift card, mug and goodies. Refreshments will be served.  The HUD Section 202 Affordable Housing apartments are income-based. The monthly rent for the New York State Tax Credit apartments are $373 for a one-bedroom unit and $421 for a two-bedroom unit (vouchers accepted). Some utilities are included. The building consists of 28 one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units; some of which have been specifically designed for people who are vision/hearing impaired. Apartments include a kitchen with appliances. A community room and laundry facilities are available. Additionally, storage and a 24-hour on-call emergency service are provided. Tenants may have one small pet. A senior day and lunch program that is held within the building for interested tenants is sponsored by Cattaraugus County Senior Services.  Registration for the open house event is encouraged. To register or for more information, call 716-817-9090. People Inc. Senior Living manages 19 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York providing safe, affordable housing for older adults ages 62 and older who meet income requirements.  People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 10,000 people with developmental disabilities, special needs, their families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals 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. Celebrates Direct Support Professionals

18 Outstanding Employees Honored October 1, 2019: People Inc., Western New York’s largest and most experienced health and human services agency, recently recognized 18 Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) for their exceptional work providing supports and services to people with developmental disabilities and other special needs. The awardees, who are employees of People Inc., were nominated by coworkers, people they serve and the families of those they support. Each received a $1,000 monetary award. Recipients of these awards demonstrated superior care and consistent dedication and were selected from nearly 100 nominations. They were announced during Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, a week in mid-September during which DSPs are honored annually for their important work. The 2019 honorees are: Amy Allen; Ashley Banks; Luz Cardona-Valencia; Saraphina Coleman; Khadijah Elliott; Adrian Esposito; Nicole Fudella; Vanessa Gillette; Ashley Harris; Jon Horton; Rashida Johnson; Sabrina Kahwaty; Loretta Kling; Marie Mccoy; Natalie Moore; Carolyn Mraz; Sabrina Scarantine and Marquita Tubbs. 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, follow People Inc. on Facebook or Twitter @PeopleIncNews.

Veterans Symposium to Identify Various Resources to Better Link Veterans and their Families with Community Services

Updated, September 25, 2019: Headway of WNY, Catholic Charities and People Inc. are pleased to present the 4th Annual WNY in Support of Veterans Symposium. “Bridging the Gaps, Part II - A Discussion between Veterans and Community Providers” will be held on Wednesday, October 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Pvt. Leonard Post, Jr. #6251 Veterans of Foreign Wars, 2450 Walden Avenue, Cheektowaga, NY. The free symposium is geared towards military active duty, reservists and veterans, along with medical providers and others interested in the topic. The goals of the symposium are to: Help participants gain a better understanding of obtaining community services for veterans and their families, identify resources to better link veterans and their families with appropriate community services and recognize ways to improve access to these services.  Featured speakers and panelists include: Alyssa Vasquez, Veteran’s One Stop Center of WNY, Inc.; Bonnie Vest, PhD, University at Buffalo; Max Donatelli, MS, USAF 1968-1972 Sargent, Vietnam ‘70-‘71, Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition, Community Veterans Engagement Board and Family Advocate; Tracy Schmidt, LMSW, Horizon Village; and Delcey Pulvino, LMSW, Buffalo Vet Center.  Continuing Education Units (CEU) will be available for Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC), Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW). The cost is $20 for one CEU and $30 for two CEUs; checks are to be made payable to Catholic Charities of Buffalo. Lunch to be provided to attendees. Registration in advance for the symposium is encouraged. Walks-ins are welcome (space permitting). To register or for more information, email support@headwayofwny.org or call 716-408-3110. Headway of WNY, a not-for-profit agency and an affiliate of People Inc., provides support groups, trainings and educational programs to both survivors and caregivers of brain injury. Headway of WNY is a support and advocacy agency for persons with brain injuries and other disabilities and the Regional Resource Center/Single Point of Entry for the New York State Department of Health’s Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver and the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver. For more information, go to headwayofwny.org or call 716-408-3100. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families and older adults throughout Western New York and the greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, visit people-inc.org. Like us on Facebook at People Inc. and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews. Catholic Charities Vision Military program offers supports and services to veterans and military families through direct services and collaboration with local agencies throughout Western New York. Current or former military members, veterans and their families can present a need at any community-based office of Catholic Charities. For more information, go to ccwny.org or call 716-877-8822.

People Inc. Purchases Land to Expand its Elmwood Health Center

Larger space will provide opportunity for more medical services  September 18, 2019: People Inc. is pleased to announce that it is embarking on an expansion plan to relocate its Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of the agency, by purchasing a parcel of land from Uniland Development. Currently located at 2128 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, NY, on the border of Kenmore, the new location will only be a few blocks down the road at the corner of Elmwood and Hertel Avenues. The new Elmwood Health Center anticipates an early 2021 opening, and People Inc. will then relocate staff from other leased space to the 2128 Elmwood location.  People Inc. is a leading agency at the forefront of providing health services and it has taken great strides to ensure the Elmwood Health Center remains in this medically underserved corridor in the city of Buffalo. The organization continues to seek funding support for this much-needed expansion project. From 13,000 square feet to the new 32,000 square foot facility, the increased space will result in extra services and ample patient parking. The new location will provide nearby communities and families more access to affordable health care, with offerings such as onsite dental services, pharmacy and durable medical equipment.  The Elmwood Health Center expansion represents best practice, bringing together a wide variety of health and wellness services in one convenient location. Core continuing services will include internal medicine; audiometry; neurology; speech, physical and occupational therapies; pediatric and adult medicine; social work; behavioral health; counseling and podiatry. The enhanced care will provide an innovative system for medical physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical support staff and social workers to work as a team and provide a coordinated approach to health care delivery integrating behavioral health. A special wheelchair clinic with an onsite durable medical equipment provider, providing readily available access for assessments and specialty equipment for patients, is also under one roof.  Additionally, a new Dental Clinic will be co-located onsite to provide much-sought-after dental care, an extreme need for people with developmental disabilities. From 500 patients in 1994 when the Elmwood Health Center was established to over 5,000 patients today, the new location will have the capacity to provide services to over 7,000 patients. Increased patient access will also be available, with lower waitlist times, an increase of examination rooms from 10 to 22, and four treatment rooms for primary and specialty care. “We are so excited to embark on this expansion of health care services,” said Rhonda Frederick, People Inc. president and CEO. “Twenty-five years ago, People Inc. started the Elmwood Health Center because we saw the need for people with developmental disabilities to receive appropriate healthcare, and we’ll continue to offer this expertise to even more people with disabilities with the expansion. Their family members, staff and community members are also able to receive great healthcare services with us. Our plans to have more comprehensive services under one roof will be more convenient for patients all-around.” Uniland remains the owner of 18 adjacent acres and one vacant three-story building at 1934 Elmwood. The developer has plans to restore the entire site over the next several years into a mix of office, retail and residential. Uniland Construction will build-out the existing structure and construct an addition and the parking area.  “People Inc. is a great community partner and this new health clinic will add a vital service to the neighborhood,” said Uniland Vice President Michael Montante. “This project is the first in a multi-phase mixed-use redevelopment for the entire site along Hertel and Elmwood. This is a significant location in North Buffalo and we expect neighbors, visitors and passersby to see significant improvements in the aesthetics with this phase.” Uniland is currently working to finalize a deal with another business to operate at the site.  Twenty-five years later since its founding, the Elmwood Health Center now provides services to people from Niagara Falls to East Aurora, NY.  In addition to being certified as a Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Council for Quality Assurance (NCQA), the Elmwood Health Center has received national recognition for its creative use of electronic health information. The Elmwood Health Center has been awarded a National Outcomes Excellence Award for its advanced use of electronic health information (eHIT) in patient care delivery, as well as having been recognized as a Health IT Visionary by New York State eHealth Collaborative. In addition, and in partnership with HEALTHeLINK, the Elmwood Health Center pioneered the online reporting of childhood immunizations to the NYS Department of Health. Founded in 1994, the Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of People Inc., is a health care facility that provides a wide range of medical, rehabilitative therapies and counseling services for children, teens, adults and seniors. Specially designed services for individuals with developmental disabilities are provided. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families and older adults throughout Western New York and the greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, visit people-inc.org. Like us on Facebook at People Inc. and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews.

WNY Coalition Pooled Trust Grant Requests Open

September 16, 2019: The WNY Coalition Pooled Trust is now accepting grant requests for the 2019 cycle! The grants are only available to former beneficiaries of the trust, or people with disabilities currently served by People Inc. and its affiliates or by Center for Elder Law & Justice. Request forms must be submitted by Thursday, October 31, 2019. All grant awards expire on March 31, 2020. All necessary lines must be completed. You will be notified of your grant request status at the end of November, and awards will be issued in December. The maximum amount of the request is $750.  Please note: Checks must be made payable to a store, company or organization and they must accept third party checks. Itemized receipts/invoices must be provided after purchases are made. If a purchase is made by an organization that is asking for reimbursement, any itemized receipts or invoices must be submitted before a check can be issued. Grant checks cannot be cashed or used to purchase a gift card. Grants cannot be used to pay for outstanding debt. For questions, contact Denise Bienko, WNY Pooled Trust Management Board Member, at dbienko@people-inc.org or 716.817.7470.

Health and Wellness Open House Event at People Inc. Marigold Senior Living in Grand Island

August 28, 2019: Numerous activities will be available at the People Inc. Marigold Senior Living at the Health and Wellness Open House event on Thursday, September 12, at its location, 3026 Grand Island Boulevard, Grand Island, NY. The free event, geared for older adults and their families, will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Event features include: Mammography screenings provided by the WNY Breast Health Mobile Mammography Coach. To make an appointment, call 716-632-7465 (select option 3). Chiropractic mini-evaluations, five-minute chair massages and acupuncture information will be provided by Grand Island Chiropractic. Blood pressure screenings will be available courtesy of Island Prescription Center. Health and benefits consultations from Sheridan Benefits will be provided. Information about People Inc. programs will be available, including Senior Living, Senior Companion, Senior Outreach, Mixed-Income Housing and WNY Coalition Pooled Trusts. Additionally, the Weenie Wagon will be onsite for attendees to purchase lunch if they choose.  Older adults and their families are encouraged to take advantage of apartment tours of People Inc. Marigold Senior Living during the event. Apartments are for independent older adults, age 62 and over, who are income-eligible. Two benefits of People Inc. Marigold Senior Living are the affordability and safety features. As an added cost savings, some utilities are included. The one-bedroom apartments include a kitchen with appliances. For added safety, there is a day-time manager and a live-in caretaker for building emergencies. Safety features include stove fire prevention devices, grab bars in the bathroom, emergency pull-cords and a secure entrance. The apartment building includes a furnished community room, laundry facilities and a 24-hour response system.  Tenants are welcome to have one small pet. Service coordinators are available to provide tenants assistance to supports and services at no extra charge. Group transportation to grocery stores is provided. For tenants who like to socialize, there are a variety of social events and community outings held throughout the year.  Event registration is encouraged for the Health and Wellness Open House. To RSVP or for more information, call 716-773-0907. People Inc. Senior Living manages 19 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York. For information about other locations, call 716-817-9090. 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 individuals 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.