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J.N. Adam Memorial Hospital Presentation Focuses on its Place in Medical, Historical and Architectural Importance

As part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, the Museum of disABILITY History will host “History, Mystery, Neglect and Hope – A Complete Perspective on the J.N. Adam Memorial Hospital” on Friday, May 12, from 7 to 9 p.m., at Gowanda’s Historic Hollywood Theater, 39 West Main Street, Gowanda, NY. The free community event will include a panel discussion covering the grand beginning of the J.N. Adam Memorial Hospital and its place in medical, historical and architectural relevance to its compelling allure, as well as the ensuing legal battles to determine ownership and landlord responsibility.  Additionally, the book, J.N. Adam Memorial Hospital: Her Inside Voice by Char Szabo-Perricelli, will be highlighted. The book is the result of a multi-year photo documentation project containing the sensitive images and writing of Szabo-Perricelli.  A question and answer session will be held with the panel, which includes: Deb Harris, grant writer for Historic Preservation Projects; Michael Kuzma, senior legislative assistant to Fillmore District Council Member David A. Franczyk; Char Szabo-Perricelli, artist/photographer and author; Douglas Platt, curator for the Museum of disABILITY History; and Jody Shaw, Town of Perrysburg historian/curator of the Historical Museum in Perrysburg. For more information or to register, email David Mack-Hardiman at dmack@people-inc.org or call 716.629.3626.  Established in 1998, the Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is the only one of its kind in the United States and is dedicated to advancing the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities. Located in Buffalo, NY, the Museum’s exhibits, collections, publications, archives and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery.

James M. Boles Shares Institution and Disability History of Niagara County

Presentation at Niagara County Historical Society Includes Book Signing James M. Boles, Ed.D., president and chief executive officer of People Inc., Western New York’s largest health and human services agency, will share his research for his latest book, “When There Were Poorhouses, Early Care in Rural New York, 1808-1950,” on   Thursday, April 26, at 2 p.m. The presentation and book signing will be held at the Niagara County Historical Society, 215 Niagara Street in Lockport. Boles’ main interests include local history, the history of disabilities and research. To prevent them from slipping into the void of abandoned history, this book describes the institutions – some highly visible and others lesser  known in and near Niagara county – that provided some of the earliest organized care for the blind, deaf, sick, disabled, insane and destitute. Niagara County, a rural county of New York State, serves as a historical model for study of the various institutions: the poorhouses, almshouses, sanatoriums, asylums, orphanages, pest houses, widows houses, hospitals, and special schools in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The book indicates that society’s predecessors, however harsh and out-moded their care seems now, labored under and along with societal attitudes that mandated a sense of responsibility toward the needy in their midst. Their early efforts provided a foundation for many of the programs in New York State that offer progressive services to its citizens today. “Working in the human services field for over 40 years, I saw many changes. Realizing that there was a reluctance to look into the past care which took place in the institutions that served the sick and disabled, I developed an interest in preserving this history,” shared Boles. Boles, who grew up in Lockport and current resident of Snyder, attended Columbia University in New York to earn a Doctor of Education degree and Master of Education degree specializing in Family and Community Relations. In 1981, Boles started working for People Inc. and is currently responsible for the overall administration, which has grown to 2,800 staff and serving more than 10,000 individuals. Boles is also the founder of the Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo. In May 2006, Boles was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as an advisory committee member on the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. In 2011, he received the Hervey B. Wilbur Preservation Award from the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities for his work in establishing the Museum of disABILITY History. The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs, and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society’s reactions. The Museum of disABILITY History offers educational exhibits and activities that expand community awareness. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 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.

Janet McNevin featured in People Inc. Employee Spotlight

Janet McNevin is the Employment Specialist at the Museum of disABILITY History. Janet has been an employee of People Inc. for 10 years, and quickly rose in the ranks from IRA Specialist, Program Instructor, and Team Leader. Janet said, “I have so many fond memories can’t pick one, but I can say that the people I work with and teaching independence, and the experience of being a part of an accepting society, each experience is incredible every day.” Janet holds an Associate’s in Applied Science in Animal Management from Niagara County Community College.   Maria Bell, Museum of disABILITY History Docent and Amy Darling, Program Manager submitted to the employee spotlight this summation of Janet’s gifts and talents: Janet is a caring and genuine person. She is a dedicated worker not only to own success but to the success of those she oversees through strong leadership, communication, and training. Janet is selfless, always sharing her time, experience, and personality. Janet has shown tremendous dedication to being a friend to her co-workers at the Museum of disABILITY Hitory.   People Inc. continues to be a leading employer in health and human service with over 2,000 employees. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 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.      

John Hartman Living Affordably and Safely

John Hartman is enjoying his own living room, his own kitchen, and his own bedroom. He likes being able to cook his own meals and do laundry right in the comfort of his own space. All of these may seem like small things that can be taken for granted. But, for John, they represent something much bigger. This did not happen easily. John, who is 61 years old, was previously married living in Boston, NY, but after going through difficult personal matters and an unplanned eviction in March 2020, John was alone and left without a home. For a year, John moved from place to place. He worked at a restaurant in East Aurora. He rode his bike around town, until his only means of transportation, along with his backpack and personal ID were stolen. The Department of Social Services temporarily paid for a hotel stay. He camped out under St. Joe’s Cathedral and stayed in shelters. He temporarily slept on family members couches but did not want to be a burden. “You don’t realize how strong you are until you have to be,” said John. One morning after doing laundry at his son’s apartment, he saw a sign while waiting at a bus stop on South Park Avenue. It was about a new apartment building being built in Blasdell – People Inc. Oakwood Senior Apartments. This apartment complex, which opened in January 2022, is for people aged 55 years and older and who are income-eligible. The building also includes seven furnished set-aside apartments for those who are frail elderly homeless in need of support services. After learning more, applying and meeting with staff, John qualified for the apartments that our agency received funding for from the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI). John became an official tenant in March 2022. He currently lives in one of the ESSHI units, which provides qualifying people with a case manager and apartment furnishings. Now, John can sit at his own table with hot coffee that he made in his own kitchen, while looking out his cozy living room window. Filled with emotion, John said, “I walked into my apartment overwhelmed and so very thankful.” The Oakwood Senior Apartments is located in the former Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish School, which closed in 2004. Federal, state and Erie County grant programs and tax credits paid for the $8.8 million renovation. Through People Inc. Affordable Apartments, the agency has helped seven people who were homeless through the ESSHI partnership since the Oakwood Apartments opened. People Inc. understands that affordable housing can be very challenging to find. “Through our Affordable Apartments, we continue to explore innovative ways to meet the needs of our community,” said Sarah Alessi, People Inc. vice president. “One of our goals is to help people of all ages and abilities to live affordably, safely and independently as long as possible.” Located on a bus route near restaurants and shopping, People Inc. Oakwood Senior Apartments includes 33 units, offering one- and two-bedroom options. Tenants like John benefit from the numerous safety features and maintenance free living. A Western New York native who grew up in the town of Tonawanda and with a history in the restaurant business, John has a passion for cooking and is grateful for the amenities included in his kitchen: a stove, refrigerator, and dishwater. “I love to cook,” remarked John. “You name it, I cook it.” The apartment building provides a space where he can pursue his interests and develop lasting friendships with fellow tenants, often sharing meals together that John himself made – in a place he proudly calls home. Learn more This story was part of the 2022 Annual Report.

Join the People Team for the 2013 Walk to End Alzheimer’s

People Inc. is a proud sponsor of the Alzheimer’s Association WNY Chapter Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Additionally, A People Inc. team has been set up! The Erie County Walk will be on Saturday, September 21 at 10 a.m. Delaware Park/ Buffalo Zoo, Buffalo, NY Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Walk begins at 10 a.m. Who can walk? Anyone! This is a great event for individuals and participants of our programs and services, participants and family members of People Inc. Seniors Unlimited and for our tenants and their family in People Inc. Senior Living. Staff members, family members, friends and volunteers of People Inc. are encouraged to walk as well! Has Alzheimer’s or dementia touched you in some way? Perhaps, a family member, spouse, grandparent or friend has been affected. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s unites the entire community – family, family, friends, co-workers, social and religious groups and more – in a display of combined strength and dedication in the fight against this devastating disease. While there is no fee to register, each participant is encouraged to fundraise in order to contribute to the cause and raise awareness. If you already have plans the day of the walk or will be out of town, you can still participate by being a Virtual Walker! The walk is one time around the Delaware Park Ring Road. Refreshments are provided after the walk – there is also a basket raffle and music to enjoy! Registered participants receive a free admission ticket to the Buffalo Zoo to use on the same day of the event! How to register? Go to this link and follow the directions to register:  If you have questions, contact Team Captains: Denise Litz: 716-817-9014 or 716-566-8033 (cell) or April Caggiano, 716-768-2370.

June 15, 2020 Parent and Caregiver Group Virtual Meeting on June 19

Parent Network of Western New York is hosting virtual meetings for parents and caregivers of people with developmental disabilities. These meetings will take place on Fridays, June 19 and 26, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. This online event provides a welcoming environment for parents, family members and other caregivers to meet, share experiences, ask questions and receive support. More information can be found on the  Parent Network website . Please share this information and  flyer  with anyone who may be interested.

Kenyata Cooper Stays Strong with Physical and Occupational Therapies

“If I did not have my physical therapy, I would be lost,” shared Kenyata Cooper. Kenyata credits receiving physical and occupational therapies for keeping her body strong. She lives with cerebral palsy and glaucoma and has received these therapies on and off since she was 19 years old. The 42-year-old has been receiving People Inc. Rehabilitative Health Services since 2013 and now visits the new People Inc. Health Services Building twice a week for treatment, which is one hour of physical therapy and 30 minutes of occupational therapy. By working closely together with Physical Therapist Assistant Molly Switzer, Kenyata builds her body strength to improve her quality of life through hands-on care, prescribed movement, and education. Appointments include use of innovative equipment and state-of-the-art technology, all with personalized attention and sensitivity to her health needs. Kenyata has attended other places for her care but felt like she was just a number. “People Inc. actually gets to know you, they care,” she remarked. As someone who does not like change, Kenyata said it’s important that the staff and setting help make her comfortable. A great deal of trust has been built with Molly, she said. “It’s important for us to have positive relationships with our patients, as they are seen on a long-term basis, sometimes for years,” shared Molly. “Knowing a patient’s medical and personal history allows us to provide the best possible care.” Living on her own in downtown Buffalo, Kenyata receives aide services to help with activities of daily living. She uses a power wheelchair and crutches to assist with mobility. One of her favorite things to do is read. She also loves to make candles, a hobby that she developed during the COVID-19 pandemic. She takes pride in creating her candles, often selling or giving them away. The occupational therapy that Kenyata receives helps improve her hand-eye coordination and ‑ne motor skills, which she puts to good use during her creative pursuits. By working together with the People Inc. Rehabilitation Team, Kenyata can make her physical needs a priority. “When I don’t come to therapy, my body doesn’t feel good,” Kenyata said. “My therapies help build my strength and have a great quality of life. Learn more This story was part of the 2022 Annual Report.