Rivershore Foundation Raise the Roof Event Benefits New Hinman Street Apartment Project in Youngstown, NY to Support People with Special Needs

What: Rivershore Foundation Raise the Roof Event When: Wednesday, September 11, 2019, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Where: The Griffon House, 810 Center Street, in Lewiston, NY September 3, 2019: The Rivershore Foundation Raise the Roof Event will be held on Wednesday, September 11, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at The Griffon House, 810 Center Street, Lewiston, NY. The event includes gourmet food and drinks, live music, basket raffle and silent auction.  Proceeds will help build the Hinman Street apartment project in Youngstown, NY, which will support people with special needs to live more independently. There is an overwhelming need for supportive housing for people with developmental disabilities in Niagara County. Thanks to a generous donation of a plot of land, there are the beginnings of the “Hinman Project.” Two connected apartment units have been designed to be fully accessible, allowing for wheelchair access and features to accommodate people with visual impairments. The apartment project will initially be home to four people with developmental disabilities and will serve more people over the years. The Rivershore Foundation needs the funds to make the plan a reality.  Regular tickets are $50 per person and VIP tickets are $75 per person, which may be purchased online at rivershorefoundation.org or at the event. The Rivershore Foundation is grateful to its supporters, including Event Sponsor Upstate Pharmacy Ltd. and Platinum Sponsors Hodgson Russ LLP and Wegmans. For more information, contact Melanie Brown at mbrown@people-inc.org or 716-817-7450.  Rivershore Foundation Inc., in coordination with People Inc., engages in public relations, lobbies for volunteers and raises funds for the benefit of program participants served by People Inc. in Niagara County. 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.

People Inc. Certified Home Health Agency Earns Home Care Association of New York State Triple Aim Quality and Innovation Award

August 29, 2019: The Home Care Association (HCA) of New York State presented awards to exceptional individuals and programs, recognizing their excellence and expertise in the home care and hospice fields across New York State at a recent conference.  People, Home Health Services-Certified, Inc., an affiliate of People Inc. Certified Home Health Agency (CHHA), was recently recognized with the Triple Aim Quality and Innovation Award for its team efforts to integrate telemedicine technology into community-based care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Medicaid is the primary source of health coverage for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This sub-population tends to use health care at a significantly higher rate. Instead of a person being sent directly to the emergency room or urgent care (ER/UC), the new system is able to quickly and efficiently provide quality services using best practices.  Inspired by the state’s Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program, People, Home Health Services–Certified, Inc. has deployed a telemedicine technology pilot program into each of its group homes for the past three years. The project currently has approximately 950 individuals participating, of which 436 are Medicaid patients. Under this program, an RN is deployed for an assessment in response to an injury or illness call. The RN uses the telemedicine technology to remotely connect with a physician, who performs a video assessment of the person. Based on this assessment, the CHHA RN can perform a cardiac, dermatological, EKG and other state-of-the-art assessments. The onsite RN can then implement new orders such as point-of-care testing, basic lab work with bedside results within minutes, splinting or IV therapy, among others. Radiology and imaging services can also be done on site. ER visits have subsequently dropped from 120 to 80 per month, with UC visits now executed in the home whenever possible. Based on its outcomes, People Inc. believes telemedicine services can reduce the number of ER/UC visits by 25 percent, representing a potential annual cost savings of $199,009, even when program costs are factored. These are meaningful outcomes, which directly mirror the goals of state efforts to curb higher-cost service utilization through DSRIP and other initiatives. The Triple Aim demands that home care and other providers work to: improve patients’ experiences of care (including satisfaction); address the health of populations; and reduce per-capita costs in the health care system. This HCA award recognizes those who have implemented a concrete, innovative clinical model, workforce supports, patient or staff education program, or other initiative with demonstrated outcomes in terms of client satisfaction, population health improvement and cost reduction or avoidance. “HCA’s award recipients are not only exemplary individuals, but each person has contributed to the home care and hospice fields in distinct ways,” said HCA President and CEO Al Cardillo. “They’ve gone to extraordinary lengths helping a particular patient on a particular day. They’ve improved a patient’s overall experience of care, and they’ve influenced broader changes in the very way that home care and hospice are delivered.” “We tested a hypothesis to see if employing telemedicine services in our group homes would reduce the number of ER/UC visits,” remarked Bonnie Sloma, People Inc. Senior Vice President. “We did reduce the number of visits, but more importantly, our residents reported a 95 percent satisfaction rate, which is amazing for a new program.” 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.

Kids Day Event Encourages Inclusion for All Ages and Abilities Presented by Museum of disABILITY History

Appearances from Justice League of Western New York and Princesses from A Dream is a Wish Entertainment Adds Fun to Family-friendly Event  August 6, 2019: Before the summer ends, the Museum of disABILITY History will host Kids Day on Friday, August 30, 2019, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its location, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. The family-friendly event encourages inclusion for all ages and abilities in the community. The event includes guest appearances from Justice League of Western New York, princesses from A Dream is a Wish Entertainment and visitors from Buffalo Furries. Activities include: Crafts, free food, face painting and free Museum gallery tours, among other happenings.  Kids Day was created for families and children to get together to have fun, while having the opportunity to also learn about disability history and people with disabilities. Information about programs and services provided by People Inc. and Deaf Access Services will also be available.  Event admission is $3 per person, which includes all activities and food. Registration is encouraged. To register or for more information, call 716-629-3626. 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. Located in Buffalo, NY, the Museum of disABILITY History offers educational exhibits, programs, publications and activities that expand community awareness.

People Inc. to Host 18th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament and Auction

August 6, 2019: The People Inc. Foundation will host its 18th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament and Auction on Monday, August 12, at the Orchard Park Country Club, 4777 South Buffalo Street, Orchard Park, NY. Registered golf teams receive lunch, golfer gift, round of golf, cocktail hour, opportunity to bid on silent and live auction items and be provided a gourmet dinner. The proceeds from this event will benefit agency participants, including people with developmental disabilities, special needs and older adults to lead healthy, independent and productive lives.  The People Inc. Foundation is grateful to its businesses supporters, including Hole in One sponsors: Cedar Bus Co., CSS Creative Structures Services, KeyBank, Long Associates Architects and Parkview Health Services. The Eagle sponsors include: Allied Mechanical, Calamar, CSI Contract Specialists, Hodgson Russ, Mobile Primary Care/Mobile Telemed, O’Bannon & Davis, Towne Automotive, Uniland, USI and Walsh Duffield. Robert O’Leary, vice president of Parkview Health Services, People Inc. Foundation board member and longtime supporter of People Inc., is serving as chairperson of the event. 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. Willow Senior Living in Wheatfield Hosts Open House and Multi-family Yard Sale on August 2

Applications Accepted for Affordable Senior Apartments in Wheatfield/North Tonawanda Border July 25, 2019: If you, your parent or someone you know is looking for affordable housing, People Inc. Senior Living locations are available. To showcase its apartment building, People Inc. Willow Senior Living will have an Open House and Multi-family Yard Sale on Friday, August 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 3990 Forest Parkway in Wheatfield (between Shawnee and Townline Road, off Niagara Falls Boulevard). A multi-family yard sale will be held in conjunction with the event. Household goods, furniture, books, clothing and more will be available for sale. People Inc. Willow Senior Living provides tenants the chance to live affordably and to remove the burden of household maintenance. Apartments are for older adults, age 62 and up, who meet federally mandated income guidelines. Apartment applications are being accepted and tours will be available during the Open House. Located on the border of North Tonawanda, the independent senior living complex is located near restaurants and stores near Niagara Falls, North Tonawanda and Tonawanda. For more information, call 716-694-1486. People Inc. Senior Living manages 19 apartment locations throughout Western New York providing safe, affordable housing for older adults age 62 and older who meet income requirements. For more 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 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.

Registration Now Open for Free Diabetes Self-Management Workshop to be held in Grand Island

June 12, 2019: People Inc. has joined with the Western New York Integrated Care Collaborative (WNYICC) to present a series of free health and wellness workshops for people looking to manage their health. The classes, known as Choose Healthy Western New York Workshops, span a number of topics and seek to assist people living with diabetes and chronic disease. The next program in this series is the Diabetes Self-Management Workshop, which includes techniques to help manage the symptoms of diabetes, appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance, healthy eating and working more effectively with health care providers. Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshops incorporate tips to maintain a full and active lifestyle, skills that enable participants to confront the challenges of living with chronic disease and weekly action planning. Workshop curriculum was developed and tested by Stanford University and is an evidence-based program. People Inc. staff members have been certified to instruct the courses. Each workshop is six weeks long, meeting once a week for two and a half hours.  The Diabetes Self-Management Workshop will be held on Saturdays, July 27 through August 31, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at People Inc. Marigold Senior Living, 3026 Grand Island Boulevard, Grand Island. It will include a free consultation with a registered dietitian for qualified participants. To register or more information about this or upcoming workshops, visit wnyicc.org or call 716-773-0907. 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.

Secret Path, Animated Film Adaptation of Gord Downie’s Album, to be Featured at Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series

The film is a powerful visual representation of the life of Chanie Wenjack April 10, 2019: The Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series will present Secret Path on Friday, May 3, with two showings at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. A reception with refreshments and speakers will be at 5 p.m. Admission is free.  Secret Path is comprised of ten poems inspired by the story of Chanie Wenjack, a twelve-year-old boy who ran away from Cecilia Residential School in Kenora, Ontario, in an attempt to get to his family, nearly 400 miles away. The lead singer of the band Tragically Hip, Gord Downie, along with comic artist, Jeff Lemire, helped bring Secret Path and its message to so many across the world through their beautiful and heartbreaking music.  The event’s reception will include a question and answer session with two speakers, John Volpe and Michael Bastine, as they will discuss their community connection to Secret Path . Volpe is an Algonquin Elder, Healer, Protector of Wildlife, and an environmental activist. For many years, he has conducted independent scientific studies and reports on turtles and fish. He has given numerous talks in local communities and high schools and has been a consultant to environmental organizations. Bastine is an Algonquin healer, elder, and former student of famous Tuscarora medicine man Wallace “Mad Bear” Anderson and Tuscarora healer Ted Williams. This film has been spread all over the world so that disability history will not be forgotten. The film may contain mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised. While the film is animated, it deals directly with the abuses of facilities like this. Refreshments available. Although the event is free, registration is recommended. To register or for more information, email Alex Jusko at ajusko@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.

Event Admission Now on Sale for “The Roaring Twenties” Gala to Support People with Brain Injuries

Pre-sale admission price available April 5, 2019: Headway of WNY will host its 20thAnnual Gala, “The Roaring Twenties,” on Thursday, May 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Atrium @ Rich’s, 1 Robert Rich Way, Buffalo, NY. The 1920s-themed event will feature: Live music by the Bobby Militello Quartet, silent auction, basket raffle, food stations, two-hour open bar, dancing and a costume contest. Attendees are encouraged to dress as they choose in their favorite outfit or in attire from the era, whether it is a 1920’s flapper dress, accessories, suit, pinstripes, bowtie, screen star or a literary personality. Event admissions may be purchased online at people-inc.org/headwaygala. Event proceeds benefit Headway of WNY to ensure that people in Western New York with brain injuries and other cognitive disabilities have access to advocacy, resources and support systems to enable them to live as independently as possible. Pre-sale admission is $65 per person, which ends at midnight on May 14. Admission may be purchased at the event for $70 per person. Sponsorship opportunities are available and auctions items are accepted prior to the event.  For more information about event admissions, to become a sponsor or to donate items, contact Christine Melchiorre at cmelchiorre@people-inc.org or call 716-408-3117. Information is also available on the Headway of WNY website, headwayofwny.org.  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.

Epilepsy Presentation Focuses on Overcoming Obstacles

April 8, 2019: As part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, the Museum of disABILITY History will host a free presentation called, “A Conversation about Epilepsy” on Saturday, April 27, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at its location, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. The presenter, Kyle Kieffer, will share his personal experiences with epilepsy. Kieffer will provide valuable insights on how people can handle and overcome the obstacles of epilepsy. He will also share advancements in treatment technologies and information about celebrities who have epilepsy and how it has shaped their careers.  The presentation is ideal for people with epilepsy and their families, teachers and educational staff, nurses, students, medical and human services agencies and child care providers.  Refreshments will available. Registration encouraged. To register or for more information, 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.