People Inc. Receives $25,000 in Grant Funds from James H. Cummings Foundation, Inc.

December 21 2018: People Inc. is proud to announce that it has received a grant from James H. Cummings Foundation. The award, totaling $25,000, will be used to construct transitional housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) looking to move from family or group home settings into community living. The project, called On My Way! @ Wayside, will provide a transitional residence for individuals with I/DD to live for three to nine months. During this time, they will develop independent living skills through hands-on learning. Three fully-functioning training apartments will be created along with a large common space for group instruction in cooking, cleaning and laundry. “As the Board considered this project, what really impressed them was the forward thinking of People, Inc.  This project will prepare individuals with developmental disabilities who have the capacity to live independently the opportunity to practice and gain confidence in living on their own. It is a unique service for these individuals and their families,” shared Executive Director Mary Jo Hunt. As Medicaid undergoes redesign, resources for those with I/DD are becoming more difficult to secure. Young people are expected to live independently and find employment, yet many do not have the living skills needed to prepare them for these realities. “With generous support from James H. Cummings Foundation, People Inc. looks forward to paving the way for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live independently,” said Concetta Ferguson, senior vice president, People Inc. “Thanks to their contribution, On My Way! @ Wayside will provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the supports needed to participate and succeed in an accepting society.” James H. Cummings Foundation was established to support the philanthropic vision of its namesake. Throughout its 52-year history, the Foundation has aided countless organizations engaged in advancing charitable interests according to the guidelines and policies espoused by Mr. Cummings. People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 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. and Supporters Announce Start of Construction on $31 Million Affordable

Jefferson Avenue Apartments to Continue Revitalization of Commercial Corridor  On December 19, New York State Homes and Community Renewal, City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown and People Inc. proudly announced the start of construction on the $31 million affordable housing and supportive housing development on Buffalo’s East Side for the People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments.  Government and community leaders joined together at the Johnnie B. Wiley Amateur Athletic Sports Pavilion to mark the occasion, including: Mayor Byron W. Brown, Herb Bellamy of Bellamy Enterprises, Upstate Development Director of NYS Homes and Community Renewal Lenny Skrill, NYS Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, State Senator Tim Kennedy, Congressmember Brian Higgins, Common Council President and Ellicott District Common Council Member Darius Pridgen, Erie County Legislator Barbara Miller Williams, Ellen Hardy, acting director of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Region 1, Nick Sinatra of Sinatra and Company Real Estate and People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick. People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments, to be located at 1140 and 1166 Jefferson Avenue, will include 89 affordable apartments in two buildings with 16 set aside for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The apartment buildings will feature both one and two-bedroom units available and will also contain a community room with a small kitchen, on-site laundry facilities, ample green space, courtyards and off-street parking. The apartments will also be near a major bus route and easily accessible to a number of services and retail shops. The ground floor of both apartment 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 project is funded by: City of Buffalo Home Funds, NYS Empire State Development, NYS Energy Research and Development Authority, NYS Homes and Community Renewal, NYS Housing Finance Agency and NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. “I’m proud to be a part of this development in the historic Jefferson corridor,” said Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO, People Inc. “We are so pleased to have the support of many community leaders and organizations, as we work together to provide an affordable housing opportunity for individuals ages 18 years and older. We are so grateful to the funders and elected officials that are making this project a reality.” 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.  People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 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.

NYS Homes and Community Renewal, People Inc. and Mayor Brown Announce Start of Construction for Jefferson Avenue Apartments

New Apartments Continue Revitalization of Jefferson Avenue Commercial Corridor What: Construction Kick-Off of People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments New York State Homes and Community Renewal, People Inc. and Mayor Brown will announce the start of construction on a $31 million affordable housing and supportive housing development on Buffalo’s East Side. Jefferson Avenue Apartments, to be located at 1140 and 1166 Jefferson Avenue, will include 89 affordable apartments in two buildings with 16 set aside for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. 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. When: Wednesday, December 19, at 11 a.m. Where: Johnnie B. Wiley Amateur Athletic Sports Pavilion, 1100 Jefferson Ave., Buffalo Who: City of Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown, Herb Bellamy of Bellamy Enterprises, Upstate Development Director of NYS Homes and Community Renewal Lenny Skrill, NYS Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, NYS Senator Tim Kennedy, NYS Congressmember Brian Higgins, Common Council President and Ellicott District Common Council Member Darius Pridgen, Nick Sinatra of Sinatra and Company Real Estate and People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick.  Why: 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. People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments will include one and two-bedroom units, a community room with a small kitchen, on-site laundry facilities, ample green space, courtyards and off-street parking.  People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 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. Receives $25,000 in Grant Funds from the Garman Family Foundation

December 14, 2018: People Inc. is proud to announce that it has received a grant from the Garman Family Foundation, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. The award, totaling $25,000, will be used to construct transitional housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) looking to move from family or group home settings into community living. The project, called On My Way! @ Wayside, will provide a transitional residence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live for three to nine months. During this time, they will develop independent living skills through hands-on learning. Three fully functioning training apartments will be created along with a large common space for group instruction in cooking, cleaning and laundry. As Medicaid undergoes redesign, resources for those with I/DD are becoming more difficult to secure. Young people are expected to live independently and find employment, yet many do not have the living skills needed to prepare them for these realities. “With generous support from the Garman Family Foundation, People Inc. looks forward to paving the way for individuals with I/DD to live independently,” said Concetta Ferguson, senior vice president, People Inc. “Thanks to their contribution, On My Way! @ Wayside will be able provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the supports needed to participate and succeed in an accepting society.” People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 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.

New Cutting-Edge Treatments for Dizziness and Balance Presented by Lixin Zhang, MD, PhD, from DENT Neurologic Institute

Apartment tours of People Inc. Pine Senior Living provided  November 9, 2018: Lixin Zhang, MD, PhD, an attending neurologist and director of the Dizziness and Balance Center at DENT Neurologic Institute, will lead a presentation on Wednesday, November 14, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., at People Inc. Pine Senior Living, 6231 Tonawanda Creek North, Lockport. The informative presentation will focus on ground-breaking new treatments for dizziness and vertigo, balance issues and more.  Dr. Zhang’s patient focus is on balance disorders, dizziness/vertigo, sleep medicine and epilepsy, as well as general neurology. He has 12 years of extensive neuroscience research experience with almost 30 peer reviewed publications in various neuroscience journals. As one of the principal investigators, Dr. Zhang has been involved in multiple national clinical research projects in the areas of Restless Leg Syndrome, Neuropathic Pain and Epilepsy. He has helped thousands of patients with dizziness, imbalance and tinnitus. DENT is currently in its tenth year of offering services for dizziness, balance and tinnitus for evaluating, diagnostics and treatment under one roof, while utilizing efficient and up-to-date technology. People of all ages, plus seniors and their families are encouraged to attend the presentation. Apartment tours will be provided. Two benefits of People Inc. Pine Senior Living are the affordability and safety features. Apartments are for independent seniors age 62 and over who are income eligible. 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.  Registration for the presentation is encouraged. To register or for more information, call 716-433-3381. People Inc. manages 20 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 12,000 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. Senior Living Celebrates 25th Anniversary

Two original tenants to be recognized and long-time tenants to share what affordable housing means What: 25th Anniversary Celebration for People Inc. Senior Living Highlights will include tenant stories and a short video will debut to commemorate the momentous occasion. When: Thursday, November 8, 2018, at 11 a.m. Where: People Inc. Iris Senior Living, 4150 Sowles Road, Building H, Hamburg, NY Who: Former Congressmember Jack Quinn, elected officials, Lisa Pugliese of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick and community leaders will share remarks to celebrate this achievement. Two original tenants will be recognized during the event and two long-time tenants will share what it means to live affordably and independently.  Why: People Inc. is proud to announce its twenty-fifth year of providing affordable and safe apartments for older adults. As people age, their needs change and services available to them become limited or difficult to access. Recognizing this, along with an increased number of seniors in its neighborhoods, People Inc. broadened its scope as a human service agency to include not only services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, but also older adults in need of affordable and safe housing. In 1993, the agency opened its first low-income senior living apartment complex, People Inc. Iris Senior Living in Hamburg, which is now home to 49 seniors. Over the last 25 years, People Inc. Senior Living has expanded, with a total of 20 locations throughout Western New York, including in Erie, Niagara, Genesee and Cattaraugus Counties. Today, 875 tenants, age 62 and older, choose to call People Inc. Senior Living home, right in the middle of communities they care about.  "Twenty-five years ago, we were thrilled to open the doors at People Inc. Iris Senior Living in Hamburg,” said Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO, People Inc. “From there, the need for affordable housing for older adults only continued to grow. In 2014, we opened our twentieth affordable senior living complex, People Inc. Walnut Senior Living in West Seneca. It’s been an honor to work alongside so many community members over the years to make the apartments a reality. These affordable apartments were made possible due to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 202 Program and we’re so grateful for their funding. Today, we continue to see the benefits of safe, affordable housing for our tenants and look forward to many more years of supporting independent living for older adults.” From a senior who receives a small pension and cannot afford an over-priced apartment, to a widow who can no longer afford to manage the upkeep of a house, People Inc. Senior Living assists hundreds of older adults with managing utilities, downsizing and removing the burden of home maintenance, like lawn care and shoveling the region’s snow. Two benefits of People Inc. Senior Living are the affordability and safety features. Apartments are for independent older adults age 62 and over who are income eligible. As an added cost savings, some utilities are included. One-bedroom apartments include a kitchen with appliances. Tenants and family members can feel at ease having a day-time manager on site and a live-in caretaker for building emergencies. Safety features include stove fire prevention devices, grab bars in the bathroom, emergency pull-cords, a secure entrance and a 24-hour response system. Along with laundry facilities, each complex has a beautifully furnished community room with a kitchen that can be reserved for family gatherings. Tenants are welcome to have one small pet. For those who like to socialize, there are a variety of social events and community outings held throughout the year. Another advantage to People Inc. Senior Living is Service Coordination that is provided if additional supports are needed. Tenants can utilize this unique benefit at no extra charge to help them thrive, as they are connected to supports and community services.  People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,050 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.

Exhibit Finds Permanent Home at Museum of disABILITY History: The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic

Exhibit inspires dialogue about the treatment of those with mental illness When Willard Psychiatric Center in New York’s Finger Lakes closed in 1995, workers discovered hundreds of suitcases in the attic of an abandoned building. Since their discovery, an incredible exhibit was created that showcases the moving stories behind these suitcases. “The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic” exhibit has found a home at the Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc. A grand opening, which will include the unveiling of a suitcase, will be held on Saturday, October 20, at 11 a.m., at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY.  One of the suitcase and its contents, once belonging to a man named Mr. Lawrence Mocha, will be displayed as part of the exhibit, thanks to support from his family and the New York State Museum. During the grand opening event, Max Donatelli of the Erie County Anti-Stigma Coalition will speak about the stigma surrounding mental health. Attendees are encouraged to join the conversation with a question and answer session. “The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic” was curated by Darby Penney and Peter Stastny for the Community Consortium. Copies of their compelling book, by the same name, will be available for purchase. The goal of the exhibit is to bring the stories of the suitcase owners and a patient-centered view of the history of psychiatry to a wider audience. For almost ten years, the exhibit traveled the country from coast to coast, hosted by 30 venues in 11 different states and seen by thousands of people. The event is a fundraiser for the Museum of disABILITY History. Admission is: Adults $10, Seniors (60+) $6, students and human service employees with identification $6, children under 6 free and members of the Museum of disABILITY History are free. For more information or to register, contact David Mack-Hardiman at dmack@people-inc.org or call 716-629-3606. Refreshments provided. Reservations for the event are required. “The Lives They Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic” exhibit was created by The Community Consortium, an organization that works to promote the full citizenship and civil rights of people with psychiatric disabilities. 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.

Elected Officials Discuss Minimum Wage for Direct Support Professionals and Housing Crisis, Transportation and Employment for People with Developmental Disabilities

Candidate’s Hour presented by Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York The Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York (DDAWNY) will host Candidate’s Hour, a public forum, on Friday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 181 Lincoln Street, Depew, NY (a People Inc. location). This event is a powerful opportunity where candidates present their campaign positions and speak about current issues of government policy that affect people with developmental disabilities and their families.  Candidates Hour is a format which allows candidates to speak unfiltered and uninterrupted, as each addresses issues of concern to their constituencies, including the special needs of people with developmental disabilities served by various human services agencies in Western New York.  The candidates will be asked their position on various topics, including: the minimum wage increase for direct support professionals and the “bFair2DirectCare” campaign, the critical housing need for people with developmental disabilities and the concerns of family members, as well employment opportunities and transportation challenges for people with developmental disabilities.  Elected officials scheduled to be part of the panel discussion include: Assemblymember Erik Bohen, Assemblymember David J. DiPietro, Candidate Carmina El Behairy, Michael P. Kearns, Senator Patrick Gallivan, Congressman Brian Higgins, Senator Chris Jacobs, Senator Timothy M. Kennedy, Candidate Karen McMahon, Assemblymember Angelo Morinello, Assemblymember Mike Norris, Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Senator Robert Ortt, Senator Michael Ranzenhofer, Senator Sean M. Ryan, Assemblymember Robin Schimminger, Candidate Joan Elizabeth Seamans, Assemblymember Monica Wallace and Assemblymember Raymond W. Walter.  The Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York is a collaborative group of member voluntary agencies that provide services to people with developmental disabilities. While honoring individual agency missions, it is the intent of the Alliance to assist agencies to develop relationships, promote unified strategies and share risks for the mutual gain with and for the benefit of people with developmental disabilities. 

Academy Place Senior Apartments in Gowanda Accepting Applications

Apartment tours provided throughout October on Thursdays September 18, 2018: Academy Place Senior Apartments in Gowanda, NY, managed by People Inc., is now accepting apartment applications. Located at 1 School Street in Gowanda, NY, the complex provides HUD Section 202 Affordable Housing and New York State Tax Credit apartments. The apartments provide affordable and safe housing for independent older adults age 62 and up who meet the federally mandated household income guidelines. Apartment tours will be provided throughout October on Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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 individuals 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. An additional perk available to Academy Place tenants is a senior day and lunch program that is held within the building, which is sponsored by Cattaraugus County Senior Services. Additionally, tenants have a nearby program called Total Senior Care, available to residents of Gowanda, offering programs for qualified people age 55 and over who choose to stay active and yet need essential medical care in order to remain in their homes. People Inc. manages 20 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York providing safe, affordable housing for older adults ages 62 and older who meet income requirements. For more information about the Academy Place apartment tours, an application or to learn 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 12,000 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.