Local resident, Kathleen Pistner promoted to Program Manager at People Inc.

Kathleen Pistner of Amherst has been promoted to Program Manager at People Inc. Kathleen has been employed at People Inc. since 2008. In the five years, she has held positions of IRA Specialist, Team Leader, and a Documentation/Art Specialist. She is a graduate of Canisius College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Fine Art. Kathleen’s new position as Program Manager will involve supervising the Community Active People Program (CAPP); managing billing, attending Individual Service Planning (ISP) meetings, supervising staff, volunteering opportunities, and engaging the community.   People Inc. continues to be a leading employer in health and human relations 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.

Local Resident, Kristine Hooker promoted to Program Manager at People Inc.

Kristine Hooker of Buffalo, NY has been promoted to Program Manager at People Inc. Kristine has been an employee of People Inc. since 2005, and will celebrate eight years in March. Throughout her time at People Inc. Kristine has held positions as a Day Aide, Team Leader, and IRA Specialist. Kristine’s new position will involve supervising the staff, managing program instruction, attending program meetings, volunteering opportunities, and engaging the community. When asked what makes her job so special Kristine said, “Just seeing how doing one small simple thing for someone can make their day is what makes my job so special, and there is never a dull moment!” 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.

Local resident, Maya Hu of People Inc., Accepted as a Board Member on the Mental Health Sub-Committee for the Office of Mental Health

Maya Hu of Cheektowaga has been accepted as a board member on the Mental Health Sub-Committee for the Office of Mental Health, and is currently the Senior Program Manager for a community based program: Consolidated Supports and Services at People Inc. She is a graduate of UB with a Master’s Degree through the Disability Studies program.   Maya’s new role on the board of the Mental Health Sub-Committee comes with the hope of reaching out to others and supporting the mission behind this field. She quoted a study according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and said, "An estimated 26.2% of Americans are affected by a diagnosable mental illness; this statistic is often cited as higher in the developmentally disabled population.” According to Maya, she hopes that this board, which is comprised of new members, will offer a chance for organizations to collaborate and promote a strong community. She said, “It is important to recognize the relationship between these populations and, more importantly, to identify how we can best support and include a diverse spectrum of humanity.”   Maya appreciates the opportunity to serve on the board of Mental Health and sees a parallel correlation because People Inc. is an agency that believes in providing support for its employees as much as the people that are served. Maya said, “It is fulfilling to be a part of enhancing lives and our community; it is gratifying to know that People Inc. values and invests in you and your personal goals as much as its mission, I had heard about People Inc. while working for another like company and, now, I am privileged to be able to contribute to one of the leading service providers in Western New York.”   Maya started working at People Inc. in one of our group homes and, subsequently, has worked as a Medicaid Service Coordinator and as a Senior Program Manager. In these positions, she said, ”I have been privileged to speak with many individuals, families, and service providers. I have shared in many hopes and dreams. I have met individuals, who, despite disabilities, aspire to be firefighters and policemen. I have worked beside service providers who give everything to see the people and families that they work with succeed. I have also shared in many roadblocks and frustrations. I have worked with families that struggle to provide for and ensure safety and security for their loved ones.” It is these stories that inspire her and that have reassured her that People Inc. is the place for her.  

Local Resident, Michelle Moore promoted to Program Manager at People Inc.

Michelle Moore of Grand Island, NY has been promoted to Program Manager at People Inc. Michelle has been an employee of People Inc. since 2010, and quickly rose in the ranks from IRA Specialist, Day Aide, and Team Leader, to her current  position in three years. Michelle learned about People Inc. while working as a mechanic. Michelle said, “I saw the opportunity to do something new and go back to school when I heard about People Inc.” Michelle holds an Associate’s Degree in Social Science and a Certificate in Human Services from Erie Community College. She is currently working on her Bachelor in Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services.   Michelle’s new position will involve supervising the staff, managing finances, attending program meetings, policy/review, medical, follow-ups concerning valued outcomes, volunteering opportunities, and engaging the community. When asked what makes her job so special, Michelle said, “From my experiences and while I was in training at People Inc., I saw a sign they had hanging up that said; “JUST DO IT!!!..., and I thought to myself –I am a mechanic, what can I bring to this new job? It is pride in what I do, how can you not take pride in helping others?” Michelle credits her grandmother who served in World War II with her passion to serve others, and has a passion to help veterans at some point in her life. She and her husband now both work for People Inc., and love the opportunities to serve and grow in the agency.  

Local resident, Soyenia Gibson promoted to Program Manager at People Inc.

Soyenia Gibson of Buffalo has been promoted to Program Manager at People Inc. Soyenia has been employed at People Inc. since 2000. She will celebrate 13 years in July, and has held positions of Part-time Instructor, Full-time Instructor, Treatment Coordinator, and Primary Instructor. She is a graduate of Buffalo State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Wellness. Soyenia’s new position as Program Manager will involve supervising the staff, managing program instruction, attending program meetings, volunteering opportunities, and engaging the community. Soyenia enjoys the opportunity to share personal growth herself, but the most rewarding is the shared experience through the engagement with all the individuals the program serves. According to Soyenia, “my job at People Inc. is so rewarding every day!” She recalls being in a class at Buffalo State, and hearing a guest speaker in the class speak about People Inc. “I went and applied as soon as I could…and here I am. Not long after I started I became so engaged with an individual one-to-one and helping them get acclimated to the group…his success finding a place, in turn proved that this was the place for me,” she said.   Quintella Cottrell, Program Administrator at People Inc. said, “Soyenia’s a hard worker that takes the initiative, is creative, service minded, and as a manager is committed to help others achieve their greatest degree of individualized success.”   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.

Local Resident, Stephanie Piniewski promoted to Program Manager at People Inc.

Stephanie Piniewski of North Tonawanda, NY has been promoted to Program Manager at People Inc. Stephanie has been an employee of People Inc. since 2003, and celebrates 10 of service. Stephanie learned about People Inc. from her sister’s roommate who suggested she apply. It just so happened that both of Stephanie’s parents worked at People Inc. for seven years in residential. Throughout her time at People Inc., Stephanie has held positions as a Team Leader, and IRA Specialist.   Stephanie’s new position will involve supervising the staff, managing finances, attending program meetings, policy/review, medical, follow-ups concerning valued outcomes, volunteering opportunities, and engaging the community. When asked what makes her job so special Stephanie said, “There are so many great things…the interactions with individuals like going on outings and the 1:1 opportunities to get to know them and their lives!”    

Local resident, Trisha Duke promoted to Director of Human Resources at People Inc.

Trisha Duke of Kenmore has been promoted to Director of the Human Resource Department at People Inc. Trisha has been employed at People Inc. since 2003. In the 10 years she has held positions of Book Keeper, Benefits Specialist, Senior Benefits Specialist, Benefits Manager, Health and Benefits Manager, and Assistant Director of Human Resources. She is a Buffalo native and graduate of Leadership Buffalo class of 2010 and she also serves as Vice President on the Self Insurer’s Association Board and Secretary of the Amherst Federal Credit Union Board. Trisha is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR). In 2012, Trisha and her colleagues at People Inc. were awarded the Golden Buffalo Award from Buffalo Niagara Human Resource Association (BNHRA). The Golden Buffalo is awarded to a company that demonstrates the importance and positive impact strong human resource practices can have within an organization. This award recognizes the highest achievements in practices that Advance the Human Resource Profession in Western New York.   People Inc. continues to be a leading employer in health and human relations 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.   Trisha’s Favorite Quote: "The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual."- Vince Lombardi

Lockport Artist Cindy Few Joins Person First Forum at the Museum of disABILITY History

Artist's struggles, successes and whimsical illustrations to be the focus of presentation The Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to welcome its latest addition to the ongoing Person First Forum series: local artist Cindy Few. Few’s discussion, entitled, “Art, My Gift and My Companion,” will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2014 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo.   The presentation will focus on the artist’s personal experiences and will highlight numerous aspects of her growing career, from the people who have supported her to her plans for the future. Few will also discuss the evolution of her work over time.   A resident of Lockport, Cindy Few is a local artist whose whimsical illustrations have helped her overcome life’s hurdles and have inspired many in the process. Few was born with a congenital heart defect and, at 14, underwent open heart surgery to help correct oxygen insufficiency and the possibility of stroke. Alongside this complication, learning disabilities made schoolwork a challenge. However, Few discovered a talent that was more powerful: her artistic abilities.   Throughout her student career, Few found numerous outlets for her talent, even discovering that her illustrations could be used to better understand her studies. However, Few would later find she had another challenge facing her besides her learning disability. She developed schizophrenia, which adversely affected her concentration, as well as the motivation she had once had for her illustrations. However, with the help of a naturopathic doctor, medication and alterations to her diet, Few has since reconnected with her artwork. She now has greeting cards professionally printed and would like to write and illustrate a book in the future.   The Person First Forum is a free event. Regular admission applies to those who wish to tour the Museum of disABILITY History, which is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information or to register for the event, 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. The Museum of disABILITY History, located at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo, NY, offers educational exhibits, programs and activities that expand community awareness.  

Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. Becomes an Affiliate of People Inc.

Collaboration to provide increased services to a wider audience February 3, 2020:  Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. (Lothlorien) recently became an affiliate of People Inc. The affiliation with People Inc., the region’s largest health and human services agency, will expand Lothlorien’s reach and mission of assisting people to develop their highest potential through therapeutically-based equine activities. The services will continue to be provided through trained volunteer facilitators and instructors who translate time spent with a horse into a meaningful, healing relationship that enhances overall health. Working together since 2005, this new partnership allows Lothlorien and People Inc. to provide the best possible outcomes for people receiving support and the staff who assist them. This affiliation allows both organizations to pool resources to meet growing demands, enhance collaborative power and expand services for a broader geographic reach. Additional benefits of the affiliation include increased stability, added capacity and expertise and improved prospects for growth. It will also provide cost benefits by efficiently combining office operations, such as administration, finance and human resources. Thanks to the forward-thinking Lothlorien board, the partnership will showcase the effectiveness of collaboration and makes both entities stronger together. At the same time, it allows the Lothlorien name and legacy to continue within the community, while maintaining the intimate culture that people value from this important local resource. “This affiliation is very exciting for all of us at Lothlorien. This is an opportunity for us to honor the history created by the Lothlorien leadership, while developing new services and reaching more people,” said Maggie Keller, Lothlorien executive director. “We’re looking forward to embracing this new level of partnership with Lothlorien to help create new opportunities for the people our agencies support,” said Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO, People Inc. “The long-lasting benefits of the program will continue to help people thrive and achieve significant physical, emotional and cognitive milestones.” In 2019, Lothlorien served over 700 people with all abilities, challenges and special needs. A transition team from both agencies has been formed and agency supports will be integrated and strengthened, in addition to creating synergy through the partnership. Established in 1983, Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. is a non-profit, therapeutic horseback riding facility providing horsemanship and horseback riding opportunities for people with cognitive, physical, emotional and learning disabilities. Lothlorien delivers therapeutic equine services with the help of specially trained instructors, 200 volunteers and two staff. Located at a 10-acre facility outside the Village of East Aurora, NY, Lothlorien is the longest running therapeutic program in Western New York, serving ages three and up. Programs can be modified to accommodate school, community and church groups, civic organizations, families, couples and more. For more information, go to lothlorientrc.org or call 716-655-1335. 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.