Kids Day Event Presented by Museum of disABILITY History

The Museum of disABILITY History is hosting a Kids Day on Friday, August 24, 2018, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at its location, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY.  The Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to host this family-friendly event to encourage inclusion for all ages and abilities in the community. Activities include: Face painting, kids karaoke, mini movies with popcorn, book reading by Engelic Everett of “Olivia The Bully,” visits from People Inc.’s Therapy Dogs, sand art, crafts and more.  The Museum of disABILITY History published Engelic Everett’s book, “Olivia The Bully,” which discusses bullying with children at an early age, sharing the values of friendship, understanding and loving one another. A recipient of People Inc.’s services, Everett lives and thrives with Down syndrome. An entrepreneur, Everett is a small-business owner, award-winning self-advocate, published playwright and children’s book author. Event admission is $3 and includes a hot dog, chips and a drink.  Registration encouraged by August 21. For more information or to RSVP, call 716.629.3626. Tours of the Museum exhibits will be available.  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.

People Inc. Receives $100,000 in Grant Funds from the Patrick P. Lee Foundation

People Inc. is proud to announce that it has received a grant from the Patrick P. Lee Foundation. The award, totaling $100,000, will allow the agency, in collaboration with People Inc. affiliate the Elmwood Health Center, to integrate mental health counseling into its successful employment services. “People Inc. has over 40 years of experience providing employment services to people with developmental disabilities,” said Denise Bienko, vice president, People Inc. “While our reputation exists primarily in this arena, we do have experience providing employment supports to people with mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. We are so grateful to the Patrick P. Lee Foundation for this grant, which will allow us to expand the capacity of our Vocational Services Department, so that it can provide supported employment to even more people living with a mental illness or severe mental illness.” Funds will support a multi-disciplinary team composed of an employment specialist and a licensed social worker (LSW). The employment specialist will provide one-on-one assistance to individuals with mental illness, while the LSW will offer support to assessing participants and helping to craft employment plans. Participants will then receive assistance finding and retaining jobs that capitalize on their personal strengths and motivation.  The project will help People Inc. further promote its vision of a future where all people whose needs limit their integration into the community can reach their highest level of human potential as responsible members of society. About the Patrick P. Lee Foundation The Lee Foundation is a private family foundation dedicated to having immediate and measurable impact in two key areas – Mental Health and Education. For more information, visit www.lee.foundation . About People Inc. 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 .

“A Conversation about Epilepsy” with the Epilepsy Association of Western New York

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 Tuesday, August 21, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at its location, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. Renay Moran, MEd, an information services coordinator at Epilepsy Association of Western New York, will lead the conversation. This presentation includes recognizing seizure types, seizure first aid, hidden signs of seizures, myths and facts about epilepsy, treatment and medications, psychosocial aspects, causes of epilepsy and services provided by Epilepsy Association of Western New York. The presentation is ideal for people with epilepsy and their family, teachers and educational staff, nurses, students, medical and human services agencies and child care providers.  Registration encouraged. To RSVP 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.

People Inc. Willow Senior Living in Wheatfield Hosts Open House and Multi-family Yard Sale on July 27

Applications Accepted for Affordable Senior Apartments in Wheatfield/North Tonawanda Border If your parent is looking for affordable housing or if you are a senior looking to downsize, consider People Inc. Willow Senior Living. To showcase its apartment building, an Open House and Multi-family Yard Sale will be held on Friday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 3990 Forest Parkway in Wheatfield (between Shawnee and Townline Road, off Niagara Falls Boulevard).  People Inc. Willow Senior Living provides tenants the chance to live affordably and to remove the burden of household maintenance. Apartments are for seniors, age 62 and up, who meet federally mandated income guidelines. Applications are being accepted and tours will be available during the Open House. 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.  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. manages 20 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York providing safe, affordable housing for seniors 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 12,500 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 .

Wellness Event and Open House at People Inc. Marigold Senior Livingin Grand Island

People Inc. Marigold Senior Living will host a free Health and Wellness Open House on Friday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3026 Grand Island, Blvd., Grand Island. The event, geared for older adults and their families, includes apartment tours, along with: Mammography screening provided by Windsong Radiology and appointments are encouraged. To make an appointment, call 716.929.9494. Chiropractic mini evaluations, five-minute chair massages and acupuncture information will be provided by Grand Island Chiropractic. Free blood pressure and glucose screenings will be provided by Island Prescription Center. Additionally, staff from People Inc. Senior Companion and Senior Outreach will be available to share information and answer questions.  Anderson’s Food Truck will also be onsite (menu prices vary). Attendees will have a chance to win a Wegmans $30 gift card.  Seniors and their families are encouraged to attend the open house event as apartment tours will be provided. Two benefits of People Inc. Marigold 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 open house event is encouraged. To register or for more information, call 716.773.0907. 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 12,500 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 .

Veterans Symposium Focuses on Alternative Therapeutic Approaches

Event registrations are due by June 5 The Third Annual Western New York in Support of Veterans symposium, co-sponsored by Headway of WNY, Catholic Charities and People Inc. will be held on Wednesday,  June 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Buffalo History Museum, One Museum Court, Buffalo. The  symposium titled, “Be There, Be Proud – Helping Current and Former Service Members and their Families Find Peace,” is a free event geared towards veterans and service providers. The symposium features a keynote speaker and four panelists covering a variety of holistic topics, including the benefits of art therapy and yoga. Stephen McCloskey of Project Emeritus and The Alpha & The Omega Retreat Inc. is the keynote speaker.  Panelists include: U.S. Army Colonel James Becker, Reintegration specialist, VA Western New York Healthcare System; Annette M. Romeo, certified EFT practitioner, Veteran’s Stress Project; Kimberly Warner, LMSW, EMDR Trained Tragedy Assistance Program Services for Veterans; and Wendy Guyker, PhD, University at Buffalo, Yogis in Service. The event will also include a holistic themed fair featuring a variety of Western New York practitioners of alternative therapeutic approaches. Registrations are due by June 5. For more information, email support@headwayofwny.org or call 716.408.3100. Lunch will be provided. 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., a not-for-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,500 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, go to people-inc.org , follow People Inc. on Facebook or 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.

Headway of Western New York Hosts Annual Spring Fundraiser to Benefit People with Brain Injuries

Headway of WNY will host its 19th annual gala, “Spring Carnevale,” on Thursday, May 17, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Atrium @ Rich’s, 1 Robert Rich Way, Buffalo, NY. The event includes games, food stations, an open bar, music, entertainment, silent auction and raffle with more than 100 baskets.  For the last 18 years, this fundraiser has raised important funds in support of Headway of WNY, an affiliate of People Inc. Headway’s mission is to ensure that individuals in Western New York with brain injuries, other disabilities and seniors have access to advocacy, resources and support systems to enable them to live as independently as possible. Headway seeks to educate the broader community about the causes, consequences and means of prevention of brain injury. General pre-sale tickets are $55 each until May 16, and may be purchased online, headwayofwny.org . Tickets may be purchased at the event for $60 each. Proceeds from this event support Headway of WNY to ensure that individuals in Western New York who have brain injuries and other disabilities have access to advocacy, resources and supports to enable them to live as independently as possible. To learn more about the event or to make a donation, contact Christine Melchiorre at cmelchiorre@headwayofwny.org or call 716.408.3117.   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.

Museum of disABILITY History Celebrates 20 Years with Fundraiser and Auction

Tickets now on sale, proceeds benefit educational programming The Museum of disABILITY History will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a fundraiser and auction on Saturday, May 19, from 7 to 9 p.m., at its location, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. The event will include hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and desserts, along with an auction and an awards presentation. Community leaders, disability advocates and families will be in attendance to recognize the unique establishment as it is the only museum of its kind in the U.S., dedicated to advancing the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities.  Tickets are $20 per family and under 18 free. Various donations and corporate support opportunities are also available.   All funds raised will benefit the Museum of disABILITY History’s educational programming.  To purchase tickets, for more information or for event accommodations, contact 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.

Senator Jacobs to Announce Major Investment to Expand People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center

What: Announcement by New York Senator Chris Jacobs for a significant investment of secured state funds to  expand services provided by the Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of People Inc.  When: Friday, April 20, 2018, Noon-12:40 p.m.; presenters to start at 12:10 p.m.   Where: Elmwood Health Center, 2128 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo (between Hertel and Kenmore Avenues) Who: New York Senator State Senator Chris Jacobs; Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO, People Inc.; Robert Mayer, People Inc. Board Member and immediate past chairperson; Barbara DeLong, parent and co-chairperson of the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York’s Family Committee. Why: The funds will allow People Inc. to build a new Elmwood Health Center in the same surrounding area, while enhancing its healthcare services. In response to a need to provide medical services to people with developmental disabilities, People Inc. opened the Elmwood Health Center in 1994. In addition to providing specialized services for people with developmental disabilities, the Elmwood Health Center became a place for the general public and families in the surrounding community to seek quality healthcare. Almost 25 years later since its founding, the Elmwood Health Center now provides services to people from Niagara Falls to East Aurora.  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., a not-for-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,500 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York and Rochester. 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 .