Magenta Rose Recognized Through NYSID Preferred Source Employment

Magenta Rose was recognized as an Outstanding Performer through the William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Awards Program presented by NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled). Magenta Rose is a member of the People Inc. Supported Employment Program and attends the agency’s Arts Experience Day Program. Magenta Rose has emerged as a confident and positive person, largely due to the two jobs they secured through the NYSID Preferred Source Program. Magenta Rose and their older sister were adopted from Korea in 1986, after being abandoned at a railroad station. Little is known of their pre-adoption history. Developmental delays were evident in Magenta Rose’s childhood, as social interactions and communication were challenging. Their parents involved them in many organized activities, but Magenta Rose did not establish close friendships and was frequently bullied and teased. They struggled with school and homework. Magenta Rose’s parents acknowledged that tasks need to broken down to avoid being overwhelmed. Although these challenges impacted their confidence, Magenta Rose graduated from Holland High School in 2002, and moved on to Villa Maria College. Due to poor self-confidence and some academic difficulties, Magenta Rose transferred to a community college and eventually dropped out. After leaving college, Magenta Rose held many jobs over the years, but was either terminated or quit. Low confidence and inadequate social skills prevented them from maintaining steady employment. Magenta Rose came to People Inc. for Supported Employment services in 2012, and began working with an employment specialist to find a position where they would feel comfortable and gain independence. The past year presented Magenta Rose with an opportunity to work on a NYSID contract at the Lancaster Clinic of the Buffalo Psychiatric Center. They were made responsible for the facility’s daily cleanliness, which became a significant and essential job during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Magenta Rose was very quiet and unsure at first, but slowly became eager to report to work. Taking ownership of the new position, becoming more confident in their abilities and exhibiting a more positive attitude were hallmarks of the transformation of Magenta Rose. A few months later, another NYSID cleaning position opened up at the Niagara Frontier Thruway Authority. With newfound assurance and pride, Magenta Rose jumped on the opportunity, and now does an incredible job at both locations, enjoying the respect and acceptance of the staff. The staff at each facility are completely satisfied with the work Magenta Rose performs. Nick Savarino, their employment specialist, noted the changes, “Magenta Rose is much more engaged with others and definitely presents a more positive attitude these days.” Magenta Rose is a much different person from one year ago reflecting, “Being nominated for this award makes me feel I am doing a good job, which makes me happy.” They added, “I am feeling good about myself these days and continue to work on my other career with music.” The transformation from being isolated to becoming an engaging and responsible person demonstrates how NYSID, non-profits and businesses can transform lives. “NYSID is proud to congratulate Magenta Rose. Now in its 18th year, the William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Awards Program recognizes outstanding job performance and personal success by people with disabilities employed on NYSID preferred source contracts,” shared Margie Werder, WNY account representative for NYSID. “As an award winner Magenta Rose received a monetary gift and a certificate of achievement from NYSID President and Chief Executive Officer Maureen E. O’Brien. Their personal success story has been published in a commemorative yearbook.” “People Inc. is proud to partner with NYSID to expand opportunities for people with disabilities. We applaud the accomplishments of Magenta Rose and encourage all businesses to consider how they can promote inclusion in their workplace,” said Rhonda Frederick, People Inc. president and CEO. Pictured from left to right are: Margie Werder, WNY Account Representative for NYSID; Magenta Rose; Day Porter, People Inc.; Pam Columbo, Cleaning Crew Supervisor, People Inc.; Nick Savarino, Employment Specialist and Ken Levan, Business Services Manager, People Inc.

Man with Cerebral palsy has a Wonder-ful goal with his Tribute Song to Stevie Wonder

People Inc. Encourages Public to Share Video through Social Media Jason Smith has a passion for music. He loves how music helps him express emotions and how it inspires. One particular musician who has inspired Smith is Stevie Wonder. So much so that Smith created a tribute song and video for him called, “I Wonder.” In his tribute song to Wonder, Smith sings, “Cause you’ve taught us there’s a little bit of ‘wonder’ in all of us.” A resident of Orchard Park, Smith, 46, born with a mild intellectual disability and Cerebral palsy, receives residential and support services from People Inc., Western New York’s leading health and human services agency assisting individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs lead more independent lives. Smith wants others to know how much Wonder has inspired him. In anticipation of the “Stevie Wonder Songs in the Key of Life Performance” on November 19, at First Niagara Center, Smith got creative and with help from his People Inc. Quality Life Coach Gary Spears, created a tribute song and video for his idol. The video can be seen on the People Inc. Facebook page . In an effort to bring attention to performers who have been an inspiration, in particular Wonder, Smith is asking for help from the community. He is aiming for 200 shares of his tribute video through social media. Like Wonder, Smith proves that there are no barriers for people with disabilities. “Stevie has a disability. I have a disability, but it does not hold me back,” said Smith. Through a generous donation by Live Nation, Smith and three of his loved ones will attend the upcoming Stevie Wonder concert. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 12,000 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Mancuso Named New People Inc. CFO

Susan Mancuso is People Inc.’s Chief Financial Officer. She has more than 30 years of experience working in financial management in nonprofit agencies.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Speakers Bureau Available to Share Personal Stories and Education Buffalo, NY, March 10, 2011: Brain injury is a prominent topic in the news these days with the injuries to our soldiers from bomb blasts in the mid-east to the recent shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford. As part of March being Brain Injury Awareness Month, Headway of Western New York, a support and advocacy agency for survivors of brain injury, is offering a Speakers Bureau. A number of survivors with brain injury, their families, and professionals in the field are available for interviews and speaking engagements. Requests may be made for a speaker to personalize the issue of brain injury by speaking of their own experience and health professionals can address a variety of topics, including: significant effects of a concussion, the physical effects from a brain injury (such as balance, vision and movement problems), the unseen effects of an injury (such as changes in personality, attention and memory), and much more. Brain injury is often referred to as "the unseen epidemic." Did you know? Every 21 seconds one person in the U.S. sustains a brain injury.  1.5 million people in the U.S. suffer brain injuries each year. Half of these are children. 30 years ago, most people with severe injuries would have died. Now with improved trauma care, the majority survive. The cost is over $60 billion annually and more than 7 million people in the U.S. live with a lifelong disability as a result of a brain injury. Community organizations, service groups, schools or members of the media may request the Speakers Bureau. For more information, call 408.3100. Headway of WNY, an affiliate of People Inc., is a volunteer support, advocacy and resource organization that was founded in 1985 by caring families and individuals who have survived brain injury and other disabilities. Headway of Western New York is a not-for-profit agency that provides support groups, educational materials, in-service seminars, recreational opportunities, resource and referral services as well as linkage for case management and more.

Mary Cariola Children’s Center and People Inc. Partner to Provide After-School Respite Program for Children with Developmental Disabilities

People Inc. is pleased to announce a partnership with Mary Cariola Children’s Center in Rochester to provide an After-School Respite Program for children with developmental disabilities.  The program, previously located on Dewey Avenue in Rochester, moved to its new location due to a partnership with Mary Cariola Children’s Center in the fall of 2016. Now located at 1544 Mt. Hope Avenue in Rochester, the program and its participants benefit from a larger physical education space, kitchen and other accommodations. The After-School Respite Program, for children ages 5 through high school graduation age who have a developmental disability, provides supervision for children and relief for their parents. Activities are available in group and individual formats. Various opportunities for socialization are provided, along with assistance with homework, movies, arts and crafts, sensory activities and board games. In addition, participants are provided a daily snack.  Karen Zandi, president and CEO, Mary Cariola Children’s Center, commented, “After-school respite care is truly an important program that can have a positive impact on those being cared for and their families. Mary Cariola Children’s Center is pleased to be partnering with People Inc. to provide opportunities to the community.” “The move to Mary Cariola’s building has allowed our after-school children to enjoy larger spaces to exercise and wind down after the school day and develop relationships with peers,” said Anna Korus, senior vice president, People Inc. “In addition, the program helps parents to feel comfortable that their children’s needs are met while they complete their work schedule, prepare dinner or take a break from their own busy schedules.” The After-School Respite Program, which operates Monday through Friday, from 2 to 6 p.m., is currently accepting participants. For more information, call 585.441.9300. Mary Cariola Children’s Center is Rochester’s regional leader in personalized, interdisciplinary evidence based education and life skill solutions that inspire and empower individuals and families of those with complex disabilities. To learn more, visit marycariola.org .  People Inc. 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 .

May 31, 2020 People Inc. is an Essential Employer

People Inc. is an essential business. Therefore, we are reminding all staff of People Inc., as essential employees, to keep this  letter  available at all times. Please carry your issued ID, as well.

Mayor Brown and People Inc. Break Ground for New Jefferson Avenue Apartments

Mayor Byron W. Brown and People Inc. broke ground for the new Jefferson Avenue Apartments today. Located at 1140 and 1166 Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo, the apartments will be a vibrant community with individuals of mixed incomes and those with developmental disabilities who live independently and part of the strategic transformation that’s underway in this historic neighborhood.  The highly anticipated site development is located on two lots running between Dodge Street and Northampton on Jefferson Avenue. It will consist of 84 mixed-income apartments, with approximately 16 to be reserved for individuals with developmental disabilities who live independently.  The $24 million site development anticipates funding sources coming from the City of Buffalo, Empire State Development, NYS Housing Finance Agency, NYS Housing and Community Renewal and the NYS Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Federal Low-income Housing Tax Credits and State Low-income Housing Tax Credit.  Mayor Byron W. Brown stated, “From the day I took office over a decade ago, we’ve aggressively supported affordable housing in Buffalo and this project is a great fit for the Jefferson Avenue neighborhood, complementing my Administration’s $50 million investment plan for this community. Since 2006, we’ve invested over $34 million in affordable housing, an investment that has leveraged over $333 million in residential development and the creation of over 1,400 units of affordable housing citywide. I applaud People Inc. for these mixed-income apartments that include units designed to accommodate persons with disabilities, a wonderful new contribution to the historic Jefferson Avenue neighborhood.” “I’m proud to help move the new Jefferson Apartments site development forward during this exciting time, as well as to be part of the historic corridor and the community’s vibrant history,” said Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO, People Inc. “We are so pleased to have the support of many community leaders and groups as we work together to provide an affordable housing opportunity for seniors, people with disabilities and others in need.”  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 total square footage of the residential part of the buildings equals approximately 95,000 sq. ft. with 21,000 sq. ft. of commercial space between, which will house a small People Inc. recruitment and program services office. Well known for its development of group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities and affordable housing for very low-income senior citizens, People Inc. continues to serve our community by bringing various audiences together for a unique housing model. People Inc., along with its development team partners, Sinatra and Company Real Estate, Creative Structures Services, Bellamy Enterprises LLC and Long Associates Architects, have all come together to add this new contribution to the historic Jefferson neighborhood.  People Inc. is proud to have support from many agency leaders and elected officials:  Assemblywoman Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes said: “Congratulations to the entire development team for a project that complements the surrounding community. People Inc. understands that new, mixed-income, safe quality housing for the disabled and others are not mutually exclusive concepts; people not only deserve it all but they will get it all. This is a great project for Jefferson Avenue to increase its vibrancy and hopefully will serve as a catalyst for additional development in the commercial corridor.” Senator Tim Kennedy said: “Once again, People Inc. is working to provide affordable housing in Buffalo to those who need it most. This multi-million dollar project will be a place to call home for many, and will strengthen the walkability and accessibility of this historic neighborhood. Congratulations to those that are working tirelessly to move this project forward, and a big thank you to People Inc. for its continued commitment to our city." People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 12,500 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. To learn more, visit people-inc.org . Like us on Facebook at People Inc. and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews . ABOUT SINATRA & COMPANY REAL ESTATE Sinatra & Company Real Estate ( www.SinatraAndCompany.com ) is a developer and investor in value-add real estate opportunities including market rate and affordable housing, mixed-use and commercial properties.  The company has invested in over $330 million in real estate assets in Western New York and greater Chicagoland which includes funding from the Pritzker/Vlock Family Office amongst other investors, as well as local, regional and national banks.  Today, in addition to its investment and development groups, Sinatra manages all of its properties through its world-class property management arm.

Media Advisory: Opening of New Jefferson Avenue Apartments Celebration August 2, 2021

July 30, 2021 -- MEDIA ADVISORY: NYS Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, City of Buffalo Mayor Bryon W. Brown, Community Leaders and People Inc. Celebrate Opening of New Jefferson Avenue Apartments When:  Monday, August 2, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.   Where:  1166 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY (corner of Jefferson Avenue and Northampton Street) Who:  New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown, U.S. Congressmember Brian Higgins, NYS Senator Timothy Kennedy, NYS Assemblywoman Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Erie County Legislator District 1 Howard Johnson, People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick and apartment tenants will provide brief remarks. Members of the Project Development Team, funding partners and community leaders will also be in attendance.   Why:  New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s support of funding sources, including from NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), allowed People Inc. to move the completion of this new $31 million affordable housing and mixed-income apartment project forward on Buffalo’s East Side to be a part of the historic Jefferson corridor. People Inc. continues to broaden its scope to bring diverse audiences together for affordable and unique housing models. People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments features a total of 90 apartments, including 16 with support services, and over 16,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space. The head of household must be 18 years or older and meet income eligibility. Jefferson Avenue Apartments features 71 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom apartments across two three-story buildings, which includes one caretaker apartment unit. Sixteen apartments are reserved for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, who live independently and will have access to supports by People Inc. The ground floors of both buildings will contain a total of 16,500 square feet of commercial space, which includes space for People Inc. offices, staff training and meeting rooms. Sinatra and Company Real Estate is the master leaser and currently has three tenants: Northwest Banking Center, a financial education center run by Belmont Housing Resources of WNY; Say Yes Buffalo Scholarship, Inc., a postsecondary tuition assistance program and ABC Learn and Play 2, a daycare facility. The project is funded by: NYS Homes and Community Renewal; NYS Housing Finance Agency; JP Morgan Chase Bank; Raymond James Tax Credit Funds; City of Buffalo HOME Program; NYS Empire State Development; NYS Energy Research and Development Authority and NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.   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, families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted people 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 .

Media Alert: Celebration for the People Inc. Health Services Building

September 13, 2021 -- MEDIA ADVISORY: People Inc. Announces Celebration of Expanded Health Services Building with Evergreen Health and Community Partners September 14 --  Expanded medical care options for patients, specializing in services for people with developmental disabilities When: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 Advance Media Tours: 10:15 a.m./Program with Speakers: 11 a.m. approximately Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting: Completion of program, followed by guided tours for dignitaries and guests. COVID-19 precautions in place. All guests are required to wear a mask. Where: 800 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, NY (corner of Elmwood and Hertel Avenues, enter from Hertel Avenue, parking in lot) Who: Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown; U.S. Congressmember Brian Higgins; U.S. Congressmember Chris Jacobs; NYS Senator Sean Ryan; NYS Assemblymember Bill Conrad; Buffalo Councilmember Joseph Golombek; People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick; Evergreen Health President and CEO Raymond Ganoe and Dr. Elizabeth Kapral, MS, DDS, director of Special Needs Dentistry, ECMC will provide brief remarks. Members of the Project Development Team, funding partners and community leaders will also be in attendance. Why: People Inc. is pleased to open its newly-constructed Health Services Building, a $10 million medical center and 32,000 square feet facility, at 800 Hertel Avenue in Buffalo, NY. Known for its innovative services, People Inc. is moving its patient-base from its affiliate, the Elmwood Health Center, to the new building and is proud to embark on a new partnership with Evergreen Heath. Primary healthcare (Adult and Pediatric Medicine, Gynecology, Podiatry and Neurology Services) will be transitioned to Evergreen in its new Article 28 licensed clinic at the new location. Evergreen will move to the new location on October 1 and begin seeing patients there on October 4.    There will be no interruption in the delivery of patient care, as the Elmwood Health Center medical providers will become Evergreen providers. Rehab Services (Article 16 Clinic), formerly Elmwood Health Center Rehab, will also be offered at this new building through People Inc. Rehabilitative Health Services. Effective October 4, People Inc. Rehabilitative Health Services and Evergreen will begin providing their services. Pharmacy services through Evergreen will be offered at a later date. The new building will continue to be owned by People Inc., with the primary care clinic and pharmacy operated by Evergreen. The building will include: People Inc. Rehabilitative Health Services and Counseling Services, as well as People First Mobility, a medical business providing durable medical equipment and wheelchairs. Additionally, ECMC Dental is part of the expanded health services, offering dental services opening later this year. The People Inc. Health Services Building project is funded by: NYS Department of Health, U.S. Congressman Chris Jacobs NYS Senate Funding, People Inc. Foundation, First Niagara Foundation, John R. Oishei Foundation, B. Thomas Golisano Foundation, Independent Health Foundation, KeyBank, M&T Bank Foundation, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, James H. Cummings Foundation, Garman Family Foundation, J. M. McDonald Foundation, Maria Love Convalescent Foundation and Josephine Goodyear Foundation. 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, families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted people 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 .