Press Releases
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Sep 22, 2017
Register for Headway of Western New York’s Haunted Helmet Ride and Walk
Event to raise awareness for those living with traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities Headway of WNY will host its Helmet Ride and Walk on Friday, October 13, 2017, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Parkside Lodge and Ring Road in Delaware Park, Buffalo, NY. The family-friendly fundraising event is designed to raise awareness about traumatic brain injury, along with encouraging helmet use, safety and brain injury prevention. It is not a race or competition; simply an evening ride or walk around Ring Road. Participants are encouraged to wear their helmets and dress them up in coordination with costumes. All registrations include the following: Group ride/walk around Ring Road, event t-shirt, reception in Parkside Lodge, food/drink, music, games, prizes and raffles. Pre-registration cost is $20 per person and children ages 5 to 17 is $10. Day of event registration costs is $25 per person and children ages 5 to 17 is $15. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. The event will begin and end at Parkside Lodge, 84 Parkside Avenue. It is recommended to enter Delaware Park’s parking lot at Meadow Drive off Parkside Avenue. To pre-register or for more information, go to headwayofwny.org or call 716-408-3100. Proceeds from this event support Headway of WNY to ensure that individuals in Western New York with brain injuries and other disabilities have access to advocacy and supports to enable them to live as independently as possible. Sponsors of the event include: Bandbox Helmets, Health Force, The Reed Family, Munroe Chiropractic and Venture Forthe. If interested in sponsoring this event, 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.
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Sep 13, 2017
Rivershore Foundation Annual Dinner to Benefit People Living with Disabilities
What: Rivershore Foundation Annual Dinner When: Thursday, September 28, 2017, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Where: Niagara Falls Country Club, 505 Mountain View Drive, Lewiston, NY The Rivershore Foundation will host its eighth Annual Dinner on Thursday, September 28, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Niagara Falls Country Club, 505 Mountain View Drive, Lewiston. The event includes a cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, awards ceremony, silent auction and basket raffle. Senator Robert Ortt will serve as the honorary chairperson of the event. Maryalice Demler of WGRZ-TV Channel 2 will serve as the emcee. Business Partner awards will be presented to Emory Simon and The Como Restaurant. Event proceeds will benefit the Hinman Street Apartment Project in Youngstown, which will support people with disabilities to live independently. Tickets are $100 per person or tables of eight at $700. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Denise Pollock at 716.524.2266, ext. 234. The Rivershore Foundation in coordination with People Inc. engages in public relations, solicits volunteers and raises funds for the benefit of the service recipients of People Inc.’s Rivershore division.
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Aug 28, 2017
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.
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Aug 10, 2017
Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series features Author Diana Katovitch
Publication focuses on first school for children with intellectual disabilities in the United States As part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, the Museum of disABILITY History will host author Diana Katovitch who will conduct a free presentation on Saturday, September 9, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. Katovitch will focus on her book, Beautiful Children: The Story of the Elm Hill School and Home for Feebleminded Children and Youth. The book is published by the Museum of disABILITY History. The Elm Hill School was the first school for children with intellectual disabilities in the United States, founded in 1848 in Barre, Massachusetts. During the discussion, Katovitch will review her research, the progressive nature of early special education and the importance of disability history. Diana “Dee” Katovitch is the coordinator of the Peer2Peer Project and assistant director of the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education. She worked for 21 years as a special education teacher in New York state public schools. What began as a personal research project on post-secondary education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities resulted in her book, The Power to Spring Up: Postsecondary Education Opportunities for Students with Significant Disabilities (Woodbine House, 2009). She is a graduate of Syracuse University (B.S. School of Education ’90; Certificate of Advanced Study in Disability Studies, ’14) and SUNY Cortland (M.S. in Reading ‘95). The presentation is ideal for those with an interest in the history of special education, as well as for parents, college students, college/university staff and K through 12 teachers. The softcover book costs $9.95 and will be for sale at the event. Event registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, 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.
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Aug 08, 2017
Pampering Event and Open House at People Inc. Marigold Senior Living in Grand Island
Grand Island Chiropractic to provide free health presentation A Pampering and Treats Open House event will be hosted by People Inc. Marigold Senior Living on Monday, August 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 3026 Grand Island Boulevard, Grand Island, NY. A health presentation will be made, compliments of Grand Island Chiropractic, which includes: Five-minute chair massages, spinal screenings and Graston Technique® information. Additionally, products will be available for sale. The Anderson’s Food Truck will also be on site. Attendees will have a chance to enter to win an Anderson’s $25 gift card. Seniors and their families are encouraged to attend the open house and presentation 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 19 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York. For information about other locations, call 716.817.9090. 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 .
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Jul 31, 2017
People Inc. to Host 16th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament
Bidding for Good Online Auction Available Prior to Event The People Inc. Foundation will host its 16th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament and Auction on Monday, August 21, at the Orchard Park Country Club, 4777 South Buffalo Street, Orchard Park. The event provides an opportunity for businesses and professionals to entertain their clients and reward staff. Participants receive lunch, golfer gift, round of golf, cocktail hour, silent auction and gourmet dinner. Event proceeds will assist people with developmental disabilities, special needs and seniors lead more independent and productive lives. Tee off times for the morning round is 7:30 a.m. and at 12:30 p.m. for the afternoon round. Snacks and beverages will regularly be offered throughout the course. The silent auction and cocktails start at 5 p.m. followed by dinner and program with an awards presentation at 6 p.m. Businesses can register their team online at people-inc.org. Click on the “Event Registration and Online Orders” button to be directed to People Inc.’s secure e-commerce site. Several sponsorship opportunities are also available and silent auction donation items are welcome. Additionally, the People Inc. Foundation is offering an online pre-auction hosted by Bidding for Good, a charitable e-commerce company, at biddingforgood.com/peopleinc. The online auction will be active from August 7 to 20, which will include vacations, jewelry and sports memorabilia. Hole-In-One Sponsors include: KeyBank, Long Associates Architects, Northeast Mechanical and Parkview Health Services. Eagle Sponsors include: Allied Mechanical, Inc., Creative Structures Services, Hodgson Russ LLP, Towne Auto, Vanner Insurance Agency, Walsh Duffield Companies, Inc. 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. For more information about registering to golf, sponsorship opportunities or to make an auction donation, contact Jennifer Robinson at jrobinson@people-inc.org or 716.817.7269. 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 .
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Jul 24, 2017
Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop Held in West Seneca Now Accepting Participants
People Inc.’s Living Healthy Program will have its Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop beginning August 17 and continuing every Thursday through September 21. The free workshop will be held at People Inc. Walnut Senior Living, 804 Union Road, West Seneca. The course is open to older adults who are living with or caring for someone with a chronic condition. The workshop provides attendees new skills, enabling them to confront challenges associated with chronic disease. Additionally, tips to maintain an active lifestyle will be provided. Attendees who complete the workshop will earn a $30 Wegmans gift card. Registration is required. To register or for more information, call Becky Orton, peer leader trainer and manager of People Inc. Marigold Senior Living, at 716.773.0907. 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 .
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Jul 06, 2017
Emergency Preparedness Presentation at People Inc. Pine Senior Living in Lockport
Being prepared for an unexpected emergency is important knowledge to have. A presentation called, “Are you ready for an emergency?” will be hosted by People Inc. Pine Senior Living during its open house on Wednesday, July 12, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 6231 Tonawanda Creek North, Lockport. The presentation, which will start at 2 p.m., is by Terri Mannarino, Niagara County project coordinator for Border Community SERVICE of Niagara University. During the free presentation, Mannarino will discuss what to do during disasters and how to prepare for a personal or community wide emergency. Attendees will receive a free first aid kit. Seniors and their families are encouraged to attend the open house and presentation as apartment tours will be available. Two benefits of People Inc. Pine Senior Living are the affordability and safety features. Monthly rent is based on the tenant’s and/or couple’s adjusted income. 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 19 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York. For information about other locations, call 716.817.9090. 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 .
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Jul 05, 2017
People Inc. is proud to announce a unique contract that was awarded by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) for its Carpet Cleaning Done Right Enterprise to provide carpet cleaning services in the carpeted areas of the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. People Inc.’s Carpet Cleaning Done Right Enterprise went through a rigorous Request for Proposal process where competing carpet cleaning companies also submitted applications. One of People Inc.’s major areas of focus is to assist people with various disabilities who want to train for, work and maintain jobs. As a result, People Inc. launched its Carpet Cleaning Done Right Enterprise in 2015, offering carpet cleaning services for commercial, business, government and residential locations, while providing employment opportunities in an integrated setting for job seekers they serve. On-site supervision is provided to ensure the job is done to the customer’s satisfaction. The contract agreement is an example of how People Inc.’s Vocational Services Program is expanding its business enterprise externally. “There are many businesses in our community who are willing to partner with us on this effort and we are thrilled to have the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority be one of our business partners,” said Tim Pfohl, vice president of Day and Employment Services, People Inc. “This agreement between the highly established transportation company and our non-profit demonstrates the quality of our program and the services provided.” “We are looking forward to our new partnership with People Inc. and our shared alliance that supports people with disabilities so that they are able to be independent and actively involved within the business community,” said Kimberley A. Minkel executive director, Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority. During a short time span, Carpet Cleaning Done Right has made progress establishing a strong customer base that allows it to operate as a self-sufficient business enterprise. The business currently provides services to companies such as We Care Transportation Services, Charter Oaks and Parkview Health Services. The program also provides services to People Inc. Senior Living apartments and a number of private residential households. Carpet Cleaning Done Right is fully insured and provides free estimates. For more information on how to incorporate carpet cleaning for your business or residence and assist people with disabilities, call 716.817.5750. 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 .