Memory Loss Program Provides Benefits for Participants and Caregivers

Families and caregivers often turn to many resources to help their loved ones with memory loss. A unique People Inc. day program is available and accepting participants. The Seniors Unlimited social day program meets the needs of adults who have developed dementia or memory loss, which may have been caused by Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, stroke, heart disease or other illnesses. Community members are welcome to visit during an open house event, held in conjunction with the Erie County Senior Services Department, on Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 2635 Delaware Avenue, Suite A, Buffalo (border of Kenmore). The program provides benefits for participants, but also a chance for caregivers to work or take a needed break. Participants receive socialization, intergenerational programming, exercise, reminiscing, art therapy and Laughter Yoga. Educational components and a hot meal all in a safe environment are provided. The cost of the program may cover participants enrolled in a Managed Long Term Care program eligible through Medicaid. There are also private pay rates and other funding sources that may be available through Erie county. For more information, call 716-853-4500.   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 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. 

Mt. Olive, People Inc. Mark Groundbreaking for Affordable Housing in East Buffalo

Mt. Olive Development Corporation, People Inc., and several government and community leaders celebrated the start of construction of a $27 million affordable apartments initiative on property adjacent to the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, located at 701. E. Delavan Avenue on Monday, September 18. Mt. Olive Senior Manor will provide 65 apartments for people aged 55 and older who meet income requirements. Mt. Olive and People Inc. are development partners and co-owners of the project, which addresses a substantial need for affordable housing in the City of Buffalo. The building will include 1- and 2-bedroom apartments for households earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income. Approximately 20 units will be designated for frail older adults with housing instability, as well as some set aside for people who need support due to mobility, vision, or hearing challenges. People Inc. will offer support services to those who qualify. Funding for the project comes from several sources, including federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, New York State Homes and Community Renewal, New York State Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, and the City of Buffalo Urban Renewal Agency. Rents will range from $540 - $640/month for a 1-bedroom apartment and from $630 - $755/month for a 2-bedroom. The project was first envisioned by the late Rev. Dr. William Gillison Jr., the beloved pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, who recognized a need for safe, affordable senior housing in the area and then worked tirelessly to make his dream become a reality.   People Inc. was selected by Mt. Olive Development Corporation following an extensive RFP process to serve as its development partner. “It has been 28 years since the vision of Mt. Olive Manor was given to Pastor William Gillison. It is truly a blessing to see it come to pass with the construction of Mt. Olive Senior Manor,” said Pastor Dwayne R. Gillison Sr., the son of Pastor William Gillison and current pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church. "Mount Olive Senior Manor development continues my administration’s dedication to equitable development and affordable housing in our city. The city is proud to contribute more than $2 million to this project,” said Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown. “I thank New York State Governor Kathy Hochul for her support and partnership in my mission to achieve 40 percent affordable housing in our city. I also thank Mt. Olive Development Corporation and People Inc. This is the second time the city has partnered with Mt. Olive on affordable housing and the fifth time we’ve partnered with People Inc. I’m proud of the work both organizations do, and I’m proud to continue our successful partnership.” For nearly 30 years, People Inc. has been recognized for its leadership in the development of affordable housing and the delivery of services to residents, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the frail and elderly, and those at risk of homelessness. Today, People Inc. has more than 30 affordable housing properties, which includes 1,300 units across Western New York. “People Inc. is proud to join Mt. Olive Development Corp., federal, state and local government in launching this project,” said People Inc. President and CEO, Anne McCaffrey. “We will provide new, affordable housing opportunities and offer critical services to vulnerable populations, which is central to our mission of helping people live fulfilling and productive lives while maintaining their independence.” The building will include an on-site management office, off-street parking, a large community room, laundry facilities, indoor storage space and a courtyard with covered patio.  

Mubu the Morph Children’s Book Kick-off Event Scheduled for August 8 Family-friendly Event to Release New Children’s Book

The Mubu the Morph book kick-off event will be held on Saturday, August 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo (between Bailey Avenue and Eggert Road). Families with children are invited to attend the free event, which includes book readings, coloring contest, chalk drawings, caricatures and refreshments. Mubu the Morph is Clarence, NY resident Stephen Nawotniak’s first children’s book and offers lessons on self-image, self-confidence and character development. The book is illustrated by Jeffrey Scott Perdziak, resident of Clarence Center, NY. Suitable for children grades K to 3 and the people who love them, Mubu the Morph is a beneficial tool for parents and teachers interested in sharing important lessons about individuality and a heartfelt read for anyone interested in the talents that make each of us special. “Mubu is about finding and following one’s inner gifts versus living a life of comparison with others,” said Nawotniak. The book is available for $9.95, at the Museum of disABILITY History’s store and online, store.museumofdisability.org and mubuthemorph.com. It is packaged with a free coloring book and bookmark. To RSVP for the kick-off 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.

Mubu’s Family Holiday Event Presented by Museum of disABILITY History

The Museum of disABILITY History presents Mubu’s Family Holiday event on Saturday, December 12, from 2 to 4 p.m., at 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. The free event includes Mubu the Morph book readings, Mubu cookie cut-out cookies, face painting and a visit from Santa. The event is held in conjunction with the latest release from the Mubu the Morph children’s book series, Mubu’s Christmas. Mubu is the main character of a fun-filled series about individuality and lessons about self-confidence suitable for children, grades K to 3. The series is written by Stephen Nawotniak and illustrated by Jeffrey Scott Perdziak, both residents of Clarence. Co-hosted by the Museum of disABILITY History, Bornhava, Parent Network of WNY and People Inc., the event will help spread some holiday cheer. To register or for more information, call 716.629.3626. Established in 1998, the Museum of disABILITY History 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. The Museum’s exhibits, collections, archives and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery.

Mural Unveiling and Artists Recognition for People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments - April 19, 2021

What: Mural Artists Recognition Event for People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments  When: Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 11 a.m. Where: 1140 and 1166 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo, NY (corner of Jefferson Avenue and Southampton Street) Who: Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown; John Baker, president, The WNY Urban Arts Collective and Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO, People Inc., will provide brief remarks to recognize the mural artists and the project partners.  Why: People Inc. and The WNY Urban Arts Collective partnered for the Jefferson Avenue Apartments Art Mural Project. The mural artwork is displayed on the newly-constructed People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments. This creative community collaboration is an important reflection of the People Inc. agency value for inclusion and represents the rich history of Jefferson Avenue through artwork from several local artists who were commissioned to help beautify the neighborhood. A “Rolling Parade” will be held after the remarks for guests to view the murals.  The artists of the five outdoor murals will be recognized: Designing Artist: Mark G. Pearce Title: Strong Solo Fabricating Artist: Markenzy Julius Cesar Artist: James Cooper III Title: Elements of Jefferson Designing Artist: Gino Morrow Title: Jefferson Jubilee Fabricating Artist: Princessa Williams Artist: Kobie Barber Title: Warp Speed Designing Artist: Phyllis Thompson Title: Ancestor Watching Over Fabricating Artist: John Baker Supervising Artists: John Baker (Project coordinator) and James J. Cooper III COVID-19 safety protocols in place for this outdoor event. Face masks and social distancing required. 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.

Museum of disABILITY History Announces Closing

Store Sale Includes Buy One/Get One Free Select Books and Discounts Until End of December December 4, 2020: The Museum of disABILITY History, which has been closed to the public through the COVID-19 pandemic, will not re-open its doors at 3286 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. Like so many museums across the country, lack of adequate dedicated funding has made operations unsustainable. Devoted to advancing the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities for the past 22 years, numerous resources are currently digitized. A planful approach has been conducted to identify alternative outlets and partners to preserve the historical artifacts and collection items. The People Inc. Training Center for Human Service Excellence will continue to operate in the building’s space. Educational components have long been integrated into New Employee Orientation for thousands of People Inc. staff and will be continued. “While closure decisions like this are difficult, we will continue the Museum of disABILITY History’s spirit through community education and staff development at People Inc.,” said David Mack-Hardiman, museum director and associate vice president for People Inc. “A solid resource has been built to tell the story of the lives, triumphs and struggles of people with disabilities. We are truly thankful for the valuable participation of partners and supporters in this worthwhile effort to showcase inclusion and appreciate differences,” added Mack-Hardiman.  The Museum of disABILITY History online store has select books that are buy one/get one free from its “Abandoned History Series,” as well as books from the “Ivan the Invacar” children’s book series. Plus, various merchandise has been discounted throughout the store. An additional 20-percent off items can be applied by using a “save20” discount code during the online checkout. Discounted books and various merchandise remain for sale through the end of December at store.museumofdisability.org. For questions about the closing, information about collection and artifact items or to arrange a curbside pick-up of merchandise, contact David Mack-Hardiman at dmack@people-inc.org or 716.629.3606. The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., was established in 1998 by James M. Boles, EdD, in an effort to improve access to disability history for students. People Inc. is Western New York’s leading regional non-profit health and human services agency. 

Museum of disABILITY History Awarded Grant by National Endowment for the Humanities.

Preservation grant will help in the care of rare collections Williamsville, N.Y., December 20, 2007. The Museum of disABILITY, a project of People Inc., has been awarded a grant of $5,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The grant will allow the Museum to enhance the care of its important collection thereby ensuring these rare and uncommon documents are never lost. The Museum of disABILITY History was awarded a grant by the NEH in 2004, which enabled the Museum to develop a long term plan to improve archival management. The current grant will allow the Museum to implement recommendations from the 2004 grant. Implementations under this grant include: Developing a disaster response kit that will allow the Museum to quickly respond to a natural emergency to safeguard the collection. Hiring an archival consultant to help inspect, clean and store materials in the collection. Purchasing environmental monitors and specialty storage equipment to ensure that the Museum artifacts are not exposed to conditions that deteriorate their vulnerable condition. A hallmark of quality museum is the proper care of its collections. The Museum of disABILITY History is proud to receive this grant from the National Endowment of the Humanities so it can continue to practice the fundamentals of museum work. 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 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. The Museum of disABILITY History advances the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities. Its exhibits, collections, archives, and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery. The Museum, located at 3826 Main Street in Amherst, is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment. Admission to the Museum of disABILITY History is free. For more information, call 716.629.3626 or visit www.museumofdisability.org.

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.

Museum of disABILITY History Founder and Author to Present, Sign Books

Presentation to Focus on Alternative Medicine in Nineteenth Century Niagara Falls September 30, 2015: A book presentation and signing featuring Museum of disABILITY History founder and author, James M. Boles, EdD, will take place on Friday, October 16, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street in Buffalo. The presentation, which is part of the Museum’s Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, will highlight the book, They Did No Harm: Alternative Medicine in Niagara Falls, NY, 1830-1930 , by James M. Boles, EdD. The publication explores the growth of alternative healing facilities in the 1800s, in response to primitive practices in the field of medicine. With good marketing and common wisdom, these enterprises used a variety of colorful methods to aid their customers. Dr. Boles will provide an overview of the book and share the research that shaped it. Students, human service employees, historians and medical professionals are encouraged to attend and learn about this unique era in the history of medicine. Throughout his career, Dr. Boles has made valuable contributions to the human services field. From 1981 to 2014, he served as president and CEO of People Inc., Western New York’s leading nonprofit health and human services agency. In1998, he founded the Museum of disABILITY History and was honored for his work with the Hervey B. Wilbur Preservation Award from the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. In 2006, Dr. Boles was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as an advisory committee member on the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities for two terms. In 2010, he established People Ink Press, a company dedicated to publishing books relating to disability history and awareness. Admission for the book presentation and signing is $6 for adults, $3.50 for students, seniors and human service employees and free for Museum members. For more information or to register, 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.