Dining Out Dinner Event Fundraiser Supports People with Brain Injury

In recognition of March as National Brain Injury Awareness Month, Headway of WNY, an affiliate of People Inc., is having a dining out dinner event with select area restaurants on Wednesday, March 29 and Thursday, March 30.  Participating restaurants include: Bonefish Grill , 1247 Niagara Falls Boulevard (at the Boulevard Mall), Amherst and Lombardo Ristorante , 1198 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo. Twenty percent of a patron’s dinner bill will be donated to Headway of WNY, Inc. Awareness and funds will be raised to ensure that individuals in Western New York with brain injuries and other disabilities have access to advocacy, resources and support systems so they may live as independently as possible. To ensure a percentage of the dinner bill is donated to Headway of WNY, patrons can use event information cards that will be available at each restaurant to give to their server or simply let their server know they are dining to support Headway of WNY. For more information, go to headwayofwny.org or call 716.408.3100. Headway of WNY, a not-for-profit agency and an affiliate of People Inc., provides resources, support groups, training and educational programs to both survivors and caregivers of brain injury. Headway of WNY, 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.

People Inc. Teams up with the Buffalo Sabres to Host a Recruitment Rally

People Inc. has teamed up with the Buffalo Sabres to host a Recruitment Rally on Monday, March 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lexus Club at the KeyBank Center, 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo. People Inc., the leading health and human agency in Western New York, has various employment opportunities to help people with developmental disabilities and special needs move closer to their life goals and dreams. Attendees will have the chance to learn about People Inc. and interview on-the-spot with a recruiter, plus meet Sabres alumni and enter to win prizes, including signed items and game tickets. Event parking will be available in the KeyBank Center ramp on Illinois Street. People Inc. is actively recruiting for people to work within their group homes, as well as for behavior technicians, community based instructors, licensed practical nurses and registered nurses.  With a staff of 3,860, People Inc. is one of the region’s largest employers and offers a number of employee benefits including tuition reimbursement and 401(k) with employer match for full and part-time employees, generous paid time off for full-time employees and many more excellent benefits. The Buffalo Sabres are proud to support people with developmental disabilities and other special needs in the community, and People Inc. is pleased to have them as a partner. To learn more about the event or People Inc.’s employment opportunities, go to people-inc.org/careers or call 716-322-7050. 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 .

Apartment Applications Now Accepted for People Inc.’s New Integrated Housing Project in Tonawanda

Apply by March 6 for Spring/Summer Move-in People Inc.’s new integrated housing project, Highland School Apartments on 105 Highland Avenue in Tonawanda, is accepting apartment applications for spring and summer move-in dates. The project brings together a diverse group of people; as tenants can be those with disabilities and the general public who are income eligible. Highland School Apartments houses 35 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom handicap adaptable apartments that include kitchen appliances and are one small pet friendly. The building also includes a community room with Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, safety features, storage in each apartment and a 24-hour on call emergency service. The adaptive reuse project includes substantial rehabilitation of the two-story former Highland School, into an integrated, vibrant residential community. The building has been vacant in the City of Tonawanda since 2009, and fills an important need in the community. The apartment building will open in May and apartment applications are currently being accepted. To be considered for a spring and summer move-in date, applicants must apply by March 6. Income limits are based on the current federal rate and are subject to change. To apply, complete an apartment application found on people-inc.org, under the Community Outreach category and Tax Credit Housing section. All applications must be returned via USPS mail to C/O P.O. Box 296; Williamsville, NY 14231. For more information, contact Sarah Alessi at  housing@people-inc.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 and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews

Music Performance by Rapper Avery Gill Encourages Buffalo City Honors Students to Eliminate the Derogatory use of the R-word

What: Buffalo City Honors Assembly Program with Music by Avery Gill, alumni member, to promote “Spread the Word to End the Word” When: Friday, February 17, 2017, from 1:30 to 2 p.m. Where: Buffalo City Honors School, 186 East North Street, Buffalo, NY (Auditorium) Information:  The Buffalo City Honors Assembly Program will feature a performance by Avery Gill, who graduated from City Honors' Students with Autism Rising to Success (STARS) Program. He recently realized his dream of producing his first rap album. Gill, who has been writing rap music for more than ten years, is a participant in People Inc.’s Life Quality Coaching and Arts Experience programs. He lives with a mild form of autism, but does not let that stop him from writing songs, producing his own beats and performing. The event will also include a presentation by Frank Cammarata, executive director of the Erie County Office for People with Disabilities, describing the “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign. The campaign raises awareness about the corrosive impact of using the term “retard” in casual speech and asks audiences to carefully consider their choice of words. The campaign encourages people to sign a pledge to support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The event will also include a video presentation by City Honors students, as well as an opportunity to sign a large poster in support of “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign.  City Honors School at Fosdick-Masten Park is a college preparatory school and part of the Buffalo Public Schools system. The school was founded in 1975 for academically gifted and talented high school students. 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.

Tourette Syndrome Workshop Focuses on Methods Parents and Educators can Help Young People Manage Behavior

The Museum of disABILITY History will host its 2017 workshop session of Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Associated Disorders in the Classroom on Saturday, January 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo. The workshop will be presented by Susan Conners, MEd, president and founder of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State. The workshop is held in association with Learning Partners. Focusing on ways in which parents and educators can help young people with TS and associated disorders manage their behavior, the workshop is ideal for parents, educators, and health and human service professionals. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for those interested. The cost is $40 for professionals and parents and $10 for students. There is an additional fee of $40 for those pursuing CEUs. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served. Wi-Fi available. Registration and payment is due by January 20. Registration forms are available online at museumofdisability.org or call 716-629-3626 with payment information.  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.

Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop Held in Springville Now Accepting Participants

People Inc.’s Living Healthy Program will have its Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop beginning January 10 and continuing every Tuesday through February 14. The free workshop will be held at People Inc. Orchard Senior Living, 276 Waverly Street, Springville. 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 Tops 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 .

Wheatfield Tenant Decorates Tree Year-round at People Inc. Willow Senior Living

For Carol Miranda, Christmas is her favorite part of the year! She also enjoys Valentine’s Day, St. Patty’s Day, summer and Thanksgiving! If you visit People Inc. Willow Senior Living in Wheatfield, you will see a beautiful tree and lovely decorations on the third floor. Carol, who has been a tenant of People Inc. Willow Senior Living for six years, takes pleasure decorating the vestibule area year-round to match the seasons and holidays.  Prior to moving to Willow, Carol lived in Williamsville and had a tree that she decorated year-round. Now, she happily decorates two – one small-table-top tree for her apartment and a larger tree for fellow tenants and visitors to enjoy. When asked why she does it, Carol simply said it makes her happy to decorate and even happier when others find joy in the various scenes.  Carol also adds accessories to two plush bears and an old-fashioned doll to go with the tree theme. Throughput the year, she collects various decorations at yard sales and thrift shops for the tree and bears, such as hearts for Valentine’s Day; red, white and blue trinkets for May through July; beach themed items for August; team colors for the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres for September; plus, Halloween and Thanksgiving décor for the fall months.  While not decorating, Carol enjoys the many group outings that she and fellow tenants take, like outings to Vidler’s in East Aurora and the Silo Restaurant in Lewiston. “I truly like living here,” Carol said. “People are friendly and the staff are so good and helpful when needed.”  The tree has also become a point of interest when people tour the site. “Many people comment positively and it makes them feel like this is a nice place to live because tenants are involved in the site and take the time to do special things,” said Charlene Johnson, manager of People Inc. Willow Senior Living. “It is also a fan-favorite of many grandchildren who visit their grandparents.”   If you or a loved one would like more information or a tour of People Inc. Willow Senior Living (and its tree display), located on the border of North Tonawanda, call 716.694.1486. With 19 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York, People Inc. Senior Living provides safe and maintenance-free housing for independent seniors age 62 and up who are income eligible. 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 .

People Inc. Provides Unique Residential Housing Program Called Perfect Fit

Program places individuals with developmental disabilities in certified private homes December 2, 2016: A unique residential setting for people with developmental disabilities is available through People Inc.’s Perfect Fit Program. The program provides community members an opportunity to become certified providers and open their homes and their lives to people with developmental disabilities and other special needs. The Perfect Fit Program offers a unique residential opportunity to individuals and their families and is a favorable alternative to a group home setting for those seeking greater independence. For the family of someone with a developmental disability, the Perfect Fit Program does not attempt to replace the care and support they have provided; it seeks to extend it. The program is currently enlisting additional providers. Some of the many benefits to providers include being part of a growing community of caregivers dedicated to giving the gift of independence, helping someone with a developmental disability to achieve their personal goals and find a true sense of belonging. Additionally, providers receive a monthly compensation. The person with the disability moves into a provider’s home and providers serve as caregivers, not parents, and operates as an extension of family not a replacement of family. More than companionship, providers offer community inclusion and independence, helping someone to achieve their goals. “Perfect Fit is the ideal union of a motivated, independence-seeking individual and the loving, caring support of a private home provider,” said Carrie Grant, director of the People Inc. Perfect Fit Program. “Long-lasting, mutually-fulfilling relationships have come from this program since its inception. The evolution to Perfect Fit will certainly result in many more of these rewarding bonds.” Formerly known as People Inc.’s Second Family Program, it was rebranded earlier this year as the Perfect Fit Program, in an effort to build greater awareness and attract more providers. To learn about becoming a certified Perfect Fit provider, more about the program or to watch a video, go to people-inc.org/perfectfit or call 716.817.9011. 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.

Rapper to Debut Album, Celebrate Poetry and Rap with Local Artists

What: A Celebration of Poetry and Rap When: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m. Where: Starlight Studio and Art Gallery, 340 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY Information: Buffalo-based rapper Avery J. “The Definitive” Gill, will host a celebration of poetry and rap, performing tracks from his debut album and inviting local poets and rappers to share their work. The event, which is supported by People Inc. and Starlight Studio, is free to attend and participate. Light food and refreshments will be served and Avery’s album will be on sale for $5. Avery, who was been writing rap music for more than ten years, is a participant in People Inc.’s Life Quality Coaching and Arts Experience programs. He lives with a mild form of autism, but does not let that stop him from writing songs, producing his own beats and performing. 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.