People Inc. Announces Rehabilitation Promotion

BUFFALO, N. Y., March 17 --- People Inc., Western New York's leading social services organization serving individuals with disabilities and their families, announced the promotion of Shelley Curl, PT, to the position of Assistant Director or Rehabilitation Services. Curl has worked with People Inc. as a physical therapist for over 10 years, and will assist with the coordination of agency rehabilitation services. A North Buffalo resident who earned a microbiology degree at the University of Maryland and a physical therapy degree at the University at Buffalo, she will be consulting with therapists, program managers and directors of various People Inc. dayhab locations. "I'm also a consultant to the IRAs (Individual Residential Alternatives), I oversee four dayhabs, there's teaching and my normal caseload at the Elmwood Health Center," she said. For more information, contact Kevin Horrigan, Public Affairs Director, at 716.817.7475 or click here !

People Inc. Announces Retirement of James Boles, EdD, as President/CEO; Appoints Current COO Rhonda Frederick as Successor Effective Oct. 1

Board Follows Long-Term Succession Plan for Smooth Leadership Transition The Board of Directors of People Inc., Western New York's leading non-profit human services agency, announced today that James M. Boles, EdD, will retire as president and chief executive officer effective October 1, 2014, and will be succeeded by Rhonda Frederick, currently chief operating officer for People Inc.   “We truly want to thank Dr. Boles for his more than three decades of service in building People Inc. into one of the flagship human services agencies not only in Western New York but throughout the country,” said Mary Ann Kedron, PhD, board chairperson, in making the dual announcement.   “As the human services field continues to evolve and change, we are well poised with Rhonda’s experience and demonstrated capabilities to continue our person-centered service as a leader and innovator,” she said.   Dr. Boles assumed the leadership position at People Inc. in 1981 and in 33 years oversaw the growth of the agency from 200 staff members and a $2 million annual budget to one with more than 3,200 staff serving 12,000+ individuals and a budget of $144 million.   He is the founder of the Museum of disABILITY History in Buffalo and was honored for his work there with the Hervey B. Wilbur Preservation Award from the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD).  Dr. Boles was also appointed in 2006 by President George W. Bush to serve as an advisory committee member on the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID).   Frederick first began working at People Inc. in 1980 as a direct care staff member after receiving her bachelor’s degree in social work from Rochester Institute of Technology. She later earned her master’s degree in public administration from Canisius College and rose through the ranks to become the agency’s chief operating officer in 2002.   Because of the commitment by the board and senior leadership to succession planning, Frederick was able to assume increasing responsibilities as COO to facilitate her eventual transition to the top agency leadership role.  She oversaw 93 percent of the annual budget and almost the entire workforce in that capacity.   Frederick was also responsible for overseeing all residential and day services, service coordination, in-home supports, senior services and health-related services; and administrative oversight of the quality improvement, government relations, program development and legal functions.   She is People Inc.’s lead liaison with regulatory and government funding agencies and serves as president of the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York (DDAWNY).   As part of the agency’s succession plan the board looked at various options, as well as the environment, future challenges and the agency’s culture, when choosing a successor to Dr. Boles.   “Because of Dr. Boles’ strategic direction, we anticipate a very seamless transition in our CEO position,” Kedron said. “We will continue in that direction as we strengthen and enhance our services as the largest human services agency in the region with a special focus on quality improvement, staff support and continued expansion into healthcare services.”   After the leadership change becomes effective October 1, Dr. Boles will continue to serve in an advisory capacity and assist in the transition until the end of 2014 before continuing in his education, advocacy and research role supporting the work of the Museum of disABILITY History and producing publications through People Ink Press.   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.  

People Inc. Announces the Grand Opening of the People Shoppe in the Tri-Main Center

A new initiative where every purchase has a purpose to support people with disabilities MEDIA ADVISORY What: Grand Opening for the People Inc. People Shoppe at Tri-Main   When: Thursday, June 30, 2022 Program with Speakers: 11 a.m. in the lower level conference room, followed by opening of the store on the second floor. Where: Tri- Main Center, 2495 Main Street, Buffalo, NY (enter from Halbert Street; parking is behind the building in the visitor’s lots or on Halbert and Phelps Streets). COVID-19 precautions in place. All unvaccinated guests are required to wear a mask. If guests are vaccinated, wearing a mask is a personal choice. Who: City of Buffalo Common Council Member Ulysees O. Wingo, Sr.; Erie County Office for People with Disabilities Director Frank Cammarata; Tri-Main Development President Matthew Wolfe; People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick and People Inc. Vice President and Southeast Foundation Board Member Tim Pfohl will provide brief remarks. Members of the Project Development Team, funding partners, community leaders and people who participate in the People Shoppe experience will also be in attendance. Why: People Inc. is pleased to open its newest vocational initiative to provide people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities the opportunity to engage with the community through meaningful activities and hands-on work experience through the People Shoppe. Every purchase supports the agency’s mission to provide a meaningful and inclusive experience, including training for a career in retail by exploring every aspect of operating a store from inventory to stocking to customer service to sales. People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, 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 .

People Inc. Awarded Matching Grant from KeyBank to Help Western New Yorkers with Developmental Disabilities and Special Needs

People Inc., WNY’s largest human services agency, receives $10,000 matching grant March 9, 2015 – People Inc. received a $10,000 grant from KeyBank with a one-year commitment to match donations that will further help individuals with developmental disabilities, special needs and seniors live more healthy, independent and productive lives. The grant is all part of KeyBank’s commitment to the Western New York community, and their partnership with the largest human services agency in the region increases the impact they can make.   “KeyBank believes in helping the community around us because we are a bank that’s not just focused on business,” said Gary Quenneville, president, Buffalo Market, KeyBank. “Through our partnership with People Inc., we can touch the lives of more than 12,000 individuals with special needs and developmental disabilities and their families.”   KeyBank is proud to be an advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities and has supported People Inc. for 25 years. Their first matching gift program for People Inc. was in 2014 to encourage new donors. KeyBank also participates in the organization’s golf tournament and the Supporting Member Appreciation Arts Event. In addition, as part of their capital campaign fulfillment, KeyBank sponsored a conference room in People Inc.’s Museum of disABILITY History. “We are thrilled to have a community partner who believes in our mission and what we do,” said Denise Paszkiewicz, an agency vice president and executive director of the People Inc. Foundation. “Supporters like KeyBank fuel our hope to create a future where individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs move closer to their life goals and dreams.”   KeyBank employs more than 900 people at all its Buffalo area operations, including its network of bank branches. Based out of Cleveland, the company provides investment management, retail and commercial banking, consumer finance, and investment banking products and services to individuals and companies throughout the United States and, for certain businesses, internationally. KeyBank’s grant will match People Inc. Supporting Member donations which are defined as recurring pledges of $10 a month or a one-time gift of $100 or more. To participate, click here . 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. 

People Inc. Business Solutions Featured on Radio Show

People Inc. Business Solutions  was featured on “A Slice of Life” radio show on ESPN 1520 AM on Saturday, September 12, 2020. James Scutt, Associate Vice President of Business Solutions and Vocational Services was interviewed during this live, call-in show. Ensuring that people with developmental disabilities and varying abilities secure and maintain meaningful, competitive employment is an important part of our agency. Scutt spoke about how our agency helps people maintain employment and the many benefits for employers. Plus, Scutt shared information about People Inc. offering cost-effective janitorial and carpet cleaning for businesses, following CDC guidelines, as well as information on Contract Manufacturing. The radio show is  available online .

People Inc. Career Fair

Thursday, March 3, 2011 4 p.m.-7 p.m. Town of Tonawanda Public Library Kenmore Branch 160 Delaware Road, Kenmore, NY 14217 People Inc. is hiring for direct care group home workers, certified PCAs and registered nurses. If you or someone you know is interested in applying, please visit us. Interested candidates can also apply online at www.people-inc.org/careers Earn outstanding benefits: health insurance, 401K, paid time off, an educational advancement program, and paid training.

People Inc. Celebrated Inaugural Dr. Lizbeth Booth Supervisors of the Year for 2022

People Inc. accepted nominations for our inaugural Dr. Lizbeth Booth Supervisors of the Year Awards, which recognized the pivotal role of our first line supervisors who directly support people receiving services. The awards honor the memory and legacy of Lizbeth Booth, PhD, who was an integral part of many different areas at People Inc. for nearly 30 years. Dr. Booth inspired her staff, helped them build their own skills and empowered them to become a resource to others. To honor their mother’s legacy, Charlotte Patterson and Tyler Booth played an active role in this award. The incredible commitment, motivation and character of these employees helps our organization be the best it can be—leading teams that provide high-quality support for people with disabilities, old­er adults and members of our diverse communities. The honorees are: Elizabeth Assad-Penner; Quintella Cottrell; Kenyatta Dorsey; Brandy Drain; Tracie Drewniak; Elizabeth Duncan; Shirley Fernandez; Amy Ferraro; Jesse Maczo; Natalie Moore; Kristen Pocobello; Amy Radley; Charmane Robinson; Samantha Ryan; Dawn Stephens; Brianna Taylor; Nitkita Taylor and Constance Wittmeyer. View a video celebrating these outstanding employees. People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their 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 .

People Inc. Celebrates Direct Support Professionals

18 Outstanding Employees Honored October 1, 2019: People Inc., Western New York’s largest and most experienced health and human services agency, recently recognized 18 Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) for their exceptional work providing supports and services to people with developmental disabilities and other special needs. The awardees, who are employees of People Inc., were nominated by coworkers, people they serve and the families of those they support. Each received a $1,000 monetary award. Recipients of these awards demonstrated superior care and consistent dedication and were selected from nearly 100 nominations. They were announced during Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, a week in mid-September during which DSPs are honored annually for their important work. The 2019 honorees are: Amy Allen; Ashley Banks; Luz Cardona-Valencia; Saraphina Coleman; Khadijah Elliott; Adrian Esposito; Nicole Fudella; Vanessa Gillette; Ashley Harris; Jon Horton; Rashida Johnson; Sabrina Kahwaty; Loretta Kling; Marie Mccoy; Natalie Moore; Carolyn Mraz; Sabrina Scarantine and Marquita Tubbs. 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, their 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, follow People Inc. on Facebook or Twitter @PeopleIncNews.

People Inc. Celebrates Direct Support Professionals 2022

People Inc., Western New York’s largest and most experienced health and human services agency, recently recognized 30 Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) for their exceptional work providing supports and services to people with developmental disabilities and other special needs.