People Inc. Promotes Concetta Ferguson to Senior Vice President

April 1, 2016: People Inc. recently promoted Concetta Ferguson to senior vice president, responsible for new program development, service coordination and non-traditional community-based programs. Ferguson joined People Inc. in 1986 as a volunteer and later joined the organization as a part-time direct care employee. From there, she rose through the ranks to become vice president in 2013. Today, she oversees programs that provide nearly 3,000 people opportunities for increased independence and community integration and participation.  Ferguson earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from the State University College at Buffalo and a master’s degree in professional leadership from St. Bonaventure University. She was recently named a Business First Health Care Champion. Ferguson resides in Buffalo, NY, with her family. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,000 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.

Health and Human Services Careers Open Interview Day at People Inc.

People Inc. is hosting an Open Interview Day on Wednesday, March 16, from noon to 5 p.m., at 692 Millersport Highway, Amherst. Full-time, part-time, plus seasonal jobs for career opportunities in the health and human services field are available.   Employees receive numerous benefits, including health insurance, tuition reimbursement, 401(k) pension plan and paid training. Additionally, holiday incentives and other benefits are provided.   Candidates should dress professionally and be prepared for an interview with a resume. Descriptions for specific jobs are listed on the agency’s website. No appointments needed. Walk-ins welcome   For more information, call, 716-322-7050. For those who cannot attend, but are interested in applying may do so online at people-inc.org/careers .   People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,000 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, please visit www.people-inc.org . Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/people-inc and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews .

People Home Health Care Services-Certified Inc. Selected to Provide Nurse Assessor Services for Erie County

Program’s goals mirror agency’s mission and experience People Inc. affiliate People Home Health Care Services-Certified Inc. (People Inc. CHHA), was recently selected by the Erie County Department of Social Services to provide Nurse Assessor Services. People Inc. CHHA was selected through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process.   The certified home health agency will assess the needs of recipients of Erie County’s Medicaid-funded long-term care program, the Community Alternative Systems Agency (CASA). The primary goal of CASA is to promote access to cost-effective care for seniors and people with disabilities at an appropriate level and in the least restrictive setting. Regulated by the New York State Department of Health, CASA’s administration, supervision and case management functions are under the authority of Erie County.   With more than 20 years’ experience providing specialized home care services to individuals with disabilities and seniors, People Inc. CHHA’s work is in close alignment to the goals of CASA. People Inc. CHHA will perform nursing assessments and reassessments in individuals’ residences.   “People Home Health Care Services-Certified Inc. has been providing home care services and conducting nursing assessments for more than two decades,” said Laurie Cianfrini, administrator and associate vice president. “We are pleased to bring our expertise, experience and knowledgeable staff to the county and our community.”   People Inc. CHHA is a special needs CHHA that provides skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutrition services, social work and home health aide services to people with developmental disabilities who need skilled health care, living in Erie and Niagara counties.   People Inc. CHHA is an affiliate of People Inc., 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 and Rochester. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, please visit  www.people-inc.org . Like us on Facebook at  Facebook.com/people-inc  and follow us on Twitter  @PeopleIncNews .

Capturing Grace to be Shown at Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series

Documentary Features Parkinson’s Patients Learning to Dance The Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series will feature Capturing Grace on Saturday, March 12, with two showings at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo.  The film is about dancers with Parkinson’s disease joining forces with a famed modern dance company to stage a unique performance. The 60-minute film is about what happens when those realms intersect. A reception will take place between showings at 5 p.m. with two speakers who teach dance: Cynthia Pegado, teaching artist and artistic director, PDdance, in partnership with National Parkinson Foundation WNY, will share experiences from the production of Capturing Grace. Pegado has brought the unique dance program from the film to Buffalo, inspiring people with Parkinson’s to rediscover the joy of movement with artistry and grace.  Robin Bishop, LMSW, Danceability co-founder, executive director and instructor, will share the importance of dance and movement for all ages, even for older adults. A short dance recital video will feature a performance by Danceability.   The film, directed by David Iverson, is a collaborative effort with the New York based Mark Morris Dance Company’s Dance for PD program. “While Capturing Grace is a story about people with Parkinson’s, it’s also about much more than that. It’s about how you face the challenges life can throw your way in any number of circumstances,” said Dave Iverson, director of Capturing Grace. “For me, the film is about both the power of community and the power of the human spirit,” added Iverson who was diagnosed with Parkinson’ in 2004, and has experienced a slow progression of symptoms. “I hope it’s a story that resonates with audiences of all kinds and I’m so pleased that the Museum of disABILITY History is bringing the film to Buffalo.” The free event is presented by the Museum of disABILITY History and Danceability. For no-cost tickets, call 716-629-3626. Pre-registration required. Donations accepted for the Museum of disABILITY History, Danceability and the National Parkinson Foundation WNY Chapter. Danceability is an individualized dance, fitness and movement program serving the special needs community. The studio is led by qualified staff and dedicated volunteers who create a nurturing environment that empowers students to flourish and grow while promoting a healthy lifestyle. 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.

Six Appointed to Serve on the People Enterprises Board of Directors

Six area leaders have been appointed to the board of directors of People Enterprises. The new board members are: Robert O’Leary, Denise Bienko, Christopher Jacobs, David Pawlik, Laura Ryan and Timothy Vaeth. People Enterprises is a for profit corporation that was recently formed to ensure People Inc., Western New York’s leading health and human service agency, continues to be a leader and stay ahead of the curve as the system of care for individuals with developmental disabilities converts to a managed care environment. Robert O’Leary, vice president of Parkview Health Services, LLC, has been appointed board president. He has been an active People Inc. Foundation board member for the past 10 years, currently serving as its treasurer and a member of the investment committee. In 2007- 2009, he chaired the Foundation’s Jeremy Project Campaign, a successful initiative that raised more than $100,000 in funds to build a People Inc. specialty home in North Tonawanda for individuals with intensive medical concerns. He has also chaired the People Inc. Foundation’s Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament for the past 14 years, raising a record-breaking $103,000 in 2015. O’Leary is chairman of the boards of Spectrum Human Services and its Foundation. A resident of Buffalo, he also serves on the board of the Community Services Support Foundation. Denise Bienko, vice president at People Inc., has been appointed board secretary. With more than 28 years of experience at People Inc., she is responsible for overseeing the agency’s corporate governance affairs, grants, program development, long-range planning, marketing communications and government and community relations, as well as family advisory functions. She also serves as executive director of the People Inc. Foundation. Active in the community, she serves on the boards of Leadership Buffalo (2003 graduate), Museum of disABILITY History and is a founding board member of the International Policy Governance Association. She serves on the management board of the Western New York Coalition of Pooled Trusts and as an advocate and appointed public official for the New York State Surrogate Decision-Making Panel. She is also on the Susan G. Komen Foundation’s marketing committee, is an ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation and is part of the 2015 Buffalo Niagara Partnership Executive Exchange Program. A resident of Hamburg, she has a bachelor’s degree from Houghton College and a master’s degree from St. Bonaventure University. Chris Jacobs, Erie county clerk, is a strong advocate for expanding economic development. Prior to becoming county clerk, he was a real estate developer who focused on renovating older buildings in Buffalo’s Theater, Cobblestone and Larkin Districts. Active in the community, Jacobs serves on the boards of Buffalo Place, the Freedom Station Coalition and he is a past board member of the Catholic Academy of West Buffalo and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy. A resident of Buffalo, Jacobs has a law degree from SUNY Buffalo, a MBA from the American University in Washington, DC. and a BA from Boston College.  David Pawlik, president of Creative Structures Services, Inc., has more than 25 years of project development and government relations experience. He previously served as vice president of pre-construction/development for Savarino Construction Corporation and as vice president for Clover Management. Prior to these roles, he had a 15-year career with the City of Buffalo, serving as commissioner of housing/community development. Pawlik is acting president of the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association and serves on the boards of the Community Services Support Foundation, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy and Saving Grace Ministry. A resident of Buffalo, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Niagara University. Laura Ryan is president of LAMA Innovation Inc., a facilitation and training firm specializing in creative problem solving and strategic planning. Ryan’s clients include Greatbatch, Hasek’s Heroes, UBMD Pediatrics, Jiffy-Tite, Ashton Potter, the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, ComEd, and PepsiCo. She is also the founder of Creativity-International, which provides creativity training for a worldwide audience including King Saud University, NIPA Korea and Tunghai University in Taiwan. She has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Boston University and an M.S. in Creativity and Innovation from the International Center for Studies in Creativity at SUNY Buffalo State. In addition, Ryan holds certificates in Six Sigma, Lean Practices and FourSight. A resident of Buffalo, Ryan proudly serves on the Foundation Board of The Summit Center and the Family Council of WCHOB. Timothy Vaeth is owner of JTVaeth Development and has more than 23 years of real estate development experience. Prior to forming his own company, Vaeth was president at TM Montante Development where he played a lead role on the disposition and redevelopment of the former Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital. Prior to that, he served as vice president of development at Ciminelli Real Estate Corporation. Vaeth has played an integral role in numerous major development projects for high profile international companies, private institutions and government agencies. Active in the community, Vaeth serves on the boards of the Kaleida Health Foundation and Kevin Guest House. A resident of Clarence Center, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Canisius College and a master’s degree from John Hopkins University.  People Enterprises serves as a platform for identifying and implementing innovative solutions to assist People Inc. in its primary mission to ensure our community’s most vulnerable people, individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs, and senior adults, lead independent and productive lives. Board members will serve one year, renewable terms and will be responsible for reviewing plans and strategies, offering insights and acting as a sounding board for new business development. 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.

People Inc. Receives Grant from First Niagara Foundation to Help Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Achieve Gains in their Life Goals

Targeted effort focuses on financial literacy and self-sufficiency January 22, 2016: People Inc., Western New York’s leading health and human services agency, was awarded a $5,000 grant from the First Niagara Foundation to support individuals with disabilities in developing skills to lead day-to-day lives that are fulfilling and personally satisfying. People Inc. will use the funding to support its Life Quality Coaching (LQC) Program which helps an average of 50 individuals each month, and provides each with the opportunity to work towards a goal that doesn’t necessarily fit into the box of traditional programming. Individuals work closely with a life quality coach to achieve their goals in a three to six month time span, enough time to gain the confidence and tools needed to move forward with the goal on their own. Sometimes the goals are as small as learning to take the bus. Others can be life-changing such as moving into an independent apartment. In addition to supporting the overall program, funds will also be used to enable young women to gain important personal finance skills including budgeting, planning, savings and understanding credit so that they can move closer to self-sufficiency. In alignment with its Mentoring MattersSM Program, First Niagara staff will join with life quality coaches, serve as volunteer mentors and utilize a hands-on approach to assist participants of the program in developing money management skills. “Giving individuals with disabilities the tools they need to confidently achieve their dreams can have a significant impact on them and those around them,” said People Inc. Program Director Alison Smith. “The effects of life quality coaching are life-long, and we are so grateful to the First Niagara Foundation for recognizing the value of the program and partnering with us.” An innovative leader in the human services field, People Inc.’s LQC program was developed by driven employees who became certified Special Needs Life Quality Coaches™ through a 16-week certification course provided by TERI, Inc., a California non-profit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities. The program is built on a system of mutual accountability between the life quality coach and individual as they develop a contract with expected outcomes and goals, as well as respective roles in moving toward achieving that goal.   Recent program success stories include Buffalo resident Phil Stroth who wanted to join a gym and learn how to use the equipment. He now visits the gym confidently on his own and feels stronger than ever. Depew resident Jen Giolando dreamed of becoming a basketball coach and was able to secure a spot coaching for a local team. Tyler William-Smith of Lockport wanted to acclimate to college life and purchase a laptop. He is now an active college student studying sports management. To see their stories and more, click here . “First Niagara is committed to supporting initiatives that provide opportunities for all individuals to reach their full potential,” said Elizabeth Gurney, executive director of the First Niagara Foundation. “We are proud to work with People Inc. to offer initiatives that increase self-sufficiency and create a thriving community.” 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.

Museum of disABILITY History to Host Workshop on Tourette Syndrome

Session to Focus on Methods of Managing Tourette Syndrome In and Outside of School The Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to host a unique workshop on Saturday, February 6, 2016, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo. The session, “Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders in the Classroom” (2016 session),” will be presented by President and Founder of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State, Susan Conners, MEd. The workshop is held in association with Learning Partners. Focusing on topics such as methods of managing Tourette Syndrome (TS) and associated disorders in and outside of school, 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 to register is $40 for adults (with an additional fee of $30 for those pursing CEU credit) and $10 for students. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served. Wi-Fi available.  It is advised to register early as the workshop will be limited to the first 60 participants. Registration and payment is due by January 29. Registration forms are available online at museumofdisability.org or call 716.629.3626 with payment information.  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.

New Traveling Exhibit to be Unveiled at Niagara Falls Public Library

Exhibit details the work of Dr. Platt Skinner who operated a school for African-American children with disabilities in Niagara Falls before the Civil War What: Museum of disABILITY History Unveils New Traveling Exhibit, Dr. Skinner: Disability Educator, Advocate and Abolitionist When: Thursday, January 7, 2016, at 2 p.m. Where: Niagara Falls Public Library, Earl W. Brydges Building 1425 Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY. Information: The interpretive exhibit immerses visitors in the experiences of Dr. Platt Skinner’s struggle for abolition in Niagara Falls, NY. Dr. Skinner established a school for African-American children with disabilities in the shadow of the suspension bridge in 1860. The exhibit, produced through a generous grant from the Niagara Falls Area National Heritage District, will explore dozens of compelling and persuasive visual images. The Niagara Falls Public Library is serving as the first host for the Museum of disABILITY's new traveling exhibit detailing the life and work of Dr. Platt Skinner. Speakers at the event include: James M. Boles, EdD, founder of the Museum of disABILITY History and author of Dr. Skinner’s Remarkable School for Colored Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Children 1857-1860 and They Did No Harm: Alternative Medicine in Niagara Falls, NY, 1830-1930 , and Sara Capen, executive director, Niagara Falls National Heritage Area. 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.

People Inc. Rochester Open Interview Day at Monroe Community College, Brighton Campus

People Inc. is recruiting staff who are looking for residential group homes, instructors and respite worker positions in the Rochester area. An Open Interview Day will be held on Wednesday, January 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Monroe Community College, Brighton Campus, 1000 East Henrietta Road, Rochester. Interviews will be held in The Warshof Conference Center, Forum Room.  Qualified candidates assist individuals with disabilities with personal care, household duties and recreational activities so they can live as independently as possible. Employees receive numerous benefits, including flexible hours for a more balanced life,  tuition reimbursement, paid new hire orientation, health insurance, paid time off for full time employees and 401k with employer match plan. Candidates should dress professionally and be prepared for an interview with a resume. Descriptions for specific jobs are listed on the agency’s website. For those who cannot attend, but are interested in applying may do so online at people-inc.org/careers . In 2012, People Inc. expanded its services into Monroe County  to provide quality services to individuals with developmental disabilities, families and the community. 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 and Rochester. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.