People Inc. Debuts Inclusion Video

Inclusion has always been the fundamental purpose of People Inc. The agency’s longtime values of Improving Lives, Respect, Diversity and Inclusion are meant to guide everyday actions in very practical ways. They are especially important in times of uncertainty and distress. People Inc. has led the way in advocating for inclusion of people with disabilities and continues that work. The agency is recognized as a leader in providing high quality housing for people with income disparities and continues that work. But there is still work that needs to be done.  People Inc. can be part of the solution by standing together against racial injustice. People Inc. has made it a priority to focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for people supported and its staff to become a more culturally competent agency. It’s critical to have conversations, treat each other with respect and really listen – this helps to transform perspectives and move forward together. View the People Inc. Inclusion video as part of the agency's continued expression of its values and commitment.

People Inc. Employee Rick Banner Honored for DEI Advocacy

Buffalo Business First named Richard (Rick) Banner, People Inc. Associate Vice President of Advocacy one of the IDEA Award recipients. He was recognized for being a tireless champion helping people to find and utilize their voices for more than 20 years. He is responsible for developing and directing all advocacy initiatives in the agency, which includes promoting the idea that people have rights and can determine for themselves how to live as independently as possible. Rick leads a team of people tasked with supporting self-advocacy and educating others about advocacy. His work is unique and highly respected throughout Western New York, and includes networking, collaborating with and training staff at other agencies to strengthen the quality of advocacy programs and person-centered planning regionally, statewide, and nationally. He assures advocate perspectives and person-centered-thinking is integral throughout the agency.  Rick is actively involved in supporting the establishment and on-going work of several Advocacy groups and has put People Inc’s Advocacy Team on the map both locally and statewide. He not only supports, trains and guides others in facilitating communication and independence, but through his relationships and leadership he advises the entire agency on respectful and accepted language and practices, enhancing the execution of our mission. Rick does this through building relationships and then escalating questions and concerns to leadership, making true change that affects both employees and people served by People Inc. His groundbreaking work is the very definition of inclusivity. Rick shared his advice on making the workplace more inclusive, "Recognize that every employee has value in an organization and be mindful of a workplace that stives toward universal design." Buffalo Business First celebrates the people and companies around Western New York who make inclusivity, diversity and equity pillars of their business.

People Inc. Expands Health Services in Rochester Area for People with Developmental Disabilities

Expansion creates employment opportunities  People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center, a primary care facility offering primary and specialty health care services, is expanding services into Monroe County, with two locations in Rochester. This expansion is through a partnership with Lifetime Assistance Inc., an agency providing services for people with developmental disabilities. The expansion will increase access to rehabilitation services, providing additional health care options for people with developmental disabilities, along with creating employment opportunities. The Elmwood Health Center provides Article 16 Clinic services at 11 locations throughout Western New York and now Rochester. Article 16 Clinic services are Office for People With Developmental Disabilities-certified treatment facilities providing clinical services to individuals with developmental disabilities.  The services provided enable people to remain in his/her current residential setting and enhance the individual’s quality of life. Services to be offered to patients at the Rochester medical facilities include physical and occupational therapy, psychology, speech and language pathology and social work.  The two satellite offices will be located at: 709 Weiland Road, Rochester, NY and The Lowry Center, 100 Horizon Park Road, Brockport, NY. For more information or to enroll as a patient for yourself, family member or for someone you assist, call 585.719.3420.  As a result of this expansion, various full and part-time employment opportunities are available, including: certified occupational therapist assistant, physical therapy assistant, speech language pathologist and treatment coordinator. 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 and generous paid time off for full-time employees. For more information or to apply, go to people-inc.org/careers . Founded in 1994, the Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of People Inc. is a health care facility that provides a wide range of medical, rehabilitative therapies and counseling services for the general public. Specially designed services for individuals with developmental disabilities are provided. 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. Expands Services to Include Programs for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Deaf Services and Advocacy Efforts Across the Region to be Strengthened Deaf Access Services has merged with People Inc., expanding People Inc.’s comprehensive suite of human services programs. Sharing a common mission to serve the community where needed, the merger was part of a long-term plan when Deaf Access Services affiliated with People Inc. in 2018. The merger adds another element to People Inc.’s portfolio of programs that includes senior services, affordable housing, health care, as well as services for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. It also strengthens and sustains Deaf services and advocacy efforts throughout the Buffalo and Rochester areas. Since the affiliation, there has been a substantial increase in services provided. “The Deaf services People Inc. now provides were built from the ground up by the Deaf and hard of hearing community through Deaf Access Services. People Inc. took that foundation very much to heart with this affiliation, and now with the merger,” said Anne McCaffrey, People Inc. president and CEO. “It has been rewarding to expand these unique access efforts and we expect that growth to continue.” “The merger ensured no interruption in quality essential programming,” McCaffrey said. “Increased communication access, awareness and opportunities are the focus of the programs and central to People Inc.’s mission of helping people live a fulfilling life.” Additions to People Inc. services through the merger include: American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting, Captioning Access Real-Time Translation (CART), assistance with long-term employment, ASL classes, support groups, deaf refugee services, connections to resources, and more. “We are working to build a bridge that allows equity in communication and all levels of access for Deaf and hard of hearing people,” said David Wantuck, director of deaf community services. “With the merger, we have the momentum necessary to meet, and even exceed, our goals.”   ABOUT PEOPLE INC.: People Inc. provides an array of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, as well as health care services, senior services, services for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and affordable housing. Built on a strong foundation of innovation, collaboration, community and inclusion, People Inc. helps people throughout Western New York and Rochester achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

People Inc. Featured in Western New York Family Magazine

People Inc.'s Young Adult Life Transitions program is featured in the article,  "From High School to Adult Life: The College Campus Experience," in the Western New York Family Magazine April 2011 issue of its Special Needs section. Click here to learn more about YALT! Click here to read an article written by Nicole Forgione, People Inc. public affairs manager, to learn helpful tips for parents: "Personal Connection Makes a Difference for Parents of Kids with Special Needs"

People Inc. Finger Lakes Area Open Interview Day

People Inc. Finger Lakes is looking for qualified candidates to assist individuals with disabilities with personal care, household duties and recreational activities so they can live as independently as possible. An Open Interview Day will be held on Wednesday, September 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at People Inc., 835 West Main Street, Rochester. A variety of employment opportunities are available including group home staff (American Sign Language preferred), behavior technicians, instructors, respite workers and facilities technicians. Employees receive numerous benefits, including health insurance, 401(k) pension plan, tuition reimbursement and paid time off. Additionally, People Inc. offers paid training, holiday incentives and other benefits. 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. People Inc. Finger Lakes has joined with its Western New York counterpart 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. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

People Inc. Folwell Senior Apartments Under Construction Slated to Open in Spring 2023

Now Accepting Applications to be Postmarked by February 6, 2023 People Inc. is pleased to bring additional new affordable housing to the Buffalo area. Currently under construction, the People Inc. Folwell Senior Apartments, located at 140 Hodge Avenue in Buffalo, NY, is slated to open for occupancy in spring of 2023. Tenants must be 62 years and older and meet income guidelines. Section 8 vouchers accepted. The four-story apartment building has 33 one-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom apartments.  Information, including monthly rent and maximum income and the apartment application , is available at: people-inc.org/folwellseniorapts Applications must be postmarked by February 6, 2023, opened by lottery at People Inc. Linwood Lafayette Apartments, 637 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY, on Monday, February 13, 2023, at 10 a.m. Features include:   Kitchen with appliances  Storage available Grab bars in bathing areas Central air conditioning in all apartments and common areas Tenants may have one small pet (25 lbs. and under) Community room with Wi-Fi Elevators Laundry facilities Sprinkler system Intercoms for secure access Secure convenient entry and exit through spacious corridors Nearby shopping and bus line  Smoke-free living community  People Inc. is converting the maternity building at the now-closed Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Campus into senior apartments. The apartment building is part of the larger Ellicott Development and Sinatra & Company Real Estate Elmwood Crossing project. For more information or if you have questions, email housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890. 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, 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. Foundation Hosts 10th Annual Golf Tournament

What: People Inc. Foundation's 10th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament When: Monday, August 22, 2011 A morning round of golf has been added this year which will start at 7:30 a.m. The afternoon round of golf with registration and lunch begins at 11:30 a.m.; tee-off starts at 12:30 p.m. Cocktails along with live, silent and basket auctions begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and an awards presentation at 7 p.m. Where: East Aurora Country Club, 300 Girdle Rd., East Aurora Who: Local business and community leaders, along with People Inc. representatives. John Gurtler II will emcee the evening program. He is an American sportscaster from Orchard Park, NY. Gurtler II is most notable for having succeeded Ted Darling as television play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Sabres, a position he held from 1992 until 1995. He currently serves as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Bandits and has served as the public address announcer for the Buffalo Bills. Tournament co-chairs are Robert O'Leary of Parkview Health Services and Mark C. Byrne of Vanner Insurance Agency. Committee members also include Roger Hoffman of Northeast Mechanical, Joseph Lanigan, MD, cardiologist and Gay Meyers, a participant of People Inc. Inc.'s services and a volunteer for the agency. Hole-in-One Sponsors include: JW Swanson, KeyBank and Parkview Health Services. Eagle Sponsors include: CSI, Calamar, Northeast Mechanical, Prism Medical, Towne Auto, and Vanner Insurance Benefits. Why: Proceeds of the golf tournament will benefit the People Inc. Foundation. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the golf tournament event and People Inc.'s 40th anniversary of providing programs to people with developmental disabilities and services for seniors. People Inc. is a not-for profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 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. Foundation Hosts 8th Golf Tournament

Golfers and In-kind Donations Welcome What: People Inc. Foundation's 8th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament When: Monday, August 24, 2009 Registration and lunch begin at 11:00 a.m.; tee-off starts at 12:30 p.m.; cocktails along with silent auction and live auctions at 6 p.m., followed by dinner, and an awards presentation at 7 p.m. Where: East Aurora Country Club, 300 Girdle Rd., East Aurora Who: Local business and community leaders, along with People Inc. representatives. Tournament co-chairs are Robert O'Leary of Parkview Health Services, Mark Byrne of Vanner Associates, along with committee members Alexandra Marzucco Wehr of KeyBank and Nancy Dobson of Uniland Development. Opportunity: Several sponsorship opportunities are available and in-kind donations are welcome. Sponsorship opportunities can be customized to meet company needs. For more information, call Denise Paszkiewicz at 817-7470 or email denisep@people-inc.org . Why: The proceeds of this event will go toward People Inc.'s mission of assisting individuals with disabilities and seniors to enjoy independent and productive lives.