People Inc. Receives $14,000 Quality of Life Grant from Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for Pressure Mapping System for Elmwood Health Center

People Inc. is pleased to announce that it has received a $14,000 Quality of Life grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The award was one of 74 grants totaling more than $500,000, awarded by the Reeve Foundation to nonprofit organizations nationwide that provide more opportunities, access and daily quality of life for individuals living with paralysis, their families and caregivers. Created by the late Dana Reeve, the program has awarded 2,205 grants totaling nearly $17 million since 1999.  People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center will use the grant for the purchase of the Pressure Mapping System for the Elmwood Health Center’s Wheelchair Clinic. Given the clinic’s strong focus of preventing secondary complications of disability among patients, the purchase of this system will help improve care offered for those with pressure-related skin breakdown. The grant will be used to leverage funds from other sources to complete the purchase. People Inc. and the Elmwood Health Center is honored to receive this generous grant from the Reeve Foundation, and is elated to put it to a use that will aid countless individuals. “It is the Reeve Foundation’s esteemed pleasure to award Quality of Life grants that will help the paralysis community enhance their freedom and independence,” said Niketa Sheth, senior vice president of Quality of Life of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. “We are thrilled to be able to align with organizations that believe in our mission and the ability for those living with paralysis to achieve fulfillment.” The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Quality of Life grants program was conceived by the late Dana Reeve to address the myriad needs of children and adults with paralysis and other mobility impairments and their families. Grants support critical life-enhancing and life-changing initiatives that improve physical and emotional health and increase independence. Funded projects offer a diversity of services and approaches: improving access; providing education and job training; sponsoring organized sporting activities and much more. Quality of Life grants are funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Award #U59DD000838).  The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. The Foundation meets all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s standards for charity accountability and holds the BBB’s Charity Seal. The Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) is a program of the Reeve Foundation, and is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Award No. U59DD000838. For more information, visit www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-539-7309. Founded in 1994, the Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of People Inc., provides primary and specialty care services to a diverse patient base and is recognized locally for its care of those with special needs. 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.   Contact: Nicole Forgione, People Inc., Public Affairs Manager, 716-817-7490, nforgione@people-inc.org Janelle LoBello, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, 800-225-0292, media@ChistopherReeve.org

People Inc. Receives $25,000 in Grant Funds from James H. Cummings Foundation, Inc.

December 21 2018: People Inc. is proud to announce that it has received a grant from James H. Cummings Foundation. The award, totaling $25,000, will be used to construct transitional housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) looking to move from family or group home settings into community living. The project, called On My Way! @ Wayside, will provide a transitional residence for individuals with I/DD to live for three to nine months. During this time, they will develop independent living skills through hands-on learning. Three fully-functioning training apartments will be created along with a large common space for group instruction in cooking, cleaning and laundry. “As the Board considered this project, what really impressed them was the forward thinking of People, Inc.  This project will prepare individuals with developmental disabilities who have the capacity to live independently the opportunity to practice and gain confidence in living on their own. It is a unique service for these individuals and their families,” shared Executive Director Mary Jo Hunt. As Medicaid undergoes redesign, resources for those with I/DD are becoming more difficult to secure. Young people are expected to live independently and find employment, yet many do not have the living skills needed to prepare them for these realities. “With generous support from James H. Cummings Foundation, People Inc. looks forward to paving the way for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live independently,” said Concetta Ferguson, senior vice president, People Inc. “Thanks to their contribution, On My Way! @ Wayside will provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the supports needed to participate and succeed in an accepting society.” James H. Cummings Foundation was established to support the philanthropic vision of its namesake. Throughout its 52-year history, the Foundation has aided countless organizations engaged in advancing charitable interests according to the guidelines and policies espoused by Mr. Cummings. People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with developmental disabilities, special needs, their families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals 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. Receives $25,000 in Grant Funds from the Garman Family Foundation

December 14, 2018: People Inc. is proud to announce that it has received a grant from the Garman Family Foundation, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. The award, totaling $25,000, will be used to construct transitional housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) looking to move from family or group home settings into community living. The project, called On My Way! @ Wayside, will provide a transitional residence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live for three to nine months. During this time, they will develop independent living skills through hands-on learning. Three fully functioning training apartments will be created along with a large common space for group instruction in cooking, cleaning and laundry. As Medicaid undergoes redesign, resources for those with I/DD are becoming more difficult to secure. Young people are expected to live independently and find employment, yet many do not have the living skills needed to prepare them for these realities. “With generous support from the Garman Family Foundation, People Inc. looks forward to paving the way for individuals with I/DD to live independently,” said Concetta Ferguson, senior vice president, People Inc. “Thanks to their contribution, On My Way! @ Wayside will be able provide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the supports needed to participate and succeed in an accepting society.” People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with developmental disabilities, special needs, their families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals 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. Receives $5,832 Grant from Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for Elmwood Health Center

Buffalo, NY - April 21, 2017: People Inc. is proud to announce that it has received a $5,832 Quality of Life grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. The award was one of 102 grants totaling $721,425 awarded by the Reeve Foundation to nonprofit organizations nationwide that provide more opportunities, access, and daily quality of life for individuals living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers. Conceived by the late Dana Reeve, the program has awarded over 2,900 grants totaling over $20 million since 1999. Funding for the grants is made available through the Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) operated by the Reeve Foundation under a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.   People Inc. will use the grant to purchase a new electrocardiogram (ECG) and spirometry system for its affiliate, the Elmwood Health Center (EHC). The equipment, which is compatible with the EHC’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system, is used to monitor both heart and lung capacity in patients.   “We are so grateful to the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation for this generous grant,” said Barbara Johnson, director of clinical services at the Elmwood Health Center. “The EHC serves a number of people with paralysis-causing conditions who have difficulties communicating their health concerns. The new, digital ECG/spirometry equipment will allow the EHC to conduct routine testing in-house and no longer have to refer patients to outside testing facilities. Through this project, we will be better able to monitor and manage our patients’ primary care, and return to the convenience of one-stop health services for individuals and families.”   The grants awarded in the second cycle of 2016 were distributed among a wide variety of categories, including recreation, sports and leisure, advocacy, equipment and other independent living-related services. A significant number of projects focus on community reintegration initiatives such as assistive technology programs, home accessibility modifications, accessible transportation, and accessible playgrounds that create more community opportunities for those living with paralysis and their families.   “It’s important to find balance while filling the needs of the community, especially those living in underserved areas,” said Donna Valente, Director of Quality of Life Grants. “People may live only a few blocks from an outstanding adaptive recreation program, but if they don’t have a ramp to get out of their homes or accessible transportation to get to that location, they can’t participate in the activity, and we really aren’t meeting the overall goal of this program. That’s why we examine every proposed project to see the impact it will have in the community, and try to determine how we can best help them reach their full potential.” 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. The Elmwood Health Center is located at 2128 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY (North Buffalo, border of Kenmore).   About the Reeve Foundation The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. The Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) is the support side of the Reeve Foundation’s twin missions to provide “Today’s Care” and to strive for “Tomorrow’s Cure” and offers a free, comprehensive, national source of informational support for individuals living with paralysis and their caregivers. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB’s Charity Seal. For more information, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-539-7309.   About People Inc. 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. Receives $7,035 in Grant Funds from J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc. and Maria M. Love Convalescent Fund for Elmwood Health Center

People Inc. is proud to announce that it has received a $5,000 grant from the J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc. and a matching grant of $2,035 from the Maria M. Love Convalescent Fund. The awards, totaling $7,035, were used to purchase an additional NuStep recumbent cross-trainer machine and accessories for use at the Elmwood Health Center (EHC), an affiliate of People Inc. The EHC provides a number of services, including rehabilitative care. Since so many rehabilitation clients have limitations caused by developmental disabilities and aging, the NuStep recumbent cross-trainer is a high demand piece of equipment for many undergoing physical therapy. Over the last five years, the EHC has maintained one NuStep, which has benefitted 100 individuals. The purchase of this additional machine allows at least another 50 people to make use of the NuStep and reap the benefits of low-impact, total body workouts for people of all ability levels. The NuStep recumbent cross-trainer accommodates the wide range of needs of individuals, regardless of cognitive and physical impairments, age, fitness level and health status. It is ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible, making the machine a fitting addition to the EHC, which serves approximately 2,500 patients with developmental and physical disabilities. “We are so thankful to the J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc. and the Maria M. Love Convalescent Fund for this generous grant,” said Shelley Curl, acting director of the Rehabilitation Department at the Elmwood Health Center. “With the additional NuStep, we are able to meet the needs of even more patients, allowing us to provide an even greater quality of care.” About the J.M. McDonald Foundation The J.M. McDonald Foundation, Inc. is a trust whose income is used as donations to deserving charities. Primary interests of the Foundation are education, humanities, health, and a variety of social and human services. About the Maria M. Love Convalescent Fund The purpose of the Maria M. Love Fund is to provide interim financial assistance in order to promote independence and enhance the quality of life of Erie County residents with medically related conditions who may be temporarily ineligible for aid from traditional sources and to provide such additional assistance in the area of basic human needs as may be specifically approved by the Board. About People Inc. 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  . Like us on Facebook at  and follow us on Twitter  @PeopleIncNews .

People Inc. Receives 2-Year Grant to Benefit Life Quality Coaching Program

Funds Continue to Support Individuals with Disabilities, Goals for Independence May 12, 2016: People Inc., Western New York’s largest health and human services agency, has been awarded a 2-year grant from the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation to support adolescents and young adults with intellectual disabilities (to age 26) in navigating life transitions. The grant, totaling $231,754, will be used to continue the work of People Inc.’s Life Quality Coaching (LQC) Program, which helps an average of 50 individuals per 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. The grant will enable the program to focus on guiding participants with life-changing goals, such as moving into an independent apartment or acquiring meaningful employment. “We appreciate the Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation’s leadership in making investments that transform the lives of young adults with intellectual disabilities,” said People Inc. Vice President Denise Bienko. The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation supports community programming that results in children, adolescents, and young adults affected by substance abuse, learning disabilities, mental illness, and intellectual disabilities achieving their full potential. 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.

People Inc. Receives Access to Home Program Grant for Individuals with Disabilities and Seniors to Remain in their Homes

Applications Due November 20 People Inc., Western New York’s leading health and human services agency, was awarded a two-year grant of $150,000 from New York State Housing and Community Renewal to implement Access to Home, a program that provides financial assistance in order for individuals with disabilities and seniors in Erie county who have low and moderate incomes to continue to live safely and comfortably in their own residences.  Funds are granted for accessibility updates including wheelchair ramps and lifts, ceiling tracks, door widening, kitchen adaptations and bathroom modifications. Up to $14,000 is available per project.  Applicants do not need to receive services from People Inc. to be eligible for funds. To apply for assistance, applications are available on the People Inc. website, people-inc.org, under the Community Outreach section. Applications must be submitted by November 20, to: People Inc. Access to Home, 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst, NY 14226. For questions or to receive an application, contact Angela Kunz at akunz@people-inc.org or by calling at 716-880-3834. 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. 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.

People Inc. Receives Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency

New Carbon Monoxide Detectors to be Purchased People Inc. is pleased to announce a grant that was recently awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of $46,000. The FEMA grant will be used to purchase carbon monoxide detectors and heat and smoke sensors for the agency's group homes. People Inc. operates more than 100 community-based residences across Erie County, and including parts of Niagara and Chautauqua counties. The detectors and sensors will supplement existing safety equipment in People Inc.'s residences and enhance the agency's safety measures. Installation of the equipment will be accompanied by fire safety training for our residential staff and residents. Fire Prevention and Safety grants are intended to help local organizations address fire prevention and safety issues with the primary goal of reaching high-risk target groups including children, seniors and firefighters. Fire Prevention and Safety is part of a larger Assistance to Firefighters program administered by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. In addition to the funding support from FEMA, People Inc. is also appreciative of the support provided by the office of Congressman Brian Higgins. Representatives from People Inc. have attended the Congressman's Fire Grant Workshops which provide valuable information about putting together a qualifying federal fire grant application. "People Inc. is known for providing individuals they serve with a friendly, safe and comfortable place to call home and this federal grant provides valuable resources as they continue their mission," added Congressman Higgins, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee. 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.