People Inc. Plays Major Role in Annual Developmental Disabilities Conference

The 36th Annual Developmental Disabilities Day Conference is a marquis event of the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of WNY, which is a collaborative group of member voluntary agencies who provide services to people with disabilities in the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions. This conference brought together advocates, industry connected vendors and suppliers, local and regional agencies, and leading experts to present on a wide variety of topics during the event. The event, run by volunteers, is the largest one of its kind in the United States. People Inc. was a proud sponsor of this event. Additionally, several agency employees volunteer their time and expertise in leadership roles on the planning committee. Receiving awards and presenting during the conference were: Kelly Special, Senior Residential Supervisor/LPN, was honored as the Service Provider of the Year for her commitment to ensuring the well-being of the women who live in a People Inc. supported community-based home and fostering an environment of respect and dignity. Brandon Scott whose original artwork was selected as the logo for the event. Brandon participates in the agency's ArtsWork program and has exhibited works locally and internationally. Dennis Garland, Ph. D., Associate Professor, Niagara University, who oversees the Special Olympics basketball competition received the Community Partner Award for his incorporation of people served by programs at People Inc. who participate alongside NU students with the planning of the event as well as the competition. Jenn Ball, Occupational Therapist, People Inc; Brian Clayback, General Manager, People First Mobility and Joanna Jackson, Physical Therapist, People Inc. presented a workshop on "Forget the Limitations – Focus on Solutions. Learn the Process to Obtain Seating, Mobility and Adaptive Equipment" Jeff Sanderson, Vice President Strategic Initiatives, People Inc. presented on "Best Practices for True Inclusion" along with Sam Mattle, Executive Director, Center for Self Advocacy and Chrys Malachowski. Jeff and Sam are co-chairs of the Partnership Coalition. People Inc. was proud to sponsor this well-attended event. In addition to our award honorees and workshop presenters, the agency also showcased our therapy dog program and art created through the ArtsWork program in a pop-up gallery.

People Inc. Pride on Display Summer 2024 Wrap-Up

The summer of 2024 provided many opportunities for the members of the People Inc. family to show their pride in the agency through area cultural parades, flag raisings and community festivals. In addition to the events noted below, the agency also participated in the Rochester Deaf Festival, the Wellsville Rainbow Revolution Pride Festival, the Allegany County Fair, the Steuben County Fair, and the Amherst Family Health Fair. Thanks to all of the staff, friends, families and people we support for the great teamwork preparing for and participating! Disability Pride Month In Buffalo, People Inc. participated in the Disabilities Pride flag-raising ceremony and sponsored the Artists' Showcase during the Disability Pride Festival. JP Morgan Corporate Challenge People Inc. staff joined with other human service agencies for the annual JP Morgan Corporate Challenge in Buffalo. Juneteenth Celebrations People Inc. sponsored the Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo, marching and staffing an agency table. The team brought home the first-place prize for Movement for our ASL interpretation of a song. People Inc. staff also volunteered their time to provide information to the community at a table at the Rochester Juneteenth Festival. LGBTQIA+ Pride Events People Inc. marched in the Buffalo Pride Parade and staffed a safe zone area midway on the parade route. In Rochester, staff spread awareness about the agency during the Rochester Rainbow Revolution Pride Festival and the ROC Pride Picnic. Puerto Rican and Hispanic Heritage People Inc. showed our celebration of this vibrant culture beginning with the flag-raising ceremony, marching in the parade, and volunteering at an information table. Wellsville Balloon Rally Parade The Self-Direction Department represents the agency at this annual parade.

People Inc. Program Hosting Art Show

Highlights Talents of Women with Developmental Disabilities The Arts Experience, a People Inc. fine arts day habilitation program, is showcasing the talents of its female participants with developmental disabilities. A visual arts show entitled “The Female Palette” will be on view through April 1, at Planet Coffee Company, 1862 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo. The works, incorporating numerous mediums, provide a glimpse into the thoughts, feelings and perceptions of this diverse group of talented women. The People Inc. Arts Experience Day Habilitation offers classes in visual arts, theatre, music, dance, jewelry design, fitness dance and creative writing. For more information about the program or “The Female Palette,” call 716.635.6526. 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. 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.

People Inc. Promotes Lisa D. Newman to Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Director

April 25, 2016: People Inc. recently promoted Lisa D. Newman to program director. Newman will be responsible for overseeing New York State’s Region 15 for the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program, which recruits, trains and supports over 65 volunteer Ombudsmen who serve as resident advocates in skilled nursing home and assisted living facilities in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. Newman moved with the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program from the Western New York Chapter of American Red Cross, joining People Inc. in 2015 as program coordinator for Erie and Niagara counties. In her short time with the agency, Newman has been instrumental in managing the expansion of the program from two to four counties in Western New York. Newman earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Butler University in Indianapolis.  She moved to the Buffalo area in 2012 after serving 7 years as federal liaison for now retired U.S. Representative Maurice D. Hinchey in the Ithaca District Office. Once in Buffalo, she helped Open Buffalo win an implementation grant from Open Society Foundations to increase the capacity of local communities to bring about lasting systemic change in equity, justice, and democratic practice in the city of Buffalo. Newman resides in Williamsville 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.

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.

People Inc. Purchases Land to Expand its Elmwood Health Center

Larger space will provide opportunity for more medical services  September 18, 2019: People Inc. is pleased to announce that it is embarking on an expansion plan to relocate its Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of the agency, by purchasing a parcel of land from Uniland Development. Currently located at 2128 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, NY, on the border of Kenmore, the new location will only be a few blocks down the road at the corner of Elmwood and Hertel Avenues. The new Elmwood Health Center anticipates an early 2021 opening, and People Inc. will then relocate staff from other leased space to the 2128 Elmwood location.  People Inc. is a leading agency at the forefront of providing health services and it has taken great strides to ensure the Elmwood Health Center remains in this medically underserved corridor in the city of Buffalo. The organization continues to seek funding support for this much-needed expansion project. From 13,000 square feet to the new 32,000 square foot facility, the increased space will result in extra services and ample patient parking. The new location will provide nearby communities and families more access to affordable health care, with offerings such as onsite dental services, pharmacy and durable medical equipment.  The Elmwood Health Center expansion represents best practice, bringing together a wide variety of health and wellness services in one convenient location. Core continuing services will include internal medicine; audiometry; neurology; speech, physical and occupational therapies; pediatric and adult medicine; social work; behavioral health; counseling and podiatry. The enhanced care will provide an innovative system for medical physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical support staff and social workers to work as a team and provide a coordinated approach to health care delivery integrating behavioral health. A special wheelchair clinic with an onsite durable medical equipment provider, providing readily available access for assessments and specialty equipment for patients, is also under one roof.  Additionally, a new Dental Clinic will be co-located onsite to provide much-sought-after dental care, an extreme need for people with developmental disabilities. From 500 patients in 1994 when the Elmwood Health Center was established to over 5,000 patients today, the new location will have the capacity to provide services to over 7,000 patients. Increased patient access will also be available, with lower waitlist times, an increase of examination rooms from 10 to 22, and four treatment rooms for primary and specialty care. “We are so excited to embark on this expansion of health care services,” said Rhonda Frederick, People Inc. president and CEO. “Twenty-five years ago, People Inc. started the Elmwood Health Center because we saw the need for people with developmental disabilities to receive appropriate healthcare, and we’ll continue to offer this expertise to even more people with disabilities with the expansion. Their family members, staff and community members are also able to receive great healthcare services with us. Our plans to have more comprehensive services under one roof will be more convenient for patients all-around.” Uniland remains the owner of 18 adjacent acres and one vacant three-story building at 1934 Elmwood. The developer has plans to restore the entire site over the next several years into a mix of office, retail and residential. Uniland Construction will build-out the existing structure and construct an addition and the parking area.  “People Inc. is a great community partner and this new health clinic will add a vital service to the neighborhood,” said Uniland Vice President Michael Montante. “This project is the first in a multi-phase mixed-use redevelopment for the entire site along Hertel and Elmwood. This is a significant location in North Buffalo and we expect neighbors, visitors and passersby to see significant improvements in the aesthetics with this phase.” Uniland is currently working to finalize a deal with another business to operate at the site.  Twenty-five years later since its founding, the Elmwood Health Center now provides services to people from Niagara Falls to East Aurora, NY.  In addition to being certified as a Level 3 Patient-Centered Medical Home by the National Council for Quality Assurance (NCQA), the Elmwood Health Center has received national recognition for its creative use of electronic health information. The Elmwood Health Center has been awarded a National Outcomes Excellence Award for its advanced use of electronic health information (eHIT) in patient care delivery, as well as having been recognized as a Health IT Visionary by New York State eHealth Collaborative. In addition, and in partnership with HEALTHeLINK, the Elmwood Health Center pioneered the online reporting of childhood immunizations to the NYS Department of Health. 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 children, teens, adults and seniors. Specially designed services for individuals with developmental disabilities are provided. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 10,000 people with 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. To learn more, visit people-inc.org. Like us on Facebook at People Inc. and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews.

People Inc. Receives $1.5 Million in OPWDD Grant Funding

Agency receives five grants total, more than any other agency in the state   February 4, 2015: People Inc. has received a total of $1.5 million in funding from The New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to support five projects that address barriers to transforming the system of care for individuals with developmental disabilities. The OPWDD awarded 133 grants totaling $65 million to more than 103 organizations through a competitive Request for Applications (RFA) process open to New York State developmental disabilities providers, advocates and local governments. The grants range from $33,000 to $5.2 million and are funded through the New York Balancing Incentive Program (BIP) Transformation Fund.  Funding received by People Inc. will support five projects designed to remove barriers in the areas of housing, self-directed services and employment as follows: Family Care Project The Family Care program model, where providers open their homes and program participants live as part of the family, will play an increasingly important role in the future service system. People Inc. will partner with Lifetime Assistance Inc. to propose and pilot redesign of the program statewide to make it more attractive to provider families and participants and develop marketing strategies to raise awareness about the program.   Life Quality Coaching Project Transforming our system of care requires a more community-based, inexpensive, consumer-directed way of operating. This project will focus on better preparing individuals with developmental disabilities and their families so that they can embrace the imminent changes, and succeed with a different type and level of support. This project will deploy Personal Outcome Measures (POMs) and the Life Quality Coaching model, a “burst” service that provides short-term intense coaching to reach specific milestones of independence, to create a culture of transition and facilitate the integration of residential consumers into more independent community settings. People Inc. will collaborate with The Resource Center on this project.  Self-Directed Community Services Project Self-Directed Community Services is a choice-based program designed to promote independence as individuals with developmental disabilities and their families build their own circle of support. This collaborative project will focus on deploying technology to more efficiently process payments, timesheets and other administrative duties associated with self-directed services. Janus Systems Corporation will serve as technical consultant developing the full software solution to be piloted. Collaborating agencies include Lifetime Assistance, Inc., Aspire of WNY Inc., Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled, Heritage Christian Services Inc., Rivershore Inc. and The Resource Center.  Employment Project I To advance both Governor Cuomo’s Employment First Policy and OPWDD’s New York Plan to Increase Employment Opportunities, this project will expand three small business enterprises that are currently being piloted by People Inc. to capitalize on market opportunities and create competitive jobs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Employment Project II In line with OPWDD’s Employment-First philosophy, this project will focus on providing legal guidance for People Inc. and peer organizations across the state as it relates to self-employment and new business creation for individuals with developmental disabilities. People Inc. will partner with Capabilities Inc. on this project. All awards will be financed by the New York State BIP Transformation Fund. Projects were selected based on the quality of the application received as well as the size and scope of the project. The BIP Innovation Fund is designed to engage New York's broad network of providers, advocates, and community leaders in developing systemic improvements that address barriers encountered when providing community-based long term supports and services (LTSS) across all populations of Medicaid beneficiaries in the state.  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 $100,000 in Grant Funds from the Patrick P. Lee Foundation

People Inc. is proud to announce that it has received a grant from the Patrick P. Lee Foundation. The award, totaling $100,000, will allow the agency, in collaboration with People Inc. affiliate the Elmwood Health Center, to integrate mental health counseling into its successful employment services. “People Inc. has over 40 years of experience providing employment services to people with developmental disabilities,” said Denise Bienko, vice president, People Inc. “While our reputation exists primarily in this arena, we do have experience providing employment supports to people with mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. We are so grateful to the Patrick P. Lee Foundation for this grant, which will allow us to expand the capacity of our Vocational Services Department, so that it can provide supported employment to even more people living with a mental illness or severe mental illness.” Funds will support a multi-disciplinary team composed of an employment specialist and a licensed social worker (LSW). The employment specialist will provide one-on-one assistance to individuals with mental illness, while the LSW will offer support to assessing participants and helping to craft employment plans. Participants will then receive assistance finding and retaining jobs that capitalize on their personal strengths and motivation.  The project will help People Inc. further promote its vision of a future where all people whose needs limit their integration into the community can reach their highest level of human potential as responsible members of society. About the Patrick P. Lee Foundation The Lee Foundation is a private family foundation dedicated to having immediate and measurable impact in two key areas – Mental Health and Education. For more information, visit www.lee.foundation . About People Inc. 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 .