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.

People Inc. Receives Grant to Expand Intensive Behavior Training and Counseling Program

Funds allow program to serve 20 additional individuals June 14, 2016: People Inc., Western New York’s largest health and human services agency, has received a grant from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Family Support Services Program. The award, totaling $78,513, will allow People Inc. to expand the capacity of its Intensive Behavior Training and Counseling (IBTC) Program. The IBTC Program provides individuals with developmental disabilities who reside with their families a variety of behavior support services, including functional assessment of problem behaviors, development of behavior intervention plans and psycho-educational coaching.  Additional supports are also provided to address the needs of individuals with autism and those experiencing significant behavioral or psychiatric difficulties. Currently, there is a waitlist for People Inc.’s program, but the grant will be used, in part, to hire a new fulltime behavior specialist, who will serve an additional 20 families, annually. For more information on the IBTC Program, call 716.880.3700. “We are so thankful to the OPWDD and its Family Support Services Council for their investment in a program that helps ensure families can continue to take care of their children at home,” said Denise Bienko, vice president, People Inc. 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 in achieving 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 Grant to Sustain Transportation Services for Respite Program

July 28, 2016: People Inc., Western New York’s largest health and human services agency, has received a grant from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Family Support Services Program. The award, $31,367, will allow People Inc. to provide transportation for individuals attending two of the agency’s respite programs, After the Belle (ATB) and Buffalo Afternoon Respite (BAR). The Buffalo-based programs, which currently serve 22 young people with developmental disabilities, ages 4 to 21, offer after school recreational and creative activities, help with homework, and peer socialization. For parents, guardians and caregivers, the afternoon sessions provide an opportunity to work full days and complete errands. Since 2012, the programs have provided transportation, but a combination of insufficient revenue and funding cuts have made the service unsustainable. The award from OPWDD Family Support Services Program will allow ATB and BAR to continue offering transportation with a vehicle that has the capacity to seat all participants, including one who utilizes a wheelchair. Funding will be used to staff the vehicle with a driver and an attendant. “We are so thankful to the OPWDD and its Family Support Services Council for their support of our programs for young people with developmental disabilities,” said Denise Bienko, vice president, People Inc. “Without transportation, many individuals wouldn’t be able to attend the programs, which open up opportunities to develop skills and build friendships that are so important at that age.” 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 in achieving 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. Recognizes Performance Advantage Company as Business Partner of the Year

Since 2020, People Inc. has enjoyed a partnership with Performance Advantage Company , a privately-owned company that manufactures specialty mount tools for the fire industry, military and more. The People Inc. Contract Manufacturing team works with Performance Advantage to assemble handlelok kits. People Inc. recently presented the company with a 2022 Business Partner of the Year Award! “The partnership is one of great value to our employees,” shared Ken Levan, Business and Industrial Services Manager for People Inc. Contract Manufacturing. “It gives them a feeling of contributing to the community and a sense of belonging, with the added bonus of earning a paycheck.”

People Inc. Respite…Where Friends and Fun Meet!

People enrolled in our Hamburg-based Southtowns Afternoon Respite had a blast this summer, visiting local attractions and taking part in fun activities! Staff took special care to plan each trip, catering the group’s schedule to attendees’ wants and needs. From sporting events to skill-building, there were tons of things to do and see. Some examples include: Joining a boating excursion on Lake Erie through Excalibur Leisure Skills Center, Inc. Blueberry-picking and a enjoying a ropes course at Blueberry Treehouse Farm Taking a gallery tour and experiencing a workshop at Burchfield Penny Art Center Cheering on the Buffalo Bisons at an exciting home game Interacting with therapy goats and exploring the space at Rowandale Goat Farm Southtowns Afternoon Respite is part of People Inc.’s Respite Services, which offer enriching activities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while families get a break from everyday care. Our dedicated staff create a safe, nurturing environment where people can grow their skills, socialize and gain meaningful relationships. Learn more . Check out photos from Southtowns Afternoon Respite in the gallery below! (Click to expand each picture)

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.

People Inc. Seeking Community Based Instructors

Hosting Recruitment Event at Erie Community College November 14, 2016: People Inc., Western New York’s largest and most experienced health and human services agency, is seeking community based instructors to work one on one with people who have disabilities, helping them in their homes and in the community. An informative career event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Erie Community College, South Campus Cafeteria, 4041 Southwestern Boulevard in Orchard Park. Recruiting staff and hiring managers will be available to meet with interested candidates. No appointments needed. Applicants are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes, dress professionally and will have the opportunity to interview at the event, if they wish. A detailed description of the community based instructor position is listed on the agency’s website. Those who cannot attend, but are interested in applying may do so online at people-inc.org/careers. With a staff of 3,400, People Inc. is one of Western New York’s largest employers and offers a number of great employee benefits including tuition reimbursement, 401(k) pension plan with employer match, paid time off, no employee contribution toward the health insurance premium and more. For more information, call 716.322.7050. About People Inc. 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. Seeks New Businesses to Employ People with Disabilities

October 2, 2020: Ensuring that people with developmental disabilities and varying abilities secure and maintain meaningful, competitive employment is an important part of what People Inc. does year-round. Each October, People Inc. recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time set aside to acknowledge the talents and valuable contributions of workers with disabilities. This year marks not only the 75th observance of NDEAM, but also the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act – two milestones encompassing the theme, “Increasing Access and Opportunity.” People Inc. is seeking new businesses in Western New York and the Greater Rochester region to join its current 300 business partners. Several business solutions have been established that offer high-quality work, ranging from janitorial and carpet cleaning to workforce solutions and contract manufacturing. Additionally, People Inc. helps companies fill openings specific to their need and demand. Hiring a qualified person with a disability brings greater benefits beyond just filling an open job, including a return on investment, marketing, innovation and diverse perspectives that all contribute to a successful business. People Inc. is proud to support people in their career goals through its Supported Employment and Vocational Programs. Regardless of physical or cognitive disability and sensory impairment, people have the right to equal employment opportunities.  The goal of the agency’s Vocational Services is to help people with all abilities find a job that is suitable to their specific interests, strengths and abilities. “Besides providing a quality product to our customers, equally important is the opportunity that these businesses provide to those whom we support,” said James Scutt, associate vice president, People Inc. “We have been excited to see the change in businesses perceptions around the hiring of people from this largely unrecognized labor market,” added Scutt. “That’s why People Inc. has taken the approach that if there is not a good job match in traditional employment opportunities, we create them so that people who are ready and willing to work, can. These jobs are competitive and integrated and provide real wages to the people we support.” A nationwide effort has been made to encourage businesses to understand the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, a skilled group of job seekers who are unemployed at a rate that is twice that of job seekers without disabilities. If a person with a disability would like to learn more or for businesses to find out how to partner with People Inc., email James Scutt at jscutt@people-inc.org or call its Vocational Services Department at 716-817-5750. 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, 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 .