People Inc.'s Museum of disABILITY History Holds Ceremony to Mark the Restoration of the Niagara County Almshouse Cemetery

Recitation of Names Laid to Rest, Volunteer Recognition and Unveiling of Merritt-Spencer Monument Included The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., and Niagara County officials held a ceremony June 5, 2014, at 10 a.m. at the Niagara County Almshouse Cemetery, 5526 Niagara Street Extension, Lockport, to mark the restoration of the neglected cemetery and honor the lives of the more than 1,400 Niagara County Almshouse residents who died and were buried there, most with unmarked graves, between 1830-1916.   Staff from People Inc. and the Museum, along with volunteers, have been working for two years to clear 96 years of overgrown brush and beautify the space. Today, the ceremony included the unveiling of a special memorial plaque and refurbished Merritt monument, the only inscribed gravestone at the location. Approximately 40 names of individuals laid to rest in the cemetery were read during the program. William Ross, chairman, Niagara County Legislature, presented a proclamation for the cemetery restoration event.   Seven years ago, People Inc. and the Museum of disABILITY History aligned with the nationwide Operation Dignity movement to restore institutional cemeteries. This is the fourth cemetery staff and volunteers have helped to restore. Other projects included Jolls Cemetery in Perrysburg, Gowanda Psychiatric Center Memorial Cemetery and Wheater Road Cemetery in Collins. The fifth cemetery restoration is underway at Craig Colony Crematory in Sonyea. In total, approximately 5,000 graves have been touched by the work.   As news of the restoration projects has spread, area families have come forth to identify their ancestors. Through this effort, people like Chris McDonough, a Texas resident with ties to Western New York, have been able to take heartfelt glimpses into their family histories.   “You have given us our grandfather,” said McDonough in an email to Dave Mack-Hardiman, a People Inc. associate vice president who has spearheaded the project. “We never met him as the family kept his life a secret to all of us children. Thank you so much for giving us a small part of his life. Growing up we were told he had passed away in the 40s. Modern technology and your help has changed that narrative.”   “It has been a unique opportunity to help family members identify their ancestors through the restoration project,” said Mack-Hardiman. “Though our efforts, we have helped at least 50 people learn more about their family members.”   It is estimated that more than one million Americans are buried in institutional cemeteries. Many of these lonely resting places have fallen into disrepair or neglect. Row upon row of numbered gravestones or cast iron markers are the eternal symbols of institutional depersonalization. Some families have searched for decades for names or any shred of information about their ancestors who are buried under weeds and tangled vines. As such, New York State agencies like People Inc., who serve people with developmental disabilities, have been involved in renovating these final resting places and have pushed for support for S.2514, legislation that would amend the Mental Hygiene law in order to permit Department of Mental Hygiene agencies to make available the names, dates of birth and dates of death of patients buried in state mental health hospital cemeteries in order to permit headstones and other memorializations. The bill is currently in the State Senate and the hope is it will be approved in the Senate and Assembly in the 2014-2015 session.   Those who have been instrumental to the Niagara County Almshouse Cemetery restoration work include New York State Senator George Maziarz, Chairman William Ross and the Niagara County Legislature, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, Niagara County Division of Buildings and Grounds, Niagara County Historian’s Office, Niagara County Clerk’s Office and Buffalo State College. Orleans Monuments and Calamar Construction also contributed.   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.   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. People Inc. currently employs 3,500 and assists individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity since 1971.  

Niagara County Almshouse Cemetery Restoration Ceremony Honors People who are Laid to Rest and Recognizes Volunteers

What:  Niagara County Almshouse Cemetery Restoration Ceremony, hosted by the Museum of disABILITY History, People Inc. and Niagara County officials When: Thursday, June 5, 2014, at 10 a.m. Where:  5526 Niagara Street Extension, Lockport. The cemetery is located across the street from the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, between Townline Road and Sunset Drive. Parking available in the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office parking lot. Who:  Staff members from the Museum of disABILITY History and People Inc.; Catherine Emerson, Niagara County Historian; William Ross, Chairman, Niagara County Legislature and cemetery restoration volunteers. Why:  Event will mark the restoration of the neglected cemetery and honor the lives of the more than 1,400 Niagara County Almshouse residents who died and were buried there, most with unmarked graves, between 1830-1916. People Inc. and Museum staff and volunteers have been working for two years to clear brush and beautify the space. The ceremony will include the unveiling of a special memorial plaque and monument. 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. 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 Direct Line: 716-817-7490, nforgione@people-inc.org

People Inc.'s Elmwood Health Center Earns National Recognition for Patient-Centered Care

Receives Highest Level Possible from National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)   People Inc., Western New York's leading non-profit human services agency, announced today that its Elmwood Health Center in Buffalo has been certified at the highest level possible by the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Home program.   Elmwood Health Center was recognized by the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) program for “using evidence-based, patient-centered processes that focus on highly coordinated care and long-term participative relationships.” It was certified at Level 3, PCMH by NCQA.   “We are very pleased and honored to receive national recognition for what we do at Elmwood Health Center in coordinating care and communication into a transformational primary care model of what patients want care to be,” said Rhonda Frederick, chief operating officer for People Inc. “It’s a credit to our entire Elmwood Health Center team.” Located at 2128 Elmwood Ave., the Elmwood Health Center provides a wide range of medical, rehabilitative therapies and counseling services for individuals of all ages as well as specially designed services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Among these services are adult and pediatric primary health care, audiology, podiatry, mental health counseling services gynecology, neurology, occupational, physical and speech therapies, and support groups.   “The patient-centered medical home raises the bar in defining high-quality care by emphasizing access, health information technology and partnerships between clinicians and patients,’ said NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane. “PSMH recognition shows Elmwood Health Center has the tools, systems and resources to provide their patients with the right care at the right time.”   To receive recognition, which is valid for three years, Elmwood Health Center demonstrated the ability to meet the PCMH program’s key elements embodying characteristics of the medical home. The standards are aligned with the joint principles of the PCMH established with the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Osteopathic Association. Elmwood Health Center met key PCMH program components in these specific areas: Written standards for patient access and contnuity of care. Use of patient feedback materials Appropriate use of charting tools to track patients and organize clinical information Responsive care management techniques with an emphasis on preventative care for individual patients and for the entire patient population Adaptation to patient's cultural and linguistic needs Use of information technology for prescriptions, test and referral tracking and coordination with other health care providers Use of evidence-based guidelines to treat chronic conditions Measurement and reporting of clinical and service performance According to NCQA, research shows that medical homes can lead to higher quality and lower costs, and improve patients’ and providers’ reported experiences of care.   The PCMH identifies practices that promote partnerships between individual patients and their personal clinicians, instead of treating patient care as the sum of several episodic office visits. Each patient’s care is tended to by clinician-led care teams, who provide for all the patient’s health care needs and coordinate treatments across the health care system.   NCQA says medical home clinicians demonstrate the benchmarks of patient-centered care, including open scheduling, expanded hours and appropriate use of proven health information systems.   About NCQA   NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. NCQA is committed to providing health care quality information for consumers, purchasers, health care providers and researchers.   About People Inc.   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. Senior Companion Recognition Luncheon Honors Volunteers who Assist Seniors who are Homebound and Frail

What: People Inc. Senior Companion Annual Recognition Luncheon   When : Friday, May 30, 2014, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.   Where: Schiller Park Community Center              2057 Genesee Street, Buffalo   Who:   Elected officials and professionals in the area of senior services.   Why:   Volunteers and participants that help make the People Inc. Senior Companion program a reality will be recognized during the event. The People Inc. Senior Companion program helps seniors who are homebound and other adults who are frail maintain independence in their own homes. The program is provided in the cities of Buffalo and Lackawanna and the towns of Amherst and West Seneca with plans to expand.The People Inc. Senior Companion Program could not be possible without the Federal Government’s Corporation for National Service, the State of New York, County of Erie, Cities of Buffalo and Lackawanna and the Towns of West Seneca and Amherst.   A Senior Companion, 55 or older, who lives in Erie county, volunteers his or her time supporting the lives of older adults. They provide non-health-related services such as shopping, errands, light housekeeping, reading, writing letters, transportation to and from physician appointments, daily visits, meal preparation and respite. They alert doctors and family members to potential problems and provide a break to family caregivers.   The Senior Companion volunteers are trained and paid a modest hourly stipend for their services and receive reimbursement for travel to and from the participant’s home. The extra assistance, which is free-of-charge fills a gap in care which, unfilled, would result in costly, unnecessary nursing home and residential care.   For more information about the People Inc. Senior Companion program, call 716-768-2381.   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, Public Affairs Manager Direct line: 716.817.7490  

People Inc. Service Coordinator Netta Rowe Celebrates 40 Years at Largest Human Services Agency

As People Inc. has flourished over the years, so has Netta Rowe, who has been with the agency almost since its inception. Rowe has helped hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities receive services. A resident of Buffalo, she is celebrating 40 years with Western New York’s largest human services agency.   A Service Award celebration will be held in her honor on Thursday, May 29, at 9 a.m., at People Inc., 3131 Sheridan Drive, Amherst.   Rowe has held numerous positions, including secretary, receptionist, administrative specialist and admissions specialist. She has been in her current role as service coordinator since 2004, and works with individuals who have developmental disabilities live in the community. She helps them with obtaining necessities such as housing, day programs, environmental modifications, food, clothing, furniture and medical care.   Rowe shared that her current responsibilities have been her career’s central focus. “Most people stigmatize this particular population, but it is my job and most importantly, it is in my heart to protect, nourish and enrich their lives,” she said.   Nominated by People Inc. in 2003, Rowe was honored with the Black Achievers in Industry Awards for her tireless advocacy for individuals with special needs. The award recognizes contributions in various career endeavors.   In today’s society, it is uncommon to be employed by the same company for more than 40 years, but Rowe would not have it any other way.   “I have stayed with People Inc. because I love what the agency represents,” Rowe said. “The agency has always created a family-friendly environment for the individuals served and their family, as well those employed with the agency.”    Rowe’s dedication to People Inc. is admired. “Netta is a joy to work with and is a devoted employee,” said Tanya Wesolowski, People Inc. service coordination supervisor. “Netta has a genuine and caring heart and a strong advocate for all the individuals she has worked with over the years.”   Rowe has been a positive representative for the human services agency. “Netta is a true ambassador of People Inc.,” shared Rhonda Frederick, People Inc. chief operating officer. “Her skills, caring attitude and commitment to the people we serve is an asset to our agency.”   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.

Leslie Garrity Named People Inc. Director of Public Relations and Marketing

People Inc. has named Leslie Garrity to serve as director of public relations and marketing. Garrity is responsible for the oversight of all aspects of People Inc.’s communications efforts including planning, development and implementation of marketing strategies, communications and public relations activities, both external and internal.   Garrity brings nearly 20 years of communication experience to Western New York’s largest human services agency. Notably, Garrity spent 14 years leading corporate communications at First Niagara Bank and most recently held the title of director of strategic marketing and communications for Roswell Park Cancer Institute. A resident of Williamsville, NY, she earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in communication from SUNY Brockport.   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. Hosting Career Fair

Seeking Group Home Workers, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses Are you or is someone you know looking for a rewarding career experience? People Inc. will host a Career Fair on Monday, May 19 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at People Inc. Southwestern Day Hab., 3763 Southwestern Blvd. in Orchard Park. The agency assists individuals with disabilities with personal care, household duties and recreational activities to help them live as independently as possible. People Inc. has a number of openings with an immediate need for group home staff, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. Evening, overnight and weekend shifts are available in the South Towns with an immediate need in Boston, Eden, Hamburg, Orchard Park and Silver Creek. Employees can receive numerous benefits, including medical, dental, vision and life insurance; a 401(k) pension plan; tuition reimbursement and paid time off. Additionally, People Inc. offers paid training, holiday incentives, entertainment perks and more. Those who cannot attend the Career Fair, but are still interested in applying may do so online at www.people-inc.org/careers . 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, Public Affairs Manager Direct: 716-817-7490

CQL Awards People Inc. with Person-centered Excellence Accreditation

First Agency Headquartered in WNY to Undergo Rigorous Process, Receive Coveted Award   May 5, 2014: People Inc., Western New York's leading non-profit human services agency, has been awarded the coveted four-year, national Person-centered Excellence Accreditation from CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership.   People Inc. is the first agency headquartered in Western New York to achieve this accreditation, which confirms that People Inc. shares CQL’s vision for person-centered solutions to improve the quality of life for people receiving supports and services.     Through a variety of services including residential, employment, community outreach, senior services, health care and recreation programs, People Inc. helps people with developmental disabilities, seniors and families and live more healthy, independent and productive lives.   “The CQL Person-centered Excellence Accreditation process was an important avenue for all of us at People Inc. to reaffirm our commitment to providing the highest level of services focused on helping individuals with developmental disabilities to participate and succeed in today’s society,” said Rhonda Frederick, chief operating officer for People Inc.   “As part of this accreditation, People Inc. will continue to enhance its systems directly related to person-centered services and in empowering the people who receive support from us to make choices in how they live their lives … where they work, where they live, and how they create a community,” she said.   When People Inc. partnered with CQL to pursue accreditation, it undertook a rigorous process to review and improve services and supports.   “It was not only the size and scope of our services but more importantly the level of commitment from our team and our culture, which focuses innately on person-centered services, that helped us through the process to achieve this accreditation,” Frederick said. “It was an excellent opportunity to take a good look at ourselves, with the help of the individuals we serve and their families, and see how we can raise the bar even higher for their future benefit.”   People Inc. was awarded CQL accreditation as a result of demonstrating proficiency in the areas of:   Basic Assurances (ensuring fundamental safeguards related to health, safety and human security) Personal Outcome Measures® (supporting and empowering people to achieve their goals and dreams) Person-centered Excellence (demonstrating organizational commitment to continued enhancement of systems directly related to person-centered services) Cathy Ficker Terrill, President and CEO of CQL, stated, “CQL commends People Inc. for its success in increasing the quality of life for the people it supports. We are pleased to partner with them on this journey.”   For more information on CQL's Person-centered Excellence Accreditation go to   About CQL For more than 40 years CQL has been a leader in raising the bar for human service organizations and systems to continuously define, measure and improve the quality of life of all people. Organizations that are awarded accreditation by CQL meet a stringent set of criteria and demonstrate an on-going commitment to person-centered excellence.   About People Inc. 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, Public Affairs Manager Direct: 716-817-7490 or nforgione@people-inc.org

Susan Conners to Speak about Tourette Syndrome at Museum of disABILITY History

Presentation to focus on strategies and techniques for working with persons with Tourette Syndrome UPDATED - NEW EVENT DATE As part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, the Museum of disABILITY History is excited to welcome Susan Conners, author and president and founder of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State. The presentation, entitled “Tourette Syndrome – What makes us tic?” will take place on Friday, May 30, 2014, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo.   Conners will focus on a number of topics relating to Tourette Syndrome, including criteria for diagnosis, common neurological disorders, as well as strategies and techniques for working with persons with Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders.   Conners, M.Ed. was a middle school teacher for 33 years and helped found the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State in 1984. She has been president of the organization ever since. A resident of Snyder, NY, she served on the National Tourette Syndrome Association’s board of directors for 12 years and was also founder and chairperson of its educational committee. Conners recently had her first book published entitled The Tourette Syndrome and OCD Checklist: A Practical Reference for Parents and Educators. She has also consulted with and made appearances on numerous television programs, including ABC’s 20/20, the Emmy award-winning HBO documentary I Have Tourette’s But Tourette’s Doesn’t Have Me, and a BBC Discovery Channel Special on Tourette Syndrome, to name a few.   The Dialogues on disABILITY event with Susan Conners is $5 for adults and $2.50 for seniors, students and human service employees, which includes admission to the gallery space of the Museum of disABILITY History. For more information or to register, call 716-629-3626.   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.