HIGGINS STANDS WITH RESIDENTS, BUSINESS AND NON PROFITS IMPACTED BY PROPOSED SHUTDOWN OF AMHERST SOCIAL SECURITY

On 74 th Anniversary of the First Social Security Payment Congressman Fights to Protect Services in WNY Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) stood with Western New York residents, businesses, and employees concerned that the proposal to close the Social Security office in Amherst, NY would have a serious impact on the population it serves.  “74 years ago today, January 31, 1940, Ida May Fuller became the first American to receive a Social Security Check and it was because she stepped into a field office like the one we have here in Amherst to speak one-on-one with a claims clerk and learn more about the program,” said Congressman Higgins.  “It is easy for Washington, DC decision makers to suggest people should just go online or visit another office, but this office, with its proximity to the University at Buffalo and a concentration of senior and social service facilities, helps a very specialized population that is best served right here in Amherst.”      History of Service Born on September 6, 1874, in 1939 Ida May Fuller visited the Rutland, Vermont Social Security office to ask about benefits.  Social Security Administration (SSA) employee Elizabeth Corcoran Burke transmitted the claim for adjudication and once approved it was sent to the U.S. Treasury Department for payment.  Ms. Fuller received the first Social Security check in the nation for $22.54 on January 31, 1940.  Steven Serrano, President of American Federation of Government Employees Local 3342, said “Thousands of people use this office every year and that number will grow as the population continues to age and apply for benefits.  Who will be here to answer the questions so many disabled people have about whether they qualify for the Social Security Disability Program?  Who will be here when a young person who just lost a parent comes here to find out about survivors benefits?  And who will be here for the many questions people have about their retirement benefits?  The answer is: if this office closes there will be no one to help any of these people. “ The Amherst facility serves a 268.9 square mile area with a population of 384,515.  The office has seen a 69% cut in staffing over the last 20 years - the largest reduction of the 20 Western New York regional offices – yet they continue to serve a large caseload.  In 2013 the Amherst office processed over 32% of all retirement, survivors and disability insurance claims in Erie County and assisted approximately 36,000 people through that site specifically. Impact on Business & Specialized Populations In 2006, People Inc., a non-profit human services agency that serves people with disabilities, deliberately opened a service coordination department in the same building as the Amherst Social Security office.  People Inc. helps to manage the expenses of 900 individuals that receive a form of Social Security and the agency’s 200 employees that work out of that site work on a daily basis with the 22 employees in the Amherst Social Security office to facilitate cases and expedite problems.  Every year there are over 400 Social Security reviews of individuals for which People Inc. serves as the payee.  A shutdown of this location would not only break an invaluable direct connection between People Inc. and Amherst SSA employees that meets the needs of people with disabilities, People Inc. and the individuals they serve would have to pay thousands of dollars in new transportation costs. A person living in Amherst taking public transit would have to take a bus, rail and walk over ¼ mile to reach the Social Security office in Buffalo – a trip taking over an hour one-way.    “Most of the individuals that our staff at this location assists have a disability.  We moved here almost 10 years ago so that our staff of almost 200 people could help the several hundred people we aid and advocate for at this location almost daily.  The Social Security workers at this location know our folks and are wonderful with servicing them.  Frankly, this move could be detrimental not only to our people with disabilities but the economic viability of this plaza,” said Rhonda Frederick, Chief Operating Officer, People Inc. The University at Buffalo (UB), whose North and South campuses are in close proximity to the Amherst field office, is home to 5,200 international students that rely on the Social Security office to assist with the necessary paperwork for on-campus employment or obtaining a New York State driver’s license.  Ellen Dussourd, Assistant Vice Provost and Director, International Student & Scholar Services said “The Amherst Social Security Office is a vital resource for UB’s international faculty, researchers, and students who need Social Security Cards for their employment at UB.  Since they often do not have cars, these individuals who teach UB’s classes and conduct research in its labs will be negatively impacted.  UB has long enjoyed a close working relationship with the Amherst Social Security Office and is quite concerned at the prospect that it may close, so we are very appreciative of Congressman Higgins’ efforts to keep it open.” During fall orientation UB busses over 200 students to the Amherst Social Security office in one day alone.  International students, many who work as teaching assistants, resident assistants, graduate assistants or visiting scholars, need to apply for Social Security cards to work in the United States.  In addition any international student or scholar applying for a New York State driver’s license must first obtain a letter from SSA.   “The Amherst Chamber of Commerce, representing over 2500 members and 107 zip codes in the Buffalo Niagara region, applauds Congressman Higgins efforts to maintain the full operation of the Social Security office located in Amherst.  This office location is accessible to over 200,000 residents in Amherst and the adjacent community of Tonawanda.  While we recognize the need for fiscal constraints as it relates to the dedication of tax dollars, closing a heavily utilized location that meets the needs of a significant portion of the constituent base is not good public policy.” Impact on Seniors In the Social Security Administration’s own Service Area Review, they note that “Amherst services 17 of the 36 nursing homes in Erie County” and “as a result, Amherst has a large amount of Centenarian cases for the area.” “Closing this social security office will unduly burden tens of thousands of Amherst seniors, forcing the elderly and disabled to travel further to access their essential and hard-earned social security services,” said Senator Charles Schumer. “That is why I’m urging the Social Security Administration to reverse course and keep the doors open at the popular Amherst Office, which serves over 36,000 seniors a year.  These seniors have worked hard their whole lives and earned these benefits, and they have earned first-class service.” Rev. Dr. William L. Wipfler, an 82-year old Western New Yorker, who has worked as a missionary and Episcopal clergy for over 50 years and served in various roles including board member with the Alzheimer’s Association, also spoke at the event expressing concern about the severe difficulties this closing would represent for the elderly.  Rev. Wipfler pointed out how although the region’s overall population has declined over the last decade, the senior population is growing.  According to 2010 census numbers: Erie County’s 85+ population has increased by 27.4% since 2000 The Town of Amherst has seen a 39% growth in residents 85+ and as well as a growth in the 60+ population which now represents nearly a quarter of the Town’s population (23.9%) In Clarence residents 60+ have increased by 40.5% and the 85+ group has increased by nearly 68% Grand Island residents 60+ represent over 21% of the Town’s population, a 51% increase over the last decade, and their 85+ residents have grown by more than 85%.  In the City and Town of Tonawanda, the 85+ population has grown by 63.6% and 51.5% respectively. Higgins pointed out that these numbers demonstrate that the very area served by the Amherst office far exceeds the national average which has seen a 10 year population increase of 15% for those over 65 and 29.5% for those over 85 years of age.  Social Security Administration Accountability Act When the SSA first announced plans to close the Amherst field office on January 15, 2014, Congressman Higgins pledged to fight it .  On January 21 st he sent a letter to the Acting Commissioner of Social Security objecting to the shutdown .  Congressman Higgins plans to introduce the Social Security Administration Accountability Act which would require the SSA to halt field office closings until SSA transmit to Congress a report which includes caseload data, service population and staffing levels at field offices as well as the process by which office closings are selected.   

Author Anthony Antek to Speak at Museum of disABILITY History

Book tells struggles, humor and adventures growing up Polish, Catholic and Bipolar in Buffalo during the mid-20th Century   The Museum of disABILITY History is excited to welcome its latest addition to the Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series : Anthony Antek, author of Bipolar Buffalo – A Mosaic of Minds Journey . The presentation, “The Bipolar Advantage: The Link to Creativity,” will be held on Friday, January 31, 2014, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo . Antek’s presentation will focus on his book, as well as personal stories about living and coping with Bipolar disorder. In 52 stories and 29 works of original art and photos, the book tells the struggles, humor and adventures of a steel-city, second generation working-class youth growing up Polish, Catholic and Bipolar in Buffalo during the mid-20th Century. Antek will address numerous other topics, including positive aspects of the disorder and reflections on the debate of neurobiology vs. social conditions as causal factors. The presentation will also include a Question-and-Answer session. Author of the non-fictional work of literature, Bipolar Buffalo – A Mosaic of Minds Journey , Antek has degrees from the University at Buffalo (BA), University of Denver (MA) and doctoral studies at Tulane University, Northern Michigan University and SUNY Albany. He has had a versatile career in education in New York, Colorado, Michigan and Vermont as a college teacher of the social sciences, college administrator, school superintendent, elementary principal and as a primary/secondary teacher of math and history. Antek was born and raised in Lackawanna, NY to a steel-working family of Polish descent. He and his wife Lynn have been married for 43 years. They have three daughters and three grandsons. The Dialogues on disABILITY event with Anthony Antek is $5 for adults and $2.50 for seniors, students and human service employees. The event fee 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.

Lancaster Resident Michael Horn Promoted to Assistant Director of People Inc.’s Behavioral Health Services

Michael Horn of Lancaster has been promoted to Assistant Director of People Inc.’s Behavioral Health Services. He holds a Master’s degree in Community Psychology with electives taken in a MBA program and concentration on Program Evaluation from Sage Graduate School. He began his career after hearing about People Inc. in The Buffalo News and has worked for the agency for six and half years.   Horn’s new position will involve supervision of all departmental staff, including oversight of individual and group goal setting and tasking, the quality, quantity and timeliness of work, caseload turnover, professional development and participant satisfaction. Horn will also ensure programs/services are survey-ready, and meet or define highest standards and best practices in the region. Horn said, “It is important that the interfaces with agency and community stakeholders ensure a high degree of satisfaction among service recipients, and that opportunities for service or program development are capitalized upon. I look forward to my new leadership role in new and existing departmental development projects that meets quality and productivity standards.” Horn wants people to know that, “Every day I get to see the impact we make with individuals, families and the community. I am part of one of the best rated behavioral services in Western New York and am lucky to supervise the staff that has made that possible. I now get to lead a team to the Monroe/Rochester region to begin development of services there to assist in helping the community there much like we have in Buffalo and Niagara region.” He credits an exceedingly professional staff and coworkers who can adapt to an incredible amount of change. Horn recalls, “Just when I was getting burned out, I started to receive letters from families about the difference I was making in their lives and if it hadn’t been for People Inc.’s involvement, their child would have had to live outside of their home. I have kept those letters and they have gotten me through every Monday since…” Horn is a family man, with his wife Lori and an incredibly gifted 16 year old daughter Sydney that he states, “Rocks at school and theatre!” He also participates every Friday Night in a Wood Bat League and said, “I love every second of it. I will continue to be a catcher until my knees give out.”  

East Aurora Resident Thomas Ess Promoted to Associate Vice President at People Inc.

Thomas Ess of East Aurora, NY has been promoted to Associate Vice President at People Inc. Ess has held positions as a developmental specialist, program manager, program administrator, senior program manager and program director. He has his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Allegheny College. He is currently finishing an MA in Human Service Administration from Buffalo State College. Ess’ new position will involve oversight of residential operations for the Intermediate Care Facility Department and a portion of the Individualized Residential Alternative Department, oversight of free standing respite and engaging the community. Ess wants community members to know that People Inc. can offer so much and so many opportunities. He said, “The friendships I have made with individuals and coworkers at People Inc. are irreplaceable. They have taught me more than I could ever teach or give them. I am a very lucky man to have them in my life.” Ess first heard about People Inc. from The Buffalo News in the employment section after he graduated from college. He recalled, “Shortly into my career at People Inc., I was provided the opportunity and great responsibility of being a program manager in my home town of East Aurora. I remember showing up for my first day as manager at 6 a.m. I was greeted by one individual who promptly told me his life story. I felt right at home.” Ess concluded that, “Every day at People Inc. is an opportunity to do something meaningful.” Ess is also actively involved in serving his community as a Former Assistant Chief and Current Captain of the East Aurora Fire Department. He is a part-time Public Safety Dispatcher for the East Aurora Police Department and Fire Control. Ess serves as ADA Coordinator for the Village of East Aurora. Additionally, he serves as Vice Chairperson of the Enterprise Charter School board of trustees and graduate of Leadership Buffalo Class of 2013.   

Orchard Park Resident Dawn MacMurray Promoted to Vice President for Residential Services at People Inc.

Dawn MacMurray of Orchard Park, NY has been promoted to Vice President for Residential Services at People Inc. MacMurray has been employed at People Inc. for 13 years. Throughout that time, she has held positions as developmental specialist, team leader, program administrator, program director and associate vice president. She has her Bachelor’s in Social Work from State University of New York at Buffalo. Currently, she is working towards her Master’s degree in multidisciplinary studies with a focus on public administration, leadership and creative studies. MacMurray enjoys working in residential services where she began. She said, “In July of 2000, I began working at People Inc. as a part-time employee supporting individuals in a Southtowns home. The house itself was loud and busy and it just felt like a second home to me; it still is.” MacMurray credits her achievements to be based on the opportunities and recognition that People Inc. has for promoting and supporting hard working staff and helping them succeed. She is always excited at the opportunities to bridge the gap for acceptance and understanding in the community. She strives to empower individuals through collaboration with individuals, family and employees. MacMurray said, “Immediately, I felt I was making a difference in someone’s life and the individuals were making a difference in mine.” MacMurray is a wife and mother of two sons. She is a graduate of Leadership Buffalo Rising Leaders Program 2005, and says, “People Inc. presents opportunities for constant collaboration and a working environment with respect, opportunities to learn, and grow with a general sense of commitment by all to ensure the positive and supportive culture at People Inc.”

Grand Island Resident David Squires Promoted to Director of Staff Development and Training at People Inc.

David Squires of Grand Island, NY has been promoted to the position of Director of Staff Development and Training at People Inc. Squires began his career at People Inc. as a program administrator in the Residential Department. He has also held the position of training coordinator and most recently as assistant director of Training. Squires attended Alfred University. In his new position, he will be responsible for the oversight and administration of all agency Staff Development and Training functions. He will also be involved with the provision of training to employees from other local agencies in Western New York. Squires would like community members to know that People Inc. can offer so much and many opportunities. He said, “I originally started working in this field because I enjoy assisting people of various abilities. In my current position, I am still able to assist the individuals we serve, but now it is by ensuring that the staff providing support to them receives the highest level of training possible. I also try to stress to our employees what a tremendous opportunity they have to make a positive impact on the lives of others.”  Squires first heard about People Inc. while working as a program manager for another local agency. He recalled, “We were preparing to open a new group home on Grand Island and I contacted the manager of one of the People Inc. sites on the Island to ask if I could tour the facility. The manager not only gave me a tour of the facility, but also drove me to another site on Grand Island operated by People Inc. and gave me a tour there as well. To me the sense of collaboration and teamwork was amazing.” Squires also has a fond memory of his first year with People Inc. and said, “One of the individuals I was working with invited me to their high school graduation ceremony. It was great to see how proud he was of himself; it was just a great day.” Squires enjoys spending time with his family. He also enjoys playing golf, hiking with his dog and anything that involves the outdoors. He noted that he “likes how the employees of People Inc. put their titles aside to help those that are in need; and as the agency continues to grow, it seems the employees of People Inc. genuinely remember the agency mission and the reason why we are here in the first place.”  

We need your help! Sign petition to stop budget cuts!

People Inc. is part of a statewide effort asking Governor Cuomo to prevent further budget cuts. After three years of reductions, we CANNOT accept any additional cuts without impacting both the quality and quantity of supports and services that our agency offers to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Individuals with disabilities, families, friends and providers of services have been working together to ensure that New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo honors the state's promise, affirmed in the Willowbrook Consent Decree, to care for those who cannot care for themselves, but we need more impact. Please sign the petition and share it with family, friends, self-advocates and colleagues to ask them to participate and tell the Governor to KEEP THE PROMISE TO THE MOST VULNERABLE NEW YORKERS! Please click the link and sign the petition today: Thank you for your support! Here is an educational editorial against budget cuts for services that help people with developmental disabilities. The Buffalo News: State needs to address needs of people who have developmental disabilities

Store Offers Unique Holiday Gifts at Museum of disABILITY History

One-of-a-kind Gifts and Museum Memberships Available Looking for that unique gift on your shopping list this holiday season? Look no further than the charming Museum Store located inside the Museum of disABILITY History. The Museum Store offers merchandise made by individuals of People Inc. Day Habilitation programs. Individuals have created unique items such as silk scarves, wooden pens, jewelry, cement garden turtles, hand painted wine glasses and pillows. Each item is lovingly hand-made and no two items are the same. Holiday cards are also for sale with designs made by individuals served by People Inc. Many items are now 50 percent off, including: Braille jewelry, Nike golf balls, scented candles and apparel. The Abandoned Asylums of New England coffee table book and 2014 calendar make great gifts for architecture and photography enthusiasts! Several different books are for sale, including children’s books from the Ivan the Invacar series. In addition to the many hand-crafted and one-of-a-kind items from the Museum Store, the gift of a Museum of disABILITY History Membership makes an ideal gift for family and friends. There are five different levels of memberships, with each receiving a variety of perks. Community members are encouraged to visit the Museum of disABILITY History to see the latest exhibits. All profits from the store benefit the Museum of disABILITY History’s educational outreach programs. Gift wrapping is also available for only $1.00 per gift (five gifts per person). Customers can even bring in gifts that were bought from other places and staff will wrap them. The Museum Store is open in conjunction with the Museum gallery space, Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 3826 Main Street in Buffalo. 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. 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.

2013 DDAWNY Family Committee Legislative Breakfast and Panel Presentation

“Still waiting?” Tell your story! Parents and caregivers are invited to attend:   2013 DDAWNY Family Committee Legislative Breakfast and Panel Presentation Friday, December 6, from 8:30am-10am Millennium Hotel Buffalo 2040 Walden Avenue, Cheektowaga, NY 14225   The DDAWNY Family Committee invites parents, caregivers and family members to a legislative breakfast and panel presentation. Several legislators have been invited and it is expected that you will have an opportunity to share with them your comments and concerns about the residential waitlist and unmet needs in Western New York. Please register . Space is limited. If you have any questions, email  ddawny@ddawny.org or call 716-877-7007.