SAVE THE DATE: Roommate Connections Event

Please join us for a roommate connections networking event! This event is open to anyone who is interested in meeting new friends and potentially making connections for future roommates. The primary focus is for those interested in moving to Buffalo and the surrounding areas (ex. Amherst, Clarence, Cheektowaga, Tonawanda, etc.). An open forum with an option to discuss services available to individuals who are living on their own (or with roommates)! A parent table, hosted by the Parent Network, is available. Date: Saturday September 21st, 2013 Time: 11:30am-2:00pm Location: Gloria J. Parks Community Center* 3242 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14214   Schedule of events: 11:30am      Welcome/Sign in 12:00pm      Icebreakers 12:30pm      Breakout Groups 1:15pm        Small Panel Discussion 1:45pm        Wrap Up Light refreshments will be served; please register through one of the designated contacts listed below.  *location is handicapped accessible Please contact: Maya Hu phone: (716) 817-7437 or email: mhu@people-inc.org         or                           Amanda Skorupski phone: 716-883-8002 Ext. 459 or email: askorupski@csdd.net to register or for more information.  

Headway of Western New York Walk, Run and Wheel 5K

Raise awareness for those living with traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities What: Headway of Western New York “Walk, Run and Wheel 5K When: Sunday, September 8, 2013 Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and Walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Three mile scenic walk through Buffalo’s waterfront or one mile available. Where: Erie Basin Marina at The Hatch, 329 Erie Street, Buffalo The event course provides participants a journey along Buffalo’s majestic waterfront. A post-race party at The Hatch will include an award ceremony with lunch and an auction. Participants can run, walk or wheel the course. The goal of the fundraiser is to raise awareness for those living with traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities. The Headway Walk, Run and Wheel is held on Buffalo’s beautiful waterfront and co-sponsored with The Hatch Restaurant. There will be an approximately 1 mile walk and a 5K run, with registration for both starting at 8:30 a.m. and stepping off at 9:30 a.m. The cost on the day of the event is $20. For more information, call 716-408-3100. Like Headway of WNY on Facebook at . Headway of Western New York Inc., an affiliate of People Inc., supports and advocates for individuals with brain injuries and other disabilities. Headway of Western New York Inc. is a volunteer non-profit agency that provides support groups, advocacy, educational materials, recreational opportunities, resource and referral services as well as linkage for case management, educational in-services for students, healthcare professionals and service providers. Through advocacy and education, Headway supports people with brain injuries and their families, for their right to dignity and enjoyment of life. Headway promotes prevention through 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. “Traumatic brain injury isn’t an event that you recover from. It is an event you live with for the rest of your life.”

People Inc. Hosts 12th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament

What:  People Inc. 12 th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities The afternoon round registration and lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Tee-off starts promptly at 12:30 p.m. Evening reception and auction begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards presentation at 7 p.m. Simply go to the website, www.people-inc.org and select the Event Registration & Online Orders button to reserve your team online with a credit card. For other payment options, please contact Sarah Snyder, Annual Giving Manager at 716.817.7269 or ssnyder@people-inc.org . When: Monday, August 19, 2013 Where: East Aurora Country Club, 300 Girdle Rd., East Aurora Who: Local business and community leaders, along with People Inc. representatives. The golf tournament chairperson is Robert O’Leary of Parkview Health Services and Beth Montague is the Golf Auction Chairperson. Committee members also include:  Mark C. Byrne, Vanner Insurance Agency; David Kelsch, Northeast Mechanical; Joseph Lanigan, MD, Cardiologist; Jim Sutherland, Allied Mechanical; and Joseph Abdallah, Investment Executive. John Gurtler II will emcee the evening program. Gurtler currently serves as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Bandits and has served as the public address announcer for the Buffalo Bills. Hole-In-One Sponsors are: Allied Mechanical, Northeast Mechanical, KeyBank and Parkview Health Services. Eagle Sponsors are: Calamar Construction, CSI, Towne Automotive Group and Vanner Insurance Benefits. Why: Proceeds of the golf tournament will benefit the People Inc. Foundation 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.

Rochester Agency Merges with WNY Largest Human Service Provider to form People Inc. Finger Lakes

Recent Expansion of Western New York Non-Profit Human Services Agency Reaches Hundreds People Inc., Western New York’s leading non-profit human service agency has expanded its services into the Rochester and the Finger Lakes region with the creation of People Inc. Finger Lakes . In January, the former DePaul Developmental Services, merged with People Inc. to provide quality services to individuals with developmental disabilities, families and the community beyond the Western New York area. In operation since 1971, People Inc. is Western New York’s leading non-profit health and human services agency. Through a variety of services, including residential, supported employment, community outreach, health care, day programs and senior services, the agency assists individuals with disabilities, their families and seniors live more healthy, independent and productive lives. As an Office for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) COMPASS agency, People Inc. has been recognized for progressing beyond minimal regulatory compliance and having achieved excellence in service delivery. People Inc. employs of 2,500 team members, has over 120 locations and provides 50 innovative programs and services. People Inc. Finger Lakes headquarters are at 835 West Main Street in Rochester and currently serves 435 individuals with disabilities and their families and employs 240 team members. People Inc. Finger Lakes has plans to grow. The agency currently provides a variety of services, including residential, day habilitation, community habilitation, service coordination, in-home respite and after-school respite. The transfer of services between DePaul Community Service Inc. and People Inc. was made after significant changes to New York State and Federal Regulations. The expansion into the Rochester area reaffirms People Inc.’s commitment to working towards a future where all persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities may reach the highest levels of independence and lead productive lives.  

People Inc. Willow Senior Living Hosts Open House and Multi-family Yard Sale on August 23

Applications Accepted for Affordable Senior Apartments in Wheatfield/North Tonawanda Border If your mom or dad is looking for affordable housing or if you are a senior looking to move, consider People Inc.’s Willow Senior Living. To showcase its apartment building, People Inc. Willow Senior Living will host an Open House and Multi-family Yard Sale on Friday, August 23, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at 3990 Forest Parkway in Wheatfield. Whether thinking of downsizing, removing the burden of owning a home or avoiding an expensive apartment, People Inc.’s Willow Senior Living provides seniors the chance to live affordably. Apartments are for seniors, age 62 and up, who meet federally mandated income guidelines. Applications are being accepted and tours will be available during the Open House. A multi-family yard sale will be held in conjunction with the Open House event. Household goods, furniture, books, games, clothing and more will be available for sale. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the tenant fund to support activities. Located on the border of North Tonawanda, the affordable senior living complex is conveniently located to restaurants and shopping areas near Niagara Falls, North Tonawanda and Tonawanda. There are many shopping plazas and grocery stores for the tenants to frequent as People Inc. Willow Senior Living is close to Muscoreil’s, Oppenheim Park and down the street from Walmart and the Wegmans/Tops/Kohls plaza. For more information, call 716-694-1486. People Inc. manages 18 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York providing safe, affordable housing for seniors age 62 and older who meet income requirements. For more information about other locations, call 716-817-9090. 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.

Celebrating Independence at People Inc.’s Newest Location

What: Open House event for People Inc.’s programs: visit the new home of the Arts Experience, Seniors Unlimited, Community Active People Program (CAPP), Senior Day Hab, Buffalo Afternoon Respite, Senior Outreach through Erie County and Headway of Western New York. When:  Tuesday, July 2, 2013  10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. / Program begins promptly at 10:15 a.m. Where: 2635 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo (across the street from the Target plaza) Who: Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, local elected officials, business owners, People Inc. staff and participants. Why: Celebrate Independence with us! Two days prior to our great country’s Independence Day commemorations, People Inc. is celebrating its diverse programs and services that provides independence to individuals and their families. The event includes an opportunity to tour the programs and to get a chance to see the unique resources that these services provide for individuals and their families. A unique feature of this new location is the ability for programs to work together, fostering an environment of continued growth and support throughout the agency. In order to be proactive, People Inc. began consolidating their facilities and resources prior to any cuts in the New York State budget. This new location for numerous programs illustrates People Inc.’s continued efforts to remain budget conscious while still providing quality services and resources for individuals with disabilities and their families all in one location. 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.’s Elmwood Health Center Receives Prestigious Grant with National Impact

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Grant Will Promote Research and Education on Diabetes   Diabetes is said to affect one out of every twelve adult New Yorkers according to the Department of Health. That number has doubled since 1994, and is anticipated to double again by the year 2050. Diabetes has been strongly linked to obesity and Western New York’s rate of obesity tops the New York State’s population occurrence of 25%.   It is expected that increasing patient knowledge on diabetes management and increasing health professional’s training on patient lifestyles will result in better health outcomes . A grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation will allow People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center to complete nationally recognized research and offer more resources to their Western New York patients The grant, anticipated to help health centers reduce health disparities in communities across the United States, will allow the Elmwood Health Center to focus their attention on the medical care and management of individuals with diabetes.   The RWJF grant brings the Center for Health Care Quality at George Washington University together with six health centers located in Western New York and Cleveland, OH to create the Aligning Forces for Quality Equity Improvement Initiative 2.0. The goal is to reduce health disparities in the participating communities and impact the methods of care delivery across the country. The Elmwood Heath Center, located at 2128 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, primarily serves patients in North Buffalo, Riverside and West Side of Buffalo, along with residents of Kenmore and Tonawanda.   The Elmwood Health Center will focus their attention on identifying disparities in relation to diabetes. Research will include focus groups that examine patient care and patient perception of care. The health professionals aim to pinpoint obstacles in patient’s health management and alter their own practices to better address the obstacles. A major educational component will be included with the involvement of a Diabetes Care Coordinator that will be available to aid patients who struggle to manage their health and diabetes. Ideally, the fund will allow health professionals to develop different methods of staff training and patient treatment approaches to best serve different populations. “The purpose is to gain the best understanding, give quality care and help people alter their lifestyles for the better,” said Frank Azzarelli, associate vice president of People Inc. and director of the Elmwood Health Center.   It is critical to learn about the whole person, such as their ethnicity, race, religious affiliation and any other characteristics that may impact an individual’s lifestyle, eating habits and ultimately the success of the medical care they receive. “The staff will be educated on each patient’s cultural or religious beliefs and other aspects which may impact the individual’s health,” added Azzarelli.   The Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) is a nonprofit health policy resource center dedicated to improving health care access and quality. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is the largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care in the United States.   Founded in 1994, the Elmwood Health Center provides primary and specialty care services to a diverse patient base and is recognized locally for its care of those with special needs. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 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.   Contact: Kevin Horrigan, Public Affairs Director Direct: 716-817-7475   Cell: 716-866-5893    

Unique Photography Book Features Images of Abandoned Asylums in Massachusetts

Western New York Native Writes Introduction to book featuring Massachusetts facilities Historian William Loren Katz once said, “If you believe that people have no history worth mentioning, it’s easy to believe they have no humanity worth mentioning.” This quote can be seen on the introductory pages of a recently republished book by the Museum of disABILITY History, located in Buffalo, NY, and its publishing entity People Ink Press. Abandoned Asylums of New England , part of the Abandoned History Series, offers the unique photography of John Gray, who has captured the final throes of the once majestic monuments of medical treatment that were state institutions for treating people with disabilities. Gray, of New England, spent 12 years taking photos that are eerie, yet architecturally beautiful, of abandoned asylums in various towns and villages that mark New England’s landscape. Originally self-published by Gray more than ten years ago, this brand new edition features an expanded collection of images and historical insight by the Museum of disABILITY History. A vast array of Massachusetts institutions are featured in the book exploring some of the region’s most prominent institutions from the nineteenth century, including state lunatic hospitals, state schools for the feeble-minded, tuberculosis sanatoriums and a hospital constructed specifically for people labeled dipsomaniacs and inebriates. Photographs of decrepit hallways, eerie rooms, leftover medical supplies and patient artwork are just some of the scenes that enable readers to envision the lives of the inmates and staff members who once occupied these storied temples of control, treatment and rehabilitation. “When I realized this book was no longer being printed, I contacted John Gray and asked him what he thought about republishing and adding historical content through the Museum of disABILITY History under our recently established People Ink Press,” said James M. Boles, Ed.D., president of People Inc. “We began working together and the interest in the book has exceeded our expectations.” The Abandoned Asylums of New England book is part of the Abandoned History Series published by the Museum of disABILITY History, People Inc. and People Ink Press. Due to a general reluctance to discuss the way those in need were treated in the past, records and memories related to the care and treatment of the poor, sick, and disabled are fading into the past – into the world of abandoned history. The Museum of disABILITY History is committed to preserving the important historical record of these almost-forgotten lives and the institutions and services that evolved over centuries to provide a more humane existence for those in need of care. This book is a part of that effort. The introduction of the book is written by Western New York native Douglas Platt, who is the curator of the Museum of disABILITY History. A resident of Newfane, Platt attributes the closing of institutions to both public outrage at conditions within them, and changing approaches to care. When asked if today’s society has improved the treatment of mentally ill, Platt shared, “The community care model of service delivery for individuals with mental health issues, or other disabling conditions, is a vast improvement over the practice of institutionalization.” One of the goals of the Museum of disABILITY is to introduce the community to a history people may not be aware of: “This book will provide readers with a rich and engaging visual experience, and I hope that it will also lead to a desire to explore the history of individuals who lived out portions of their lives in these and other institutions,” said Platt. “I hope this book will be an opportunity for reflection on attitudes about disability.” The Daily Mail , which is the second most read daily publication in England, wrote a story about the book in its Mail Online. The Australian , Australia’s largest selling national publication ran a story on it as well. The Huffington Post also included an article yielding great interest with more than 800 comments to date. “Due to these articles, we have been getting inquires for copies of the book nationally and internationally,” said Boles. Copies of the Abandoned Asylums of New England book may be purchased online at store.museumofdisability.org or at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street in Buffalo. Proceeds will benefit the Museum of disABILITY History, a non-profit organization. The Museum of disABILITY History and People Inc. established People Ink Press in 2010, which is dedicated to publishing books related to disability history. 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 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 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. Newspaper Coverage: Daily Mail: Locked up and left alone: Photographer captures haunting images of the broken windows, rusted chairs and strange sights inside the abandoned asylums of America News.com.au: Photographer John Gray braves America's abandoned asylums The Huffington Post: Abandoned Asylums of New England Photographed In New Book Art Voice: Mainly a Question of Visions, The Pictures

Janet McNevin featured in People Inc. Employee Spotlight

Janet McNevin is the Employment Specialist at the Museum of disABILITY History. Janet has been an employee of People Inc. for 10 years, and quickly rose in the ranks from IRA Specialist, Program Instructor, and Team Leader. Janet said, “I have so many fond memories can’t pick one, but I can say that the people I work with and teaching independence, and the experience of being a part of an accepting society, each experience is incredible every day.” Janet holds an Associate’s in Applied Science in Animal Management from Niagara County Community College.   Maria Bell, Museum of disABILITY History Docent and Amy Darling, Program Manager submitted to the employee spotlight this summation of Janet’s gifts and talents: Janet is a caring and genuine person. She is a dedicated worker not only to own success but to the success of those she oversees through strong leadership, communication, and training. Janet is selfless, always sharing her time, experience, and personality. Janet has shown tremendous dedication to being a friend to her co-workers at the Museum of disABILITY Hitory.   People Inc. continues to be a leading employer in health and human service with over 2,000 employees. 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.