Museum of disABILITY History Unveils “Little Differences: The Portrayal of Children with disABILITIES Throughout History” Exhibit

April 8, 2013: People Inc.’s Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to unveil its newest exhibit called, “Little Differences: The Portrayal of Children with disABILITIES Throughout History.” An opening reception will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street in Buffalo.   The “Little Differences” exhibit includes a six panel banner stand showing how children with disabilities have been depicted from the biblical era to modern times in art, literature, heroic characters, telethons and media campaigns. A selection of artifacts from the Museum’s collection will be on display to complement the banner stands, including a selection of classic fundraising posters and photographs.   Children with disabilities have often been used as “poster children” to raise funds and awareness. To help make a connection, organizations put a face on disability – the face was often a young one intended to rouse the audience to action. The images have helped shape perceptions. The keynote speaker for the event is Michael A. Rembis, Ph.D., director of the Center for Disability Studies at the University at Buffalo and assistant professor in the Department of History. Along with Douglas Platt, curator for the Museum of disABILITY History, Dr. Rembis assisted with the development of the exhibit. The exhibit is supported by the New York Council for the Humanities and Erie County. The exhibit will be open to the public to view until the end of August. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 716-629-3626. Walk-ins and group tours welcome.   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.

Limited Time Offer Available for People Inc. Senior Living

Does your mom, dad or grandparent need a safe senior apartment based on income? Is your loved one having difficulties managing household expenses and maintenance? People Inc. Senior Living can help with affordable and safe living in many nearby neighborhoods! For a limited time, a special move-in allowance is being offered – here are the steps: 1. Apply to the participating People Inc. Senior Living location by June 1, 2013. 2. Move in by December 31, 2013. 3. Receive $300 move-in allowance after third month of residency. Participating Locations: Daffodil in Amherst Lilly in Blasdell Holly in Angola Marigold in Grand Island Pine in Lockport Seneca-Cazenovia in South Buffalo Sunflower Apartments in Lackawanna Leisuretimers in Akron For more details, please see the flyer or call 716.817.9090.

SNAPCAP elects 2013 officers

SNAPCAP (Safety Net Association of Primary Care Affiliated Providers) announced on March 25, 2013 that it has elected its 2013 slate of officers. Frank Azzarelli, associate vice president of the Elmwood Health Center, People, Inc. was elected as chair; Joanne Haefner, executive director of the Neighborhood Health Center, was elected vice chair and Raymond Ganoe, executive vice president of Evergreen Health Services, was elected as treasurer.  SNAPCAP is an organization of community-based primary care health centers in western New York that act to broaden access to health services by addressing concerns at the policy level, offering a forum for sharing information, learning and initiatives, as well as provide mutual support. SNAPCAP’s purpose is to bring stakeholders into the safety net planning process and pursue shared services approaches that reduce costs and improve access to quality health care. The Safety Net Association of Primary Care Affiliated Providers of WNY, SNAPCAP, is an organization of community-based primary care health centers in Western New York that acts to broaden access to health services, addressing concerns at the policy level, offering a forum for sharing information, learning and initiatives, and by providing mutual support. There are currently fifteen (15) member organizations of which People Inc. is a Founding Member. According to Frank Azzarelli, “As Chair, I am committed to leading a transition in the health care delivery model whereby primary care will be a driver of health policy and delivery in Western New York, with providers of primary services to the disenfranchised and underserved adding to the diversity of voices working to ensure that all people are within a well-managed and effective health delivery system.”   There are currently 16 SNAPCAP member organizations. Members include: ·         Aspire of WNY ·         Catholic Health ·         Community Health Center of Buffalo ·         Erie County Medical Center ·         Evergreen Health Services ·         Jericho Road Family Practice  ·         Kaleida Health  ·         Mount St. Mary’s Hospital ·         Neighborhood Health Center ·         Oak Orchard Health Center ·         People, Inc., Elmwood Center  ·         Planned Parenthood of WNY ·         Universal Primary Care ·         The Chautauqua Center  ·         The Resource Center ·         UBMD Family Medicine at Jefferson To learn more about SNAPCAP, email snapcapwny@gmail.com .

URGENT BUDGET UPDATE - Thank Legislators and seek the Governor's agreement

We have spoken. And due to your tremendous help and support, we have been heard! Unfortunately this is not the end of the process. We must act now! What has happened: The Senate and Assembly one-house budget bills recommend restoration of the $120 million (state share) cut in funding proposed in the Governor’s 30-day budget amendments (a massive $240 million hit on persons with developmental disabilities and the voluntary agencies providing supports and services to these individuals.)  But, the Governor is not there yet.  He sees this as mere belt tightening and not the devastation for individuals with disabilities and their families. What needs to happen: We need to continue to gather support from our state senators and legislators and apply pressure on the Governor. What you can do (Contact information and talking points below.) : 1. CONTACT THE GOVERNOR 2. CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATOR AND LEGISLATOR 3. CONTACT THE GOVERNOR’S REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE CONTACT THE GOVERNOR The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor of New York State NYS Capitol Albany NY 12224 518-474-8390 · These moneys need to be restored and alternative resources should be used to close the budget gap. · Ask him to agree to close the budget gap using alternative resources available and not reduce spending for people with developmental disabilities · Over the past several years, reductions in supports and services of more than $350 million have already been made. · This cut will have a devastating impact on these individuals, their families and the 12,500 employees of Western New York and Finger Lake agencies who provide direct support and assistance and ensure their health and safety. CONTACT YOUR STATE SENATOR AND LEGISLATOR Assembly Switchboard is 518-455-4100 Senate Switchboard is 518-455-2800 Assembly Switchboard is 518-455-4100 Senate Switchboard is 518-455-2800   Don’t know who your senator or legislator are? Use these websites: · Thank the member for their efforts to fully restore the proposed $120 million cut. Tell them how much you appreciate that each one-house budget bill includes the full restoration.  · Ask them to continue to support the restoration during the budget deliberation process and to contact their colleagues on the Health and Mental Health budget subcommittee and the General Budget Conference committee and stress to them the importance of including this restoration in the final budget. · Ask the member to sign a letter to the Governor seeking his support for full restoration of the $120(stateshare) cut using resources already identified (the $200 million in additional revenues from the Consensus Revenue Forecast process) as well as other resources which will be identified in the ongoing budget deliberations. · Explain what these cuts will mean in terms of loss of services and jobs in the community.  Make it clear the level of these cuts is simply not manageable and for OPWDD to suggest otherwise is foolish and misinformed. CONTACT THE GOVERNOR’S REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE Sam Hoyt Regional President Empire State Development Corporation 95 Perry Street - Suite 500 Buffalo, New York 114203-3030 716-846-8200 shoyt@esd.ny.gov · Ask Mr. Hoyt to work with the governor to close the budget gap using alternative resources available and not reduce spending for people with developmental disabilities. · Over the past several years, reductions in supports and services of more than $350 million have already been made. · This cut will have a devastating impact in Western New York - on these individuals, their families and the 12,500 employees of Western New York and Finger Lake agencies who provide direct support and assistance and ensure their health and safety. This is critically important and  TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE If you have any questions or would like more information, please call or email Kevin Horrigan, Director of Public Affairs at 716.817.7475.

Cheryl Stiller promoted to Benefits Manager at People Inc.

Cheryl Stiller of Orchard Park has been promoted to Benefits Manager at People Inc.  Cheryl has been employed at People Inc. since 2010. In 3 years she has proved her value at the agency as a Health and Benefits Analyst. She is a graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources Management. Cheryl is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR). Cheryl is also a member of Buffalo Niagara Human Resources Association. Cheryl will be responsible for oversight of the benefits department, including its function, supervision, and development of the benefits team. She will ensure effective and legal administration of all agency benefit plans. Cheryl states, “I love my job, the people I work with, and you can’t beat that, because it involves helping the people (employees) that work directly with the individuals People Inc. provides services for.” According to Trisha Duke, PHR, Director of Human Resources at People Inc.,"Cheryl has been in the Human Resource arena for many years and brought an extensive HR knowledge base with her to People Inc. She promotes the HR vision by creating a workplace that allows People Inc. employees to provide the highest quality of service to the individuals our agency serves. Cheryl enthusiastically looks for ways to take good care of our employees and is committed to their health and well-being.”  

Local Resident, Kristine Hooker promoted to Program Manager at People Inc.

Kristine Hooker of Buffalo, NY has been promoted to Program Manager at People Inc. Kristine has been an employee of People Inc. since 2005, and will celebrate eight years in March. Throughout her time at People Inc. Kristine has held positions as a Day Aide, Team Leader, and IRA Specialist. Kristine’s new position will involve supervising the staff, managing program instruction, attending program meetings, volunteering opportunities, and engaging the community. When asked what makes her job so special Kristine said, “Just seeing how doing one small simple thing for someone can make their day is what makes my job so special, and there is never a dull moment!” 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.

Local Resident, Michelle Moore promoted to Program Manager at People Inc.

Michelle Moore of Grand Island, NY has been promoted to Program Manager at People Inc. Michelle has been an employee of People Inc. since 2010, and quickly rose in the ranks from IRA Specialist, Day Aide, and Team Leader, to her current  position in three years. Michelle learned about People Inc. while working as a mechanic. Michelle said, “I saw the opportunity to do something new and go back to school when I heard about People Inc.” Michelle holds an Associate’s Degree in Social Science and a Certificate in Human Services from Erie Community College. She is currently working on her Bachelor in Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services.   Michelle’s new position will involve supervising the staff, managing finances, attending program meetings, policy/review, medical, follow-ups concerning valued outcomes, volunteering opportunities, and engaging the community. When asked what makes her job so special, Michelle said, “From my experiences and while I was in training at People Inc., I saw a sign they had hanging up that said; “JUST DO IT!!!..., and I thought to myself –I am a mechanic, what can I bring to this new job? It is pride in what I do, how can you not take pride in helping others?” Michelle credits her grandmother who served in World War II with her passion to serve others, and has a passion to help veterans at some point in her life. She and her husband now both work for People Inc., and love the opportunities to serve and grow in the agency.  

Local Resident, Stephanie Piniewski promoted to Program Manager at People Inc.

Stephanie Piniewski of North Tonawanda, NY has been promoted to Program Manager at People Inc. Stephanie has been an employee of People Inc. since 2003, and celebrates 10 of service. Stephanie learned about People Inc. from her sister’s roommate who suggested she apply. It just so happened that both of Stephanie’s parents worked at People Inc. for seven years in residential. Throughout her time at People Inc., Stephanie has held positions as a Team Leader, and IRA Specialist.   Stephanie’s new position will involve supervising the staff, managing finances, attending program meetings, policy/review, medical, follow-ups concerning valued outcomes, volunteering opportunities, and engaging the community. When asked what makes her job so special Stephanie said, “There are so many great things…the interactions with individuals like going on outings and the 1:1 opportunities to get to know them and their lives!”    

A Fight Worth Fighting For, by Rhonda Frederick

It’s no secret that state governments throughout the United States are experiencing significant budget challenges and deficits. This has been all the more complicated with the sequestration debacle in Washington.  While the budget cuts at the national level are across the board and will impact almost every federal government program, in New York the proposed cuts to balance its budget is being placed squarely on the backs of our most vulnerable population – people with developmental disabilities. In one word this is unconscionable. The proposed cuts put forth by Governor Cuomo in his 2013-2014 budget are beyond comprehension for those of us who provide desperately needed programs and services for people with developmental disabilities. We implore the New York State Senate and Assembly to restore these devastating cuts when they unveil their respective budget proposals on or around March 11th. People with developmental disabilities for far too long have borne the brunt of budget cuts at the state level. Programs and services have been cut $350 million in the just the last four years. With the Governor’s proposed cuts this figure would total $590 million. No other segment of our population has experienced anything close to these types of draconian cuts. At the same time, we have been promised relief from burdensome and expensive mandates that waste taxpayer money and that mitigate our ability to best serve the developmentally disabled. Our respective staffs spend more and more time and our agencies more and more money to meet bureaucratic rules that have very little impact on the care we provide. These false promises just make the financial cuts that we are enduring all the more painful. Perhaps it’s because many people with developmental disabilities cannot speak or have severe physical limitations and cannot write or communicate that they are repeatedly targeted in the state budget. Make no mistake though; those of us who serve people with developmental disabilities as well as their families and caregivers are providing them a voice and we have one message – enough is enough! That is why we are galvanizing our resources and putting forth a unified voice to fight these nonsensical budget cuts. From Buffalo to Long Island, human service agencies, families and yes, even the people with developmental disabilities are not going to allow these cuts to occur without a fight. The Governor is fighting to increase the minimum wage, equality for women and other causes he champions to help those who are at a disadvantage. When it comes to people with developmental disabilities though, maintaining their dignity and quality of life is apparently not something he believes worth fighting for. New York State has a moral obligation to protect and adequately provide for its most vulnerable populations. It appears with these proposed funding cuts that people with developmental disabilities for some reason are the exception.  Every member of the New York State Senate and Assembly has people with development disabilities who live in their legislative districts. These elected representatives are our last hope in this fight to preserve the programs and services we provide every day to their most vulnerable constituents.  Rhonda Frederick is chair of the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York and Chief Operating Officer of People Inc.