Local resident, Trisha Duke promoted to Director of Human Resources at People Inc.

Trisha Duke of Kenmore has been promoted to Director of the Human Resource Department at People Inc. Trisha has been employed at People Inc. since 2003. In the 10 years she has held positions of Book Keeper, Benefits Specialist, Senior Benefits Specialist, Benefits Manager, Health and Benefits Manager, and Assistant Director of Human Resources. She is a Buffalo native and graduate of Leadership Buffalo class of 2010 and she also serves as Vice President on the Self Insurer’s Association Board and Secretary of the Amherst Federal Credit Union Board. Trisha is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR). In 2012, Trisha and her colleagues at People Inc. were awarded the Golden Buffalo Award from Buffalo Niagara Human Resource Association (BNHRA). The Golden Buffalo is awarded to a company that demonstrates the importance and positive impact strong human resource practices can have within an organization. This award recognizes the highest achievements in practices that Advance the Human Resource Profession in Western New York.   People Inc. continues to be a leading employer in health and human relations 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.   Trisha’s Favorite Quote: "The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual."- Vince Lombardi

The Museum of disABILITY History Blog has been updated!

Please check out the latest Museum blog featuring two fascinating therapeutic instruments from the early twentieth century. I Sing The Body Electric Submitted by Douglas Platt, Museum Curator and Thomas Stearns, Research Assistant   Do you have an idea for a blog article or would like to make a contribution? For more information on how you can contribute, contact Museum of disABILITY History Director David Mack-Hardiman at 716.629.3606.

People Inc.’s Expansion Into Rochester Disability Services

Continued growth creates new opportunities for expanded services in Rochester People Inc., WNY’s leading non-profit human service agency, is announcing an expansion of services into the Rochester area. The OPWDD COMPASS agency currently offers a variety of services including residential, employment, community outreach, health care and recreation programs for people with disabilities and seniors in the Western New York region. People Inc. services and initiatives strive to help individuals live a more healthy, independent and productive life. People Inc. will be taking over the developmental disabilities unit of DePaul Community Service Inc, a Rochester non-profit that will continue to provide services outside of those for the developmentally disabled. The transfer of services between DePaul Community Service Inc and People Inc. comes after significant changes to New York State and Federal Regulations. “A lot of times, other agencies give something up because they’re basically forced to because of quality issues; this was not the case here,” said James Boles, CEO of People Inc. “(Depaul) felt it was getting more complex and they really needed a bigger base to operate from. They just felt it wasn’t their primary mission.” It is anticipated that the Rochester services, including three group homes, a day habilitation program, a respite program and several community-based, individual support programs will be orchestrated through the new People Inc. Finger Lakes division and employee training will be provided by Life Time Association Center, another Rochester non-profit organization. People Inc. stands to grow by more than 300 employees and $5 million in revenue from the new Rochester locations. “Entering into our 41st year of person centered services; the growth of the agency into the Rochester area reaffirms our commitment to working towards a future where all persons with disabling conditions can reach the highest level of human potential as members of society,” said Anna Korus, Vice President of People Inc. and point person in the development of People Inc. services in Rochester. “Were excited to welcome the new staff and individuals we serve into the People Inc. family.”  For more information, contact Kevin Horrigan, Public Affairs Director at 716.817.7475 or 716.866.5893 (cell).

People Inc. and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department Host Ceremony of Remembrance at Niagara County Almshouse Cemetery

People Inc. and the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department will host a Ceremony of Remembrance to honor the lives of individuals who now rest at Niagara County Almshouse Cemetery on Niagara Street Extension in Lockport . The event will be held on Thursday, October 18, at 2:30 p.m. at 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 . Former residents of the Niagara County Almshouse will be commemorated with a program, candle lighting, an unveiling of a memorial garden and music. Approximately, 70 names of individuals laid to rest in the cemetery will be read during the program.   The cemetery recorded burials from 1830-1912 and estimates that more than 1,400 people who resided at the Niagara County Almshouse are buried there most with anonymous graves. The burial grounds, above the former location of the Almshouse or Poorhouse, were overgrown with vines and bushes.   Over the past many months, People Inc. staff and volunteers restored the cemetery. Professors and students from the Buffalo State College Anthropology Department used ground penetrating radar to determine the location of the cemetery.   Records will be transcribed from the Niagara County Historian’s Office and the Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., to create a searchable database. Research has shown that the individuals of the Niagara County Almshouse were considered “sick, insane and crippled.” It is one of the first institutions of care that were provided to people with disabilities, said James M. Boles, president of People Inc. The restoration endeavor is an example of the strides that have been made in the treatment of people with disabilities and to acknowledge their history.   People Inc. would like to acknowledge the community members that have been instrumental to help initiate this cemetery restoration project: Niagara County Sheriff’s Office; Niagara County Division of Buildings and Grounds; Niagara County Historian’s Office; Niagara County Building and Grounds Commissioner; Niagara County Historical Society; Niagara County Clerk Office; George Maziarz; New York State Senator; Niagara County Legislature; Buffalo State College and Niagara County Sheriff James Voutour. Calamar Construction donated their time and equipment and Orleans Monument Company donated the memorial granite bench.   This is the fourth cemetery which People Inc. staff and volunteers have helped to restore. In total, approximately 3,500 graves of patients in the Office of Mental Health and New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities system have been touched by the work. Monuments were placed in three previous cemeteries.

People Inc. Pine Senior Living Apartments in Lockport Welcomes Community Members for Tours

Apple Pie from Carson’s Deli and Bakery to be Served   People Inc. Pine Senior Living Apartments will host an open house with something sweet for the fall season. The event will be held on Thursday, October 11, 2012, from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. at 6231 Tonawanda Creek North in Lockport (off Transit Road near Millersport Highway).   Seniors looking to downsize or looking for affordable housing and family members helping their loved ones are encouraged to attend to receive a tour and learn about income eligibility. Apple pie from Carson’s Deli and Bakery of Lockport will be served to attendees.   For seniors age 62 or older, People Inc. Pine Senior Living apartments include a living room, one bedroom, kitchen with appliances and accessible bathroom. Monthly rent is based on income. The exceptionally maintained apartment building includes a furnished community room, laundry facilities, 24 on-call building services and group transportation to grocery stores. Service coordinators are available to provide necessary supports. For seniors who like to remain active, there are a variety of activities held throughout the year.   People Inc.’s Pine Senior Living Apartments in Lockport is currently accepting applications. The apartment building is conveniently located to the shopping district of Transit Road, restaurants and the Dale Association. For more information about the Open House event or to arrange a personal tour, call 716-433-3381.   People Inc. manages 17 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. and The Albright Knox Art Gallery Celebrate Disability Awareness Month

The Art Education wing of the Albright Knox Art Gallery is featuring artwork created by people with disabilities. Artists’ work from The Arts Experience will be on display from Tuesday, October 2nd thru Sunday, October 28th.  Admission to the gallery is free on Friday, October 5th as part of M&T First Fridays at the Gallery from 10am -10pm.  (The gallery is also showing a free large scale 3D anniversary video projection, Illuminate outside on the Delaware steps on Friday, October 5th from 7:00 – 9:30 pm.) On Wednesday, October 10th, school children from the City of Buffalo will visit the gallery as part of Disability Awareness Month.  Included in their visit, Cammie, a visual artist from The Arts Experience will lead an art demonstration and Beats Me will perform from 11:40 am - 12:20 pm.   

Headway of Western New York Annual 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, October 7, 2012 Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and Walk begins at 9:30 a.m. Three mile scenic walk through Buffalo’s waterfront or do just one mile. Where: Erie Basin Marina at The Hatch 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 food, beverages, music 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. Cost: $15.00 non-refundable registration fee; $25.00 day of event; children 10 and under are free. 5K route: Starts at the Hatch and goes around the waterfront, past First Niagara Center, down South Park to Michigan Ave to Scott Street and back to Erie Basin Marina. The route is relatively flat. For more information, call 716-408-3100. “Like” Headway of WNY on Facebook at www.facebook.com/headwaywny . 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 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.  

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Forum

Guest Speakers: Tim and Tracy Rodemeyer, parents of Jamey Rodemeyer and advocates for LGBT youth and anti-bullying legislation.   What: Bullying Awareness and Prevention Forum When: Wednesday, October 3, 2012 from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. Where: Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, 3860 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14226   Join the Museum of disABILITY History and People Inc. for a panel discussion and forum about bullying. The topic of bullying is an emerging social concern that has been played out in headlines all across the world. Bullying is a topic that cuts across gender, age, ethnic and economic demographics. At the forum, attendees will learn more about the Museum of disABILITY History’s brand-new “kNOw bullying” program, which will premiere in school districts across Western New York in January of 2013. The Bullying Awareness and Prevention Forum is held in conjunction with the disABILITIES Film Festival and Speaker Series, which will be on Thursday, October 4, 2012, at the University at Buffalo Center for the Arts. The featured movie is “Bully.”   Guest speakers will be Tim and Tracy Rodemeyer, parents of Jamey Rodemeyer and advocates for LGBT youth and anti-bullying legislation.   The panel will be made up of local experts on bullying awareness and prevention, including: Dr. Amanda Nickerson, an associate professor and director of the Dr. Jean M. Alberti Center for the Prevention of Bullying Abuse and School Violence at the University at Buffalo. Her research focuses on school crisis prevention and intervention, with a particular focus on violence and bullying.   Brie Kishel, education coordinator for the Museum of disABILITY History, has worked for People Inc. for 17 years in various roles. In addition to directing the Kids on the Block program, she also coordinates educational programs for kindergarten through high school. Kishel is developing the “kNOw bullying” program.   Community members are encouraged to attend, along with: parents and guardians; educators, principals and administrators; school counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists and guidance counseling staff; special education staff; mental health professionals; and PTA members and academic trainers.   The forum cost is $5.00/person, which includes a free admission voucher to the disABILITIES Film Festival on October 4. To RSVP for the forum, call 716-629-3615.   The Museum of disABILITY History 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. Located in Buffalo and at www.museumofdisability.org, the Museum of disABILITY History offers educational exhibits and programs 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.

People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center Receives Prestigious Award

Upon the high recommendation of the Community Foundation of Western and Central New York and WNY HEALTHeLINK, People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center will be honored at the upcoming New York eHealth Collaborative Gala and Awards Ceremony in New York City as a New York Health IT Visionary for their pioneering use of technology to improve the lives of the community that the Elmwood Health Center serves, many of whom are un- or under-insured and struggle with chronic conditions. The award notification letter from NY eHealth Collaborative reads in part that "In working with HEALTHeLINK, your NCQA PCMH level 3 certification through the HEAL 10 project is one example of how your efforts measurably improve care coordination. And your tele-monitoring project as part of the WNY Beacon program is both exciting and groundbreaking. It is high tech and high touch at the same time, creating a stronger and more substantial method for communication between providers and their most at-risk patients. This is what health IT is all about." The New York eHealth Collaborative is the not-for-profit organization designated by both the state and federal governments to advance health IT in the State of New York. Ultimately, the goal of NYeC is that no patient, wherever they may need treatment within the State of New York, is ever without fast, secure, accurate, and accessible health information. According to the NY eHealth Collaborative, "It is this goal which resonates so profoundly with the work of the Elmwood Health Center." When asked for his thoughts on receiving word of this award, Frank M. Azzarelli, associate vice president of People Inc. and director of the Elmwood Health Center, said "To receive recognition such as this is truly an honor and is in and of itself a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire Elmwood Health Center Team in making health information technology a reality for all of our patients and their families. In doing so, we have truly put health information technology to meaning use in all that we do for the betterment of all that we serve." Information on the Elmwood Health Center may be found at www.elmwoodhealthcenter.org while additional information on the New York eHealth Collaborative may be found at www.nyehealth.org .