Rivershore Foundation, Inc.’s Fun in the Sun Event at The Lewiston Stone House Supports People Living with Disabilities

May 31, 2017: The Fun in the Sun event, hosted by the Rivershore Foundation, Inc., will be held on Thursday, June 8, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Lewiston Stone House, 755 Center Street, Lewiston. The event includes music by The Tim Britt Band, cash bar, 50/50 and wine raffle. Proceeds will benefit the Hinman Street apartment project in Youngstown, which will support six people with disabilities to live independently. The event’s cover charge is $5 per person. For more information or to RSVP, call 716-524-2266, ext. 234. Rivershore, a division of People Inc., supports people living with disabilities as they pursue and achieve a meaningful life. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,500 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York and Rochester. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, visit people-inc.org. Like us on Facebook at People Inc. and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews.

Rivershore, Inc. Announces Affiliation with People Inc.

Agency Leads the Way in a Bold Move to Strengthen Operational Excellence   Lewiston, N.Y.----April 2, 2014----Rivershore, Inc., a private not-for-profit organization that supports people living with developmental and other disabilities in Niagara County, announced today that it has become an affiliate of People Inc., Western New York’s leading non-profit human services agency. The collaboration coordinates services in Western New York, allowing for more efficient operations and a sharper focus on service excellence in a changing landscape.   “It is extremely important to be flexible and responsive in our changing environment especially when you consider state budget cuts and some of the financial challenges that are affecting non-profits,” said Rivershore, Inc. Executive Director Jeff Sanderson, a pioneer in the industry best known for promoting innovative person-centered services and forging collaborations with other non-profits. “By proactively seeking an alliance with People Inc., an organization that shares our commitment to excellence in service delivery, the people receiving services through Rivershore, Inc., and the staff who support them, will continue to have the best possible services while furthering the joint missions of our agencies.”   Members of the Rivershore Board of Directors will serve on a newly-created advisory board and will continue to assist with quality oversight, strategic planning, fundraising and advocacy.   “We are pleased to band together with Rivershore and are excited about the synergies we will create by combining our talents and resources,” said People Inc. President & CEO James M. Boles, Ed.D.  “Jeff is a visionary leader with outstanding foresight and I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead for our organizations and the more than 12,000 people we provide services to each year.”   Rivershore will retain its name, separate corporate status, and staff and will operate independently. Agency supports will be integrated resulting in reduced overhead, added services and lowered administrative costs. The affiliation also strengthens both agencies for managed care and future changes in the system while addressing the great need for services.   “The state and in particular the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) are laying the foundation for these kinds of collaborations to occur. To People Inc. and Rivershore’s credit, they’re ahead of the curve,” said Senator George Maziarz. “What distinguishes this affiliation between these two agencies even more, is the fact they both have the rare designation from OPWDD as COMPASS agencies which is extremely beneficial to the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities they serve in our region,” added Maziarz.   COMPASS is an OPWDD initiative that recognizes and promotes provider agencies that have progressed beyond minimal regulatory compliance and have achieved excellence in service delivery.  Only seven of the 700 providers statewide have been recognized by OPWDD as COMPASS agencies.    Founded in 1980, Rivershore’s mission is to support people living with disabilities as they pursue and achieve a meaningful life.  Rivershore supports over 200 people living with disabilities in Niagara County each year, employs 140 staff and has 15 locations. In addition to residential services, Rivershore provides life planning services, day services, employment services, and support with self-advocacy and volunteer pursuits.   In operation since 1971, People Inc. helps individuals with disabilities and their families, and seniors, live more healthy, independent and productive lives through 140 locations and 50 innovative programs and services. People Inc. has an active employee base of 3,200.     Contact: Jeff Sanderson, Executive Director (716) 754-7272 x23 E-mail: jsanderson@rivershore.org  

RNs and LPNs Now Being Hired at People Inc.

People Inc., Western New York’s leading health and human services agency assisting individuals with developmental disabilities and special needs lead more independent lives, is hiring for home health care RNs, per diem physical therapists, residential RNs, LPNs, Elmwood Health Center RNs and on call office RNs. Open interviews are being held on the following days: Tuesday, November 10, from 3 to 6 p.m., at 2128 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo and on Thursday, November 12, from noon to 4 p.m., at 692 Millersport Highway, Amherst.   Openings are available in Erie and Niagara counties. Benefits include: Flexible hours for a more balanced life, generous paid time off and health insurance for full time employees, 401(k) plan and tuition reimbursement. There is currently an up-to $3,000 sign-on bonus for full-time employees.   Candidates should dress professionally and arrive with a resume, prepared for an interview. No appointments necessary. Descriptions for specific jobs are listed on the agency’s website. Those who cannot attend, but are interested in applying may do so online at 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.

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.  

Rochester Weekday Summer Respite Accepting Applicants

Calling All Families and Care Coordinators: Registration is open for this Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Respite Program in Gates, NY, open to OPWDD eligible people ages 11-21. This People Inc. Respite Program provides a safe and fun environment while Parents/Guardians are at work, attending appointments, running errands or taking some time to relax. People who participate in the program will engage in daily activities, including but not limited to: Card/Board games, Nintendo Wii, movies, bean bag toss, ladder ball, outdoor games in a grassy area and basketball. Making the most of the summer, participants will be going to such places as: Movies, ice cream, The Garden Factory, mini golf and shopping trips. People Inc. also has a membership with the nonprofit farm Homesteads for Hope, where program attendees can plant/maintain a vegetable garden, go fishing on the Erie Canal and participate in educational farm-related activities. Martin the Standard Poodle is the program’s resident canine and is a certified therapy dog trained to help the participants relax when they are having a tough day. Please note: The agency is not able to provide transportation to or from the 1860 Buffalo Road location in Gates. Advance registration is required. Families can request that their Service Coordinator contact People Inc. Admissions at admissions@people-inc.org or 585.441.9300 . For information on the program, contact us at 585.719.3413 .

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.  

Screenings Available to Become a Volunteer Ombudsman to Advocate for Seniors

Volunteers are needed to assist seniors through the People Inc., Center for Elder Law & Justice, and the New York State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. Volunteers, called ombudsmen, play an important role by advocating and promoting the rights of residents who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. Ombudsmen are a trusted advocate for the elderly and provide problem-solving skills. Phone screenings are now available to review eligibility to join the program’s upcoming training sessions. Ombudsmen volunteers explore, resolve and/or refer complaints. Opportunities are available for those who work in professional fields, such as paralegals, human service staff, social workers and business professionals. Many volunteers are also recent retirees, ranging from those who have worked within education systems, administration to engineering fields. Schedules are flexible with a minimum of two hours per week.  If enrolled into the program, there are two training locations available, one in Amherst and the other Silver Creek. Volunteers need to attend all six sessions, which will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on the following dates: May 9, 10, 11, 30, 31 and June 1. People Inc. provides comprehensive training and ongoing support for ombudsmen. To be screened and to learn more about the training sessions and its location, call 716.817.9222.  People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,500 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York and Rochester. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. To learn more, visit people-inc.org . Like us on Facebook at People Inc. and follow us on Twitter @PeopleIncNews .

Secret Path, Animated Film Adaptation of Gord Downie’s Album, to be Featured at Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series

The film is a powerful visual representation of the life of Chanie Wenjack April 10, 2019: The Museum of disABILITY History Film and Speaker Series will present Secret Path on Friday, May 3, with two showings at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. A reception with refreshments and speakers will be at 5 p.m. Admission is free.  Secret Path is comprised of ten poems inspired by the story of Chanie Wenjack, a twelve-year-old boy who ran away from Cecilia Residential School in Kenora, Ontario, in an attempt to get to his family, nearly 400 miles away. The lead singer of the band Tragically Hip, Gord Downie, along with comic artist, Jeff Lemire, helped bring Secret Path and its message to so many across the world through their beautiful and heartbreaking music.  The event’s reception will include a question and answer session with two speakers, John Volpe and Michael Bastine, as they will discuss their community connection to Secret Path . Volpe is an Algonquin Elder, Healer, Protector of Wildlife, and an environmental activist. For many years, he has conducted independent scientific studies and reports on turtles and fish. He has given numerous talks in local communities and high schools and has been a consultant to environmental organizations. Bastine is an Algonquin healer, elder, and former student of famous Tuscarora medicine man Wallace “Mad Bear” Anderson and Tuscarora healer Ted Williams. This film has been spread all over the world so that disability history will not be forgotten. The film may contain mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised. While the film is animated, it deals directly with the abuses of facilities like this. Refreshments available. Although the event is free, registration is recommended. To register or for more information, email Alex Jusko at ajusko@people-inc.org or call 716-629-3626. Established in 1998, the Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is the only one of its kind in the United States and is dedicated to advancing the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities. Located in Buffalo, NY, the Museum’s exhibits, collections, publications, archives and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery.

Self Advocates to celebrate Obama Inauguration

United Voices for Change and People Inc Self Advocates to celebrate Obama Inauguration "With a new presidential administration comes a new chance for CHANGE for people with disabilities," said Erica Newsom, Program Administrator for People Inc's Self Advocates initiative. This Tuesday, January 20th several people with disabilities will assemble to watch the Inauguration of President Elect Barack Obama. The event is a community service project and part of the agency's year long Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts. "In early 2008, we started working with our self advocates (people with disabilities that mobilize around community, political, and governmental issues), to inform them on the campaign platforms of the various candidate that were running for the Presidential nomination," said People Inc President and CEO, Dr. James Boles. "Watching President Elect Barack Obama take the Presidential Oath -with approximately 50 self advocates - is extremely exciting and is the culmination of everything we did this past year," added Boles. Throughout 2008, the year, self advocates were registered to vote and were trained on the new electronic voting machines. They also watched the various debates and discussed issues that were important to them like the War, the economy, healthcare and disability issues. PLEASE JOIN US MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA! WHEN: Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 Doors open at 11:30 a.m. WHERE: 3131 Sheridan, Northtown Plaza, People Inc Administrative Offices in Amherst, NY