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

Self-Directed Services Opens Up a Whole New World

Colen Hale, who takes part in People Inc. Self-Directed Services in Allegany County, recently experienced the magic of Disney World for the first time. He saved his money, packed his bags and headed with his staff, Kristina Fries, to Walt Disney World in Florida! Colen experienced many firsts on this trip, including flying and going to a theme park. He loved it so much that he wanted to move to Disney World and have his grandma visit.  “My favorite part of the trip was the rides,” Colen expressed. The trip opened up a whole new world for Colen and he looks forward to more exciting experiences!   People Inc. Self-Directed Services is a person-centered program that encourages people with disabilities to manage a plan based around their own needs and preferences, enabling them to enjoy meaningful experiences, personal growth and to live and work in the community of their choice. Through Self-Directed Services, the recipient acts as the manager of their services. A supportive team supports the person to make decisions about the budget for their services, what goals they would like to work on and even who they want to hire. To learn more, contact Admissions at admissions@people-inc.org .  

Senator Jacobs to Announce Major Investment to Expand People Inc.’s Elmwood Health Center

What: Announcement by New York Senator Chris Jacobs for a significant investment of secured state funds to  expand services provided by the Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of People Inc.  When: Friday, April 20, 2018, Noon-12:40 p.m.; presenters to start at 12:10 p.m.   Where: Elmwood Health Center, 2128 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo (between Hertel and Kenmore Avenues) Who: New York Senator State Senator Chris Jacobs; Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO, People Inc.; Robert Mayer, People Inc. Board Member and immediate past chairperson; Barbara DeLong, parent and co-chairperson of the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York’s Family Committee. Why: The funds will allow People Inc. to build a new Elmwood Health Center in the same surrounding area, while enhancing its healthcare services. In response to a need to provide medical services to people with developmental disabilities, People Inc. opened the Elmwood Health Center in 1994. In addition to providing specialized services for people with developmental disabilities, the Elmwood Health Center became a place for the general public and families in the surrounding community to seek quality healthcare. Almost 25 years later since its founding, the Elmwood Health Center now provides services to people from Niagara Falls to East Aurora.  Founded in 1994, the Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of People Inc., is a health care facility that provides a wide range of medical, rehabilitative therapies and counseling services for children, teens, adults and seniors. Specially designed services for individuals with developmental disabilities are provided. People Inc., a not-for-profit health and human services agency, 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 .

Senior Wishes Grants 100th Wish with Visit from Anderson’s Ice Cream Truck to Senior Housing Apartments in West Seneca

Momentous Wish Granted in Recognition of May as Older Americans Month  What: Senior Wishes Grants 100th Wish with Visit from Anderson’s Ice Cream Truck to Senior Housing Apartments in West Seneca; held in conjunction with May as Older Americans Month When: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Where: People Inc. Burchfield Commons Senior Living, 2290 Union Road, West Seneca  Senior Wishes, a non-profit, is celebrating May as Older Americans Month by granting its 100th wish. Tenants of People Inc. Burchfield Commons Senior Living will be treated to ice cream served by Anderson’s. Live music will be performed by John Lorentz. Tenants of other nearby People Inc. Senior Living locations will also be in attendance to enjoy the festivities.  Senior Wishes’ first wish was granted in March 2014, and since then the organization has been recognizing Western New York’s seniors in increasing numbers with the support of community members and corporate sponsors. In the past three years, Senior Wishes has granted 99 other wishes for qualifying seniors, such as: travel to reunite with family and friends, take part in a sporting or cultural event and re-visiting a hobby or pastime. The program has arranged for a veteran to throw out the first pitch at a Bison’s baseball game, a Cheektowaga senior to meet JoAnn Falletta at a Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performance and also for three veterans to have a special VIP day at a Sabres game.  People Inc. is pleased to partner with Senior Wishes to bring joy and special moments to the lives of seniors. With 19 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York, People Inc. Senior Living provides safe and maintenance-free housing for independent seniors age 62 and up who are income eligible. People Inc. provides programs and services to more than 12,500 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. Senior Wishes is a local non-profit with a mission to honor and recognize the lifelong contributions of Erie and Niagara County residents by granting meaningful wishes that will enhance seniors’ lives and bring them joy. The non-profit was created by the United Church Home Society with a mission to foster respect and appreciation for seniors through wish fulfillment.

Seniors in West Seneca Celebrate their New Home; Apartment Wait List Speaks Volumes

Resolved court case allows seniors to live in affordable apartments at former Houghton College campus What: Celebration for People Inc. Walnut Senior Living in West Seneca   When: Friday, May 8, 2015, at 2 p.m.   Where:  804 Union Road, West Seneca (between Seneca Street and East and West Road)   Who:  Congressman Brian Higgins, People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick and staff from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will share remarks to celebrate the collaboration. Tenants will share their personal stories and what it means to live in their hometown.   Why:  People Inc. worked through the court system and partnered with the West Seneca Town Board to resolve any initial concerns to build a 46-apartment unit building for seniors to live safely and affordably on the former Houghton College campus. This new location, People Inc. Walnut Senior Living, marks the agency’s 19th Senior Living location as it responds to the needs of a growing elderly population, while helping seniors to have a meaningful life by living affordably and safely, along with providing support services as needed. Although there were initial concerns, a need was recognized to provide this type of housing. “We proactively met with community members to avoid any misconceptions,” said Rhonda Frederick, People Inc. president and chief executive officer. “In fact, the success of this project has only shown that the need is evident as this new location has the highest wait list – actually enough to build two additional apartment buildings in the area.” People Inc. Walnut Senior Living is home to independent seniors, age 62 and up, who meet the federally mandated income guidelines. 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.

Shop for a Gift that Sparkles for a Cause

Treat someone you care about – or yourself – to a beautiful piece of jewelry this holiday season to support the People Inc. Foundation.