Will You Help Us Make a Transformational Impact?

A message from Anne McCaffrey, President & CEO, People Inc. Every day, I have the privilege of witnessing the profound impact of compassionate, high-quality care on the people we serve. The knowledge, creativity, and dedication that our staff exhibit, make me incredibly proud of what we do for people receiving services and their families, and the special ways in which we carry out our mission. As the challenging and rewarding work we do grows and evolves, I’m reaching out to share how you can help us continue to expand this vital work. I invite you to consider donating to the People Inc. Foundation. Our donors make a transformational impact on the programs, facilities, and care People Inc. provides.  Click here  to make a gift today. With rising needs in our community and increased medical complexities, People Inc. is committed to innovation and expanding our resources to help more people and families. There are so many stories of how excellence is displayed by our staff every day. One example is Shirley Fernandez, an LPN clinical coordinator at People Inc., who shared how incredibly proud she is of her and her entire team's role in serving the people at their location. “At my work site, we consider ourselves family. We celebrate birthdays and holidays with residents and their loved ones. We mentor, support, and prepare one another for the opportunities and challenges ahead.” Thank you for being a crucial part of our mission today and our future. Your support provides People Inc. with the financial strength and flexibility necessary to drive our new strategic plans forward and ensure excellence in our programs and services.  

WNY Coalition Pooled Trust Grant Requests Open

September 16, 2019: The WNY Coalition Pooled Trust is now accepting grant requests for the 2019 cycle! The grants are only available to former beneficiaries of the trust, or people with disabilities currently served by People Inc. and its affiliates or by Center for Elder Law & Justice. Request forms must be submitted by Thursday, October 31, 2019. All grant awards expire on March 31, 2020. All necessary lines must be completed. You will be notified of your grant request status at the end of November, and awards will be issued in December. The maximum amount of the request is $750.  Please note: Checks must be made payable to a store, company or organization and they must accept third party checks. Itemized receipts/invoices must be provided after purchases are made. If a purchase is made by an organization that is asking for reimbursement, any itemized receipts or invoices must be submitted before a check can be issued. Grant checks cannot be cashed or used to purchase a gift card. Grants cannot be used to pay for outstanding debt. For questions, contact Denise Bienko, WNY Pooled Trust Management Board Member, at dbienko@people-inc.org or 716.817.7470.

WNY Coalition Pooled Trusts Receive Award from Network in Aging of WNY, Inc.

WNY Coalition Pooled Trusts is a collaboration between People Inc. and the Center for Elder Law & Justice November 19, 2019: On November 7, the Network in Aging of Western New York, Inc. presented the “Program Award of Excellence” to the WNY Coalition Pooled Trusts. The award showcases a program that has been successfully implemented to enhance the Western New York geriatric citizenry and meet a clearly identified need within the community. The WNY Coalition Pooled Trusts is a collaboration between People Inc. and the Center for Elder Law & Justice. Established in 2004, the trusts now serve hundreds of beneficiaries, including more than 750 older adults and are provided as a service to the community. The two partners originally created the program to enhance the quality of life of people with developmental disabilities. Since its inception, they have expanded the types of trusts offered to include people over age 65 years with qualifying disabilities.  Today, three distinct Supplemental Needs Trusts (SNT) assist people to secure their financial future, without causing them to lose their government benefits. Through depositing their income directly into the trust, purchases of additional items and services not adequately covered by governmental benefits are possible. Beneficiaries pool their money together to take advantage of better investment opportunities. From humble beginnings, millions of dollars are now expertly managed. KeyBank is the financial partner and manages the investments as well. The “Over 65 Self-funded Trust” was created specifically to meet the needs of area older adults – especially those with no circle of support – who want to remain in their residence of choice as long as possible. This allows them to avoid premature nursing home placement. The physical, emotional and mental changes that accompany aging often create a frustrating experience for seniors and their families. The hope is to provide a continuum of quality care and supports (including medical coverage, home care/long-term care), which enables each person to maintain their dignity. Through use of the pooled trust, older adults now have a resource to protect their financial future while paying for their ever-increasing healthcare, medications and living expenses. Being able to remain in their residence of choice also permits these seniors to continue to participate in and contribute to the local communities. A hallmark of this program is the personal attention provided to beneficiaries and their families. A local representative meets with each person, builds a relationship in order to better offer assistance with the process of opening a trust and continues through the life of the trust. For more information, go to wnypooledtrust.org or call 716.817.7484. The Center for Elder Law & Justice is a non-profit civil legal services agency, providing free legal representation in eight Western New York counties. People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 10,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, special needs, their families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. With nearly 4,000 employees, People Inc. is one of the region’s largest employers. To learn more, visit people-inc.org, follow People Inc. on Facebook or Twitter @PeopleIncNews.

Workshop Focuses on Methods Educators, Healthcare Staff and Parents can Assist People Living with Tourette Syndrome in School and Community

The Museum of disABILITY History will host its 2019 workshop session of Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Associated Disorders in the Classroom on March 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at its location, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. The workshop will be presented by Susan Conners, MEd, president and founder of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State. The workshop will focus on: What is TS, coping with challenging behaviors, classroom tips for working with children on the TS spectrum, practical ideas for helping to manage school work at home and in the classroom, proven suggestions for advocating for a child on the TS spectrum and the use of technology in assisting students. The workshop is recommended for parents; educators; school administrators; social workers and health and human service professionals, such as occupational, physical and speech language therapists. Held in association with Associated Physical and Occupational Therapists, PLLC, the workshop offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The cost is $40 for professionals and parents and $10 for students. There is an additional fee of $20 for those pursuing CEUs. A continental breakfast and lunch will be served. Wi-Fi is available and attendees are to bring their own laptop. Registration forms are available online at museumofdisability.org. To register by phone with a credit card payment for more information, 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.

You are invited to the Prom!

Dress up in your prom best for Agapé Parents’ Fellowship’s Spring Dance and Theme Basket Auction   Sunday, April 13, 2014 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Woodlawn Volunteer Fire Co. 3281 Lakeshore Rd. Hamburg, NY   Admission Adults: $5.00 Children ages 3-12: $3.00 Children under 3: Free   Tickets Theme Basket Tickets: $5.00 per sheet Buy 4 sheets and get the 5th for free   50/50 Split Tickets: $3.00 for 5, $5.00 for arm length   Food Pizza: $1.00 per slice Nachos and Cheese: $2.00 Hot and Cold Beverages: $1.00 with free refills   Invite your friends and family! Great door prizes!  

Young and Old Making Special Memories

Volunteers Come Out for Beautification Efforts and Promoting Awareness   Buffalo, N.Y., April 10, 2009, Volunteers from the Diocese Youth Ministry between the ages of 15 - 17 will volunteer their time as part of an intensive work camp training program during Holy week to provide services of cleaning, painting, and fellowship. On Good Friday, April 10, 2009 between 9:30AM -12:30 PM the volunteers will spend the day at People Inc.'s Seniors Unlimited Program located at 310 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, NY. People Inc.'s Seniors Unlimited is the only program of its kind in the City of Buffalo that provides respite for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimers, Parkinsons disease, stroke and other related memory loss. In a safe, comfortable environment participants are involved in a variety of activities designed to foster self-esteem, maintain social and daily living skills, exercise the body and stimulate the mind. Activities include exercise, art, crafts, music, intergenerational program, community outings and interaction with peers. Collaborations like this provide an opportunity to promote awareness, diversity, and information sharing with the community. The day will be devoted to educating, raising awareness about individuals with special needs, community living/working together, and developing new friendships. It is a way to have fun socialization, make friends, share experiences and make a global impact, right here in Western New York. In addition, the youth will be asked to take part in raising the consciousness of the community and their peers by pledging their support and stop the offensive use of the "R-word - retard(ed)" in casual conversation.

Your New Apartment Awaits

Worry less about the stress and pressure of home ownership with our affordable and maintenance-free apartments! People Inc. provides a variety of affordable apartments for people who meet age and income eligibility with locations across Western New York. If you, a family member or someone you assist is in need, check out these options, all providing safety features:  People Inc. Senior Living: One-bedroom apartments for independent older adults age 62 and up who are income-eligible. Learn more: people-inc.org/seniorliving View video .  People Inc. Affordable Apartments: One- and two-bedroom apartments for people ages 18 and over OR ages 55 and over. Learn more: people-inc.org/affordableapartments For information or an apartment application, email housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890 . 

“A Conversation about Epilepsy” with the Epilepsy Association of Western New York

As part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, the Museum of disABILITY History will host a free presentation called, “A Conversation about Epilepsy” on Tuesday, August 21, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at its location, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. Renay Moran, MEd, an information services coordinator at Epilepsy Association of Western New York, will lead the conversation. This presentation includes recognizing seizure types, seizure first aid, hidden signs of seizures, myths and facts about epilepsy, treatment and medications, psychosocial aspects, causes of epilepsy and services provided by Epilepsy Association of Western New York. The presentation is ideal for people with epilepsy and their family, teachers and educational staff, nurses, students, medical and human services agencies and child care providers.  Registration encouraged. To RSVP or for more information, email David Mack-Hardiman at dmack@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.

“A Conversation about Mental Health” Panel Discussion

Three speakers will share personal experiences about bipolar disorder and ways that the stigma of mental health can be eliminated As part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, the Museum of disABILITY History will host a free presentation called, “A Conversation about Mental Health,” on Friday, December 1, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at its location, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. The panel discussion will feature Keith O’Neil, former NFL football player who wrote a memoir titled, Under My Helmet: A Football Players Lifelong Battle with Bipolar Disorder ; Karl Shallowhorn, who contributed to the book, Buffalo State Hospital: A History of the Institution in Light and Shadow ; and Stephen Nawotniak, author of Handbook for Healthy Living with a Mood Disorder .  The speakers will share their personal stories, discuss key components of getting help and maintaining health, along with helpful tips for relationships and the workplace. They will also discuss ways that the stigma of mental health can be eliminated.  O’Neil is a former NFL football player who played for the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants. During his professional career, he served as team captain and was a member of the Colts Super Bowl XLI Championship team. O’Neil played in the NFL with an undiagnosed mental illness of bipolar disorder. He is the president and founder of the 4th and Forever Foundation, which brings awareness to mental health and funds research for mental illness. He is passionate about helping others with mental health issues and is devoted to erasing the stigma of mental illness. Karl Shallowhorn is the director of Community Advocacy for the Mental Health Association of Erie County and Compeer of Greater Buffalo. He is a New York State Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse counselor, a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor and a mental health consultant. Shallowhorn serves on the Board of Directors for the Mental Health Association in New York State and the Erie County Mental Hygiene Services Board. Shallowhorn’s diagnosis of bipolar disorder and his role as clinician have given him unique perspectives.  Stephen Nawotniak was diagnosed in 2012 with bipolar disorder after a weeklong hospitalization for severe depression and is in the process of recovery. In his book, Nawotniak offers an experienced-based sharing of skills and tools. Relying on his expertise as a licensed occupational therapist, he focuses on constructing a meaningful quality of life using skills that are effective and important, while addressing the needs unique to bipolar disorder. He is also the author of the Mubu the Morph children’s book series, which speaks to the inner journey people face as they discover their purpose.  During the event, there will be books for sale and each presenter will be available for book signings. Event registration is encouraged. For more information or to RSVP, email David Mack-Hardiman at dmack@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.