Give to Help People Reach their Goals

At People Inc., we are proud to help people reach their goals each and every day. Will you be part of Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement? Link included to donate.

People Inc. Folwell Senior Apartments Under Construction Slated to Open in Spring 2023

Now Accepting Applications to be Postmarked by February 6, 2023 People Inc. is pleased to bring additional new affordable housing to the Buffalo area. Currently under construction, the People Inc. Folwell Senior Apartments, located at 140 Hodge Avenue in Buffalo, NY, is slated to open for occupancy in spring of 2023. Tenants must be 62 years and older and meet income guidelines. Section 8 vouchers accepted. The four-story apartment building has 33 one-bedroom apartments and four two-bedroom apartments.  Information, including monthly rent and maximum income and the apartment application , is available at: people-inc.org/folwellseniorapts Applications must be postmarked by February 6, 2023, opened by lottery at People Inc. Linwood Lafayette Apartments, 637 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY, on Monday, February 13, 2023, at 10 a.m. Features include:   Kitchen with appliances  Storage available Grab bars in bathing areas Central air conditioning in all apartments and common areas Tenants may have one small pet (25 lbs. and under) Community room with Wi-Fi Elevators Laundry facilities Sprinkler system Intercoms for secure access Secure convenient entry and exit through spacious corridors Nearby shopping and bus line  Smoke-free living community  People Inc. is converting the maternity building at the now-closed Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Campus into senior apartments. The apartment building is part of the larger Ellicott Development and Sinatra & Company Real Estate Elmwood Crossing project. For more information or if you have questions, email housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890. People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted people 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 .

Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls Provides Opportunity for Growth

People Inc. Employment Specialist Amy Allen loves to see people happy and successful. She plays an important role in helping people with disabilities focus on what they are interested in, assess what skills they already have and learn how to build on what they are passionate about to find a position. When Amy met Brenda Morgan, Brenda was looking for a new opportunity to use her housekeeping experience at a business near her home. Amy reached out to Ken Kirisits, the general manager at the Courtyard by Marriott in Niagara Falls to explore a placement for Brenda. Ken was receptive to learning about how the Supported Employment Program works, like the idea of “giving back” and became a partner business. Some of the skills that Amy has helped Brenda work on include navigating transportation and communicating with coworkers. Having been there only a short time, Brenda has become a valuable member of the team. Ken remarked that, “Brenda is like any other employee. Sometimes she just needs a little extra training, but she accepts every new task and responsibility eagerly, is respected by the hotel staff, takes pride in her work and is a joy to be around.” Brenda shared, “It is very important that guests have a clean and happy stay here and I like being a part of that. I have a great trainer, Angel Lopez, and a great boss in Ken, who help me to work at my own pace. I had so much fun meeting all of the staff at the hotel during the recent employee appreciation week.” Ken offers this advice to other businesses thinking about getting involved with the various Vocational Services offered through People Inc., “Take a chance, these workers are ready and willing to work, always on time and it is easy to work with People Inc. The employment specialist offers assistance, insights and bridges the communication between employer and staff – which is so helpful, especially in the beginning. If you manage a business, consider the many benefits of bringing a person with disabilities onto your team. People Inc. has a number of services that can connect your company with qualified employees and provide ongoing support. To learn more, contact James Scutt at businesssolutions@people-inc.org or call 716.817.5750 . People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted people 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 .  

People Inc. Celebrates Direct Support Professionals 2022

People Inc., Western New York’s largest and most experienced health and human services agency, recently recognized 30 Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) for their exceptional work providing supports and services to people with developmental disabilities and other special needs.

Grow with Us - Rochester Area Open Interviews October 27

Join People Inc. and Ibero-American Action League Inc. to take the first step in exciting careers with these experienced organizations!

Business Leaders Recognized by the WNY Employment Consortium and ACCES-VR

On Thursday, October 6, the Western New York Employment Consortium & Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) held its annual luncheon to honor inclusive companies employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Among the business leaders recognized were Dr. Christian Duquin of Duquin Family Chiropractic, LCC. and Kevin and Cassandra Sheedy of Chick-Fil-A in Cheektowaga, who were nominated by People Inc. Duquin Family Chiropractic, LCC Dr. Duquin stated, “I am grateful for the partnership that we’ve established over the years with People Inc. When Jess [Jessica Broughton, Senior Employment Supervisor] asked me about helping out [the SEMP program], I knew it would be a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved.” Dr. Duquin is thrilled with the work being done at his office and commented on the professionalism and friendliness of the program participants and staff. Dr. Duquin founded Duquin Family Chiropractic, PLLC in 2015 and has been committed to serve the community. Dr. Duquin has worked with People Inc. Supported Employment program since 2019. During that time, Dr. Duquin has provided young adults and students an opportunity to work in a safe, friendly and supportive work environment. By doing so, the participants are able to gain and utilize important work skills needed to be successful in their future employment. Dr. Duquin is always willing to assist our program in order to promote integration and awareness. The students and young adults who have completed internships, assessments and work experiences there have been especially grateful for the calming and accepting atmosphere that the Duquin Family Chiropractic office has provided. Cassandra and Kevin Sheedy of Chick-Fil-A in Cheektowaga Rosemary Young is employed at Chick-fil-A on Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga. She’s a friendly woman with a kind smile who also goes by Rosie. She’s been working at Chick-fil-A for two years this past July. The manager Will Potts stated that Rosie is a great addition to the Chick-fil-A family, “She does a wonderful job and brings sincere friendliness to the dining room.” Rosie was very excited to give a tour of her work space and her duties. Rosemary shared about her employer, “They are nice people who they treat me nice.” “Sometimes they give me rides to company events or home from work if the weather is bad.” Rosie said that her workplace treats her like a family. She is invited to all of the company events. Many of her coworkers and supervisors know that she relies on public transportation and will often give her rides to and from the events. Rosie’s favorite meal at work is the chicken nuggets with a strawberry milkshake. The owners Kevin and Cassie always speak with Rosie when she is working. They said they cannot wait for Tuesday to come because they are happy to see Rosie and miss her the other days. Rosie’s job coach Robert Barlow indicated that Rosie is doing a great job. “Rosie is a pleasure to work with and never has a bad day.” “She is a hard worker, always has a smile and makes me feel good about the work I do.” People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted people 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 .

People Inc. Joins Broad Effort to Observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Ensuring that people with developmental disabilities and other disabilities secure and maintain meaningful, competitive employment is an important part of what People Inc. does year-round. Each October, People Inc. recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time set aside to educate the community about disability issues and to celebrate the many and varied talents and valuable contributions of workers with disabilities and their impact on the economy. This year’s theme is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,” which recognizes the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive American workforce. This group of job seekers are unemployed at a rate that is twice that of job seekers without disabilities. The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month traces back to 1945 when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month. “Our national recovery from the pandemic cannot be completed without the inclusion of all Americans, in particular people with disabilities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success, and are more important today than ever. We must build an economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.” People Inc. is seeking new businesses in Western New York and the Greater Rochester region to join its current 400 business partners. People Inc. helps companies fill openings specific to their need and demand through the supported employment program . Additionally, several  business solutions  have been established that offer high-quality work, ranging from janitorial and carpet cleaning to workforce solutions and contract manufacturing. Hiring a qualified person with a disability brings greater benefits beyond just filling an open job – it means increased productivity, enhanced corporate culture and dedicated, loyal and efficient employees – all of which contribute to a company’s success! People Inc. is proud to support people in their career goals through its Supported Employment and Vocational Programs. People of all abilities have the right to equal employment opportunities.  The goal of the agency’s  Vocational Services  is to help people with all abilities find a job that is suitable to their specific interests, strengths and abilities. A hallmark of the success of the People Inc. program is that if there is not a good job match in traditional employment opportunities, the agency creates them so that people who are ready and willing to work, can. These jobs are competitive and integrated and provide real wages to the people supported by the agency. “People Inc. is proud to be a part of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month,” said Rhonda Frederick, President and CEO. “We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, including those of people with disabilities.” Reflecting this year’s theme, she remarked, “People Inc. confirms its commitment to an inclusive work culture, continuing to be a resource to the business community on disability employment issues and opening the door to building new relationships with business of all sizes across the region.” For a detailed conversation about employing people with disabilities, revisit this TEDx Buffalo talk, entitled “Differently Abled: Employing the Next FDR,” presented by Rhonda Frederick from 2015. “This presentation is still relevant today and I challenge all owners of businesses of any size, as well as community organizations, to think differently about people with disabilities in the workplace – how can you promote inclusion in your workplace? Together, let’s break down the barriers that still exist.” If businesses would like to find out how to partner with People Inc., or a person with a disability would like to learn more, email James Scutt at businesssolutions@people-inc.org or call its Vocational Services Department at 716-817-5750 . People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted people 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 .

Fantasy Casino Night to be Held Thursday, October 20: Tickets Available

People Inc. announces the return of the “Fantasy Casino Night” for the fall event. Join People Inc. and the Southeast Foundation at our Annual Fall Event to be held on Thursday, October 20, from 5:30 to 10 p.m., at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, 6461 Transit Road, Depew, NY. The public is invited to purchase tickets for this fun-filled evening! Here’s the Deal: Guests will start the night with chips to participate in blackjack, roulette and craps! The event features: stations with hors d’oeuvres, entrées and desserts; an open bar, raffles and more.  During the event, we will honor our 2020, 2021 and 2022 Direct Support Professionals of the Year, inspirational examples of our dedicated front-line workforce. Purchase your tickets before they sell out – individual tickets are $75, a package of 6 tickets is $400! For more information, contact Christine Melchiorre at  cmelchiorre@people-inc.org  or call 716.817.7269.  Sponsorships are also available.  Event proceeds benefit People Inc., the region’s leading multispecialty nonprofit health and human services agency, helping more than 12,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. The Southeast Foundation raises funds to enhance employment opportunities for adults with disabilities supported by People Inc. across the region, including within its Supported Employment placements, Vocational Services and Contract Manufacturing Program.

Care and Learn with People Inc.:  A Tailored Event for Care Coordinators and Healthcare Professionals

Relax, Recharge and Learn Join us on Friday, October 14 from Noon to 3 p.m. at People Inc. Health Services Building, Rehabilitative Services, Suite 101, 800 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, NY (corner of Hertel and Elmwood Avenues, free parking on-site, enter from Hertel Avenue). Snacks and light refreshments will be provided. Limited to 100 guests: First come, first served. RSVP to Eliza Matson by Tuesday, October 11 at  ematson@people-inc.org or 716.566.5007 . Bring your business cards! All attendees will be eligible to be entered into a raffle! At People Inc., we understand that recharging our physical batteries is essential to help us care and be a resource for others. We’ve put together an open-house style event for you to learn more about the various services offered by People Inc. Learn first-hand from our experts, plus visit some wellness stations along the way to help get a sense of being relaxed and restored. The People Inc. Team is here for you now and all year long. People Inc. resources on-hand will include: •    Adaptive Equipment Clinic •    Admissions and Referral Services •    Environmental Modifications and Adaptive Technologies •    Home Health •    People First Mobility •    Rehabilitative Health Services and Social Work •    Wheelchair Clinic •    Plus, Affordable Apartments and Senior Services Learn More