Dr. Lizbeth Booth 2024 Supervisors of the Year Celebrated

People Inc. celebrated the Dr. Lizbeth Booth Supervisors of the Year Awards, which recognizes the critical role of our supervisors who directly support people receiving services. The awards honor the memory and legacy of Lizbeth Booth, PhD, who was an integral part of many different areas at People Inc. for nearly 30 years. Dr. Booth inspired her staff, helped them build their own skills and empowered them to become a resource to others. At the recognition breakfast, People Inc. President and CEO Anne McCaffrey said, "As a supervisor, I know you are training and engaging your team, and your wisdom and expertise have a profound impact on them and the care we provide. Your guidance sets the tone and results in people achieving their dreams, turning houses into homes, and ensuring people can live fulfilling lives."  Noting her appreciation for all that the supervisors do, she added, "It is clear, both from my experience over the past year and from the voices of the nominators, that this year’s Supervisors of the Year are natural leaders who are: patient, encouraging, compassionate, inclusive, adaptable, and quick to offer recognition. Thank you for lifting People Inc. to incredible heights." The honorees are:  Diana Ball Quintella Cottrell Monica Debus Maura Dimino Kelly Dlugosz Erika Falinski Maddison Fleming Shannon Greiner Thomas Griffith Charmaine Henley-Brown Amy Johnson Ken Kraffert Sarah Loeffler Ijeoma Mack Jenna McKeone Natalie Moore Andrea Parrish Tara Polakiewicz Denise Smaszcz Daniel Soto Cassandra Special Angela Winslow Jason Zauner

People Inc. Plays Major Role in Annual Developmental Disabilities Conference

The 36th Annual Developmental Disabilities Day Conference is a marquis event of the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of WNY, which is a collaborative group of member voluntary agencies who provide services to people with disabilities in the Western New York and Finger Lakes regions. This conference brought together advocates, industry connected vendors and suppliers, local and regional agencies, and leading experts to present on a wide variety of topics during the event. The event, run by volunteers, is the largest one of its kind in the United States. People Inc. was a proud sponsor of this event. Additionally, several agency employees volunteer their time and expertise in leadership roles on the planning committee. Receiving awards and presenting during the conference were: Kelly Special, Senior Residential Supervisor/LPN, was honored as the Service Provider of the Year for her commitment to ensuring the well-being of the women who live in a People Inc. supported community-based home and fostering an environment of respect and dignity. Brandon Scott whose original artwork was selected as the logo for the event. Brandon participates in the agency's ArtsWork program and has exhibited works locally and internationally. Dennis Garland, Ph. D., Associate Professor, Niagara University, who oversees the Special Olympics basketball competition received the Community Partner Award for his incorporation of people served by programs at People Inc. who participate alongside NU students with the planning of the event as well as the competition. Jenn Ball, Occupational Therapist, People Inc; Brian Clayback, General Manager, People First Mobility and Joanna Jackson, Physical Therapist, People Inc. presented a workshop on "Forget the Limitations – Focus on Solutions. Learn the Process to Obtain Seating, Mobility and Adaptive Equipment" Jeff Sanderson, Vice President Strategic Initiatives, People Inc. presented on "Best Practices for True Inclusion" along with Sam Mattle, Executive Director, Center for Self Advocacy and Chrys Malachowski. Jeff and Sam are co-chairs of the Partnership Coalition. People Inc. was proud to sponsor this well-attended event. In addition to our award honorees and workshop presenters, the agency also showcased our therapy dog program and art created through the ArtsWork program in a pop-up gallery.

Hundreds Support People Inc. at “Better Together” Event

Nearly 300 People Inc. friends and family attended “Better Together...A Night of Celebration” on May 9 to celebrate the coming together of the programs, services and agencies that make up People Inc. today. The evening included a wonderful choral performance by the “Traveling Troupe,” whose members attend People Inc.’s Arts Experience program. Guests also enjoyed live music, casino-style games, and an auction including original pieces created through the ArtsWork program. This event celebrated the expansion of People Inc.'s family of services over the last year and welcomed the programs of Deaf Access Services and Autism Services Inc. The evening also marked the coming together of the Rivershore and Southeast Foundations with the People Inc. Foundation. Event proceeds will assist the People Inc. Foundation in its support of the newly expanded comprehensive arts, music, and theater initiative under the ArtsWork umbrella. Thank you to all our sponsors, including Gold Sponsor, Creative Structures Services; and Silver Sponsors, Great Lakes Health, KeyBank, M&T Bank, Parkview Health Services and Upstate Pharmacy. A new overview video of the agency premiered. The video includes embedded captions and an ASL interpreter.

Nurse of Distinction Named

Nursing Director Stacey Edwards, RN, was nominated as a Buffalo News Nurse of Distinction for never losing perspective on the People Inc. mission and consistently focusing on protecting, promoting, and optimizing the health and functioning ability of each person under her and her team’s care, according to Senior Vice President Maralyn Militello, MPA, BSN, RN. Edwards’ outstanding leadership and support of the nurses, direct support professionals and management teams began in a very front-facing role as medication administration training nurse and continues through her current Director role, managing a team of 34 people. Her leadership skills have continued to grow throughout her nursing career at People Inc., and she is well-respected for offering potential resolutions for problems, innovative trainings and sharing valuable clinical insights. Through strategic education and communication, Edwards empowers both nursing and residential staff to find answers, learn new skills, take part in a workgroup, and consider roles in management. “Each day that I can advocate for those unable to advocate for themselves brings with it a feeling of accomplishment,” Edwards said. “Each time that I support and assist my nurses and staff in providing the best possible care for the people we serve carries with it a tremendous sense of achievement. I find that the greatest experiences are not only the moments that come with a feeling of gratification, but also those that provide a teachable moment. I have fostered many relationships within the agency that have afforded me the opportunity to educate others. My career journey itself has been extremely fulfilling.” Her thoughts about her most significant contribution to the nursing profession happened during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “As we found ourselves in uncharted territory, I was part of a team of nurses that took charge of creating COVID sites for the people we serve.  … During this challenging time we were able to provide the 24-hour nursing care that was needed for those diagnosed with COVID, as well as protect our already fragile population.” If you, or someone you know, are seeking a fulfilling career in nursing, this video highlights some of the dedicated People Inc. nurses in action and sharing their experiences.

People Inc. Plants Trees to Celebrate Arbor Day

People Inc. is planting trees for Arbor Day at locations across our service area. We are committed to nurturing the neighborhoods and communities in which we work, and where we maintain group homes, day programs and affordable apartment buildings. Arbor Day is a national observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care. First celebrated in 1872, it was established as a way to encourage farmers and homesteaders to plant trees that would provide shade, shelter, food, fuel and beauty to open areas. Communities, schools, businesses, and individuals alike join together to plant commemorative trees, hand out free trees, provide education on tree planting and care, and celebrate all the benefits trees provide. In New York, Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated the last Friday in April. However, communities around the state can celebrate Arbor Day any day of the year.  A ceremonial tree planting took place on April 26 at the agency's Brighton Park Day Program in the Town of Tonawanda. People with intellectual and developmental disabilities who participate in the program were assisted by People Inc. staff and leadership. A feature of the habilitative services offered at the Brighton Park Day Program is a unique opportunity for participants to experience horticulture through an active on-site greenhouse. The greenhouse program is educational and therapeutic for people attending the Brighton Day Program. Through participation and visitation to the greenhouse, those served learn about the value of growing food, plants, flowers, and trees and their importance to the environment. People Inc.'s Seneca Cazenovia Senior Apartments in Buffalo, Lilly Senior Apartments in Blasdell, Nelson Hopkins Apartments in Lockport, Commonwealth Apartment in Buffalo, Union Square in North Chili/Rochester and the administrative building in Williamsville are also receiving the gift of new trees. 

Earth Day Celebrated by People Inc. Self-Directed Staff

Teamwork provided spring maintenance and a tree planting in Allegany County. Continuing a partnership with IMPACT: Friends Improving Allegany County Trails, Inc, members of the People Inc. Self-Directed team gathered on Earth Day 2024 to clear trails of winter blowdowns, trim branches, raking out drainage, mark trail hazards such as large fallen trees, and plant a new tree. The trails are open to the public and are an often visited attraction by people supported through the Self-Directed Program. IMPACT's mission is to conserve, improve and advocate for year-round access to a diverse network of public trails and greenways in Allegany County. These are multi-purpose trails used by hikers, backpackers, trail runners, snowshoe and cross-country skiers. The butternut hickory tree was planted near the parking lot and picnic area for trail #5, located  here  on the West Almond Trail System within the Turnpike Sate Forest. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Supervising Forester Greg Muller provided education and guidance on tree planting.

The Global Group Hosting Events for People Inc.

The Global Group is proud to be a part of the upcoming "Better Together...A Night of Celebration" benefiting the People Inc. Foundation. They are hosting a pair of public "gift gatherings" at their locations in Amherst and Blasdell this month. Mention that you are with People Inc. at check-out, and you will receive 20% off any wine and 10% off any liquor purchases from your full-price selections during the times noted below. This is a great opportunity to stock your shelves at home and contribute wine or liquor donations for the People Inc. Foundation's fundraiser,  Better Together . Stop by: Wednesday, April 17  from 6-8 p.m. at Global Wine & Spirits, 4990 Harlem Road, Amherst. This event features tastings of more than 100 wines and personal shopping with Kevin LoVullo from Spiel the Wine.   Thursday, April 18  from 5-7 p.m. at McKinley Wine & Spirits, 3820 McKinley Parkway, Blasdell.    

Plain Language Communication on the Eclipse

Thomas Ess, People Inc. Vice President for Emergency Management, was interviewed by WBFO's Disability Reporter Emyle Watkins on why plain language communication matters on communicating about the eclipse to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and how the eclipse is changing operations at the agency for April 8. Learn more

Volunteers Needed to Advocate for Residents in Senior Care Facilities

People Inc. is offering certification training this spring for people interested in advocating for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout Erie County.  The NYS Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program connects caring and effective advocates with older adults and people with disabilities who live in nursing homes, assisted living and other licensed adult care homes. The program is administered locally by People Inc.    Volunteers, known as ombudsmen, visit residents to identify concerns. They investigate and resolve complaints to advocate for the rights of people living in long-term care facilities. Ombudsman volunteers assist with monitoring resident care and building conditions, while working with facility staff to correct problems, using a range of problem-resolution and advocacy skills.    “Ombudsmen volunteers are urgently needed to serve society’s most vulnerable population,” said Susan Fenster, regional coordinator. “Our volunteers can make a tremendous difference in someone’s life.”  Upon successful completion of a comprehensive 36-hour training program, Ombudsman volunteers are certified by the NY State Office for the Aging. They will work closely with their staff supervisor and are assigned to a facility in their area where they make weekly visits to meet with the facility residents. Schedules are flexible with a minimum of two hours per week required.  The upcoming training will be provided virtually via Zoom on weekdays beginning in May. In-facility mentoring is also part of the curriculum. For more information on volunteering, call 716-817-9222.  ABOUT PEOPLE INC.: People Inc. provides an array of support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, as well as health care services, senior services, services for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and affordable housing. Built on a strong foundation of innovation, collaboration, community and inclusion, People Inc. helps people throughout Western New York and the greater Rochester region achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.  For more information, go to people-inc.org.