Family & Friends Tours Return In-Person

People Inc. proudly announces the return of the in-person Family & Friends Tours for people who want to learn more about our services. These tours may be of interest to: a person seeking supports, family seeking services for a loved one, teacher/school transition coordinator, or a care coordinator.

Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament a Success

Our annual People Inc. Foundation Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament was held Monday, July 24! Many thanks to all of the businesses, sponsors, golfers and volunteers for their generous support to help make the sold-out event a success! Their participation supports our mission to provide excellent resources and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as affordable housing opportunities for families and seniors. The nearly $100,000 raised will help us provide superior residences, day programs, rehabilitative health services, respite, and much, much more. And, of course, all our programs and services focus on opportunities for people to live their most fulfilling lives. On behalf of the more than 12,000 people who take part in our programs or live in People Inc. residences and the 4,100 dedicated People Inc. employees, we would like to express our gratitude to our 2023 supporters: Hole-in-One Sponsors: Allied Mechanical, Inc.; ePlus Technology, Inc/Cisco; Long Associates Architects, PLLC; Parkview Health Services; Savarino Companies, LLC and Upstate Pharmacy. Eagle Sponsors: Aries Transportation; Barclay Damon, LLP; Besroi Roofing & Siding; Calamar Construction; Cedar Bus Company; Cortese Construction Services; CSI Contract Specialists; CSS Construction; Davis-Ulmer; Dobmeier, Inc.; DV Brown & Associates, Inc.; Flaherty Salmin CPAs; Independent Health; KeyBank; Property Services of WNY; TOPS Friendly Markets; Ulrich Signs; United Business Systems; USI Insurance Services and Walsh Duffield Companies, Inc.

Support People Inc. through Give 716

Give 716 is a collaborative giving event organized by the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres Foundations to unite fans and the community in support of local nonprofits. This epic giving event is a one-of-a-kind chance to donate to People Inc. while taking advantage of corporate challenges where gifts are matched, or special incentives are offered!  From 7:16 p.m. on July 16 through 7:16 a.m. on July 18, you can join the fun and make a difference with your donation. Want to help even more? Share the Give 716 information with your networks through social media. Donations made to People Inc. will support our many life-changing services benefiting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and seniors. Worlds open up through your generous philanthropy! Without your help, people like Brandon Mazur may not have found the hands-on work experience he receives through People Inc.’s own “People Shoppe” in Buffalo. Brandon says he is “proud to be the first person customers see – it makes me and them feel happy.” Funds also provide services for people such as Kenyata Cooper , who lives with cerebral palsy and glaucoma and says, “If I did not have my physical therapy, I would be lost!” Your generosity helps creativity blossom for people like Nick Kilpatrick , who has built skills as a craftsman and musician with the help of a self-determination assistant. “I like to make new friends, along with the people I work with,” Nick says, “I really enjoy learning new things and playing my music for everyone.” Additionally, contributions bring shelter and sense of community to people like John Hartman , who has found a safe place to live in one of People Inc.’s Affordable Apartments. John says, “I walked into my apartment overwhelmed and so very thankful.” Support a great cause, while enjoying special perks!

New Hiring Salaries

Effective Monday, July 10, as a result of the most recently approved New York State Budget, People Inc. was able to make a significant wage enhancement for direct support professionals and frontline supervisors. The new salaries are: Interested in a career with People Inc.? Learn more!

Southampton Street Community Cleanup

On Saturday, May 13, People Inc. was proud to take part in a Great American Cleanup alongside Home Beneath Our Feet, a local nonprofit organization founded by People Inc. team member Dwight Lowe. Nearly 30 volunteers worked together to mow lawns, pick up trash and support our community in the Jefferson-Southampton area. Check out the People Inc. Facebook album . The cleanup was the second annual event of its kind, the first being held just hours before the tragedy of May 14, 2022. Many volunteers came together that day from all walks of life to work towards one common goal: bettering the lives of those in our community. For 2023, the motivation was very much the same, with the added goal of showcasing the power of unity in the face of tragedy. The volunteers honored the people effected by the May 2022 event with a moment of silence and a renewed commitment to continuing to support all of our neighbors in meaningful ways. The names of the victims are: Celestine Chaney; Roberta A. Drury; Margus D. Morrison; Andre Mackneil; Katherine Massey; Deacon Heyward Patterson; Aaron Salter; Geraldine Talley; Ruth Whitfield and Pearl Young. Three others were also injured: Christopher Braden; Zaire Goodman and Jennifer Warrington. "We are back here, we are showing we are not going anywhere," Dwight Lowe told WKBW in a recent interview. “People [are] coming from different spaces, different races and coming together with one mission and that is to take care of our community and support in any way we can.”     

A Message of Support Video Released

People Inc. President and CEO Anne McCaffrey and Associate Vice President for Community Relations and DEI Bradford Watts acknowledge the tragedy that happened on May 14, 2022, as well as resources available to the People Inc. family in a video released on May 3.

Affiliation with Lothlorien Ends

The affiliation between Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. (LTRC) and People Inc. ended effective April 30, 2023. Read the statement at lothlorientrc.org .

People Inc. Joins Special Olympics Basketball Tournament at Niagara University

Playing sports offers countless benefits. From increased self-confidence and critical thinking skills to developing character and a sense of teamwork, athletics give people of all abilities the tools they need to thrive and increase their physical fitness. No one knows this better than Special Olympics, a nonprofit organization that offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to train and compete in authentic, quality sports.  On April 22, 2023, the state chapter, Special Olympics New York, partnered with Niagara University to host its Western Regional Basketball Tournament. About 175 Special Olympians competed in this year’s event, including 20 athletes from People Inc. In addition to the days of practicing basketball on campus, People Inc. participants also worked with the coaches in a classroom setting at Niagara University, learning about and helping to plan every aspect of the tournament. Brandon Mazur, an athlete who is also enrolled in a number of People Inc. programs, appreciated the skills he gained from the experience. “I enjoy learning how to pass the ball, shooting and dribbling,” he explained. “I like working with the coaches because they spend time with me and teach me how to play basketball. I really enjoy going to the university and being part of the program.” Kyle Stern, another Special Olympian who takes part in People Inc. programs, was excited to join the tournament for a second year running. “I did this last year as well,” he expressed. “It's really a lot of fun and it's really enjoyable to see a lot of familiar faces. I like dribbling the ball and passing it to my teammates.” The event was a huge success and People Inc. was proud to be a part of it. “As an agency, we work hard every day to create a culture where people are accepted and valued for who they are,” shared Elizabeth Duncan, director for People Inc. Day Habilitation Programs. “We look forward to continuing this partnership with Special Olympics and Niagara University and working together to build a more inclusive future.”