| Mathew Sets his Focus on the Future
Mathew Winters wakes up with a purpose – he gets ready, grabs his camera and meets his friends at People Inc.’s Arts Experience, a fine arts day habilitation program for adults with developmental disabilities. While there, he has the opportunity to explore his passion for photography through one of the many classes the program offers. Over this past year alone, Mathew has had several opportunities to hone his craft. He took photos of People Inc.’s residential locations, which were later included in an informative agency video. He even provided beautiful wedding photography for a People Inc. employee! When asked about this huge accomplishment, Mathew shared, “I felt so honored.” In his spare time, Mathew enjoys taking action shot photos and candids of people. With support from Arts Experience staff members, he is looking into how to start a website to feature his work. At age 31, Mathew continues to set goals. He has made his way through the continuum of residential services, living first in a traditional group home called an individualized residential alternative, then moving to a supervised apartment and, finally, to a supportive apartment (less than 24/7 staffing), where he currently resides. He considers living in one of our agency’s supportive apartments a stepping-stone to living on his own in the future. In preparation for this exciting transition, he is learning to budget his money for groceries and has improved his cooking and laundry skills. Of course, Mathew is also setting aside some money for new camera equipment! At People Inc., we think that everyone should have the opportunity to set and achieve their goals. We’re thrilled that our innovative programs help Mathew, and so many others, learn new skills and make their dreams a reality.
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| Local Supporter Gives Back to Help People with Disabilities
Last month, numerous supporters helped to brighten the holiday season for many of People Inc.’s program participants. Here is just one example:
• Many families and children we serve through our various programs received some extra joy thanks to the thoughtfulness of a local restaurant and its patrons! We are so thankful to Curry’s Restaurant and Pub owner Shannon Rhonemus (pictured with her father, Paul) for her generosity. She organized a party at her locally-owned Buffalo restaurant on Kenmore Avenue, where customers enjoyed a visit with Santa for a $10 toy donation. From the party, hundreds of toys were then donated to People Inc.’s program participants.
We are so grateful for all of our supporters and appreciate their generosity!
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| Raising Awareness about Services in Rochester
In addition to serving communities in Western New York, People Inc. provides a variety of programs and services in Rochester, NY. Our staff there has been active in the community spreading awareness of our Rochester-based programs! Some examples include: • Team leaders recently met with Mark Assini, supervisor for the Town of Gates. He is extremely supportive of our agency and excited that People Inc. is part of the community. People Inc.’s award-winning apartments located in Western New York for independent seniors who are income-eligible were highlighted, as there is a similar need in the Rochester area. • Recently, Anna Korus (pictured above left), vice president at People Inc.; Carol Wheeler (center), who works for Mayor Lovely Warren as manager of housing for the City of Rochester; and Rhonda Frederick (right), our president and CEO, met to discuss future opportunities for housing and other partnerships in the Rochester area. • A team of leaders from People Inc. recently met with Jackie Sofia of Monroe County Department of Social Services, and Corinda Crossdale, commissioner of Monroe County Human Services, to talk about expanding our services in the Rochester area for Children's Health Homes, Early Intervention and housing. • As part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to deepen our presence in the Rochester market, a group of People Inc. employees attended the Top 100 Event at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, an annual event that recognizes the area’s fastest-growing, privately-owned businesses who play a pivotal role in contributing to the economic growth of the community. People Inc. employees hosted an exhibitor information table. It was a great networking opportunity to position the organization in front of leading, local business executives. Please note that our Rochester administrative office has moved and the new address is: 1860 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624. The telephone numbers have remained the same:
General inquiries: 585.441.9300
Admissions: 585.441.9300
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Employees and Program Participants Show their Support
Thank you to all of our supporters who attended the bFair2DirectCare Western New York Rally on December 19! The bFair2DirectCare Coalition encourages elected officials to include funding in the New York State budget for DSP wage increases, an initiative that People Inc. supports.
Held at the Buffalo Museum of Science Auditorium, members of the State Senate and Assembly WNY Delegation showed their support of the campaign at the event as they shared remarks and heard unified voices for “Be Fair to Direct Care!”
People Inc. DSP Ann Marie Walker shared her personal story on why she is so passionate about the work she does. Our talented People Inc. family was also showcased, including Avery Gill who rapped some tunes in support of the campaign, while Gay Meyers, a long-time participant and employee, and Amy Jakiel, senior day supervisor, did some caroling together with a bFair2DirectCare theme. Brad Watts, community relations coordinator, pumped up the crowd. Kudos to Kevin Horrigan, associate vice president of public affairs, who coordinated the rally.
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| Registration Open for Chronic Disease
Self-Management Workshop
The start of the new year is often the time when people like to make positive changes for their health. Through People Inc.’s Living Healthy Program, a Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop will be held for older adults who are living with or caring for someone with a chronic or ongoing health condition. The free workshop will be held each Tuesday from January 23 to February 27, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., at People Inc. Burchfield Commons Senior Living, 2290 Union Road, West Seneca. Workshop topics include: How to enhance your ability to better manage your health and tips to maintain an active lifestyle, while learning new skills which enable you to confront challenges of living with a chronic disease. Registration is required. To register or for more information, call Becky Orton, peer leader trainer and manager of People Inc. Marigold Senior Living, at 716.773.0907.
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| Advocate for Seniors in Long-Term Care Facilities
Volunteers are needed to advocate for seniors. Through the People Inc., Center for Elder Law & Justice and the New York State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, volunteers called ombudsmen, promote the rights of residents who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. The program is currently screening interested candidates and planning training sessions for the spring season. Ombudsmen bring problem-solving skills as they visit long-term care facilities to help residents resolve 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 or engineering fields. Schedules are flexible with a minimum of two hours per week.
Volunteers are trained to properly listen to, investigate and help resolve concerns on behalf of long-term care residents. To learn more, call 716.817.9222, or toll-free at 1.844.527.5509.
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NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM OF disABILITY HISTORY
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| Smile Day at the Museum Health Fair: The Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to collaborate with the University at Buffalo Dental School again this year for Smile Day at the Museum Health Fair. The event will be held on Wednesday, February 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Museum’s location, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. Faculty and students at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine will provide dental appraisals for children and adults. Registration required. For more information or to register, email David Mack-Hardiman at dmack@people-inc.org or call 716.629.3626.
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| Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders in the Classroom: As part of the Museum of disABILITY History’s Dialogues on disABILITY Workshop Series, the “Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders in the Classroom 2018 Session,” will be held on Saturday, February 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Museum’s location, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. The workshop is presented by President and Founder of the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater New York State Susan Conners, MEd. The workshop will focus on Tourette Syndrome (TS) and ways in which parents and educators can help accommodate young people with TS and associated disorders, so that they can reach their full potential. Certificates of attendance will be given. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available. The workshop is $40 for professionals and parents and $10 for students. There is an additional fee of $40 for those pursuing CEUs. For more information or to register, call 716.629.3626.
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| Featured Job of the Month: Behavior Technician
People Inc. is currently hiring for behavior technicians in Akron, Alden, Rochester and West Seneca, NY. Behavior technicians instruct and supervise individuals in all aspects associated with day and/or residential programming, including but not limited to adjustment counseling, functional activities and community outings. They also ensure the health, safety and well-being of individuals. Requirements include: high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license, AA degree or one year of experience in human services preferred. To apply for this employment opportunity or view other openings, click here.
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Give $10 a Month and Earn Exclusive 2018 Calendar and More
If you pledge a recurring gift of $10 a month or a one-time gift of $100 or more to become a People Inc. Foundation Supporting Member, you’ll receive our exclusive 2018 People Inc. Foundation Supporting Member Calendar. This year’s calendar features photos of people we serve and their stories of independence. As a Supporting Member, you can identify a friend or family member and we will mail him/her a calendar on your behalf. Please include your loved one’s name and contact information in the “note” section of the donation form. Additional benefits include an invitation to our Supporting Member event and inclusion in published donor listings. To become a Supporting Member, click here. For more information, contact Jennifer Robinson, at jrobinson@people-inc.org or by calling 716.817.7269.
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| Get Your Valentine's Bling
If you’re looking for a unique piece of jewelry for someone special this Valentine’s Day, check out the Embrace the Difference® bracelet. With beads in a range of jewel tones and a butterfly charm, it makes a great gift for someone you care about, or get one for yourself before they are gone! This bracelet costs $30, with proceeds benefitting the People Inc. Foundation. Hurry – there is a limited quantity available. To purchase and pick up a bracelet, call Jennifer Robinson at 716.817.7269.
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| Recent news stories that include information from People Inc. and agency representatives.
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Support Groups Available
Headway of WNY, a not-for-profit agency and an affiliate of People Inc., provides a number of support groups for people with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and for their caregivers. The support groups are available to share resources and information in a confidential setting. One of them is the Peer Support Group for individuals with TBI, which meets free of charge every first and third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Headway office, 2635 Delaware Avenue, Suite E, Buffalo, NY.
New people are welcome to join the support groups throughout the year. For a listing of support groups, go to headwayofwny.org or for more information, email support@headwayofwny.org or call 716.408.3100.
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| Free Screening of Despicable Me 3 for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Assemblyman Ray Walter will host a free screening of Universal Pictures’ Despicable Me 3 for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. This event will offer attendees the chance to walk the red carpet and have their picture taken like a Hollywood movie star. Additionally, the event will feature a number of autism-friendly amenities, including house lights on at half capacity, lower volume and a judgement-free venue. The event is offered in partnership with the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York, Dipson Theaters, People Inc., Autism Services Inc., and The Summit Center. When: Saturday, January 27,
at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Eastern Hills, Dipson Theatre Cinema, 4545 Transit Road, Williamsville, NY
Info/Tickets: Pre-registration required. Tickets are limited and potential attendees must RSVP before January 26. To reserve tickets, call 716.634.1895. Tickets are first come, first served.
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