| Meet Artist Brett Crawford
Brett Crawford is using his artistic talents to embrace a blend of Korean and American culture. He has the opportunity to express his creativity at our Arts Experience Program, which he attends twice a week.
Adopted at age 2 from South Korea, he would like to return there someday to vacation and experience its culture. Brett, who has autism, has been a participant in our Arts Experience Program since 2010. He enjoys drawing and singing, as well as opera and Korean music. Last year, he played the role of Scarecrow in the Arts Experience Program’s production of Wizard of Oz. Starting January 19 until the end of March, Brett’s artwork will be on display at the downtown branch of the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library.
The staff and teaching artists of Arts Experience have created an environment of learning. “While attending the program, Brett has been encouraged to explore the use of new mediums and artistic techniques,” said Anne Paulk, senior day supervisor. “We have created a safe and supportive space that Brett has flourished as an artist.”
The Arts Experience Program showcases the creative talents of adults with developmental disabilities. Classes are offered in visual art, theatre, music, jewelry design, creative writing and dance.
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| People Inc. Launches New Durable Medical Equipment Business
In December, People Inc. launched People First Mobility (PFM), a new durable medical equipment supplier. PFM will provide complex rehabilitation mobility and seating technology and home medical equipment so individuals with disabilities can reach their functional potential in their homes and in the community. Product examples include power wheelchairs, scooters, custom seating, hospital beds and lift chairs. PFM will operate as an affiliate of People Inc., providing an expanded revenue source to further support our operations and mission.
“PFM is backed by our years of insight and knowledge, which will benefit people who are looking to match proper medical equipment with their unique, individual needs and goals,” said Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO, People Inc.
To learn more, click here.
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| New Office Location Now Open
Our 3131 Sheridan Drive location in Amherst has moved to 3332 Walden Avenue in Depew (near 84 Lumber). The office houses the following departments: Admissions, Behavior Support Services, Community Habilitation/Individualized Service Environment, Family Support Services, Service Coordination, and Self-Directed Services/Consolidated Supports and Services. It also serves as a site for employee training. Our phone numbers and emails for this location have remained the same.
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| In the Community
People Inc. was recently represented in the community:
Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO, along with Kevin Horrigan, associate vice president of public affairs, met with Senator Cathy Young (Olean) in her Jamestown office to discuss our agency’s presence in Chautauqua county and the New York State budget. With programs and locations throughout Western New York, People Inc. has four sites in Senator Young’s district that provides residential and day services to 45 individuals. People Inc. congratulates Senator Young on her recent appointment as chair of the New York State Senate Finance Committee.
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|  | Senator Patrick Gallivan (Elma); Rhonda Frederick, People Inc.; People Board and Foundation Board Member Bill Collins. |
| Due to our active involvement with the business community, People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick addressed the Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s 2016 Advocacy Agenda Rollout and Public Officials Reception on January 7. She presented to the audience on the issue of workers compensation.
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| Featured Job Opportunity
People Inc. is hiring for registered nurses in both the residential and home health departments. This position monitors and coordinates the delivery of health care services for individuals with developmental disabilities in various programs. We currently have openings in Erie and Niagara counties. Our RNs receive flexible hours for a more balanced life, generous paid time off and health insurance for full-time employees, 401(k) plan and tuition reimbursement. Click here to apply. To find out about careers with our agency, click here. For featured jobs, check out our LinkedIn page.
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| Counseling Services Available at Elmwood Health Center
Are you, or is a loved one in need of counseling services? The Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of People Inc., offers individual, group and family therapy sessions. A variety of topics can be discussed, including: behavior management, grief, parenting, stress reduction, anxiety and depression, adolescent issues and anger management. The Elmwood Health Center, a health care facility that provides a wide range of medical, rehabilitative therapies and counseling services for the general public, as well as specially designed services for individuals with developmental disabilities, is located on a bus route at 2128 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 716.874.4500.
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| Advocate for Seniors in Long-term Care Facilities
People Inc. is seeking volunteers with a passion for assisting seniors to support the New York State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program. Volunteers, called ombudsmen, advocate and promote the rights of residents who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities in Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus counties. Ombudsmen bring compassion and problem-solving skills as they visit long-term care facilities to empower residents and help them resolve complaints. People Inc. provides comprehensive training and ongoing support. We are now enrolling volunteers in our next training session scheduled for February/March. To learn more, call 716.817.9222, or toll-free at 1.844.527.5509.
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| PEOPLE INC. IN THE NEWS
Recent news stories that include information from People Inc. and agency representatives
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| OTHER LOCAL, STATE, NATIONAL NEWS
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| The Buffalo News: Letter – New York Must Increase Funding to Help Disabled
“Without providing funding to care for the growing needs of our disabled population, these most vulnerable members of society will be left homeless, abandoned, hospitalized, incarcerated or worse.”
New York Times: Ex-N.F.L. Player’s New Team Takes on Challenges of A.L.S.
“Mr. Gleason had always been tech-savvy, and when he realized he would soon lose the use of his fingers, he tested out the assistive technologies available for A.L.S. patients at the time.”
People: Photographer Turns Classic Paintings into Breathtaking Photographs Featuring Children with Down Syndrome
“…We need to accept them as they are and give them possibilities to succeed in life.”
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Donate
People Inc. Supporting Members are special supporters who pledge a recurring gift of $10 a month or a one-time gift of $100 or more—donations that ensure individuals with developmental disabilities and senior adults receive the services and care they need. These gifts can be maximized through matched gifts from our community partners. Supporting Members also receive some great benefits, including a Donation Reward Card valued at over $500 in savings and good at over 365,000 places! To learn about additional benefits and to donate, click here.
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Cookbooks Now on Sale
People Inc. Senior Living tenants have contributed their favorite recipes to create Treasured Recipes from People Inc. Senior Living, a bound collection of recipes that is rich in family traditions. A limited supply is available for $8 each; cash or checks accepted, payable to People Inc.
With 19 locations throughout Western New York, People Inc. Senior Living provides affordable and safe apartments to independent seniors. To order cookbooks or for more information, call 716.817.9090.
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NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM OF DISABILITY HISTORY
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New Traveling Exhibit Focuses on Disability Advocate Dr. Platt Skinner
On January 7, the Museum of disABILITY History unveiled its newest traveling exhibit, Dr. Skinner: Disability Educator, Advocate and Abolitionist, at Niagara Falls Public Library. The interpretive exhibit immerses visitors in the experiences of Dr. Platt Skinner’s struggle for abolition in Niagara Falls. The exhibit, produced through a generous grant from the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, explores dozens of compelling and persuasive visual images. The Niagara Falls Public Library is serving as the first host of the traveling display, which will be viewable at the library (Earl W. Brydges Building, 1425 Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY) until the end of March. Click here to view photos from the event.
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Buffalo State Hospital Book Launch
On Saturday, January 23 at 2 p.m., the Museum of disABILITY History host a book launch of Buffalo State Hospital: A History of the Institution in Light and Shadow, a one-of-a-kind publication that includes amazing, full-color photos from our collection, as well as 100 exclusive images of the shuttered institution from modern-archeological photographer Ian Ference. A former patient and hospital employee will share their personal stories during the event, and attendees will have the opportunity to view a new, short documentary, produced by videographer Jon Hand, in our recently opened experiential theater. Click here for more information. To RSVP, email Doug Farley at dfarley@people-inc.org or call 716.629.3626.
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| Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders in the Classroom, 2016 Session
The Museum of disABILITY History will hold a unique workshop on Saturday, February 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3826 Main Street, Buffalo. The event, presented by Susan Conners, MEd, and held in association with Learning Partners, will focus on Tourette Syndrome (TS) and ways in which parents and educators can help young people with TS and associated disorders manage their behavior. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for those interested. The workshop is $40 for professionals and parents, and $10 for students. There is an additional fee of $30 for those pursuing CEUs. To learn more or to register, call 716.629.3626 or click here.
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