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| Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. Becomes an Affiliate of People Inc.
We’re happy to share that Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. (Lothlorien) has become an affiliate of People Inc. The affiliation will expand Lothlorien’s reach and mission of assisting people to develop their highest potential through therapeutically-based equine activities. Programs will continue to be provided through trained volunteer facilitators and instructors who translate time spent with a horse into a meaningful, healing relationship that enhances overall health.
This new partnership allows Lothlorien and People Inc. to provide the best possible outcomes for people receiving support and the staff who assist them. The Lothlorien name and legacy will continue and the intimate culture that people value from this important local resource will be maintained.
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| Northtowns Afternoon Respite Enjoys Trip to Local Fire Department
Children enrolled in the People Inc. Northtowns Afternoon Respite Program gave back to their community by making cards and crafts for the Main-Transit Fire Department in Williamsville, NY. While visiting the station to deliver the gifts, they were thrilled to sit in a fire truck, try on firefighter uniforms and ask questions. The firefighters were very welcoming and made the outing memorable.
People Inc. Afternoon Respite provides after school/after day program care throughout Western New York, in areas including Amherst, Buffalo, Depew, East Aurora, Hamburg, Kenmore/Tonawanda, Lockport and Rochester. Enrollees can enjoy arts/crafts, recreational activities, homework help and peer socialization, while parents/guardians can use the opportunity to work and complete errands. To learn more or to enroll your loved one, contact Adam Perry at aperry@people-inc.org or 716.529.6497.
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| Elmwood Health Center Featured in New York eHealth Collaborative Video
The Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of People Inc., is a proud partner of HEALTHeLINK. The collaboration was recently spotlighted by HEALTHeLINK and The New York eHealth Collaborative to promote the importance of Health Information Exchange. We’re honored to be included in the video, which features Barbara Johnson, RN-BC, MS, director of Clinical Services, Elmwood Health Center.
The Elmwood Health Center provides high quality health care for the general public of all ages and specialized care for people with developmental disabilities. Located at 2128 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, NY, the Elmwood Health Center has grown from 500 patients in 1994 to over 5,000 patients today. Fundraising is currently underway for an expansion and relocation just a half mile down the road from its current location. There will be more than double the treatment rooms, on-site dental services and durable medical equipment.
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Apartment Application Day for North Tonawanda Apartments
Currently under construction, People Inc. Grant Street Apartments is accepting applications for a spring move-in! Located at 25 Grant Street, North Tonawanda, NY, in a suburban setting/school zone, the apartments are ideal for a single person, couple or young family. An Apartment Application Day will be held for those interested in these Affordable Income Housing apartments to address any eligibility questions. This opportunity will be held on Saturday, February 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at People Inc. Highland School Apartments, 105 Highland Avenue, Tonawanda (which is an additional Affordable Income Housing location managed by People Inc.). The affordable housing complex is for people who are age 18 or older and meet the federally-mandated household income guidelines; rental vouchers accepted. Located in the heart of North Tonawanda, the apartment building is just minutes from local shopping, restaurants, grocery stores, theatre, banks, schools and so much more. Learn more about the apartment features. For more information or to RSVP, email housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890.
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| Use Your Facebook for a Cause
How many times a week are you on Facebook checking news, posting updates about your family or anecdotes of your hectic day? Your newsfeed may be filled with photos of kids, pets or even delectable dinner entrees! Why not take an important step with this social network by encouraging donations to the People Inc. Foundation?
It’s an easy way to ask friends and family to give back to your favorite charity. That’s what Rosemary Arnone did to help raise funds for People Inc. Rosemary’s son receives support from People Inc. and she was the first person to start a Facebook fundraiser to assist our agency last spring. “I chose to fundraise for People Inc. through Facebook to honor the agency’s unwavering commitment to our family over the last decade,” shared Rosemary. “Our son has made incredible progress with People Inc. at the helm. People Inc. has been a miracle in our lives.”
You, too, can start your own Facebook fundraiser today. To set it up, just follow these steps:
1. Log in to your personal Facebook and go to: facebook.com/fund/peopleinc
2. Complete the “Let’s Start with the Basics” form, set your goal and end date for your fundraiser
3. Tell Your Story: Include a short description on why you’re raising money for People Inc
- Ask for donations to remember the life of a loved one or a friend
- OR to give in honor of your own birthday or a special person to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, promotion or any occasion
4. Tell your friends and family to help reach your goals
- Invite your friends and share on your timeline
5. Post
We’re grateful for your support! If you have any questions, email tribute@people-inc.org or call 716.817.7269.
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| In the Community: Focus on Town
of Amherst
As longtime members of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce, People Inc. staff Rhonda Frederick, president and CEO; Kevin Horrigan, associate vice president of Public Affairs; and Brad Watts, Community Relations coordinator; were glad to join their counterparts in Amherst for Supervisor Brian Kulpa’s State of the Town of Amherst. Supervisor Kulpa shared his visionary plans for Amherst for over 400 business and non-profit representatives. People Inc. has several hundred employees that call Amherst home. We look forward to participating in the town’s ongoing transformation.
Additionally, People Inc. is thrilled to be at the table with the Amherst Chamber of Commerce under the new direction and guidance of CEO AJ Baynes. It’s an exciting time for the community!
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| Celebrating Accomplishments
Last month, members of our agency and affiliate Board of Directors gathered to celebrate the
past year’s accomplishments. These boards included: People Inc., People Inc. Foundation, Rivershore Foundation Inc. and Southeast Foundation Inc. Nancy Dobson, People Inc. Foundation chairperson, presented two awards that evening. Randall Borst, who served as chairperson on the People Inc. board from 2018 to 2019, was honored for his hard work and dedication to our cause. Eugene Meeks, a longtime People Inc. board member was also honored for his longevity, serving
on the board from 2002 to 2019. Beth Montague, People Inc. Foundation board member;
Christine Mathieu, People Inc. staff and Ralph Vanner, Jr., People Inc. Foundation board member; were all recognized as the newest Legacy Society Members.
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|  | Eugene Meeks and
Nancy Dobson
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Lynn Catalano, of Niagara Falls Memorial; Jerry Wolfgang, Rivershore Foundation Board President and Denise Bienko, Executive Officer of People Inc. Foundation and Rivershore Foundation
| |  | Nancy Conley and
Rhonda Frederick, President
and CEO of People Inc.
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Make a Difference with the People Inc. ETHOS AmeriCorps Program
This past fall, Brittany Calandra joined the People Inc. ETHOS AmeriCorps Program after learning about the opportunity through her former service coordinator. In her role assisting the People Inc. Senior Companion Program, she garnered new Companion volunteers and referrals through community networking. Over her time spent with AmeriCorps, Brittany reached out to community centers and senior residences to educate the public about the People Inc. Senior Companion Program. She enjoyed connecting with older adults and utilizing her Spanish language skills to communicate with Hispanic volunteers. Alissa Yax, Senior Companion Program coordinator said, “Brittany made a huge impact on the program. She has been successful in both obtaining volunteers and passing on referrals for those in need of support.”
Know someone who might be interested in this opportunity to take the path less traveled and make a difference in the community? Encourage them to visit people-inc.org/ethos for qualifications and steps on how to become a People Inc. ETHOS AmeriCorps member. The application process is ongoing. Apply today!
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| Featured Job of the Month:
Community-Based Instructor
People Inc. is seeking Community-Based Instructors to work full time to assist people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build skills and foster independence. Day and evening shifts are available. The ideal candidate enjoys working independently and having variety in their work day. Requirements include: 18 years or older; valid driver’s license that meets agency policy; high school diploma or GED preferred, but not required; and ability to transport people in a personal vehicle that meets agency requirements. Excellent benefits and opportunities include: Paid time off, health/dental/vision plans, tuition reimbursement, employee perks and discounts, 401(k) plan and much more. To apply or to view all of our employment openings, go to the Available Jobs page on our website or call 716.322.7050 for more information.
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| Registration Discount for Annual Golf Tournament and Auction
On Monday, August 17, People Inc. will host its 19th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament and Auction at the Orchard Park Country Club, in Orchard Park, NY. Weare looking for your support! Take advantage of our early bird discount pricing. Registration starts March 2 to receive a 10 percent discount on Birdie and Par sponsorship teams when paid in full by May 1.
To register or for more information, contact Melanie Brown at mbrown@people-inc.org or 716.814.7450.
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| NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM OF disABILITY HISTORY
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Mark Your Calendars for Upcoming Events
The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is ever-bustling with news and upcoming events. Check out a new video featuring our Museum. Here’s an update on upcoming events:
- “Smile Day” will be held as part of a collaboration with University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine on Wednesday, April 15. Free dental appraisals for children and adults will be provided. Participants will get a free goodie bag.
- Certified New York State Art Educator Jean Serusa, who presented on Vincent Van Gogh last year, will return. On Wednesday, April 29, at 7 p.m., she will lead a presentation on Frida Kahlo, a famous self-taught artist, known for her surrealist, Mexican-style art, who became disabled due to polio. Museum tours and refreshments will start at 6 p.m.
- A new exhibit, “Outsider Art from Inside the Institution,” including works from the Dr. Ionel and Marjorie O’Brien Collection, is under development. The exhibit will debut later this year with hundreds of touching and moving pieces of artwork.
These events will be will be held at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street,
Buffalo, NY.
For more information, email David Mack-Hardiman at dmack@people-inc.org or call 716.629.3626. Stay tuned to the Museum’s Facebook page and website for more details.
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Panera Fundraiser Planned to Support Headway of WNY
March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month and Wednesday, March 4 is Brain Injury Awareness Day on Capitol Hill. In recognition of Brain Injury Awareness, Headway of WNY, Inc., an affiliate of People Inc., is holding a Panera fundraiser on Wednesday, March 4, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Panera in the Barnes & Noble Plaza, 1593 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Amherst, NY. Twenty percent of sales will benefit Headway of WNY, Inc. Download the flyer or show an electronic version to the cashier when you place your order. Those ordering online for rapid pick-up or delivery should enter “PRFUND” in the promo code section. For more information, contact Christine Melchiorre at cmelchiorre@people-inc.org or 716.408.3117.
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Support Headway’s Annual Gala: “Starry Night with Headway!”
Headway of WNY, Inc., an affiliate of People Inc., is excited to host its 21st Annual Spring Gala, “Starry Night with Headway,” on Thursday, May 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. This year, the event will be held at Shea’s Seneca, 2178 Seneca Street, South Buffalo, NY. This fundraiser includes: Cuisine stations, two-hour open call bar, awards, silent auction, basket raffle, music and more!
A variety of sponsorships are now available to support this event. Online event admission purchases will be available soon. For more information, contact Christine Melchiorre at cmelchiorre@people-inc.org or 716.408.3117. Proceeds benefit Headway to ensure that people in Western New York with brain injuries and other disabilities have access to advocacy, resources and support systems to enable them to live as independently as possible.
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NEWS FROM DEAF ACCESS SERVICES
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Partnering with the Amherst Police Department to Enhance Communication
Deaf Access Services, an affiliate of People Inc. is currently working
with the Amherst Police Department in an effort to better understand the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Deaf Access Services is providing information on effective communication. In addition, training is being provided on the purpose of Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) and effective ways to use it. Officers are aware that this is not a replacement of an in-person (live) interpreter, but the VRI is something that can be used during an immediate situation and any standard traffic stop. More information about this educational initiative will be shared throughout the year.
Deaf Access Services is the only local non-profit community organization solely dedicated to supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities. To learn more, go to wnydas.org.
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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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