| Jumping into Afterschool Fun
Earlier this year, People Inc. was thrilled to receive grant funds of $2,450 from the Kelly for Kids Foundation. This support went towards funding JumpBunch sessions at our Respite afterschool programs for children with developmental disabilities, ages five to 21. This exciting donation has helped to bring some new and stimulating activities to the afterschool programs. JumpBunch is a program that offers 30-minute activity sessions through mobile sports and fitness classes along with staff, equipment and developmentally appropriate lesson plans incorporating music, traditional sports, balance, agility and games that are both fun and beneficial.
One of the afterschool programs that has received the chance to participate in JumpBunch is the People Inc. Buffalo Afterschool Respite, located at 2635 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo. Benefits for the participants include sharpening physical skills, making sports fun and building healthy habits. Another bonus is that the individuals attending become more active. They participate in these activity sessions in correspondence to JumpBunch and the Buffalo Afternoon Respite’s other activities, like making arts and crafts, outings and getting assistance with homework. The Buffalo Afternoon Respite also helps the parents/guardians of participants tend to other needs. While their child is at the program, they can breathe easy knowing that their loved one is being taken care of, while participating in fun and educational activities.
“My grandson loves coming to respite,” shared Tabitha Retzer, grandmother and guardian of a People Inc. Buffalo Afternoon Respite program participant. “He has friends there and really enjoys the activities and outings. I don’t have to worry when I drop him off because I know he is safe and very well cared for.”
| |
|  |
image courtesy of lucy-desi.com/lucy-trivia/ |
| We Love Lucy Trips
Residents of our Lincoln Supervised Apartments recently visited the Lucy Desi Museum in Jamestown, NY for one of their planned outings. Supervisor Charmaine Henley explained that a lot of the residents have always wanted to go to this museum. The group participated in many different activities such as sitting in a set, acting scenes from the show and walking around the museum learning about Lucy’s life. They also took a trip to the museum gift shop where many bought souvenirs. Afterwards, they visited the house where the actress grew up and stopped by the Lucille Ball Memorial Park. The group took photos with her statue at the memorial plaque and visited the cemetery where Lucille Ball is buried. Throughout this fun-filled day, the group was full of energy and thrilled about everything they did. After the trip, Charmaine heard a lot of positive reactions from the group such as, “I loved seeing the set from the I Love Lucy Show” and “I also liked seeing all the different costumes and outfits she had.” However, one comment in particular stood out the most, “When are we going again?” We’re so happy everyone had a great time!
| |
| Christine Gets Her Wish
Christine Wahl is an avid writer. Prior to retiring, she wrote everything from instruction manuals to human interest stories. Unfortunately, a medical diagnosis of multiple sclerosis forced her early retirement, so she focused on managing her symptoms, which made it difficult to work.
Last year, Christine submitted a hand-printed essay to a local publication and was excited that it made it to the editor’s desk. The editor wrote to thank her for the submission and that they would keep it in case it fit any future publications. Christine still has a passion to write, but doesn’t have a means to do so, since handwriting is challenging. A friend told her about a local non-profit which help seniors fulfill their wishes and decided to take some extra time to complete her application. A few months later, she received a call that her wish for a laptop would be granted through Senior Wishes, a unique Western New York non-profit program that enriches the lives of seniors by granting them a meaningful wish that they would not be able to fulfill by their own means.
As a participant in People Inc.’s Senior Outreach Program, Christine receives case management services to help her to continue to live at home. The program is provided to people 60 years or older who live at home and provides the necessary support to age in place. It is available to older adults who live in Kenmore, Grand Island, North Buffalo, Tonawanda (city and town) and West Buffalo, NY. Participants gain access to services, including: Adult day care, housekeeping, caregiver resources, food stamps, health insurance/Medicaid and home care services.
“So many seniors have a special person they wish they could see again or an experience they would like to have, or sometimes it’s just a simple need for something that could enrich their life,” said Senior Wishes Executive Director Wendy Miller Backman. “Senior Wishes can help make that wish come true and bring that senior tremendous joy.”
Now that Christine has her laptop, her goal is to write and submit stories to various newspapers to consider for publication. “I would also like to use the laptop to email friends who do not live close by and buy clothes online, since it’s difficult for me to go out shopping,” shared Christine. “Once I’m more comfortable, I would also like to use the laptop for grocery shopping delivery.”
To learn more about People Inc.’s Senior Outreach Program, call 716.768.2357. For more information about Senior Wishes, go to seniorwishes.org or call 716.508.2121.
| |
| Grant Funds from the Patrick P. Lee Foundation Support Mental Health Counseling
People Inc. is proud to announce that it has received a grant from the Patrick P. Lee Foundation. The award, totaling $100,000, will allow the agency, in collaboration with People Inc. affiliate the Elmwood Health Center, to integrate mental health counseling into its successful employment services. Funds will support a multi-disciplinary team composed of an employment specialist and a licensed social worker (LSW). The employment specialist will provide one-on-one assistance to individuals with mental illness, while the LSW will offer support to assessing participants and helping to craft employment plans. Participants will then receive assistance finding and retaining jobs that capitalize on their personal strengths and motivation. The project will help People Inc. further promote its vision of a future where all people whose needs limit their integration into the community can reach their highest level of human potential as responsible members of society. To learn more, click here.
| |
| Featured Job of the Month:
Behavioral Intervention Specialist
People Inc. is currently hiring a full time Behavioral Intervention Specialist (ABA assessment) who will be responsible for completing behavioral assessments, related behavior support plans and other interventions as needed. The candidate will provide training and coaching to stakeholders in the implementations of behavioral interventions, as well as monitor and measure outcomes of interventions and revise planning and training approaches to facilitate positive outcomes. The candidate must have National Board certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA), a Master’s degree in behavior analysis, a valid New York State Driver’s License that meets agency policy and possess strong leadership and assessment skills, among other requirements. To apply for this employment opportunity, click here. To learn about other available jobs, click here.
| |
| Applications Accepted for People Inc. Linwood Lafayette Affordable Apartments
People Inc. Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments, currently in construction at the corner of Linwood and Lafayette Avenues in
the City of Buffalo, is accepting applications. The affordable housing apartments for people 55 years and older are expected to be ready for occupancy in January 2019. In conjunction with the Gates Circle renovation initiative, the project will help revitalize the community with much needed housing. The new mixed-income apartments will also include seven units for individuals with developmental disabilities, age 55 years and older, who live independently. The one-bedroom apartments will include a kitchen with appliances. Tenant income limits will be based on current federal rates. The apartment building will include a community room with a small kitchen, on-site laundry facilities, ample green space and courtyards. Tenants may have one small pet. Safety features will include a secure entrance and a 24-hour on call emergency service. Additionally, the building is near a major bus route and accessible to various services and retail shops. For an application or more information, email housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890.
| |
| NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM OF disABILITY HISTORY
| |
| Free Presentation: “A Conversation about Epilepsy”
As part of its Dialogues on disABILITY Speaker Series, the Museum of disABILITY History will host a free presentation called, “A Conversation about Epilepsy” on Tuesday, August 21, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at its location, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. Renay Moran, MEd, an information services coordinator at Epilepsy Association of Western New York, will lead the conversation. This presentation includes recognizing seizure types, seizure first aid, hidden signs of seizures, myths and facts about epilepsy, treatment and medications, psychosocial aspects, causes of epilepsy and services provided by Epilepsy Association of Western New York. The presentation is ideal for people with epilepsy and their families, teachers and educational staff, nurses, students, medical and human service professionals and child care providers. Registration encouraged. To RSVP or for more information, email David Mack-Hardiman at dmack@people-inc.org or call 716.629.3626.
| |
| Kids Day Event for All Ages and Abilities
Planning a day with your kids or grandkids? Here’s a fun event to attend: The Museum of disABILITY History will host Kids Day on Friday, August 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at its location, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. This family-friendly event encourages inclusion for all ages and abilities in the community. Activities include: Face painting, kids karaoke, mini movies with popcorn, a book reading of “Olivia The Bully” by author Engelic Everett, visits from People Inc.’s therapy dogs, sand art, crafts and more. Event admission is $3 and includes a hot dog, chips and a drink. Registration is encouraged by August 21. For more information or to RSVP, call 716.629.3626. Tours of the Museum’s exhibits will be available.
| |
|
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Southeast Foundation Presents Challenge Dinner and Auction The Southeast Foundation’s 19th Annual Challenge Dinner and Auction will be held Thursday, September 13, at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens, 6461 Transit
Road, Depew, NY. The Southeast Foundation supports People Inc.’s Supported Employment Program for individuals with developmental disabilities across Western New York. The proceeds from this event will go towards enhancing employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities served by People Inc.
This is Southeast Foundation’s largest fundraising event for the year. It’s an exciting night filled with a cocktail hour and gourmet dinner, along with some amazing silent auction items and raffles!
For more information,
click here. If you have questions, contact
Melanie Brown at
mbrown@people-inc.org or call 716.817.7450.
| |
Legacy of Love Did you know research indicates that most individuals make their first will between their late 40s and 50s? If this is you, please consider supporting the future of People Inc.
by making a Charitable Bequest in your will.
To learn more, contact Christine Mathieu at cmathieu@people-inc.org
or 716.817.7256.
| |
| NEWS FROM HEADWAY OF WNY
Supporting Veterans Headway held its 3rd Annual WNY in Support of Veterans symposium in June at The Buffalo History Museum.
The annual symposium, originally designed to encourage feedback and help identify key issues and possible service gaps within the Western New York community, continues to evolve. This year’s theme, “Alternative Therapeutic Approaches for Successful Reintegration,” attracted more than 60 guests, including veterans and
their families/friends, provider agencies and
local politicians. The event included a moving keynote address, four professional panel speakers and a
holistic fair. Guests expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to share experiences, make connections and learn
more about alternative therapies.
The keynote was given by Stephen McCloskey, a Western New York veteran who served in the United States Army for eight years and completed three tours in Iraq. To learn more
about Stephen and his involvement with this
year’s symposium, view
the feature article on page 33 in the August 2018 issue of Buffalo Healthy Living.
| |
PEOPLE INC. IN
THE NEWS
Recent news stories that include information from People Inc. and agency representatives.
| |
COMMUNITY EVENTS Rock Autism Music Festival
Join the fun at the Rock Autism Music Festival, Buffalo’s first music festival benefitting autism music and arts programs, presented by Rock Autism and Sensu Music. The event will be held Saturday, September 1, from noon to 11 p.m., at Ellicottville Village Park, 11 Parkside Drive, Ellicottville, NY. The event will celebrate autism families and support music and art therapy programs with an all-day benefit concert featuring food, drinks, interactive music and art activities. People Inc. is a proud sponsor of this event and encourages families to attend. A portion of the event funds will be contributed to People Inc.
Some of the band line-up includes: The Strictly Hip, Max Muscato Featuring Sonny Muscato, Big Eyed Phish: Dave Matthews Tribute Band, Tiny Music and The Tins, among others. For ticket information and more details, check out the website, rockautism.org. Part of the venue will be dedicated for people who may need some quiet space.
| |
Join People Inc. Team for the Alzheimer’s Walk
People Inc. is pleased to sponsor the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and have a team! The event will be held on Saturday, September 15, at its new locations, Buffalo Outer Harbor, Outer Harbor Drive and Fuhrmann Boulevard in Buffalo. Registration is at 8:30 a.m., followed by a ceremony at 10 a.m. and the walk starts at 10:15 a.m. To join our People Inc. team, click here. For more information, contact our team captain, Alicia Lombardo, from People Inc. Senior Outreach, at alombardo@people-inc.org or 716.768.2359.
| |
|
