|
|
 |
People Inc. Linwood Lafayette Apartments ribbon cutting.
| |
| | |
|  | Rachel Rodriguez (left), People Inc.
Mixed-Income Housing, alongside
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.
|
| Celebration Marks Opening of People Inc. Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments
Community leaders gathered last month to celebrate the opening of People Inc. Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments! The 37-unit mixed-income housing is home to people age 55 and older. Located on Linwood and Lafayette Avenues in Buffalo, NY, the project provides an affordable option for a diverse neighborhood.
The event included numerous speakers: People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick; Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul; Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown; President of Montante Construction Doug Elia; Matt Long of Long Associates Architects; Congressmember Brian Higgins; New York State Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes; State Senator Timothy Kennedy; and Buffalo Common Councilmember Joel Feroleto. Tenants of Linwood Lafayette Apartment, Tina Dean and Laura Bell, shared thoughts about their new home. Also in attendance to support the event was Darlene Hines-Williams, Regional Deputy Director, NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and Buffalo Common Council President Darius Pridgen.
The apartment building’s construction was made possible with support from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, as well as support from partners Montante Construction, Long Associates Architects, Raymond James (ribbon cutting sponsor), Chase Bank, New York State Homes and Community Renewal, City of Buffalo BURA, City of Buffalo HOME, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Oxford Consulting and Linwood Preservation District and Friends.
This is the second mixed-income housing project opened by People Inc., with two additional apartment buildings under construction. For a full recap, check out the article in The Buffalo News.
| |
| CAPP Earns Award for Volunteer Efforts
Last month, People Inc. Community Active People Program (CAPP), a community based Day Habilitation Program assisting young adults with developmental disabilities with life skills and community independence, celebrated their annual awards luncheon. Held in the Newman Center at the University at Buffalo, the CAPP groups were recognized for their volunteer efforts and impact on the community. Scott McManigle, executive director of Miracle League of Western New York, was the keynote speaker. Over the years, People Inc. has enjoyed a successful partnership with Miracle League. Many people from our programs and residential locations have benefitted from the opportunity to play adaptive baseball each summer. Scott shared a positive message about community involvement and helping everyone succeed.
| |
| Roundtable with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Focuses on Disability Issues
People Inc. was pleased to host a Disability Issues Roundtable with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in September. Senator Gillibrand and attendees discussed important issues facing people with disabilities, including the workforce crisis, managed care, transportation, Section 8 Housing and the waitlist, as well as Modernizing the Americans with Disabilities Act. People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick facilitated the roundtable with other advocates from Western New York Independent Living, Olmsted Center for Sight, The Arc of Erie County, Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) and other organizations. As a follow up to the roundtable, Senator Gillibrand and her staff are assembling a work group with the attendees to address these issues.
| |
| People Inc. and the Museum of disABILITY History Host Delegates from South Korea
Last month, Concetta Ferguson, People Inc. senior vice president and Dave Mack-Hardiman, People Inc. associate vice president, spoke to a special delegation of 20 Welfare Officers for Disabled Persons from South Korea. With the help of a South Korean translator, they provided an overview of programs and services at People Inc., fielding many questions along the way. Additionally, there was a group tour of the Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc.
As part of an overseas tour of advanced disability welfare organizations in the United States and Canada, the request for the visit came from leaders of South Korea’s Gyeongsang Providence with an intent to find ways to improve the quality of the welfare policy for people with disabilities in their country. Beyond making a stop in Buffalo, NY, the group also visited organizations and institutions in other cities, including New York, NY; Washington D.C.; Burlington, VT; and Toronto, ON. People Inc. was proud to draw international interest and be recognized for our support of people with developmental disabilities, special needs and older adults.
| |
| In the Community: Neighbors Plan Artwork for People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments
Over 70 people recently joined together to make their voices heard at a community meeting at Frank E. Merriweather Jr. Branch Library auditorium in Buffalo, NY. Christie Nelson and Bradford Watts, co-chairs for the Jefferson Art Mural Committee and employees of People Inc., joined Jocelyn Bos and Rachel Rodriguez of People Inc., alongside fellow committee members John Baker and Constance D. Strother of WNY Urban Arts Collective and architect Mark Brooks of Long Associates. Together, they surveyed and collected the community’s suggestions for the theme of artwork to be displayed at People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartments, currently under construction on the East Side of Buffalo. We look forward to this exciting development!
| |
| Bonnie Sloma Named a
Woman of Influence
People Inc. Senior Vice President Bonnie Sloma was recently recognized among Buffalo Business First’s Women of Influence. Nominated under the category of “Innovation,” Bonnie was featured for developing a successful telemed model that benefits people with disabilities living in group homes. The comprehensive system allows people to connect with medical providers remotely, improving access to care in an efficient, cost-effective way. Bonnie is pictured (right) with People Inc. President and CEO Rhonda Frederick. Congratulations, Bonnie!
| |
 |
People Inc. Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments, located at 637 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY
|
| Affordable Housing Available
People Inc. offers affordable housing in various locations across Western New York! We encourage you to share these openings with family and friends who may be interested:
- Academy Place Senior Apartments, located at 1 School Street, Gowanda, NY, and managed by People Inc., are accepting applications for a two-bedroom apartment. These apartments are ideal for older adults in the Southern Tier who are in need of affordable housing. The complex provides HUD Section 202 Affordable Housing and New York State Tax Credit apartments. People Inc. Senior Living accepts apartment applications year-round for its locations throughout Western New York, including Amherst, Blasdell, Grand Island, Lackawanna, Lockport, South Buffalo, Springville and Wheatfield. The affordable apartments are for independent older adults age 62 and up who meet the federally-mandated household income guidelines. Info/apartment application: Email Seniorliving@people-inc.org or call 716.817.9090.
- People Inc. Highland School Apartments, located at 105 Highland Avenue, Tonawanda, NY, have one-bedroom apartments available for people who are 18 or older and meet federally-mandated household income guidelines. Info/apartment application: Email housing@people-inc.org or call 716.694.1623.
- People Inc. Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments, located at 637 Linwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY, are accepting applications from people who are 55 or older and meet federally-mandated household income guidelines. Info/apartment application: Email housing@people-inc.org or
call 716.881.6600.
| |
| Seniors Unlimited Assists People
with Memory Loss and Offers Support
for Caregivers
November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a designation to help focus attention on the disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association website, an estimated 5.8 million Americans of all ages are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2019. This number includes an estimated 5.6 million people age 65 and older and approximately 200,000 people under age 65 who have younger-onset Alzheimer’s.
Caregivers of people who have Alzheimer’s or memory loss may have challenges, like depression and financial concerns, as well as physical and emotional stress.
Caregivers are not alone. People Inc. Seniors Unlimited Adult Day Program is a social day program that meets the needs of adults who have developed dementia or memory loss, which may have been caused by Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease or other illnesses. Our program provides caregivers time to work, run errands or a chance to take a break. Participants receive socialization, a hot meal and activities in a safe environment. The program enrolls participants throughout the year. To learn more, call 716.768.2370.
| |
| Featured Job of the Month:
Direct Support LPN
People Inc. is seeking a Direct Support LPN in North Tonawanda, NY to support people with developmental disabilities. Responsibilities include: Monitoring the delivery of preventive and routine health care for people; providing preventative, routine and emergency healthcare and ensuring the scheduling and completion of all health-related exams, appointments and laboratory/diagnostic testing; among other tasks. Requirements include: Current NYS license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse, CPR certification and a valid NYS driver’s license that meets agency policy. To apply or to view all of our employment openings, go to our Available Jobs page on our website.
| |
| Applications Now Being Accepted for AmeriCorps ETHOS Program
The People Inc. AmeriCorps ETHOS Program introduces people to a career in human services, while providing them valuable job skills, a living allowance, student loan deferment, an education award toward college and other benefits during their year of service. (If an AmeriCorps member is at least 55 years of age at the start of their service, they can transfer the education award to their children, step-children, foster children, grandchildren or step-grandchildren). Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and cannot be current People Inc. employees. Those who have served in the U.S. Military (including the Guard and Reserve), their families and those with a disability are encouraged to apply. As the application process takes a few months, applicants are encouraged to apply NOW for the 2020 service year. Visit my.americorps.gov to review position descriptions, eligibility and apply. For more information, contact Jeff Sanderson at jsanderson@people-inc.org or 716.817.7463.
| |
| Purchase Holiday Cards to Support
People Inc.
People Inc. Foundation Holiday Cards are a nice way to brighten one’s day, like your family, friends and customers during this festive season! Now available for sale, the 2019 Holiday card collection features three designs created by People Inc. program participants. All proceeds benefit programs and services provided by People Inc. To order, go to people-inc.org/holidaycards and choose your design for the shipping or pick-up option OR contact Jennifer Robinson at jrobinson@people-inc.org or 716.817.7269 to arrange an in-person card purchase. All pick-ups available at People Inc., 1219 North Forest Rd, Williamsville, NY. The holiday cards are on sale until December 18 (or while supplies last).
| |
| Make Your Holiday Shopping Matter with AmazonSmile
Help support People Inc. this holiday season, while shopping for your family and friends! When you purchase electronics, games, toys, books and more, AmazonSmile donates .05 percent of every purchase to the People Inc. Foundation. To start shopping, go to smile.amazon.com. On your first visit, select People Inc. as your charitable organization for eligible purchases before you begin – People Inc. will be saved and every eligible purchase you make on AmazonSmile will result in a donation. Enjoy your holiday shopping!
| |
| NEWS FROM THE MUSEUM OF disABILITY HISTORY
| |
Holiday Store Sale and Book Fair Offers Savings and Unique Gifts
Shop this holiday season, while supporting the Museum of disABILITY History! A Holiday Store Sale and Book Fair will be held on Saturday, November 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. Popular children’s books, like Olivia the Bully, Kyle and the Cape of Courage and the Mubu the Morph series, make great gifts and learning tools for kids. Plus, books in the Museum of disABILITY History’s Abandoned History Series are available, including The Colony Chronicles, Buffalo State Hospital: A History of the Institution in Light and Shadow and J.N. Adam Memorial Hospital: Her Inside Voice. Unique gifts, like wooden pens and wine stoppers, DVDs, CDs, jewelry and more are also for sale. Museum of disABILITY History members and People Inc. employees receive a 10 percent discount on store merchandise. For more information, call 716.629.3626.
| |
Annual Membership Meeting
Headway of WNY, an affiliate of People Inc., is pleased to announce its Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Thursday, November 21, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., at United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, 742 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY. An educational presentation, “What to Consider When Arranging Homecare,” will be offered by David Hoock of Buffalo Homecare, Inc. This free event is open to current Headway members and the general public, including those who may be interested in the topic and anyone considering becoming a new member of Headway. Pre-registration strongly encouraged by Thursday, November 14. For more information or to reserve your spot, email support@headwayofwny.org or call 716.408.3117.
| |
Recent news stories that include information from People Inc. and
agency representatives.
“People Inc. unveils affordable senior housing in Buffalo:” People Inc. featured. WGRZ-TV Channel 2, October 21, 2019.
“People Inc. unveils Linwood Lafayette Senior Apartments near Gates Circle:” People Inc. featured. WBFO 88.7, October 21, 2019.
“People Inc. buys planned medical facility on Hertel from Uniland:” Elmwood Health Center, an affiliate of People Inc., featured. The Buffalo News, September 18, 2019.
“Fundraiser supports plan for unique Youngstown project:” Rivershore Foundation featured. Niagara Gazette, September 12, 2019.
| |
|
|
|
|
