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The Nelson Hopkins Apartments
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| Olmsted Apartments Managed by People Inc.
Accepting Applications
People Inc. is now managing the Olmsted Apartments, as part of its Affordable Apartments services, with locations in Erie and Niagara Counties. People Inc. acquired management of the Olmsted Apartments from Visually Impaired Advancement (VIA). Each apartment building is owned individually by VIA. However, People Inc. owns the BAWNY Excelsior/HUD Apartments. Our agency has been working with VIA for several years and looks forward to more possibilities to work together in the future.
“It is so refreshing when agency leadership is willing to set competition aside and work together to bring value to those who need it the most, the people who rely upon affordable housing,” said Tammy Owen, VIA president and CEO. “The leadership at People Inc. and the direct staff who support the housing units have such expertise in what they do. We are very grateful for this partnership.”
“In the spirit of providing for the community, our agency is happy to partner with VIA to manage the Olmsted Apartments and offer affordable living options, stability and security for people and families to thrive,” said Rhonda Frederick, People Inc. president and CEO. “There is a need in the region for affordable and suitable housing for people of all incomes, ages and abilities.”
If you, a family member or someone you assist have a low income and are looking for safe housing, the Olmsted Apartments are currently accepting applications. There are some immediate openings, while applications are also being accepted for apartments with waiting lists. These opportunities include one- and two-bedroom apartments for people 18 years of age and older, who meet income eligibility. Section 8 vouchers are accepted (except for BAWNY Excelsior/HUD Apartments). Preferences are provided to applicants who have physical disabilities and/or visual impairments.
Locations throughout Western New York include:
The apartments feature: Kitchen with stove and refrigerator; utilities for water and garbage removal; on-site laundry facilities; safety features; air-conditioning and community rooms. Amenities may vary. On-site management is available. Tenants may have one small pet. The apartment buildings are located near bus routes and shopping.
Staff are available to provide income eligibility details. For more information or for an apartment application, email housing@people-inc.org or call 716.880.3890.
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| Telling the People Inc. Story Historical Moment: 50th Anniversary Feature
In 2004, the Western New York Coalition Pooled Trusts was established, a collaboration between People Inc., Center for Elder Law & Justice and KeyBank. Ensuring the financial future of people with a disability is a priority to parents and caregivers. The WNY Coalition Pooled Trust is a beneficial tool that can be used to enhance the quality of life of people with disabling conditions, including older adults. Funds placed into the trust are not counted as income or resources by Medicaid or the Social Security Administration. The cost of healthcare, medications and living expenses continue to increase. Family members can help protect the financial future of their loved ones by discovering how the WNY Coalition Pooled Trusts can help. Our Pooled Trusts have supported hundreds of beneficiaries over the years, including people with disabilities who need to keep their government benefits and adults 65 and over who need assistance qualifying for government benefits. Today, three distinct Supplemental Needs Trusts (SNT) assist people with qualifying disabilities to secure their financial future, without causing them to lose their government benefits.
Our team makes it easy to access funds. “I like my pooled trust,” shared Walter Boyd, a participant of the program. “They help me out with my bills and I am able to buy things that I need and want and still live in my house. I trust them with my money.” Money deposited into the trusts can be used on items that enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, such as obtaining additional care, travel, electronics, pet supplies and more. This can all be done while protecting eligibility for benefits.
To learn more about the Western New York Coalition Pooled Trusts, contact Tracey Kosmoski at tkosmoski@people-inc.org or 716.817.7484.
More of our agency’s historical moments are included in a photo album on the People Inc. Facebook page. Plus, be sure to check out our agency milestones!
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| Staff Interviewed for WKBW-TV Channel 7 Story about Aging Family Members
Our staff specializing in Services for Seniors and Older Adults were interviewed last month by WKBW-TV Channel 7 about care and housing options for aging family members. Check out the story. Special thanks to the staff who shared their expertise: Sarah Bohnstadt and Barbara Jacobs, both of Senior Living, and Alicia Lombardo, of the Senior Outreach Program.
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| Proposed Development of the Mt. Olive Senior Manor Apartments
Last month, People Inc. and Mt. Olive Development held a community meeting about new, affordable senior apartments. The Mt. Olive Senior Manor Apartments would be located next to the Mt. Olive Baptist Church on East Delavan Avenue on Buffalo’s northeast side. Learn more about this proposed plan from a feature story in The Buffalo News. We’re so proud to be working alongside Mt. Olive Baptist Church on additional affordable housing for older adults.
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| Name People Inc. Foundation as a Beneficiary
Did you know that you can support our mission by naming the People Inc. Foundation as beneficiary of your family member’s special needs trust? For more information, contact Christine Mathieu at cmathieu@people-inc.org.
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| Use Your Facebook Page for Charity
Spread support for People Inc. with your very own Facebook fundraiser for special occasions. It’s an informal way to ask friends and family to give back to your favorite charity.
That’s what Rick Banner of People Inc. Advocacy did. “I just created a Facebook fundraiser for my birthday on a whim to support the organization I believe in, as our mission is so important to me and many others,” Rick said cheerfully. “I couldn’t believe how easy it was to create and share with my family and friends – they just ran with the ball. It was a great and lighthearted way to give to People Inc. It felt so good to do the fundraiser and amazing to see the donations keep going up, raising $1,000 in just under a week.”
To set up your very own Facebook fundraiser today, follow these steps:
- Log in to your personal Facebook page and go to: facebook.com/fund/peopleinc
- Complete the form, set your goal and end date for your fundraiser.
- Tell Your Story: Include a short description on why you’re raising money for People Inc. You can ask for donations to remember the life of a loved one or a friend. You can also honor your own birthday or celebrate an anniversary, promotion or any occasion.
- Ask your friends and family to help reach your goals. Invite your friends and share on your timeline.
- Post.
We’re grateful for your support! If you have any questions, email tribute@people-inc.org or call Jennifer Robinson at 716.817.7269.
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| Mark Your Calendars for Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament Plans are underway for our Annual People Inc. Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament, which will be held on Monday, August 16, at the Orchard Park Country Club, 4777 South Buffalo Street, Orchard Park, NY. If you have questions or would like to support this event, contact Melanie Brown at mbrown@people-inc.org or call 716.817.7450.
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Two Long-time Staff Members Retire
Two long-time People staff members recently retired and we wish them all the best. Learn more about these dedicated employees:
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Nearly 24 years ago, Kathy Dubois joined the People Inc. family as a sign language instructor for the agency. Her career began at the Brighton Park Day Treatment Center, where her daughter Heidi was employed. Year in and year out, Kathy inspired the people we support, their family members and fellow employees. She took a deep, personal interest in teaching sign language.
The ability to communicate is essential to human interactions. Our hopes, desires and needs are met when others are able to understand us. There is no way to quantify how much Kathy’s instruction meant to people. She took our slogan, “where your world opens up,” to a whole new level, helping people individually, with an exceptionally positive style.
Everyone at People Inc. wishes Kathy a happy retirement. She taught the whole world with her hands.
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Les Kelly began working at People Inc. 42 years ago, when he landed a job at a community residence group home. Back then, he encouraged the site to get a computer, because he thought that “someday we will be using them for everything.” Some years later, Les was one of the first people to join the Information Technology team. As the agency continued to grow, Les created many databases and web applications to make things easier for staff and people we support, and he has always been willing to build something new.
Additionally, Les has been instrumental with the Lois Cammarata Scholarship, assisting with fundraising and organizing the scholarship dinner. Les has forged many friendships over the years and his cheerful attitude, work ethic and sense of humor will be missed by everyone.
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| Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day Goes Virtual
People Inc. is a proud supporter of the 33rd Annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day, which will be held virtually this year on Tuesday, May 25. The conference, commonly known as DD Day, brings together local and regional agencies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, industry-connected vendors and suppliers, direct support professionals, families and the people that all of these groups support. Hosted by the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York, stay tuned to the DD Day website and Facebook page for more details.
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| COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A Webinar Presented by DDAWNY
Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine? A “COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A” webinar, presented by the Developmental Disabilities Alliance of Western New York, is now available online. Learn directly from a local medical professional, as well as find out personal experiences of human service staff and advocates. The forum dispels myths and addresses cultural concerns. Keynote speaker Dr. Michael Mendoza, MD, MPH, MS, FAAFP, Monroe County Commissioner of Public Health, shares medical information to help people understand the science behind the vaccines. Several People Inc. staff members were involved in the creation of this informative webinar, including Theresa O’Brien, Quality Improvement and Bradford Watts, Community Relations, who took part in the conversation as panelist and co-moderator, respectively.
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| People Inc. Recognized for COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
On Tuesday, March 23, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz provided a weekly COVID-19 update with information on vaccine availability in Erie County. As part of the presentation, Poloncarz recognized local initiatives, including a pop-up clinic hosted by People Inc., that was facilitated by the county. Thank you to all of our staff who helped make this possible!
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Resources Available
Our agency continues to monitor regional experiences with COVID-19, while operating in a proactive manner with a range of precautionary measures. Our primary goal is to maintain a safe and healthy environment for people we support and our staff throughout the pandemic. For ongoing agency updates, refer to the Coronavirus section of our website. Additionally, the following resources are available:
- Families are welcome to call group homes and programs with specific questions.
- A special Coronavirus Phone Line is available for families to call at 716.817.7445.
- An afterhours Coronavirus hotline is available for families and people enrolled in our Day Habilitation Programs and Vocational Services to share questions. The number is 716.529.6505.
- A special email address, COVIDconcern@people-inc.org, is available to have concerns addressed.
- The People Inc. Advocacy Department continues to help people who receive supports stay connected and informed through Zoom video and phone conferences. Our Advocacy Phone Line is available for people we support to ask non-emergency questions by calling 716.322.7070.
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Are You Seeking a Career Where You Can Make Meaningful Connections?
Sign-on bonus available for some
designated positions
You, or someone you know, can join our team of nearly 4,000 strong and help people achieve their dreams and goals! As an essential employer, we’re hiring direct support professionals for evenings, overnights and weekends for a variety of part time, full time and per diem jobs to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Many of our positions qualify for a COVID-19 vaccine. A sign-on bonus is now available for some designated positions. We are also seeking behavior technicians (including day shifts), RNs, LPNs, employment specialists and team leads to name a few of our agency’s rewarding careers. We offer virtual interviews, paid comprehensive training, a variety of flexible and consistent schedules, as well as mentoring and career advancement. We also offer health insurance, paid time off and tuition reimbursement, along with other great benefits for various openings across Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Featured positions for this month are located in our Akron, Alden, Clarence, East Aurora, Grand Island, Lancaster, Orchard Park, Rochester, Silver Creek and Springville group homes. To apply or to view all employment openings, go to the People Inc. Job Board or call 716.322.7050 for more information.
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People Inc. Telephonic Living Healthy Workshop Series Offered in May and June
In partnership with WNY Integrated Care Collaborative, Inc., People Inc. is pleased to continue offering the Choose Healthy Program, a series of workshops to help people manage diabetes and chronic disease. The free, one-hour sessions take place once a week, for six weeks, over the phone. Attendees are guided by a peer leader. Each participant will receive a free toolkit to use during the telephonic workshops. The kit includes a relaxation CD, a reference book, a work book and an exercise CD – simply choose which tools are best for you! These workshops are evidenced-based and authored by the Stanford University Medical Team and the Canadian health care community.
The Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop, which takes place every Tuesday in May, plus June 1 and 8, includes:
- Tips for maintaining a full and active lifestyle
- Brainstorming, communication skills and techniques to manage symptoms
- Ways to talk with your doctor and family about your health and weekly action planning
The Diabetes Self-Management Workshop, which takes place every Thursday in May, plus June 3 and 10, includes:
- Techniques to deal with the symptoms of diabetes, fatigue, pain, hyper/hypoglycemia
and stress - Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength and endurance Healthy eating
- Medicare recipients can choose to have free consultations with a registered dietitian
For sign-up instructions, call Becky Orton, Choose Healthy Program coordinator, at 716.656.0669.
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People Inc. Senior Living Locations in Southern Tier and Lockport Accepting Applications
NOW available: One-bedroom Tax Credit apartment unit at Academy Place Senior Apartments in Gowanda, managed by People Inc. The apartment building, ideal for older adults in the Southern Tier, is located at 1 School Street in Gowanda, NY. The HUD Section 202 Affordable Housing and NYS Tax Credit apartments provide housing for independent, older adults age 62 and up who meet income guidelines. Vouchers are accepted for Tax Credit units. View a video of this apartment building.
Info: Download an application or call 716.817.9090.
Additionally, People Inc. Pine Senior Living in Lockport, NY (border of Amherst), provides affordable apartments, with rent based on income and offers numerous safety features for independent, older adults age 62 and over who are income-eligible. The apartment building is located off Transit Road near Millersport Highway.
Info: Call 716.433.3381
To learn more about other People Inc. Senior Living locations throughout Western New York, email Seniorliving@people-inc.org or call 716.817.9090.
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News from Deaf Access Services
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|  | Stronger Than Ever, a painting
by Rick Rush
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| Virtual Events on Thursday, April 15 Hosted by Deaf Access Services
There’s still time to support the virtual fundraiser hosted by Deaf Access Services, an affiliate of People Inc. Here’s three ways to help:
An online auction closes on Thursday, April 15, with a variety of items to win. Check out wnydas.org.
Deaf Access Services will hold its “Celebrating Deaf History” Spring Fundraiser virtually on Thursday, April 15. A virtual tour of the Museum of Deaf History, Arts and Culture, located in Olathe, Kansas, will be provided. If you’re curious about the Deaf experience or want to learn about the rich heritage, this tour will be a great opportunity. Ticket are $11 and can be purchased online.
Another way to provide support is with BW’s Smokin’ Barrels Barbecue on Thursday, April 15, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the People Inc. Administrative Offices, 1219 North Forest, Williamsville. Three meal selections will be available and can be picked up on day of the event, while supplies last. This is a drive-thru event only.
Deaf Access Services is the only non-profit organization in Western New York that bridges gaps in services and communication among the Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing communities. The agency continues to provide services remotely, due to the pandemic, in order for its clientele and businesses to access critical services. These include interpreting services, advocacy, employment readiness, educational supports for students, assistive devices and American Sign Language classes. To learn more, contact Office@wnydas.org, call 716.833.1637 or videophone at 716.335.9192. Program information and event updates are posted on the Deaf Access Services Facebook page.
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Support for People with TBI: Virtual Support Groups Headway of WNY, an affiliate of People Inc., provides support for people and families with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), other cognitive conditions, seniors and veterans. The agency offers a variety of services to the Western New York community, including: support groups, identification of supports, educational programs, symposiums, outreach, special fundraising events and a bi-annual newsletter.
The agency is also the Regional Resource Center/Single Point of Entry for the New York State Department of Health’s Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver and the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver. These waiver programs are administered by Headway and offered to those who meet the eligibility requirements.
Virtual Support Groups: Support groups are currently meeting virtually on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Upcoming dates are April 20, May 4 and 18. To join these groups, send your name, phone number, email address and meeting date(s) you would like to attend to support@headwayofwny.org. Virtual connection instructions will be provided to your email address. If you have questions, call 716.408.3120.
Advisory Council Volunteer Positions Available: If you’re interested in Headway’s mission, there are some spaces available on its Advisory Council. The council meets virtually on a quarterly basis. The purpose is to provide consumer and professional guidance to Headway and to advocate for its stakeholders, so that they can have increased access to resources and support systems. For more details, call 716.408.3120.
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News from Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center
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People Inc., is now accepting registrations for riding lessons for the 2021 season. Call 716.949.3551 to register today! Spots are filling up quickly and are scheduled on a first come, first served basis. COVID-19 safety protocols are in place.
Free Event for Veterans: As a way to give back to veterans, Lothlorien is pleased to announce a collaboration with Dog Tags NY and Dr. Peter Kanter, DVM, for a free Rabies and Distemper Vaccination Clinic for cats and dogs belonging to veterans. The clinic will be held on Sunday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Lothlorien, 15 Reiter Road, East Aurora, NY. This is by appointment only; first come, first served. To reserve your spot, call 716.949.3551 by Saturday, April 24. Face masks and social distancing required.
Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. is a non-profit, therapeutic horseback riding facility providing horsemanship and horseback riding opportunities for people with cognitive, physical, emotional and learning disabilities. Located outside the Village of East Aurora, NY, Lothlorien is the longest-running therapeutic program in Western New York, serving ages three and up.
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