Top 12 News in 2021 from People Inc!

Posted: January 14th, 2022

AGENCY NEWS

 

 

A vintage photo of Dr. Boles with a group of people served by People Inc.

2021 Year in Review
Last year was a time of incredible perseverance and growth. The People Inc. 50th Anniversary celebration, which extended throughout 2021, was an opportunity to reflect on the triumphs we’ve experienced. During this time, we’ve told the “People Inc. story,” highlighting the agency’s evolution over the years and marked this milestone with a commemorative video, along with recognition from government officials. Now is a great time to share some of the wonderful things our People Inc. family has accomplished, under the leadership of our Board of Directors and Lynne Frank, Board Chair 2020-2021:

1) As the COVID-19 global pandemic impacted our region, People Inc. staff stepped up to ensure the highest quality supports were available. Our Emergency Management Team led the way by promoting continued safety for staff and people we support. These efforts continue.

2) We continued to invest in the personal and professional development of our staff, increasing some starting wages and expanding our Succession Management Program.

3) Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives were strengthened through ongoing communications and community engagement.

4) Our Self-Directed Services saw ongoing growth, as people we support explored their strengths and talents. One participant, Robert Kneitinger, even made national news when he was featured on ABC World News Tonight with David Muir, in April.

5) “On Our Way @ Wayside,” our new transitional housing opportunity, was unveiled at a housewarming celebration. The Hamburg-based location prepares people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for independent living, while developing skills through hands-on learning.

6) Our supports in the Greater Rochester region continued to expand, as our Buffalo Road Respite reopened and increased services. The In-home Respite Program stepped in to provide supports to some families in need, while our Community Habilitation Program increased staff and number of people supported. Our team also began preparations to open a new residence in Brockport. 

 

 

Elected officials and People Inc. staff at the new Health Services building.

Elected officials, People Inc. staff and people we serve cutting the ribbon at the Jefferson Apartments.

Betty and Albert with the Senior Companion Program

7) The new People Inc. Health Services Building opened, offering people access to a variety of much-needed health services and inclusive care, all under one roof, including our Rehabilitative Health and Counseling Services, along with People First Mobility, a durable medical equipment division of our agency.

8) Some notable happenings include: a community mural project at our Jefferson Avenue Apartments in Buffalo and a celebration of its opening, as well as construction being completed for our new People Inc. Oakwood Senior Apartments in Blasdell.

9) Our Senior Living expanded with ownership of BAWNY Excelsior, a 24-unit apartment building, bringing our number of locations to 20 across Wester New York, providing affordable housing to 927 tenants. The number of older adults supported through our Senior Companion Program increased to 155. Our Senior Outreach Program provided case management services to 1,018 people age 60 and over living in Kenmore, Grand Island, North Buffalo, Tonawanda and West Buffalo.

10) Our DSP of the Year Awards saw a record-breaking number of nominations and honorees – a testament to the compassion and dedication of our frontline heroes.

11) The People Inc. website was redesigned and updated. The revamped structure and improved navigation enhanced the agency’s online presence, showcasing our vast services and enhanced direct linkage to services.

12) Our affiliates, Headway of Western New York, Inc.Deaf Access Services and Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center continued to support the community with respective services for people with traumatic brain injury; Deaf, DeafBlind, hard of hearing and hearing-loss community members; and people, including veterans, who benefit from therapeutic horseback riding.

People Inc. extends a big thank you to community members for their continued support!