People News Summer 2001 8/27/01 10:22 AM Page 1

A PUBLICATION OF PEOPLE INC. SUMMER 2001

Are You in Need of a Respite? An estimated one million families are in need of respite services on an annual basis in the U.S. (Source: National Respite Network). Be it an aging parent, a chronically ill spouse or a child with a developmental disability, every family experiences a need for a respite at some point. Respite care is quality, temporary care that gives the family or caregiver a much-needed break from 24-hours a day responsibility. It is an opportunity for family members to rest, regroup and revitalize, and gives the person in respite care a chance to experience different activities while receiving consistent care. It can be provided in the consumer’s home or in a variety of out-of-home settings. Since the late 1960s, respite services have become essential to families who have children with What’s Leslie Avendaño, left, and Muneca Vega enjoy time together INSIDE disabilities living at home. Today many specialized at People Inc.’s Late Afternoon Respite Program. services are provided by agencies such as People Inc., which allow many children with complex medical conditions to be cared for at home. families use respite is to relieve stress and receive Families like the temporary relief from the ongoing responsibilities of Foundationews caring for loved ones at home. If caregivers do not Turchiarelli’s of William- “Respite gives us sville frequently take receive breaks from time to time to look after their ¥ A special thanks to own needs, it can impact the quality of care, level of Foundation donors advantage of People Inc.’s an opportunity for patience and overall atmosphere in the home. Insert respite programs. Last an evening out. spring, while Mr. and Mrs. According to Terrie Cichon, program manager, respite programs are excellent opportunities for Turchiarelli were in My son loves to Florida, their daughter, people with developmental disabilities to benefit Jill, enjoyed the comforts come and is eager from socialization with staff and peers and have fun away from home. It is also a chance for family of home at People Inc.’s to get there.” Respite House. Jill, who members to receive a break and time for themselves is 24 years old and has - Family Member without worry. “Whether on an outing in the cerebral palsy, uses this community, celebrating monthly birthdays or even a ¥ Stampede for Special respite care every Tuesday. “Respite House has great game of cards, participants in our programs learn Needs heads this way people working there,” she says. “There is always how to interact and share their abilities with others,” Foundation News something to do. We go to Bisons games and shop at she says. the mall. Respite is a great thing to have.” Trained People Inc. provides the following Respite employees keep participants active; provide meals Services throughout Western . They are and special assistance as needed. oriented toward the needs of the entire family: A survey compiled by the National Respite Extended Family Respite enables families to Network found that people with developmental receive short-term respite from friends, relatives, disabilities and mental retardation are the highest neighbors or babysitters. People Inc. reimburses service population for respite care. The top reasons these respite providers, and is the only local agency offering this service. ¥ New homes, continued on page 4 new friends Page 7 People News Summer 2001 8/27/01 10:22 AM Page 2

Summer

Dear Friends, During the last 12 months, human service providers like People Inc. have faced many challenges. Stricter regulations, an increase in residents needing medical care, behavior issues, difficulty hiring qualified staff, increased need for staff training, tight budgets and inflation costs associated with heating, staffing and insurance have had an impact on our daily operations. And yet in spite of these hurdles, People Inc. has emerged a stronger, more streamlined organization. You may wonder how we have managed to accomplish this – through innovative leadership from our Board of Directors and senior management, commitment and determination from our dedicated employees, and the ongoing support and feedback from consumers, their families and the community at large. We are continuing to eliminate the residential waiting list by opening new homes through the NYS CARES initiative, building new senior housing complexes and enhancing our existing programs and services. We have become more proactive, utilizing our Quality Assurance department to identify areas in need of improvement and promoting positive practices throughout the agency. While quality assurance has always been a top priority at People Inc., it has recently required us to make several improvements in our delivery of services, such as enhancing our nursing services for consumers in our homes; raising employment standards for direct care staff; and developing a more comprehensive training orientation for new employees. I want to thank you, our family members and advocates of our consumers, for your ongoing feedback about the quality and level of care your loved one receives each and every day. Through open communication and dedication to the cause, we can work together to meet the needs of our community and make dreams of many a reality.

Best regards,

James M. Boles, Ed.D. President & CEO

People Inc. exists so that

individuals with disabling Dear Friends, You, members of the community, are crucial to the ongoing success of People Inc. Each one of you reading this newsletter provides an important perspective on the needs of our conditions or other community. Be it eliminating the waiting list for residential services, caring for an aging population, mobility issues or more employment opportunities for both disabled and non-disabled individuals, your special needs have the opinions are important to us. To help collect your ideas and opinions, the People Inc. Board of Directors has been active with the Ownership Linkage Process. A special committee of the board, led by Andrea Millerschoen, continues to supports they need to gather information from the community regarding the future direction of the agency. The Western New York community is our ownership, and we are contacting individuals and groups regarding their priorities participate and succeed about disability services. I invite everyone to participate in this initiative and complete the Community Feedback Survey posted in an accepting society. on the People Inc. Web site at www.people-inc.org. Share your thoughts about how People Inc. can best serve the community. Thank you, as always, for your continuing support of People Inc. Feel free to contact us at any time with your comments or suggestions.

In your service,

Robert B. Mayer Board Chairperson

2 People News Summer 2001 8/27/01 10:22 AM Page 3

2001

Early Help Makes A Difference Checklist for Growing Children Rolling over, crawling, walking and talking – 3 Months turn head toward bright colors and lights these are developmental milestones parents react to sudden sounds or voices anxiously wait for their child to reach. While all make cooing sounds children develop at different rates, some children may require extra help to reach these milestones. If 6 Months reach for objects and pick them up your child does have a delay, the earlier you get switch toys from one hand to the other help, the better. babble Through Erie County, People Inc. offers free Early Intervention services to help your child grow 12 Months sit without support and develop and to help you care for your child. crawl Services including evaluations, home visits, speech know five or six words and physical therapies are available to any child from birth through the age of three. We also have 1 1/2 Years like to pull, push and dump things established preschool services for three and four follow simple directions (“Bring the ball”) year old children with developmental disabilities. feed themselves Let us help you get your child off to a good start, call our Early Intervention program at 874-5600. 2 Years use two-to-three-word sentences To the right are a few play independently milestones to look for in children identify hair, eyes, ears and nose by pointing from birth to age three. If your child is having trouble doing 3 Years walk up steps (alternating feet) some of these things, it may repeat common rhymes put your mind at rest to use three-to-five-word sentences talk with someone. Speak with your Information courtesy of NYS Department of Health pediatrician or call People Inc.’s Visit our Web site, www.people-inc.org/services/eipchecklist.html, Early Intervention for a comprehensive developmental checklist for growing children. Program at 874-5600.

Museum of disABILITY History Expands Collection

The Museum of disABILITY History has a new online and traveling exhibit, “Idiocy in America: The Path to the Institution 1850-1920.” This thought provoking new addition to the museum provides a look at the social thought and conditions that helped to shape services to www.people-inc.org the disabled within the community. The exhibit contrasts the faces of people is your information with disabilities and the increasingly negative philosophies that led to mass institutionalization. Artifacts from the source for agency traveling exhibit include manuscripts, photos, books, and miscellaneous services, programs memorabilia. For more information about the Museum of disABILITY History, check out our Web site, and current events. www.people-inc.org/museum or call Douglas A. Platt, project coordinator, at 634-8132, ext. 238.

3 People News Summer 2001 8/27/01 10:22 AM Page 4

Summer

Are You in Need of Respite? continued from page 1 Respite House is located in Amherst and offers planned or emergency on-site care, by the hour or overnight, for people with developmental disabilities over age 12. It is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Respite Opportunities is held on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6 p.m. to midnight. Participants enjoy activi- ties such as music, “The program is dancing, cooking and exceptional! The movies. The program is offered at People Inc. sites staff is superior... in Orchard Park and Tonawanda. It is open to I love them all. They people with a develop- cater to my son’s mental disability who are Beverly Young plays the piano while Brandon Drayton sings 15 years of age or older. needs and let him along at Late Afternoon Respite. Expanded Respite is help, making him for parents or caregive Late Afternoon Respite provides quality rs of children with a after-school or late afternoon care from 2 p.m. to feel needed and raise diagnosed or suspected 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Trained staff Learn about great career his self-esteem.” developmental delay from members offer a variety of recreation activities for birth to three years of age. - Family Member individuals with a developmental disability 12 years Professionally trained and opportunities at People Inc., of age or older. experienced staff provides quality care for your child in your home. check out hot job listings For more information about People Inc.’s Respite Services, call Terrie Cichon, program and apply online at manager, at 882-6791 ext. 232. Do You Need Some www.people-inc.org/jobs. Time for Yourself? Does your son or daughter need more time with his or her peers?

People Inc. offers safe, well-staffed evening, weekend and afternoon respite programs Children Breathe Easy throughout Western New York. Programs are at Asthma Camp conveniently located in Amherst, Buffalo, Orchard Park and Tonawanda. It’s a great An asthma camp is offered by the Elmwood opportunity for people with developmental Health Center for children, ages six to fourteen, disabilities to make friends and have fun. who have a diagnosis of asthma. Children Typical activities include music, dance, will learn how to manage their asthma in an cooking, movies, conversation and more. alternative way by attending five 90-minute Give us a call - you AND your loved sessions. Sessions include relaxation techniques, one will be glad you did! nutrition, exercise, stress management and Family Support & asthma education. New classes begin every Respite Programs month. To register, call your child’s pediatrician Terrie Cichon for a referral and call Mary Kay Fahey, physical 882-6791, ext. 232. therapist at the Elmwood Health Center, 874-4500, ext. 235. Space is limited, so call Visit us at our Web site today to reserve your spot! www.people-inc.org

4 Foundn Insert/Summer 2001 -2/15 8/27/01 10:45 AM Page 1

Issue Four - Summer 2001

Stampede for Special Needs In August, the People Inc. Foundation kicked off an exciting new fundraising endeavor, the “Stampede for Special Needs.” This unique project gives local businesses the opportunity to display the buffalo statue that now stands in front of the People Inc. administrative offices in Williamsville. The “Buffalo is a Place” statue was part of last year’s wildly successful “Herd About Buffalo” project. It was created by artist Jeffrey Miller and originally displayed in Niagara Square. People Inc. purchased the buffalo through the on line auction that raised funds for the Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the Burchfield-Penney Art Center. The fundraiser is made possible through the generous support of KeyBank, which has made a $10,000 challenge gift to get the stampede rolling. In return for their support, KeyBank will display the buffalo at their offices for a period of time. Various local companies will then be asked to match KeyBank’s Local artist and sculptor Bill Wilson, a.k.a., the “Herd Doctor,” makes repairs gift. Anyone who matches at the $10,000 level will have the to the “Buffalo is a Place” statue on the lawn of People Inc.’s opportunity to display the buffalo at their place of business. administrative offices in Williamsville. Consumers of the agency’s Brighton Park Day Treatment Center painted houses that are on the buffalo. Sponsorship packages are also available at other levels. This appeal will allow the entire community to get involved, not be traveling to any local homes, a plaque on the statue’s base as friends and families of People Inc. will have the opportunity will recognize these individual donors. to be included in the campaign. Through the support of a For more information about the “Stampede for Special long-standing family supporter, individuals are encouraged to Needs,” contact Lynn Kelly, Foundation director, at 634-8132, match a similar challenge gift of $2,500. While the buffalo will ext. 133.

Art Therapy Benefit Raises Funds and Awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease The People Inc. Foundation hosted an Art Therapy Benefit in Memory of Brian J. Troy, Esq. in May at People Inc.’s Seniors Unlimited Adult Day Care on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo. Troy, a former partner of Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel, LLP, was one of Western New York’s leading trial lawyers before being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He passed away on September 23, 2000, at the age of 57. As a participant of Seniors Unlimited, a respite program for individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementia, Troy benefited greatly from its award-winning art therapy program. The benefit included a live and silent auction of Troy’s unique creations. Special thanks to Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel for matching dollar-for-dollar the individual donations Edward G. Piwowarczyk, Esq., a partner with Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel, made by their staff. The event raised more than $6,000 to bene- was the highest bidder of the signature piece at the Art Therapy Benefit in fit Seniors Unlimited and the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY. memory of Brian J. Troy, Esq. Foundn Insert/Summer 2001 -2/15 8/27/01 10:45 AM Page 2

A Successful Rat Race!

Special thanks to the 175 volunteers who helped make the Rat Race such a success, and to the following generous sponsors: ADF Construction, WKBW-TV Channel 7, , WHTT-FM 104.1, Active.com, Buffalo Place, Inc., CARA Medical, Eaton Office Supply Company Inc., Frame & Save on Elmwood, Greater Buffalo Savings Bank, Kelly’s Country Store, Parkview Health Services, and Ralph J. Vanner & Associates, Inc.

The overall finisher was Rusty Ormsby, 20, (right) of Akron, with a time of 16:10. Maureen Gallagher, 31, of Buffalo, was the first female finisher, with a time of 19:54.

Nearly 750 runners, walkers and volunteers endured the heat at the ADF Construction 10th Annual People Inc. 5K Rat Race and 1 Mile Fun Walk on June 28. The event was a great success, raising $33,200 to benefit the programs and services of People Inc. Staff and participants from the Young Adult Life Transitions Program join the fun.

New Members Named to People Inc. Foundation Board

Alexandra Marzucco Wehr Morton Meyers, Jr. Gregory Stamm

The People Inc. Foundation is pleased to welcome Alexandra Marzucco Wehr, Morton Meyers, Jr., and Gregory Stamm as new members to its board of directors. All The Ilio DiPaolo three are residents of Williamsville and will serve for one-year Memorial Celebrity Golf Classic terms. was a huge success! Meyers, the retired president of Meyers Real Estate, served as president and vice-president of the People Inc. Board of Directors and was a member of the board for 11 years. More than 175 golfers and local celebrities Stamm is senior partner and lead litigator for the law firm gathered in June at Wanakah Country Club to raise of Stamm, Reynolds & Stamm in Williamsville. money for the People Inc. Foundation and the Marzucco-Wehr is an assistant vice president in KeyBank’s Ilio DiPaolo Scholarship Fund. The rainy weather corporate banking department. The current officers for the People Inc. Foundation are didn’t dampen the spirits of the golfers or the Ralph J. Vanner, Sr., president; Michael A. Smith, vice Team People volunteers who helped make this president; James M. Boles, Ed.D., secretary; and David E. year’s event a success. Hall, treasurer. Foundn Insert/Summer 2001 -2/15 8/27/01 10:45 AM Page 3

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond G. David Mr. and Mrs. Louis J. Rozanski Donor Recognition January 2001 - June 2001 Mr. and Mrs. Ralph V. Degenhart Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Ruhlman Mr. and Mrs. Richard DiCarlo Dr. Thomas A. Ryan, Ph.D. CORPORATE DONORS Canada's Wonderland Ms. Kathleen DiGiore Ms. Mary Scheeder Foundation Society Carrols Corporation Mrs. Nancy R. Dobson Ms. Stacey Schneider Cozumel Grill ADF Construction Corp. Ms. Regina M. Dolan Mr. and Mrs. Jerome J. Schober Cracker Barrel Buffalo Place, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Howard J. Doueck Mr. and Mrs. Warren Schreiber Dan Majeski Nursery & Garden Center Inc. Ms. Sara Drilling Mrs. Ruth Schuyler Dan-Dee Pretzel & Potato Chip H. Joseph Sgroi & Assoc. Mr. and Mrs. Duane V. Durphy Mr. and Mrs. James M. Scott Elaine’s Flower Shoppe Inc. Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel, LLP Ms. Christine M. Edel Mr. Christopher T. Shively Empire Sports Network Marvin & Company Mr. and Mrs. Henry Elersic Ms. Diane M. Skoney Frontier Technical Associates, Inc. Parkview Health Services Mr. and Mrs. Robert N. Floss Mr. Stephen Spyra Game Zone at Sheridan Lanes Ralph J. Vanner & Associates Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Flynn Mr. and Mrs. Alfred H. Stolinski Guildcraft, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D. Frieh Mr. and Ms. Benjamin J. Strumski, Sr. Friends of People Inc. Hampton Inn Mrs. Eleanor M. Gavacs Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Trigilio Families of FANA - WNY, Inc. Happy Ice LLC Ms. Pamela Glagolich Ms. Teresa M. Vallone Greater Buffalo Savings Bank Ilio DiPaolo Inc. Ms. Rosemary Glover-Henry Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Warren Independent Health John Paschen Servicenter, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Goff Mr. and Mrs. Norbert Weckerle Ingram Micro, Inc. The Little White House Restaurant Dr. Elliott J. Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Williams Maid Of The Mist Dr. Marion Z. Goldstein Ms. Katie Willis Neighbor's Circle Marine Land Dr. and Mrs. Joseph K. Gong Ms. Marilyn Wilson Abou Dewan & Hanna Co., Inc. Marotto's Restaurant Mrs. Kathleen Greiner Mrs. Lorraine Wolfe Adelphia Martin's Fantasy Island Ms. Bonnie L. Haddath Mrs. Donna Wortzman Bank of America Mortgage Center Old Red Mill Mr. and Mrs. Wayne R. Hadley Mr. and Mrs. Peter Zukowski Buffalo Exterminating Co., Inc. Oliver's Restaurant Mr. and Mrs. Raymond A. Harig Mrs. Phyllis I. Zuzze Cingular Wireless Pasquale's Pizzeria Ms. Elaine Harms Dental Pay Plus Polish Villa II Mrs. Betty Heimiller Individual In-Kind Donors Dopkins System Consultants Premier Group Mrs. Marianne Hering-Case Anonymous Emminger, Hyatt, Newton and Pigeon, Inc. Runner's World Mr. and Ms. Lea C. Higgins Mr. Thomas E. Brydges Hodgson, Russ, Andrews, Salvatore's Italian Gardens Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Hirsch Mr. Drew Cerza Woods & Goodyear, LLP Siena Ms. Beth A. Hoch Mr. and Mrs. William Godin Hogan & Willig Six Flags Darien Lake Mr. Ken Hoch Mr. Brent Herman Joe Cecconi's Chrysler Complex Studio Arena Theatre Mr. and Mrs. Dennis R. Horrigan Mr. and Mrs. Dominic A. Infante Niagara Insurance Group SYSCO Foods Ms. Joyce J. Hunger Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kochmanski NOCO Energy Corporation Tandoori's Ms. Karen M. Iannoli Dr. Sean Mahoney Orville's Appliance Inc. Tanning Bed Ltd. Mr. and Mrs. Neville Jacobs Dr. and Mrs. Robert Reisman The Pfizer Foundation Tops Friendly Markets Ms. Rosanne T. Janese Mr. Bill Sturm Radisson Hotel & Suites Vermont Pure Springs, Inc. Ms. Kathryn Jennings Mrs. Nancy Tomasello United Business Systems Wal-Mart Mr. Patrick Jennings Art Therapy Benefit Upstate Communication Resource Wendy's Mr. Paul Jennings Upstate Pharmacy LTD Ms. Danielle Kalinski in Memory of Brian J. Troy, Esq. William L. Long Associates INDIVIDUAL DONORS Mr. and Mrs. William E. Kasprzak Ms. Susan Abadir Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Kennedy Ms. Bessie Anderson Community Supporters Foundation Society Mr. Kenneth Kerley Ms. Sue Barnes Mr. and Mrs. Bernard J. Kennedy 4 The Love of Dolls Mrs. Patricia Kopf Ms. Marjorie H. Barone Allasen Carpet Co., Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Krawczyk Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Battaglia ASAP Delivery Service, Inc. Friends of People Inc. Ms. Karen Krawczyk Mr. and Mrs. Sean P. Beiter Buffalo China Mr. Martin Krencik Jr. Ms. Lillian Berry Dr. and Mrs. David J. Triggle The Buffalo News Mr. and Mrs. John P. Lane Dr. and Mrs. James M. Boles Charity Fundings Neighbor's Circle Mrs. Martha Lane Mr. and Mrs. David Brock Empire Sports Network Mr. Thomas E. Brydges Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Dersam Mr. and Mrs. Roger B. Langer Hartmarx Charitable Foundation The Buffalo News Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Desmarest Mr. and Mrs. C. Daniel Lenihan Moldenhauer & Assoc. Ms. Naomi Calieri Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Gary E. LoBene Prudential Securities Mr. and Mrs. Eric Capelleri Mr. and Mrs. William H. Heywood Ms. Susan J. LoPatriello Security Communications Systems Mr. and Mrs. Robert Carnevale Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Knarr Mr. and Mrs. William D. LoPatriello The Plaka Restaurant Mr. and Mrs. Alan S. Carrel Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Kriegbaum Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lumia Mr. Wayne D. Wisbaum Mr. and Mrs. Jack T. Manganello Ms. Gretchen B. Cole Mr. Marc A. Coppola Corporate In-Kind Donors Community Supporters Mr. and Mrs. Michael Marren Anonymous Ms. Angela DeMatteis The Buffalo News Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Mayer Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Abbott, Sr. Ms. Mary DeMatteis CARA Medical Mr. and Mrs. Richard S. McConnell Mr. Gregory Alaimo Mr. Richard DeMatteis Delta Sonic Car Wash Ms. Karen McFadden Mr. Stanley A. Arent Ms. Jennifer M. Demert Eaton Office Supply Company, Inc. Ms. Janice McGhee Mr. and Mrs. Donald U. Bailey Ms. Margaret Dick Kelly's Country Store Mr. and Mrs. James J. McLoughlin Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Bak Ms. Elizabeth DiGiulio Radisson Hotel & Suites Ms. Holly Metzger Ms. Patti K. Balsdon Mr. Michael C. Donlon WHTT-FM 104.1 Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Mikler Ms. Donna L. Bandich Mrs. Gayle L. Eagan WKBW-TV Channel 7 Ms. Sionette Miles Mr. and Mrs. Gary Becker Empire Sports Network Bally Total Fitness Mr. and Ms. Gregory A. Miller Mr. and Mrs. Howard A. Benz Ms. Mary C. Fitzgerald Buffalo Bison Baseball, Inc. Ms. Katherine M. Montondo Ms. Helen A. Biskey Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Flaschner The Coffee Pause Co., Inc. Mrs. Leona Mordino Ms. Nikkia Blackburn Ms. Ruth Fox Frame & Save on Elmwood Ms. Alecia M. Murawski Mrs. Kimberly I. Bohne Ms. Rhonda I. Frederick JMS & Associates Ms. Eileen M. Neisen Mr. and Ms. Martin Bowman Mr. and Mrs. Kent Frey The Partnership Ltd. Mrs. Loretta Nichter Ms. Bonnie S. Bruning Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Giansante Pepsi-Cola Buffalo Bottling Corp. Mr. Lee C. Oosterhaudt Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bryant Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gramza United Business Systems Mr. and Mrs. James D. Paciorek Ms. Shannon Burns Ms. Irene Gray American Dance Studio Mrs. Madeline Paquet Ms. Kelly A. Bushen Ms. Michele O. Heffernan Certo Brothers Distributing Company, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Sidney J. Parnes Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Cammarano Impress Printing & Graphics, Inc. Dobmeier Janitor Supply, Inc. Ms. Joann Pelczynski Ms. Jamie M. Carlisle Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel, LLP Impress Printing & Graphics, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent S. Piazza Ms. Melina L. Carpenter Mrs. Lynn A. Kelly Orville's Appliance Inc. Ms. Stephanie Polanowski Mrs. Janet Cody Mr. and Mrs. Roger G. Leous Adam's Mark Buffalo Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Polisoto Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Collins Mrs. Nadine Lewandowski Alethea's Chocolatier Ms. Marilyn Prewitt Mrs. Rose A. Conte Mrs. Andria Livsey-Darel Alleyway Theatre Ms. Mary J. Priano Mrs. Christina M. Coons Mrs. Susan M. Loftus Alton's Family Restaurant Mrs. Dianne M. Puma Mr. and Mrs. Robert S. Cornelius Ms. A. DuAine LoGrasso Anderson's Frozen Custard, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Purcell Mrs. Linda Cox-Robinson Ms. Mary Logue Audubon Restaurant Mr. Michael P. Ralbovsky Mr. and Mrs. David C. Craig Mr. Anthony L. Maletta Babies 'R Us Mr. Robiah Ramadhan Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas R. Critelli Ms. Carrie Marcotte Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society Ms. Judie Reed Mr. and Mrs. Chris Cuyler Mr. and Mrs. Philip H. McIntyre Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park Ms. Dolores Reid Mr. and Mrs. Richard D'Arcy Ms. Suzanne Metzger Buffalo Blizzards Soccer Mr. and Mrs. Patrick F. Reilly Mr. Omar Dames Mr. Morton Meyers, Jr. Buffalo Museum of Science Mr. and Mrs. James A. Reynolds Mr. and Mrs. John E. Danaher Buffalo Niagara Marriott Mr. John A. Richardson continued on page 4 Foundn Insert/Summer 2001 -2/15 8/27/01 10:45 AM Page 4

Team People Answers Call to Service Scholarships Awarded to People Inc. Employees Team People is a newly formed volunteer For the second year in a row, the People Inc. Foundation group coordinated by the People Inc. awarded scholarships to accomplished employees to help Foundation which serves the agency and the further their education. The annual scholarships are available to community by helping with various projects. eligible employees enrolled in special education, social science Team People members have volunteered their time and or a health-related field with a focus on education, rehabilitation energy to events that benefit People Inc., such as the Rat or treatment of people with disabilities. Race, Buffalo Sabres Carnival and the Ilio DiPaolo Memorial Recipients were selected based on the number of years Golf Tournament. served with People Inc., pursuit of study in the field of But their volunteer spirit is not limited to People Inc.! Team developmental disabilities, average GPA and completion People members also volunteer for non-agency events such as of credit hours. Make a Wish and the Special Olympics. The scholarship recipients were honored at a special Another way this group helps out is by volunteering to assist breakfast in July at the Park Country Club, courtesy of Ralph consumers one-on-one by visiting group homes or day J. Vanner, Sr., Foundation Board president. treatment centers to play cards and games, make crafts and go This year’s scholarship award winners are, for graduate to the movies or athletic events. degree studies: Allyson Ford, Kelly Leader, Amy McDermott, Through this new program, People Inc. and other not-for- Sabina Nagpal, Alphonsus Oviasogie, Carrie Silliman and Brian profits gain the benefit of enthusiastic volunteers, while Team Wrotniak; and for bachelor’s degree studies: Lisa Greenauer, People members earn rewards that come from helping others. Katherine Halstead, Brie Hofschneider, Paul Mecca, Andrea To become involved with Team People, contact Amanda Pizzuto and Devon Quatrani. Galas, fundraising associate, at 634-8132, ext. 122. Once again, People Inc. holiday cards will Also, 2002 Entertainment Books will be be available for purchase. The cards feature available in the fall through the Foundation. original artwork created by People Inc. For only $23 (until November 1, $28 after consumers. Cards may be purchased beginning that), you can save hundreds of dollars at September 1 and will be sold in individual or restaurants, movies, theme parks and events assorted packs with messages wishing a Merry throughout Western New York and Ontario! Christmas, Happy Chanukah or Season’s These popular books sold out last year, so Greetings. The cost is $8 per pack, plus 50 place your order now by contacting the cents for shipping, if requested. Anyone Foundation at 634-8132. wishing to purchase cards, or any business owners interested in displaying the cards at their establishment, can contact the Foundation office at 634-8132. Market Place Donor Recognition January 2001 - June 2001 Leaving a Legacy continued from page 3 Did you know that while 75 percent of Americans make Ms. Stephanie T. Michalski Mr. and Ms. Timothy Raymond Ms. Jean M. Morano Mr. and Mrs. Howard S. Rosenhoch charitable gifts each year, only five percent remember these Mr. and Mrs. Henry P. Nevins III Mr. William I. Schapiro same charities when making up their wills or trusts? Ms. Mary Ann O'Dea Ms. Concetta Shea Mr. and Mrs. Randall M. Odza Siena Planned giving can offer considerable tax benefits to the Oliver's Restaurant Mr. and Mrs. Emilio Speranza donor and their family, while providing non-profit organizations Mr. and Mrs. Samuel J. Palisano Mr. and Mrs. Heath J. Szymczak Mrs. Nancy A. Palumbo-Reeve Mr. and Mrs. James J. Tanous with generous and much-needed gifts which can help secure Mr. and Mrs. Benito Passantino The Plaka Restaurant their financial stability. Ms. Gina M. Passantino Mr. and Mrs. Grady Thompson Ms. Nicole A. Passantino Mr. and Mrs. Francisco M. Vasquez People Inc. is now a member of LEAVE A LEGACY Mrs. Denise Paszkiewicz Mr. and Mrs. David A. Vener Western New York, a community-wide collaborative effort Mrs. Mary J. Petrakos-Terranova Mr. Lawrence H. Wagner Mr. Edward G. Piwowarczyk Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Warren among non-profit organizations, estate and financial planning Mr. and Mrs. Kevin B. Powers Mr. Paul C. Weaver professionals and the media to promote gifts to charities Mr. and Mrs. John G. Putnam, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Weissflach through wills and estate plans. LEAVE A LEGACY has 120 chapters throughout the United We apologize for any errors or omissions in the above lists. Please contact States and Canada promoting the benefits of planned giving. To the Foundation at 634-8132 to make a correction. learn more about the many ways in which you can leave your own legacy through People Inc., call Lynn Kelly, Foundation For more information on how to support the People Inc. Director at 634-8132, ext. 133 or visit the LEAVE A LEGACY Foundation, please visit the People Inc. Web site at Web site at www.leavealegacyWNY.org. www.people-inc.org or call us at 634-8132, ext. 133. People News Summer 2001 8/27/01 10:22 AM Page 5

2001

Special Partners for Special Needs Celeste M. Lawson, executive director, Arts Council in Buffalo & Erie County, stands beside “Mark Riley,” Kids on the Block puppet; and Douglas A. Platt, project coordinator, People Inc. The Arts Council in Buffalo and Erie County awarded the Kids on the Block program $1,200 to purchase two additional puppets, “Melody James” and “Renaldo Rodriguez,” to perform disability awareness skits to school age children. “Mark Riley” was purchased through a previous grant from the Arts Council.

The Children’s Guild presented a check for $21,216 to People Inc. and the Buffalo Public School District to fund training for and educational materials about the district’s expanding integrated education program. Under this grant, People Inc. will develop materials to educate the families of students in special education at eight Buffalo schools on the benefits of integrated education. From left: Diane Collier, assistant superintendent of special education, City of Buffalo; Robert B. Mayer, Board chairperson, People Inc.; James M. Boles, Ed.D., president and CEO, People Inc.; William J. Williamson, Jr., board chairperson, The Children’s Guild; and John J. Giardino, grants committee chairperson, The Children’s Guild.

Children’s Foundation of Erie County the Speak Up program, which links senior citizens awarded People Inc. a $2,000 grant toward resource with children who have developmental delays to materials for the Intensive Behavioral Training and improve their verbal and social skills. Support Program. Operated through the Service Junior League of Buffalo presented People Inc. Coordination Department, the program assists with a grant to help provide urgently needed items families who have children with developmental to 15 families of children with disabilities or disabilities and challenging behaviors. Behavior developmental delays being served through our technicians will use materials purchased through the Early Intervention Program. Items such as diapers, grant to help educate families about techniques to child car seats, clothing and nursery supplies will be handle behaviors and help their children reach given to deserving families. developmental goals. People Inc. received $4,375, its second grant The Children’s Guild is supporting People from the Allan G. and M.J. Gohr McTaggart Inc.’s Kids on the Block program with a $9,525 Foundation, to benefit the Blue Rose Greenhouse Mabel Louise Burns Education Grant. Funds will at the Brighton Park Day Treatment Center. With assist in recruiting and training new puppeteers, these funds, the Greenhouse will purchase supplies purchasing new puppets and organizing and make improvements. performances. Kids on the Block teaches children The Allan G. and M.J. Gohr McTaggart about diversity and differences and dispels myths Foundation awarded the agency a grant last year about people with disabilities through the art of to build the adjacent Summer Garden so that puppet theater. people in wheelchairs could participate in the Fisher Price Foundation contributed $1,500 to greenhouse activities. purchase toys and child-size tables and chairs for

5 People News Summer 2001 8/27/01 10:22 AM Page 6

Summer

Sailing into Adulthood with Help from Fleet This past school year, People Inc. joined Fleet as a partner in the Career Development and Work-Based Transition Program, held in conjunction with the Buffalo Public School District. Thanks to a $6,000 grant from the FleetBoston Financial Foundation, People Inc. assisted 12 City of Buffalo special education and minority students with post-high school transition and career exploration during the nine-week internship program. Students were exposed to building employment skills, resume-writing and learning employer expectations. “At Fleet we believe in investing in our youth and the future of our community,” said John J. Larry, regional president, Fleet. “By providing career From left: Samantha Robinson, a senior at Lafayette High School, reviews training for our youth, we are helping our students a Fleet brochure with People Inc. job coach Jacqueline Laboy. “I like interning here. I’ve learned lots of different things,” said Samantha of her achieve the skills needed to be productive, responsible internship at the Fleet branch on Walden Avenue. citizens and adults.” In addition to its generous financial support, Fleet offered job shadowing and mentoring opportunities for these students at local Fleet branches in Buffalo. “With the support of Fleet, we have expanded this important program and assisted even more students in Buffalo,” said James M. Boles, president and chief executive officer, People Inc. “The mentoring and job shadowing component that Fleet offered was especially helpful.”

Professional and Personal Opportunities Await Students

Numerous internship opportunities ticipated in People Inc.’s Internship Program agree are available throughout People Inc. the time they spent in “the real world” beyond cam- From direct care experience in one of pus gates, provided a valuable learning experience our residential programs or day treat- and a bridge to life after graduation. ment centers to supporting one of People Inc.’s Internship program benefits the our administrative departments, student, our agency and the future of human service interns can enrich the lives of people providers. It encourages students’ future involvement with special needs while acquiring sig- in human services by acquainting them with the nificant knowledge, experience and challenges and rewards of non-profit work. career development opportunities. To find out more about People Inc.’s Internship Over the years, People Inc. has Program, call the Human Resource Department “Interning at People Inc., I know I’m recruited and placed hundreds of at 634-8132. not only getting better equipped to interns at more than 90 different enter my profession, I’m better prepared to succeed in life.” agency sites throughout Western New -Ray Graf, intern, Museum York. College students who have par- of disABILITY History

Home Health Care for Your Loved One Do you have a friend or relative who may require home health care after a hospitalization or illness? Don’t forget that People Inc. operates both licensed and certified home health agencies–People Home Health Care. We can provide the care your loved one needs. Call 874-5600 for information.

6 People News Summer 2001 8/27/01 10:22 AM Page 7

2001

Special People Make Special Events

Congratulations to Edward F. Bayer, Maintenance Department employee, resident of a People Inc. home, and poet. Edward has published two books of poetry entitled The Test and The Test II. From left: Maryann, a resident at the Sunrise group home in Williamsville, cozies up to employee Jennifer Bolt. Sunrise is just one of many new homes built through the NYS CARES Initiative. During the next two years, People Inc. plans to open 12 new homes for people with disabilities. Several homes will provide care for individuals with specialized needs, such as Praeder-Willi syndrome. As our agency and others work to eliminate the waiting list for residential services, NYS CARES has provided a chance of a lifetime for people with developmental disabilities to move into new homes and enjoy independence, safety and camaraderie.

From left: Team People volunteers, Lea DiCenso, WKBW- People Inc. employees teamed up with Daemen College TV Ch.7; Bonnie Pusateri, Carrie Rollison and Maria Tyson students to face the “Silver Wheels Challenge.” Silver from People Inc.’s Human Resource Department help out Wheels is a group of athletes who use wheelchairs and at the Rat Race. challenge non-disabled “weekend warriors” to a football game. This competitive game is played with all players in wheelchairs under modified NFL rules. The goal of this event is to expand community awareness about the Visit www.people-inc.org abilities of people with special needs. to subscribe to the People

Page, our monthly Internet

Fun Walk participants, Charlie newsletter. Sparcino and Virginia Petrillo, congratulate each other on a job well done.

7 People News Summer 2001 8/27/01 10:22 AM Page 8

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage 1219 North Forest Road P.O. Box 9033 PAID Williamsville, New York 14231-9033 Buffalo, NY A PUBLICATION OF PEOPLE INC. ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Permit No. 281 People to People is published for the families, consumers, volunteers, Board OF PEOPLE INC. and friends of People Inc. O Board Chairperson Robert B. Mayer President & CEO James M. Boles, Ed.D. Editor Gretchen Cole Director of Marketing & Communications Karen Karaszewski, APR Comments and questions are encouraged. Contact the editor via e-mail: [email protected] or call 716-634-8132.

Please share this newsletter with a friend.

Gifts of Caring In Tribute to In Tribute to Mr. Peter Hansen In Tribute to from January 2001 - June 2001 James A. Boles Mr. Robert B. Ritter Mrs. Lorraine A. Mindy Ms. Barbara S. Beall Ms. Theodora L. Byron People Inc. gratefully accepts "Gifts Ms. Donna Martiny In Tribute to Mrs. Betty Heimiller of Caring" donations, which may be Ms. Constance E. Goetz Ms. Dorothy R. Marohn In Tribute to Mr. Donald E. Nichter designated for a particular purpose or Mr. and Mrs. Francisco M. Vasquez Mrs. Loretta Nichter In Tribute to for use at the People Inc. Foundation's Mr. and Mrs. Roger B. Langer Mr. Donald J. Heimiller In Tribute to Mr. William Paciorek discretion. All gifts are acknowledged, Mr. and Mrs. C. Daniel Lenihan Mrs. Betty Heimiller Mr. and Mrs. James D. Paciorek both to the honoree's family and to Mrs. Karen L. Karaszewski the donor. Mrs. Petrina Z. Roberts Dr. and Mrs. Thomas S. Artim In Tribute to In Tribute to Ms. Anna Pack Mr. Morton Meyers, Jr. Mr. Walentiny Jurkowski Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bernstein In Tribute to Ms. Arlene Altman Mr. and Mrs. James P. Balcerzak Mr. and Mrs. William Katz Mr. John Hamm Ralph J. Vanner & Associates In Tribute to Mrs. Kim DeLisle In Tribute to Mrs. Barbara J. Kish Ms. Marilyn Schlesinger In Tribute to Ms. Doris Ball Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Karan Hamburg United Methodist Women Ms. Holly Metzger Mrs. Susan M. Loftus Ms. Lois V. Cammarata Mr. Michael L. Golden Mr. and Mrs. Harold W. Berg Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Petersen In Tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Giansante Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Redmond In Tribute to Mr. James Sheehan Mr. Francis W. Bannigan Mr. Todd Norton Mr. and Mrs. James P. Balcerzak Mr. and Mrs. Sean Murphy In Tribute to Ms. Alice Brown Mrs. Patricia Kopf Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Korinek Ms. J.M. Villa Mr. and Mrs. Stuart G. Rosen In Tribute to Ms. Janis Skelton Mr. Patrick Jennings Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Kreutzer Mr. and Mrs. Stephen M. Litt Ms. Marilyn L. Pollutro Ms. Kathryn Jennings Ms. Cynthia A. Vassilowitch Ms. Courtney A. Gardner In Tribute to Ms. Lucile Cardozo Mr. and Mrs. Peter Bernstein Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth J. Riordan In Tribute to the OPDTC Staff Mr. Joseph P. Sudbay Mr. and Mrs. William P. Schiesel Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Gardner In Tribute to In Tribute to Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank Heer Mr. and Mrs. Albert F. Leary In Tribute to the Transit ICF Staff Mr. and Mrs. Mark L. Davis Mr. and Mrs. John J. Conte Mrs. Rose A. Conte Ms. T. Luanne Pisani Mr. and Mrs. William P. Schiesel Mr. Paul Jennings Mr. and Mrs. Gregory S. Benesh Ms. Marie C. Carbone In Tribute to Ms. Lorraine Didion Mr. James A. Schaffstall In Tribute to Mr. Donald Stasinski Mr. and Mrs. Frederick W. Conway Mrs. Donna Wortzman Ms. Kimberly A. Crooks Mr. and Mrs. Raymond G. David Mr. and Mrs. Steven M. Pisano Ms. Gloria A. Calato Mr. and Mrs. Francis M. Conway In Tribute to Checkers Athletic Club In Tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Giansante Mr. and Mrs. John J. Cotter Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Stewart In Tribute to Mrs. Kim DeLisle Mr. William J. Redmond Mrs. Alice Benzin Mrs. Gloria J. Bannigan Ms. Eileen A. Leary Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank Heer In Tribute to In Tribute to Mr. Sonny Toade Ms. Marie C. Carbone Mr. and Mrs. William Godin In Tribute to Mr. Samuel Mancini Mr. and Mrs. P.J. Southwell Mr. and Mrs. Steven M. Pisano Mr. and Mrs. William Katz Ms. Mary E. Mancini Mr. and Mrs. Frederick W. Conway Ms. Grace A. Suozzi In Tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Francis M. Conway In Tribute to Mr. Earl Green Mr. Brian J. Troy, Esq. Ms. Bonnie S. Bruning In Tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Emilio Speranza In Tribute to Mr. Seymour Berkoff Ms. Kathleen McAlpine Ms. Angela DeMatteis Mr. and Mrs. William Katz In Tribute to Dr. and Mrs. Joseph K. Gong Mr. Paul C. Weaver Mr. Kenneth Grundner Ms. Mary C. Fitzgerald Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Polisoto