People to People A publication of People Inc. Spring 2006 Friends in East Aurora find a home Six friends had a dream come true with some determination and help from their parents. One of People Inc.'s newest group homes opened this past winter on Paine Street in East Aurora. This particular People Inc. group home was established due to a group of parent's efforts in fulfilling their children's wish.The six individuals who reside at Paine Street are all childhood friends who wanted to live together one day. Spearheaded by one of the mothers, Sue Lanigan, the group of parents lobbied with elected officials and community businesses to make this dream a reality. “Years ago, there was a parent group called Challenger League that planned year-round activities for the kids,” said Sue. The group made sure “they had activities, socialization, and The new residents of Paine Street welcome visitors to their home. Top row - left to friends outside the school system. It seemed increasingly right: Katie Lanigan, Brian Edmonds, and Jeff Vance. Bottom row - left to right: Jillian more important to us that the kids stay together,” Sue happily Burger, Kirsten Weisberg, and Michelle Napierala. remarked. The Paine Street residents have a very active lifestyle from The start of the Paine Street group home was made with a attending People Inc.'s Young Adult Life Transitions program phone call from the leader of the Challenger League to Program at Erie Community College South Campus to working or Director Concetta Ferguson.The parents and Concetta first completing internships, and a full schedule of sports and social met on May 24, 2001 and then continued to meet to discuss activities. options and eventually the planning process for Paine Street. Sue commented that Concetta reassured the fellow parents Not only are parents happy, but the kids are thrilled to be settled with saying, “it will happen!” into their new home. “I love this house because I like to be with my friends and I like being on my own,” said Michelle The residents, ranging in ages 22 to 28 with developmental Napierala. “I just got a job at Subway in East Aurora and I can disabilities, grew up in the East Aurora neighborhood and have walk to work in seven minutes!” developed lasting friendships.They held a house warming for families, elected officials, community members, and neighbors Just another way People Inc. succeeds in meet- to share their stories and welcome guests into their new home. ing the needs for families in the community. Ce lebr atin g Telling the story of disability history o 3 f qu 5 Y alit ea If you haven't visited the Museum of y se rs rvic disABILITY History, now is the time to es plan a visit.The Museum has a new look with fresh exhibits. One of the exhibits explores the history of almshouses in America. Another, In this issue which explores disabilities and pop-culture, President’s Message................2 includes popular toys, well-known celebrities 35 Years of People Inc..............3 and sports figures and a variety of popular A Place to Call Home..................3 In-Home Behavioral Program...3 items used for fundraising. Pooled Trust..............................4 New Senior Housing..................4 Besides its entirely new look, which includes Early Intervention......................5 The Museum of disABILITY History recently acquired a unique artifact Themed Learning Club..............5 a new sign on the front lawn to help from disability history; a 1960’s Invacar. Established in 1948 by Oscar people find the Museum, there are some Greeves, this three-wheeled car was made specifically for people in wheel- Family Care................................6 chairs. The Invacar was taken off the road in 2003. New People Inc. Office...............7 exciting new projects underway for 2006. Photo Page.........................8 & 9 Family Forums.........................10 Our new interactive website, with funding from B.Thomas Golisano Foundation, will debut in June, Grant Awards...........................11 showcasing new virtual exhibits on a multitude of topics, as well as bibliographies and other information Partnering in the Community...11 Donor Recognition............12 - 15 Continued on page 7 People to People Development and partnerships provide key to success Dear Friends, Recently, I was driving with a few staff to Lancaster to see how progress was coming along at a new group home we just opened. It was a routine trip, something I’ve done many times over the past twenty-five years. Lately, these drives have become different though; they are no longer direct routes back and forth. On the way there, we saw three other program sites we have under development. On the way back, we saw two more sites that recently opened and another one under development. It’s been a priority at People Inc. to meet the needs of families waiting for help.We’re committed to developing additional services and working in nearly every neighborhood in Western New York.We focus on quality when starting new programs and maintaining those stan- dards when programs are up and running.The leadership of town officials and welcoming neighbors allow us to make a huge difference in the lives of families. Thank you for your support of our work. Sincerely, James M. Boles, Ed.D. President and Chief Executive Officer People Inc. Mission People Inc. exists so that individuals with disabling conditions or other special needs have the support they need to participate and succeed in an accepting society. Dear Friends, Part of what makes People Inc. special is the agency's commitment to helping other human service organizations.Through the years, People Inc. has provided technical assistance through staff training, quality assurance reviews, loaned policies and procedures, management help and grant-writing assistance to smaller nonprofits. As a result, services remained in the community, quality was enhanced, agencies gained more stability, and important services continued for many individuals and families. Today, People Inc. continues to work in collaboration with many human services organizations, such as Hispanics United of Buffalo, Neighborhood Information Center on the East side of Buffalo, and Headway for the Brain-Injured. As we plan for the future, we invite you to join our commitment to ensuring that individuals and families continue to have options for services they need, in a way that is accessible to them. In your service, Georgiana Jungels Board Chairperson 2 Spring 2006 A place to call home Celebrating 35 years When Christine Long’s young daughter, Kelly DeFedericis, began to show severe of quality services behavioral issues, she knew that she must do something. “It was getting to the point People Inc. is pleased to announce the agency's that we couldn’t ensure her, or the 35th anniversary will occur this August.We family’s safety,” said Christine. Luckily are proud to provide quality services to over she was directed to People Inc., where 10,000 individuals throughout the Western New a friend was once employed. People Inc. York community from birth to seniors, and all had just the place for Kelly, a children’s stages in between. Offering a wide variety of Individualized Residential Alternative services has been the key to help people live (IRA) located on Zollars Avenue in Buffalo. more independent and fulfilling lives.We would like to thank our 2,000 employees, board of Zollars was developed as a result of four directors, donors, families, and the individuals children whose needs were more than their we serve for their dedication and assistance families could provide.With the waiting list throughout the years. Christine Long with daughter Kelly found just for children’s services growing, more IRAs As times have changed, so has People Inc.A have been proposed for children, and those the right fit when Kelly moved to People Inc.’s Zollars IRA. great example of People Inc.'s desire to meet who have been able to be part of Zollars are your needs is the enhancement of our Children's grateful for the opportunity. Christine believes that placement at Zollars was the Services. For example, we now offer residential best thing for her daughter. Kelly was hesitant to go; initially afraid that her parents opportunities specifically for children and would abandon her or not love her anymore.This was far from the truth; this diffi- young adults.As people are living longer, cult decision was motivated by love. “Kelly has a life now, like any 14-year old,” says healthier lives, People Inc. is happy to provide Christine, “She has constant supervision, is safe, and has friends she can relate to.” safe, affordable Senior Housing to over 300 independent seniors. In fact, we are in the Since placement at Zollars, Christine and Kelly’s relationship has only improved. process of developing our fourteenth senior “Chris is much more relaxed,” says Program Director Kimberly Kadziolka, “The housing site, our first in Niagara County. time they spend together now is quality time.” Christine is taking an active role in Kelly’s case and has joined People Inc.’s Family Advisory Council whose mission is To help3 the community5 better understand the to serve as advisors in the area of program development and to share perspectives umbrella of services the agency offers, People that help improve communications between agency staff and family members. Inc. will soon unveil a new logo and tagline.This new look will provide a clearer understanding Christine continues to be pleased with People Inc.’s Zollars IRA of what People Inc. does. Plenty of community and says that she now knows how innovative People Inc. is. outreach will also take place in the upcoming “Kelly has a life The most important opinion of all however is Kelly’s, and months.Additionally, the website will be now, like any 14-year she feels very positive about her new home saying she completely renovated.We are excited about this old,” says Christine, “She likes her staff and that she enjoys the fun things she now project and look forward to bringing it to you.