716.883.8888
info@csevery1.com
Careers
Contact Us
Employee Portal

WNY STATE LEGISLATORS JOIN DDAWNY TO ADVOCATE FOR DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS

by | Jan 15, 2024 | Press Releases

BUFFALO – Assemblymember Karen McMahon (D-Amherst) teamed up with several Western New York state legislators and the Developmental Disability Alliance of WNY (DDAWNY) on Thursday to call for funding in Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive Budget for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).

DSPs work with individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD), providing a wide range of highly specialized services, as well as everyday needs. DSPs are trained in first aid, CPR, and medication administration. Their work also includes meal preparation, transportation, and understanding of and care for the emotional and psychological needs of those they serve.

For the past several years, the workforce industry that supports those with I/DD has been in crisis. Budget cuts and inaction have left DSPs underpaid, undersupported, and understaffed. For example, compensation for this highly technical and important work has hovered around $16.45/hour in New York City, and $16.02/hour in WNY and the rest of NYS. These wages, barely above the minimum wage, have been a key contributor to the industry’s difficulty in hiring and retaining workers.

In December, McMahon and her legislative colleagues sent a letter to Hochul calling for this crisis to be addressed by including funding for DSPs in her 2024 Executive Budget. They also urged the Governor to include a 3.2 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). I/DD providers are solely funded by Medicaid and therefore are unable to increase reimbursement rates to offset operating costs. A COLA would ensure that not-for-profit agencies can continue to operate.

McMahon, leaders from DDAWNY, and members of the WNY delegation gathered at People Inc.’s Center for Excellence in Human Services and Training in Buffalo to acknowledge and highlight the negative impact this crisis is having on the I/DD community.

Assemblymember Karen McMahon (D-Amherst) said: “As a member of the Assembly Committee on People with Disabilities, I have heard and seen the terrible impacts of wage stagnation and a lack of urgency in the support of DSPs. DSPs are vital figures in the lives of those with I/DD, their families, and the agencies that support them. The need for the services they provide does not wane, so our support should not either. In our community, we are fortunate to have groups like DDAWNY to advocate for DSPs and those with I/DD, as well as a committed group of leaders in the WNY legislative delegation focused on highlighting this need and seeing this crisis rectified. I thank DDAWNY and my colleagues for joining me today in this important effort.”

Mindy Cervoni, President of The Developmental Disability Alliance of WNY (DDAWNY) and CEO at Community Services for Every1 said on behalf of the 40 agencies in DDAWNY: “We are greatly concerned that there was no mention in the State of the State of our workforce crisis nor plans to address the significant needs of people with developmental disabilities. While we are grateful to the Governor for the investment in the field of developmental disabilities the last two years, after a decade of financial neglect, we find ourselves still in crisis. It’s imperative that the State place this vulnerable population at the forefront. There are 33,000 people in WNY who need support. We cannot let them down, not now, not ever. We trust the State will prioritize investing in our workforce in the soon to be released Budget and provide adequate reimbursement to the agencies and who do this work. Failure to invest will only result in a catastrophe.”


Anne McCaffrey, President and CEO of People Inc. said: “We need Governor Hochul to put a 3.2% cost of living adjustment (COLA) and a $4,000 direct support wage enhancement in her Executive Budget. We need her to continue her commitment to our states most vulnerable and the direct support professionals that care for them 24/7. We thank our WNY state delegation for standing with us today and for calling on Governor Hochul to put these funds in her budget. The care we provide is essential. It’s incumbent on our leaders to address this crisis.”

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said: “We’re living in inflationary times and life continues to become more expensive. We must continue to take care of those that lovingly and selflessly take care of our most vulnerable residents, while their income levels make them vulnerable as well. I applaud DDAWNY for continuing to advocate on their behalf.”

Senator Sean Ryan (D-Buffalo) said: “Direct support professionals are lifelines for some of New York’s most vulnerable citizens. New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on these highly trained and qualified workers to provide essential care every day. As non-profit organizations struggle to hire and retain workers, an increase in wages for DSPs would help reverse our state’s caregiver shortage and ensure more New Yorkers have reliable access to the support they need.”

Assemblymember William Conrad (D-Tonawanda) said: “The disappointing reality is this: Our DSPs have been waiting too long for New York State to reflect the value of their work with the appropriate investment. And our families and individuals with I/DD are having to endure the true costs of that neglect, and forgoing timely support in their day-to-day lives, or going without it altogether. I join my colleagues in standing with the dedicated advocates of DDAWNY and the indispensable professionals of agencies like People Inc. in calling on the Governor to include in her budget the well-overdue and desperately needed wage enhancement and COLA for DSPs. It is our fiscal responsibility to ensure the viability of this essential field, as it is our moral duty to uphold the independence, dignity, and wellness of our most vulnerable citizens.”

Assemblymember Monica Wallace (D-Lancaster) said: “Direct support professionals are vital to the well-being of individuals with disabilities, but for too long, their pay has not reflected their critical role in the special needs community. With starting wages for DSPs only just above minimum wage, these essential workers are struggling to make ends meet, and non-profits are facing high vacancies and turnovers that negatively impact care for people with disabilities. While we made progress in last year’s budget, now is the time to go further and raise DSPs’ wages to the competitive levels they were decades ago.”

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera (D-Buffalo) said: “Our direct support professionals are an integral, indispensable component of our healthcare system. Yet despite their tireless work within the intellectual and developmental disability community, chronic underfunding poses a grave threat to the sector’s ability to meet the needs of those who need it most, as the low wages are forcing these essential workers to look for other jobs in other fields. I fully support the creation of a new Direct Support Wage Enhancement (DSWE) to be included in this year’s Executive Budget so that direct support professionals are given the reinforcement they both need and deserve.”

Kyle Finds The Perfect Job

Kyle Finds The Perfect Job

by | Apr 28, 2023 | News, Stories

Kyle is one of our amazing dishwashers at Butera’s Restaurant. He can put a smile on anyone’s face, even if they are having the worst day. He makes sure he says hello to every employee when he comes in, many
followed by a hug or high five. When he leaves, he loves to tell everyone he has been “set free” Kyle has become a huge part of our team and we could not be happier with the employee he is. As his shirt states, “Hugs are free, kisses are extra like me”

Written by Lindsay and Jimmy Butera, owners of Butera’s in Hamburg

Tiffany Pavone, Director of Victim Services & Advocacy Programs at Community Services for Every1, named to Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council

Tiffany Pavone, Director of Victim Services & Advocacy Programs at Community Services for Every1, named to Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council

by | Apr 12, 2023 | Uncategorized

Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Will Partner with Developmental Disabilities Planning Council to Launch Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council Will Expand Access to Domestic Violence Services for Individuals with IDD who are Survivors of Domestic Violence

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council, which will strengthen the capacity of both the domestic violence and the intellectual and developmental disability systems to increase access to domestic violence services for individuals with IDD who are also survivors of domestic violence. Through the Advisory Council, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and the New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council will work together to develop and implement skills training for intellectual and developmental disability and domestic violence service providers. The Advisory Council will provide expertise and knowledge to inform project development, review and offer feedback on training deliverables, consult outreach strategies to promote accessibility, and participate in a pilot of training delivery.

“My mother opened a home for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, so strengthening services to vulnerable communities, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is an issue close to my heart,” Governor Hochul said. “The pandemic has tragically led to a rise in domestic and gender-based violence, which is why we are committed to ensuring that survivors can safely access the help and services they need.”

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Owens said, “Individuals with disabilities experience domestic and sexual violence at extremely high rates. As OPDV transforms gender-based violence service delivery systems to be more survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive, we must lift the voices of those who have not previously had a seat at the table. I’m proud to serve a Governor who recognizes the unique needs of individuals with disabilities and supports initiatives that create accessibility and equity for all.”

OPDV will work with a consulting agency that specializes in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to develop a comprehensive training on identifying and working with IDD individuals facing abuse. This training will help both DV and IDD provider staff gain skills to respond to people with IDD who are experiencing DV and connect survivors with appropriate resources and supports.

Kerri E. Neifeld, Commissioner of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities said, “Women with disabilities are three times more likely to experience domestic violence than their non-disabled counterparts. We must work to support and empower people with developmental disabilities who have experienced domestic and intimate partner violence and ensure their voices are heard. I am grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul, OPDV and the NYS DDPC for their leadership in establishing the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council to improve the safety and wellbeing of New Yorkers with developmental disabilities. OPWDD is committed to partnering with our fellow State Agencies in this endeavor.”

New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council Acting Executive Director Vicky Hiffa said, “We know that people with disabilities are more likely to be victims of domestic violence than people without disabilities. The Developmental Disabilities Planning Council is pleased to partner with the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence on this important initiative to educate staff at both IDD and DV provider agencies on how to recognize the signs of Domestic Violence for people with disabilities and to respond appropriately with accessible information and resources. We commend OPDV on selecting a robust Advisory Council to shape the project and are confident these members will help strengthen the project outcomes.”

The list of members is available below:

  • Nancy Nowak – Senior Advocate in the Protection and Advocacy for People with ID/DD Program, Disability Rights NY
  • Vanessa E. Eybers – Director of Employment Services, Camp Venture
  • Janna Kopacki – Director of Benefit Services, Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center
  • Michelle Cook – Tribe Care Manager Supervisor, St. Regis Mohawk Tribe
  • Imani Whitfield – Crime Victim Advocate, Albany County DA
  • Alexa Donnelly – Deputy Executive Director, Person Centered Care Services
  • Anastasia Holoboff – Senior Legal Advisor, Women Enabled International
  • Laura Holland – Owner, All Ability Wellness
  • Mona Kelly – Paraprofessional, Amityville Public Schools
  • Andrew Richardson – Direct Support Professional, Heritage Christian Services
  • Susan Ruff – Advocacy Director, Southern Tier Independence Center
  • Tiffany Pavone – Project Director, Community Services for Every1

The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence is the country’s only executive level state agency dedicated to the issue of domestic violence. The state’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7, and is available in most languages: 800-942-6906 (call), 844-997-2121 (text) or @opdv.ny.gov (chat).

Community Services For Every1 Rallies for COLA

Community Services For Every1 Rallies for COLA

by | Mar 30, 2023 | News, Stories

The fight for an 8.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to end critical staffing shortages is far from over! These photos are a glance into last week’s rally in Albany. Direct Support Professionals are the backbone of our industry- without them we would not be able to provide programming and supports to those with I/DD.

Continuing on the Road to Community Partnerships

Continuing on the Road to Community Partnerships

by | Mar 30, 2023 | News, Stories

Composting with 34 and More

Every week, our Pre-Voc students drop off our compost from the Culinary Arts Suite to one of the 34 and More compost drop offs in the city of Buffalo. Composting our food waste weekly helps us leave as small of a footprint as possible when it comes to waste, and educates our students about the importance of food waste. This also encourages our students and the community to think about their food beyond buying and cooking. To learn more, visit buffalorecycles.org/.

 

Buffalo Community Fridge

Students in all of our classes learned the importance of giving back to our community through food distribution and minimizing waste. Any time the kitchen has extra food or ingredients that would not be used otherwise, they are walked over to our local Buffalo Community Fridge. This is a mutual aid network of fridges with a goal of strengthening communities and addressing food insecurity. We discuss the importance of a healthy balanced diet, and making sure those ingredients are available to all. To get involved or learn more about the fridges, visit
www.buffalocommunityfridges.com/

 

Buffalo Niagara Convention Center

During our Restaurant and Banquet training session, our hospitality students had a unique opportunity to put their banquet training skills to the test! Cory Watson, the Convention Center’s Director of Food and Beverage, prepared an area for the students to practice several tasks that are assigned when setting up for an event. From applying chair covers to folding napkins, our students had so much fun learning and creating a beautiful table arrangement!

 

Buffalo Niagara Partnership

This past summer, our hospitality students were invited to participate in a bus tour (organized by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership) that highlighted several businesses in the Customer Service industry. Visiting locations such as Univera Health Care, Wegman’s and Independent Health, students were able to meet and chat with industry professionals who pride themselves on going above and beyond for their customers.

 

Hilton Garden Inn

During our Front Desk Representative training, our hospitality students were able to participate in
a 2-day on site learning experience with the Hilton Garden Inn. From decorating the lobby for March Madness to riding along on an airport shuttle pick-up, students had an awesome opportunity to really understand what it means to create next level, personalized, guest service
experiences.

 

Thanksgiving Meals

Continuing with our Thanksgiving tradition, the Culinary Arts Suite partnered with our Hospitality Program to host a sit-down Thanksgiving meal for Community Habilitation. We also were able to serve over 120 packaged meals to families under the auspice of our Specialized Services, Victim Services and Advocacy Programs, and to the Community as a whole. All in all, our kitchen was able to prepare and make 200 meals that offered not only learning opportunities in the kitchen but a way to give back during this time of reflection and gratitude.

 

 

 

 

 

Sam Finds the Perfect Job

Sam Finds the Perfect Job

by | Mar 30, 2023 | News, Stories

Meet Samantha! She receives services in our Supported Employment Program. With the help of a Job Coach, she learned how to use Metro rail transportation, communicate with coworkers and management, follow a shifting schedule, and gain mastery of specific job duties. Sam was hired for her very first job, in 2019, as a glass cleaner at the KeyBank Center, until COVID closed the arena. Sam kept up with her skills and hopeful attitude during this time as a member of our Virtual Job Club. She applied for new positions with the support of her Job Coach.


In July of 2021, Sam accepted a job at the Roswell Park Cancer Center in their Environmental Services Department. Her duties include trash removal and disposal, lab cleaning and sanitizing, replenishing of supplies, sweeping and mopping floors, and moving medical waste bins to the correct areas.


Tracy Curtin, Human Resources Manager at Roswell, says “Sam is a joy to be around, I couldn’t imagine our department without her. Sam works with some very well-respected doctors and scientists in their fields. They all speak very highly of her and the work she does.”


Sam makes a difference every day now with a job well done!

Kasseem Grows At CSE1

Kasseem Grows At CSE1

by | Mar 30, 2023 | News, Stories

After Kasseem graduated from Bennett High School in Buffalo in 2021, he was referred by ACCES-VR to Community Services, where his employment journey began. Kasseem started working with the Supported Employment Team at our Jefferson Career Exploration Center. Kasseem and his Job Coach worked closely on skills, such as time-management, communication, and problem-solving.


Using technology and firsthand opportunities, Kasseem worked diligently to complete assessment tools to narrow down his interests, explore career choices, and research educational requirements, projected job outlooks and future wages. At the Career Center, he met regularly with his Job Coach and tried out opportunities in both the Culinary and Auto Detail Suites to gauge his abilities, stamina, and motivation to work.


Kasseem applied and was accepted into Houghton College. In his sophomore year, Kasseem’s Job Coach assisted him in securing a paid internship in the Corporate Communications Department at Community Services for Every1. Here he works on a variety of projects, including helping create marketing and promotional materials.


Kasseem describes his dream job as working in the film industry. Community Services is proud of his efforts, abilities, and formidable attitude!

2 Ingredient Bagels

2 Ingredient Bagels

by | Mar 3, 2023 | Recipes

Ingredients:

2 Ingredient dough

To make dough:

2 cups self-rising flour  

1 – 2 cups 0% fat plain Greek yogurt

Egg Wash:

1 Egg

1 Tablespoon water

Pinch salt

Toppings: sesame, poppy, everything, garlic, onion

Utensils:

Baking sheet

Parchment or Foil

Cooking spray

Pot Holder

Knife

If making dough- bowl and spoon

If making egg wash- bowl and whisk or fork

Recipe Instructions

Step One: Preheat

Check to make sure nothing is in oven/air fryer

Preheat the oven to 400°

OR

Air Fryer to 375°

Step Two: Prep Tray

Place parchment paper or foil on baking sheet, spray with cooking spray

If you have the a kit skip to step 4

Step Three: Mix Dough/Egg

Mix flour and 1 cup yogurt with a spoon until ingredients look lumpy. Then mix with hands and kneed into large dough ball. You want the dough to be stretchy, add more yogurt if needed!!

In a separate bowl, mix egg, water and salt, whisk until mixed.

Step Four: Cut Dough

Cut the dough into 8 equal parts and roll into balls.

Step Five: Form and Wash

With your finger, poke a hole into the ball and spread dough into bagel shape. Place on baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Brush egg wash on top and sprinkle toppings (different hand)

Step Six: Cook and Serve

Place in the oven for 10 minutes, turn half way and bake another 12 minutes

OR Air Fry for about 8 minutes or until golden brown!

Pull, cool and enjoy!!!!

Print This Recipe Card
Community Services For Every1 to receive $500,000 grant from Better Buffalo Fund to support ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’ affordable housing project

Community Services For Every1 to receive $500,000 grant from Better Buffalo Fund to support ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’ affordable housing project

by | Jul 26, 2022 | News, Press Releases

BUFFALO, NY- 7/22/2022- Community Services for Every1 is grateful to Empire State Development (ESD) for an award from the Better Buffalo Fund Transit Orientated Development Program.  The grant of $500,000 will directly impact the agencies project, ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’. This funding will carry out the adaptive reuse and historic preservation of the former St. John Kanty Lyceum at 97 Swinburne Street, Buffalo by converting it into a 42-unit affordable housing community, of which 12 units are set aside for survivors of domestic violenceand includes 7,600 square feet of commercial space.  The commercial space will primarily be utilized by Community Services to provide vocational, afterschool, and healthy cooking/food literacy education services to more than 200 people with developmental disabilities and their families each year.   Additionally, The St. John Kanty Parish will sublease the space to prepare baked goods/meals related to cultural/religious events and fundraisers.  

Community Services for Every1 partnered with consulting developer Edgemere Development, Inc. on this project. Edgemere Development is a real estate firm focused on affordable and mixed-income housing development. Community Services for Every1 is the owner, developer, property manager and support service agency for Apartments at the Lyceum.  

Community Services for Every1, CEO, Mindy Cervoni said, “Empire State Development’s support of ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’ helps address significant unmet needs for affordable and accessible housing in the City of Buffalo. ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’ will create Erie County’s first permanent supportive housing program explicitly developed for survivors of domestic violence. Community Services is appreciative of the funding provided by Empire State Development.”

Community Services for Every1, Vice President of Program Support and Development, Kelly Kinderman said, “We are grateful for the Empire State Development Better Buffalo Fund Transit Orientated Development Program Funding.  The funding is a crucial piece to our project development.  The award supports our expansion and enhances the services we’ll be able to offer at ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’, ultimately benefiting the Buffalo community.”  

Edgemere Development, Project Leader, Brad Mack said, “Empire State Development’s support of the ‘Apartments at the Lyceum’ is a critical step towards seeing this project come to life. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and look forward to bringing this vital project to the Buffalo community.”

​

More information about the Better Buffalo Fund and its other awardees can be read at buffalobillion.ny.gov/better-buffalo-fund.

Our Mission at Community Services is to partner with individuals of all abilities to reach their fullest potential, protecting their rights and promoting their independence and inclusion in our community.

The Better Buffalo Fund aims to create vibrant, mixed-use, high-density neighborhoods.  It is focused on supporting projects that encourage density and growth along transportation corridors and revitalize neighborhood commercial districts.  It offers grants and loan funds through two initiatives – Transit Oriented Development and the Buffalo Main Streets Initiative, administered by NYS Homes and Community Renewal.