Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

Rivershore Inc. announces affiliation with People Inc.

by jmaloni

Submitted

Wed, Apr 2nd 2014 11:50 pm

Partnership to strengthen operational excellence

Rivershore Inc., a private Lewiston-based not-for-profit organization supporting people living with developmental and other disabilities in Niagara County, announced today it has become an affiliate of People Inc., Western New York's leading nonprofit human services agency. The collaboration coordinates services in Western New York, allowing for more efficient operations and a sharper focus on service excellence in a changing landscape.

"It is extremely important to be flexible and responsive in our changing environment, especially when you consider state budget cuts and some of the financial challenges that are affecting nonprofits," said Rivershore Executive Director Jeff Sanderson. "By proactively seeking an alliance with People Inc., an organization that shares our commitment to excellence in service delivery, the people receiving services through Rivershore Inc. and the staff who support them will continue to have the best possible services while furthering the joint missions of our agencies."

Members of the Rivershore board of directors will serve on a newly created advisory board and continue to assist with quality oversight, strategic planning, fundraising and advocacy.

"We are pleased to band together with Rivershore and are excited about the synergies we will create by combining our talents and resources," said People Inc. President and CEO James M. Boles, Ed.D. "Jeff is a visionary leader with outstanding foresight, and I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead for our organizations and the more than 12,000 people we provide services to each year."

Rivershore will retain its name, separate corporate status, and staff. It will operate independently. Agency supports will be integrated resulting in reduced overhead, added services and lowered administrative costs. The affiliation also strengthens both agencies for managed care and future changes in the system while addressing the great need for services.

"The state, and in particular the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, are laying the foundation for these kinds of collaborations to occur. To People Inc. and Rivershore's credit, they're ahead of the curve," said State Sen. George Maziarz. "What distinguishes this affiliation between these two agencies even more is the fact they both have the rare designation from OPWDD as COMPASS agencies, which is extremely beneficial to the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities they serve in our region."

COMPASS is an OPWDD initiative that recognizes and promotes provider agencies that have progressed beyond minimal regulatory compliance and have achieved excellence in service delivery. Only seven of the 700 providers statewide have been recognized by OPWDD as COMPASS agencies.

Founded in 1980, Rivershore's mission is to support people living with disabilities as they pursue and achieve a meaningful life. Rivershore supports more than 200 people living with disabilities in Niagara County each year. It employs 140 staff and has 15 locations.

In addition to residential services, Rivershore provides life planning services, day services, employment services, and support with self-advocacy and volunteer pursuits.

In operation since 1971, People Inc. helps both seniors and individuals with disabilities (and their families) live more healthy, independent and productive lives through 140 locations and 50 innovative programs and services. People Inc. has an active employee base of 3,200.

Hometown News

View All News