Recently, on the evening of January 4th, 2025, one of Aspire of WNY’s group homes in Williamsville suffered a fire incident.
Due to training, incredible response time, staying alert, managing an emergency, and supporting the residents in their personalized capacity, everyone who was in the home was able to evacuate safely and allow the Williamsville fire department to do their job: eliminate the fire, and leave nearly all of the building intact with minimal damage.
Aspire of WNY would like to recognize Jeremiah White Usher, the Direct Support Professional working in the house that evening, for his willingness to go above and beyond for the people who live in the home. His awareness and alertness to the detector led to the early call to 911 and the evacuation that no doubt saved lives and the property itself. Additionally, we want to recognize Ricky Williams, from MSN, who was the onsite nursing staff that evening and who was also instrumental in helping ensure everyone was safe.
Secondly, we want to recognize Aspire of WNY’s Residential Opportunities team and the Environment & Safety (E&S) team for coming together to support the individuals who live at the property and the building itself. By working together, all of those who lived at Highland were immediately and safely relocated, and work was rapidly started to get the home back into a safe state for the residents to move back in.
Lastly, we want to recognize the WNY community and the Williamsville Fire Department. Due to the fire department’s rapid response, they were able to eliminate the fire and save the building quickly. Additionally, neighbors down the street and near the house stepped up to provide shelter and blankets to those evacuated. And One-Eyed Cat Brewing, a restaurant close to the home (and that was closed during the incident), opened its doors and lent its staff to help ensure the safety of the people we support and our teams during the crisis.
We believe this example of teamwork, dedication, and community exemplifies what it means to be Aspire of WNY. When we work together, even in the face of a crisis, we can support each other to work towards the best possible outcome. It shows why training, education, safety protocols, fire drills, community, friends, and emergency preparedness are key to keeping our team and the people we support safe and successful.
Thank you to all who showed support. You have truly made in IMPACT in the lives of so many supported through Aspire of WNY. Thank you!