National Nonprofit Receives Two Vehicles from NJ Transit
via the Section 5310 Program
Wayne, New Jersey (November 17, 2008) – Community Options, Inc., a national nonprofit organization providing residential and employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities is the recipient of two new vehicles for it’s Passaic and Somerset programs in New Jersey through the Section 5310 Program offered by the NJ Transit.
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COME OUT TO SUPPORT KIDS WITH AUTISM ON NOVEMBER 8, 2008
COMMMUNITY OPTIONS, INC. ANNUAL 5K RUN
BENEFITING CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
For Immediate Release: November 3, 2008
Media Contact:
Jessica Guberman, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Community Options, Inc.
973-390-0357
Running for a Cause to Support Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Princeton, N.J., November 3, 2008 – Community Options, Inc. is dedicated to serving children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) through various residential and recreational activities. On November 8, 2008 we will be hosting our 1st Annual 5k Run to benefit children with ASD at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, Long Island. Community Options is also the pioneer of the iMatter Surf Camp for kids with ASD that takes place every year at Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton, NY.
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Daily Record Article
Mt. Olive gift shop allows disabled to show abilities
The Succasunna resident has Down syndrome, and despite her business ethic, willingness to learn and past work experience, she found herself with few options, said the 22-year-old's mother, Debbie.
Then she found Presents of Mind, a gift store that provides employment and job training to people with disabilities.
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RUNNING FOR A CAUSE ON OCTOBER 25, 2008
COMMMUNITY OPTIONS, INC. ANNUAL 5K RUN
BENEFITING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Come Run a 5K with a Revolutionary National Non-Profit Organization
Princeton, N.J., October 4, 2008 – Last year, Community Options, Inc. (COI) proclaimed the third week in October to be “National Disability Awareness Week”. COI offices around the country participated in proclamation readings with local town officials and celebrated with open houses, family activities and community outreach activities
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Daily Record
TRENTON -- A Roxbury woman has been appointed by Gov. Jon Corzine to the Governor's Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism.
Jessica Guberman, a Succasunna resident who is the executive director of Community Options Inc., was appointed to be an "autism organizational representative" and will represent Community Options through this appointment, according to a release from the governor's office.
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Community Options, Inc. To Host National 5k Run to Benefit Persons with
Developmental Disabilities in 10 States
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Local Executive Director Appointed to NJ Governor’s Council for Medical Research and
Treatment of Autism
September 17, 2008 (Princeton, NJ ) – On August 20, 2008, Governor Jon Corzine filed direct appointments for the Governor’s Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism. One of those appointments was Executive Director, Jessica Guberman, Ph.D.
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Community Options, Inc. Starts
"Greening the Cleaning®" Program
The Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology®
Hackensack, N.J., August 26, 2008 –. Community Options, Inc. (Princeton, N.J.) has taken a huge step toward a cleaner environment with the adoption of the award-winning Greening the Cleaning® program from The Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology®. Community Options is a national nonprofit organization that develops housing and employment supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
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Town Topics Article
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
By Dilshanie Perera
Princeton Resident Named to Gov. Richardson’s Task Force
Princeton resident Robert Stack, the president and CEO of Community Options, a non-profit organization that provides housing, support services, advocacy assistance, and locates employment for people with disabilities, has recently been named to New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson’s Poverty Reduction Task Force.
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“Surf Is Up for Children with Autism”
Saturday, August 16, 2008 – 11am
Cupsogue Beach, Westhampton, NY
Wayne, New Jersey (July 15, 2008) – Community Options, Inc., a national nonprofit organization providing residential, employment and recreational opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, will be hosting its second annual "iMatter Surfing Camp" for Children with Autism at Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008 from 11am-4pm.
Jessica Guberman, Ph.D., Executive Director for Community Options and pioneer of the surf camp for kids says, "The 1st Annual Surf Camp was very successful. We have already tripled our number of participants from last year and are so excited about the 2008 camp. Families are so eager to sign their children up for the event and to participate in an innovative activity that connects children to the fun and therapeutic advantages of the water," says Guberman, Executive Director of Community Options. Community Options serves families from the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, Northern New Jersey and throughout the country.
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A National Nonprofit Goes “Above and Beyond All Expectations”
Release File (word): Dec3PR 2.doc
WAYNE, N.J.-November 12, 2007
Community Options Inc., a national nonprofit, in conjunction with its other regional offices around the country will be participating in the International Day of Disabled Persons on December 3, 2007 by holding a balloon release ceremony at all of its locations in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas and New Mexico at 1:00pm EST.
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www.communityoptions.blogspot.com
A Pioneering Nonprofit Declares National Disability Awareness Week
Release File (word): apione.doc
(Wayne, New Jersey) October 12, 2007,- Community Options, Inc., a national nonprofit organization providing residential, employment and recreational opportunities to men, women and children with developmental disabilities across the country is declaring October 22, 2007 through October 26, 2007 as National Disability Awareness Week.
Marty Markowitz, The Borough President of Brooklyn, New York State Senator Eric Adams, Congresswomen, Yvette Clark, John Cook, Mayor of El Paso, Texas, Scott Rumana, Mayor of Wayne Township, New Jersey, Brian Reid, Mayor of Forked River, New Jersey, Luke Ravenstahl, Mayor of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Jody Folk Deputy to the First Lady in Nashville, Tennessee will be joining Community Options in their respective locations throughout the country on Monday, October 22, 2007 to read proclamations declaring this week National Disability Awareness Week.
“We are excited about this new beginning. We see the declaration of Awareness week as a building block. The National Disability Awareness Week was developed by the Community Options National Development Council which serves to act as a vehicle that educates the public about individuals with developmental disabilities, advocate on their behalf and to promote unique and innovative fundraising opportunities throughout the country. Disability Awareness Week also serves to gain momentum for our national fundraiser for 2008 –“iWalk because iMatter” said Jessica Guberman, Ph.D. Chair of the National Development Council for Community Options.
Individuals with disabilities have the right to maximize their potential by making the most of their intellect, talents and abilities in an environment free of physical, programmatic and attitudinal barriers. More than 1 million individuals with disabilities successfully entered the workforce since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. New generations of young people with disabilities are contributing to our society and their own fulfillment of the American dream striving to attain economic independence through self-sufficiency and gainful employment.
'Disability is a very objective condition - it knows no boundaries relative to income, race, religion or political affiliation. Disabilities can happen to anyone at anytime. "With all of the controversy over the work force and the lack of it, our country is so remiss overlooking people with disabilities as a resource for meeting their employment needs. According to national averages, 92% of all persons with disabilities are unemployed or underemployed. We want to raise the awareness of the public to call us and let us fill your needs for jobs," said Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options.
Community Options has proudly assisted over 5,000 individuals with developmental disabilities across the country gain meaningful employment since 1989. Our organization provides the most creative and unique opportunities for individuals with disabilities to enter the workforce and to enhance the quality of their lives through this independence. Community Options has also served over 6,000 individuals with disabilities in residential placements such as group homes and supervised apartments throughout the country since 1989. These residential opportunities create meaningful relationships and lifetime connections for the people we support.
For more information regarding the declaration of Disability Awareness Week please contact Jessica Guberman at 973-872-7111.
The First Annual iMatter Surf Camp
Video: www.fifthroomcreative.com/imatter
Release File (word): Surf Camp.doc
September 24, 2007
Westhampton, N.Y. (August 16, 2007) – Community Options, Inc., a national nonprofit organization providing residential and employment choices for individuals with developmental disabilities, will be hosting its first annual “iMatter Surfing Camp” for Children with Autism at Cupsogue Beach on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007.
Dr. Jessica Guberman, an organizational psychologist who grew up in Long Island and found her passion for surfing on its beaches, pioneered the surf camp to help children with Autism to experience the physical, psycho social, cognitive, and recreational benefits of aquatics. “Families were so eager to sign their children up for the event and to participate in an innovative activity that connects children to the fun and therapeutic advantages of the water,” says Guberman, Executive Director of Community Options. Community Options serves families from the five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, Northern New Jersey and throughout the country.
The iMatter Surfing Camp was inspired by research that supports the concept that water is the ideal medium for exercise, and to rehabilitate the body. For children with Autism, aquatic therapy focuses on therapeutic, play-based functional movement, improving range of motion, helping to facilitate neurodevelopmental growth, improved body awareness, increased balance, sensory integration, mobility skills, and most importantly, having fun.
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There were over 300 pictures taken at the event and to view all of the pictures please visit www.flickr.com/groups/imatter
December 14, 2005
Community Options, Inc. (COI) has recently been accepted into New Jersey’s 2006/2007 Employees Charitable Campaign. The campaign is managed by the United Way of Greater Mercer County and includes 33 federations, charitable fundraising organizations, and their member agencies as well as 107 unaffiliated agencies.
New Jersey’s Employees Charitable Campaign (ECC) raises money to benefit approximately 1,300 non-profit organizations throughout the USA and globally. The ECC started in April 1985 when the New Jersey state legislature enacted a law which provided employees of state and local government the opportunity to contribute to a multitude of charities through payroll deduction. The current campaign, 2005/2006, marks the 20th anniversary of The New Jersey ECC. Last year, over $2.1 million was raised for participating non-profit organizations.
Community Options is a national nonprofit headquartered in Princeton, NJ that supports people with developmental disabilities through residential and employment services. COI utilizes technology and training to assist over 1,260 people with disabilities to learn and develop skills, engage in productive work and fully participate in their communities.
For more information on Community Options and how you can help please call (609) 951-9900 ext.157.
04/18/05 Robert Stack met with New Mexico's Governor Richardson in Boston and talked about services for persons with traumatic brain injury. As of last week the Governor signed legislation appropriating over $2 million additional dollars in New Mexico for persons with traumatic brain injury.
NJN News airs a segment featuring 16-year-old James Wright, a Community Options-supported individual who plays basketball each week and enjoys full participation in community life. Many thanks to NJN for its coverage of James and, a story that highlights the fact that a disability is not an obstacle to enjoying a full life. Click here to view the video .