August 28, 2018 | Press Release.pdf

Community Options Opens New Home in Princeton

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PRINCETON, NJ (August 28, 2018) – Earlier today, Community Options, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of a new home in Princeton with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Senator Kip Bateman, Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker and Mayor Liz Lempert were in attendance.

“We are excited to open another home here in Princeton,” said Ida Bormentar, Executive Director of Community Options in Mercer County. “The need for community-based homes remains significant statewide. We are grateful for towns such as Princeton for partnering with us to provide these housing opportunities for people with disabilities.”

One of the residents that moved into Dorann Avenue is Jack Lidstone. Jack is twenty-three years old and will be living independently for the first time in his life. His family has lived in Princeton for nearly twenty years, and he also works at the local McCaffrey’s Food Market. For Jack, who has autism and ADHD, his challenges are more unique but can be met and overcome with the right supports. He and his family have always set and met personal goals, including finding meaningful employment and the opportunity to live independently. Moving into a new home in Princeton helps fulfill that goal, while also allowing Jack to remain close to his family and friends.

“I like living here, the manager and staff are really nice to me,” said Jack when asked about his new home. “They are very helpful when I need assistance. I love when my manager cooks, he cooks the best! I also like my new housemate Ricky and I look forward to the new housemates that will be coming soon.”

The four-bedroom home, which will provide special needs housing credits towards Princeton’s affordable housing plan, was acquired through a funding partnership with Princeton. The funding allowed Community Options to fully renovate the home to meet the needs of the residents.

“We are happy to be partnering once again with Community Options on a group home,” said Mayor Lempert. “Providing quality housing for adults with disabilities is a life-changer for families.”

This is the third Community Options home in Princeton, and the twenty third in Mercer County. Overall, Community Options operates 137 homes in New Jersey and supports 725 individuals through residential and employment services. Community Options is grateful to have the support of board members Phyllis L. Marchand, Phil Lian and James Spano, who attended today.

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About Community Options, Inc.:

For 29 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment programs for people with disabilities – serving thousands of people through over 40 offices across 11 states. Community Options provides advocacy assistance to empower people with disabilities because all people – regardless of ability level – should live and work in the community with dignity, choice and self-determination. For more information please visit our website: www.comop.org and to follow along with the ComOpCares campaign, search #ComOpCares on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.