Stories

Kaczey’s Determination Pays Off Kaczey recently decided that instead of being at his day program, he wanted to find employment. He knew that he could be independent and handle all the responsibilities that come with having a job. With his team’s help, Kaczey scheduled multiple interviews. In roughly one month, Kaczey was offered a position…

Ben Finds Employment at Home Depot and it’s a Perfect Match! Ben, who graduated from high school in 2016, began his job as lot associate at the Summerville, SC Home Depot this past July. “It’s really a perfect job for me,” says Ben. “I can be a little shy but I help customers load up…

Kayla Putting Valuable Experience to Good Use After completing Walgreen’s Retail Training Program and learning all the skills needed to succeed in the workplace, Kayla was ready to find the job of her dreams! Kayla quickly found employment at a senior living community, where she works as a server. She loves her job and is…

Mike has become an asset to his local community. Mike experienced a traumatic brain injury when he was a child living in Florida, but has overcome many obstacles during his recovery time. He is striving and has become an asset to his local community. Mike still struggles with a mild IDD, seizure disorder and mild…

Allentown Woman Embraces Cultural Roots in New Independent Way of Life Amal A. came to Community Options in 2012 from the Extended Care Unit at Sacred Heart Hospital. Amal is a colorful woman in her 50s. Possessing a great sense of humor, the Lebanon native loves listening to Arabic music, as well as popular songs…

Two First Names, But One Goal of Being Active in the Community Her name is Celica L., but she prefers to go by the name “Lisa”.  In her mid-40s, Lisa loves going to the Crayola Factory, riding the rides at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, taking walks and getting her nails painted.  Of African American…

Miss Amazing Pageant Contestant One of the Many Standouts in Community Options’ Lehigh County Rickie Lee F. is a 27-year-old woman who came to Community Options in 2012, having lived in Philadelphia prior to the move.  Before the transition, she was living with a family in Life Sharing.  Rickie enjoys children, doing arts-n-crafts, shopping, listening…

Arrival at Community Options Proves Life-Changing for Peggy The first time I met Peggy H., she was at her old day program, sitting slumped over with her hearing aids turned off.  She was under weight and overdressed; she had two pairs of socks on, two pair of pants and four shirts.  She seemed so sad.…

Versatile Evelyn an Integral Part of Somerset County Community Evelyn is a very loving, outgoing and active young lady. When you walk into the Hillsborough office in Somerset county on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday afternoon, you are greeted with her warm smile. She is always ready to give a compliment and make you feel…

In Less Than Three Years, Wayne Flourishes in New Community Wayne moved into a Community Option’s Individualized Residential Alternative in Syracuse, New York on October 1, 2013.  He had been residing in a New York State institution in an intensive treatment unit located in Tupper Lake, New York.  In the beginning he was afraid of…