Choices Summer 2011

In This Issue

• Senator Joseph Kyrillos Accepts the Betty Pendler Award
• Vaseful Flowers & Gifts
• 5^th Annual Community Options iMatter Surf Camp
• A Generous Donation Thank you Leo & Carol Martin
• Accreditations from CARF
• Save the date 2.11.2012 CUPID’S CHASE 5K
• Community Options Chicago
• 6^th Annual iMatter Advocacy Conference

Senator Joseph Kyrillos Accepts the Betty Pendler Award

As a tireless advocate for people with disabilities, Betty Pendler made an impact on the lives of countless people with disabilities, their families, and those who serve them. To continue to honor her memory, Community Options presents the Betty Pendler Award to someone that exemplifies the mission of the organization on an annual Basis. This year, at our annual Spring Event, which took place at Grounds For Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey, Community Options gave the Betty Pendler Award to Senator Joseph Kyrillos of New Jersey’s 13^th Legislative District.

Senator Kyrillos spoke at the event confirming his commitment to Community Options and their mission, and his unwavering support of community living for people with disabilities. Senator Kyrillos has committed to working alongside organizations like Community Options to ensure that institutional closure in New Jersey continues to remain at the forefront of the political agenda. The support of governmental figures such as Senator Kyrillos is critical to the closure of institutions in New Jersey, as well as throughout the country. Community Options is truly grateful to the Senator for all of the work he has done to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

A special thanks to Kathryn Oram for chairing our highly successful Annual Spring Fundraiser

Vaseful flowers & gifts

Vaseful a Community Options Enterprise, is a charming flower shop that offers high quality floral services and delivery to anywhere in the world. We are committed to serving our customers with the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by our 24-hour guarantee.

We specialize in contemporary wedding and event floral design. Our team of professional creative designers will guide you through the creation of a floral display that will enhance and distinguish your wedding special occasion or corporate event.

vaseful.com 877-vaseful

A Generous Donation

Thank you Leo and Carol Martin

In the fall of 2009, Community Options was contacted by Leo Martin of Demascus, Maryland, who was in search of a nonprofit organization to which he could donate his family home. After hearing about Community Options from a Syracuse resident, Mr. Martin met with Cynthia Barnaby, Executive Director of Syracuse COI, to discuss the mission of the organization and the vast range of services that we provide. The Martins were impressed with Community Options and recognized the significant impact their donation could have on the lives of people with disabilities. They generously donated their home to Community Options and the necessary renovations were made. Three men are the recipients, and are thankful for their new home.

On June 10, 2011, Community Options held an open house to thank and honor Carol and Leo Martin for their generosity. The Martins are extremely pleased with the renovations and the purpose of the home. It was wonderful for them to be able to meet the people Community Options is supporting in the home, as well as the staff who work there.

Accreditations from CARF

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)

CARF is an independent, not for profit accrediting body whose mission is to promote the quality, value, and optimal outcomes of services through a consultative accreditation process that centers on enhancing the lives of the persons served. Founded in 1966, the accrediting body establishes consumer-focused standards to help organizations measure and improve the quality of their programs and services.

Throughout the past year, the following programs were awarded three-year CARF accreditations: Community Options Enterprises’ Employment Services: Job Development; Employment Services: Job Supports; and Employment Services: Job Site Training. Community Options, Inc. of News Mexico’s Community Housing; Community Integration; Host Family Services; Respite Services; Supported Living; Employment Services: Job Development; Employment Services: Job Supports; Employment Services: Job Site Training.

This accreditation outcome represents the highest level of accreditation that can be awarded to an organization, and demonstrates the organization’s commitment to the standards established by CARF. In order to receive a three-year accreditation, organizations administer rigorous peer review processes and are able to demonstrate that the services provided are of the highest quality.

5^th Annual iMatter Surf Camp for Children with Autism

Saturday, August 13, 2011, at Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton, NY

My first time volunteering, it was an amazing experience..One girl I took out surfing was so funny…I think her name was Patricia…every time I saw a wave coming in and asked if she was ready, she would look at me, smile and yell “No! Wait for a Bigger one!!.
Bob Ocon

Community Options Chicago

Community Options, Inc., expended its reach to the Midwest in December of 2010, opening an office in Chicago, IL, under the management of Executive Director, Brooke Reynolds. Many Chicago residents heard the name “Community Options” for the first time at Cupid’s Chase 5K Run in Lincoln Park, Chicago, this past February. The event was extremely successful with over 400 runners and spectators in attendance. WGN Chicago and ABC Channel 7, made an appearance, resulting in critical media exposure for the newly established location.

“This is the beginning of many great things to come for the Chicago branch of Community Options,” said Brooke Reynolds. Ms. Reynolds looks forward to implementing programs that will provide Chicago residents with disabilities with increased access to a variety of necessary services.

So, why Illinois, and more specifically, why Chicago? An estimated 1,516,000 people in Illinois have a disability, or 13.1% of the population age 5 and over. An estimated 283,000 people 5 and over, have difficulty performing self-care activities, also known as Activities of Daily Living, such as dressing, bathing, or simply navigating independently in their own homes. Of the 1 in 5 adults in Illinois living with a disability, 20% reside in the Chicago Metropolitan area. These astounding statistics represent the clear need for support services for people with disabilities in Chicago.

6^th Annual iMatter Conference

Community Options, Inc., will hold its 6^th Annual iMatter Conference from September 18, 2011, to September 21, 2011, at the Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The theme of this year’s conference is “Families.” Lectures will feature prominent leaders in the field of disabilities, prominent national business speakers who have children with disabilities, governmental figures, as well as some hands on workshops.

The conference will highlight the importance of ensuring that families of people with disabilities have access to the vast variety of resources that are available. The conference will focus on providing necessary leadership training that will allow attendees to challenge myths and stereotypes that inaccurately portray people with disabilities as unemployable, incapable of learning, or unable to become contributing members of society. We know that limiting the potential of people with disabilities, limits the potential of our entire nation. This conference will empower families of people with disabilities by providing them with knowledge and skills that they can transfer into their everyday lives.