Choices Winter 2018 Newsletter

Community Options believes in the dignity of every person, and in the freedom of all people to experience the highest degree of self-determination. Embracing this philosophy, Community Options provides housing, support services and advocacy assistance to help empower people with disabilities.

 

Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year from all of us at Community Options

 

Community Options to Host its 11th Annual Cupid’s Chase 5k in February

On Saturday, February 9th, Community Options will host its annual Cupid’s Chase 5K in 45 locations across 11 states. All funds raised will be utilized to support people with disabilities supported by Community Options.

Each registered runner will receive a shirt that says “Available” or “Unavailable” in
spirit of the Valentine’s Day theme. Registration is currently open at www.cupidschase.org. Runners can register for any of the 45 races across the country, sign up as a virtual runner, and create fundraising teams that allow running groups to raise money for
Community Options.

There are also a variety of ways for local businesses to get involved by becoming a sponsor of any of the local races or by becoming a sponsor on a state, regional or national level. The sponsorship opportunities provide a wide array of marketing for local companies, with all funds going to the local regions.

For more information on how you can get involved either as a runner, sponsor or volunteer for any of the Cupid’s Chase 5K Runs, please contact Angelique Parashis at
609-951-9900 or angelique.parashis@comop.org, or you may visit our event site at
www.cupidschase.org.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

February 9, 2019
Cupid’s Chase 5K

May 6-9, 2019
Annual iMatter Conference

May 9, 2019
30th Anniversary Gala

October 7, 2019
Annual iMatter Golf Outing

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Community Options Holds its 12th Annual iMatter Conference

From September 23-26, Community Options held its 12th annual iMatter Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona at the Andaz Resort and Spa. The theme of this year’s conference was “Foundations for Growth: Learning from Others”. Approximately 170 employees were in attendance to learn from their peers about a multitude of diverse subjects ranging from finding employment for those we support to fundraising and marketing.

During the annual Awards Dinner at the conference, Community Options presented the “Direct Support Professional of the Year Award” to Geraldine Schwartz from Morristown, New Jersey.

The 2019 conference will take place May 6-9, 2019 at the Nassau Inn in Princeton, New Jersey. The conference will culminate with the 30th Anniversary Gala of Community Options on May 9, 2019 on the campus of Princeton University.

At A Glance

 

New Day Habilitation Program in Amarillo, Texas

Community Options proudly opened its new Day Habilitation facility in Amarillo, Texas this past fall.

Community Options’ Day Habilitation programs are designed to enhance daily living skills, vocational and community skills through volunteerism and community integration. The
Amarillo program supports approximately 50 people with
a staff of 11 employees.

“The opening of this new site provides easier access and more space to support individuals,” said Nicole Britt, Community Options Executive Director of Amarillo. “We’re also looking to assist the community with volunteer and potential employment opportunities.”

Community Options Receives Grant from Sorenson Legacy Foundation

In September, Community Options received a grant from the Sorenson Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit established by James LeVoy Sorenson and Beverley Taylor Sorenson for the purpose of promoting charitable endeavors. The grant will support the new Meaningful Day Program in Salt Lake City, Utah, which assists people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities in becoming active members of their local community.

“The Sorenson Legacy Foundation grant will enable our staff to provide true community engagement and assist our individuals to live self-determined lives,” says Shannon Wilkins, Executive Director of Community Options in Utah.

The program offers people with disabilities opportunities for meaningful engagement in local communities. Each unit culminates in an excursion that allows participants to apply what they learned. Individuals have the opportunity to learn about utilizing public transportation, voting and self-advocacy, visiting local museum exhibits and galleries, volunteering, and more.

The grant funding provided by the Sorenson Legacy Foundation will provide one year of support for the Meaningful Day program in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Community Options Opens its Fourth Home in Princeton, New Jersey

In August, Community Options celebrated the grand opening of its fourth four-bedroom home in Princeton, New Jersey.

One of the residents that moved into the home is Jack, who is 23 years old and is living independently for the first time in his life. Jack also works at the local McCaffrey’s Food Market. “I like living here, the manager and staff are really nice to me,” said Jack. “The staff is 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.”

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