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Choices 2024 Fall

Fall Newsletter

Advocacy in Action: Elevating Our Voices Through Voting Rights

Every vote Counts Vote America
Barandon Smith is filled with excitement as he gets ready to register to vote in PA
Barandon Smith is filled with excitement as he gets ready to register to vote in PA

Advocating for the voting rights of individuals with disabilities is crucial to ensuring their voices are heard. Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options, emphasized, “We need to vote. We need to communicate better with families, government leaders, regulatory authorities, and the public regarding the value of those we support and, most importantly, the value of those providing the support.”

As Election Day approaches, Community Options is providing education on voting rights for people with disabilities across the country. Throughout the year, Community Options will host self-advocacy events through funding partners including state Developmental Disabilities Councils. Featuring speakers like Dani Bowman, a passionate advocate for inclusion and diversity, these events offer valuable insights and tools to empower participants, helping them take charge of their lives and ensure their voices are heard at the ballot box.

Through these efforts, Community Options is ensuring that the people we support are not only informed but empowered to exercise their right to vote and make their voices count in shaping the future.

Revolutionizing Care: AccessVR Partners with Community Options to Transform DSP Training with Virtual Reality

AccessVR Aaron Collegeman and Bridget Haney testing the virtual reality system
AccessVR Aaron Collegeman and Bridget Haney testing the virtual reality system

As technology continues to transform support services for people with disabilities, Community Options has established a partnership with AccessVR to establish innovative training programs for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). This initiative focuses on equipping DSPs with the skills and tools necessary to provide top-tier support for individuals with disabilities. By offering specialized scenario-based training, the program will help our staff enhance the quality of care they deliver, promote independence, and improve the overall quality of life for the individuals we serve.

AccessVR CEO Rob Moore and Chief Technology Officer Aaron Collegeman presented at Community Options’ annual conference on the future of immersive learning and virtual reality. Rob, an executive with over 20 years of experience in IT, product management, and consulting, shared insights into the transformative potential of this training. Aaron brought his 25 years of expertise in software design and learning management, highlighting how virtual reality can revolutionize DSP training by simulating real-world challenges.

“We are excited to partner with Community Options and are committed to leveraging virtual reality to provide DSPs with immersive training that mirrors real-life challenges.” said Rob Moore, CEO of AccessVR, “This approach ensures that caregivers are better equipped to handle complex situations, enhancing their ability to deliver high-quality, human-centered support.”

The partnership was established thanks to a grant from the WITH Foundation. The funding will enable us to provide immersive training experiences for direct care staff and medical professionals who support individuals with developmental disabilities. Our first-ever immersive training experience, developed in collaboration with a focus group of individuals with disabilities and medical professionals, aims to enhance the delivery of quality and inclusive medical services. We will work with focus groups to create impactful content and ensure individuals with disabilities remain at the center of our development process.

These innovative steps will improve our services and demonstrate our commitment to the community. Together with AccessVR, we are proud to take a forward-thinking approach that ensures our DSPs are well-prepared to meet the needs of those they support in meaningful, innovative ways.

Meaningful Day Opens in Bountiful

Director of Employment Services and Development Shannon Wilkins, Bountiful Mayor Kendalyn Harris, and Utah State Director Ashlyn Visser
Shannon Wilkens, Director of Employment Services and Development with Mayor Kendalyn Harris of Bountiful, Utah and Ashlyn Visser, Community Options’ State Director of Utah at Bountiful City Hall in September 2024.

The Meaningful Day program has expanded to Bountiful, Utah! This new location offers people with disabilities in Davis County the opportunity to engage in enriching daily activities that promote independence, skill-building, and community involvement.

Ashlyn Visser, Utah State Director, recently met with Bountiful Mayor Kendalyn Harris, along with local business leaders, to discuss the positive impact of the program. The leaders explored how the program will support individuals with disabilities and develop partnerships with local businesses to create more inclusive opportunities.

We are thrilled to see the program grow in Bountiful and look forward to the meaningful connections it will foster in the community.

Read more about the visit with Mayor Harris here.

Breaking Barriers in El Paso, Texas

Isabela Valera at her job as Refugee Case Manager at Estrella Del Paso
Isabela Valera at her job as Refugee Case Manager at Estrella Del Paso

Markina Blanco and Miguel Martinez have taken the lead in a groundbreaking initiative in El Paso, Texas, aimed at helping people with disabilities who have criminal backgrounds find meaningful employment. Recognizing a gap in services for this vulnerable population, Miguel Martinez, Executive Director of El Paso and Markina Blanco, Employment Manager, stepped up to provide employment and re-entry support for people with disabilities.

“Our program in El Paso is about more than just finding jobs—it’s about giving individuals a second chance and restoring their confidence,” said Miguel Martinez. “By working closely with individuals with disabilities and criminal backgrounds, we’re proving that everyone can contribute meaningfully to society. The success we’ve seen reinforces the importance of inclusion and inspires employers to join us in this critical work.”

Since 2015, Community Options has partnered with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to place individuals in jobs, including managerial roles. One of the success stories includes Isabela Valera, who now works full-time as a Refugee Services Case Manager. The efforts go beyond just job placements—they work directly with the individuals, helping them craft resumes, prepare for interviews, and build confidence through mock interview sessions.

Asked what makes the El Paso program successful, Markina said, “We focus on abilities, not disabilities. We help everyone grow.”

Steven Kryspin Wins NJAPSE Supported Employee of the Year

Lisa Rowe, Katrina Elwertowski, Steven Kryspin, Lina Hollman, and Colleen Cecire at the NJAPSE Awards
Lisa Rowe, Katrina Elwertowski, Steven Kryspin, Lina Hollman, and Colleen Cecire at the NJAPSE Awards

In October 2024, Steven Kryspin was honored as the New Jersey Association of People Supporting Employment First Supported Employee of the Year, recognizing his incredible journey of resilience and dedication. A former Special Olympics powerlifting champion, Steven faced a major setback due to injury but refused to let it hold him back. After 14 years in retail, he found a new purpose as a physical therapy aide at Professional Physical Therapy.

Drawing from his athletic background and Boy Scout experiences, Steven has flourished in his role, helping patients with compassion and skill. He manages daily tasks like setting up therapy equipment, assisting patients, and staying committed to professional growth with certifications in CPR and AED.

Steven’s passion for helping others and his personal connection to those with physical injuries make him a perfect choice for this honor. His journey is a powerful example of perseverance and dedication to making a difference.

Community Options Holds Annual Conference in Santa Fe

Lindsey Daniel proudly accepts the prestigious Centurion Award from Svetlana Repic-Qira and Robert Stack
Lindsey Daniel proudly accepts the prestigious Centurion Award from Svetlana Repic-Qira and Robert Stack

Community Options hosted its 19th Annual Conference at the Eldorado Hotel and Spa in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This year’s theme, “Foundations for the Future: Technology & Independence,” brought together 170 employees from 12 states. The conference addressed a range of subjects, including the implementation of smart home technology, success stories of transitioning from institutions to community living, empowering lives through Positive Options and supported employment services, the introduction of AI-driven employment tools, and best practices in fundraising and government relations.

During the conference, Community Options President and CEO Robert Stack shared his visionary outlook for the next 35 years, inspiring attendees with his insights. Actress Madison Tevlin, known for her role in Champions alongside Woody Harrelson, delivered a powerful “Against All Odds” speech that resonated with every attendee.

The conference concluded with an awards dinner where Community Options honored exceptional employees and those who have dedicated over 20 years to the organization. Among the prestigious accolades presented was the Centurion Award, which was awarded to Lindsey Daniel, South Carolina State Director, in recognition of her remarkable service.

View 2024 National Conference photos here.

Empowering Pittsburgh: Daily Plan It Expands in PA

The Daily Plan It - 900 Sarah Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203 - shared space
Visit us at 900 Sarah Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

The Daily Plan It has officially expanded into Pittsburgh, making it the second location in Pennsylvania. Featuring 24 premium private office spaces with parking, the Daily Plan It is located at 900 Sarah Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.

The Daily Plan It serves as a complete office, conference, and copy center, offering tenants high-quality services tailored to their professional needs. It is also an innovative entrepreneurial initiative designed to develop and operate businesses that train and employ people with disabilities. Currently, five individuals with disabilities are employed at the Pittsburgh location.

“We are excited to enhance our offerings in Pittsburgh’s South Side,” said Andrew Park, Director of Property and Project Management for Community Options Enterprises. “The Daily Plan It not only empowers individuals with disabilities to take their first steps toward an independent life but also contributes to the growth of the local economy.”

Rekha Rao, Esq., from Rao Legal Group and a tenant at the Daily Plan It in Princeton, stated, “I chose this space because all rental revenues support Community Options’ mission to provide housing and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, which is important to me as an attorney in this field.”

Visit www.dailyplanit.org to schedule your tour today!

Community Options Presents Kelly Garcia with Betty Pendler Award

Kelly Garcia, Director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Kelly Garcia is honored with the Betty Pendler Award for her remarkable contributions to Iowa

Every year since 1991, Community Options presents the Betty Pendler Award to an individual who exemplifies the mission of Community Options. This year’s recipient is Kelly Garcia, Director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. Community Options Chair Dorothy Goodwin presented Director Garcia with the award on September 17, 2024, in Santa Fe, NM.

“We are thrilled to present Director Kelly Garcia with the Betty Pendler Award,” said Robert Stack, Community Options’ President and CEO. “Her efforts in Iowa are life-changing for over a hundred people who have transitioned back into the community from the institution.”

Director Garcia oversaw the closure of the Glenwood Resource Center, an institution in Southwest Iowa that housed over 150 people in 2022. Through an innovative partnership with Community Options, the State of Iowa was able to increase provider capacity in the community and ensure that safe and accessible housing was available for every person leaving the institution. The last person moved from Glenwood to a Community Options home in June of 2024.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this award, which I accept on behalf of the amazing HHS team,” said Garcia. “Our team worked tirelessly to successfully transition Glenwood residents into community-based care, and they deserve our congratulations and gratitude. The decision to close Glenwood was not made lightly, nor without careful consideration, analysis, and input from many stakeholders, but I’m confident we made the right decision for those in our care and for our state. This time in our state’s history allows for a new vision to support community-based care while better understanding the unique role state-operated specialty care plays in supporting community capacity.”

The Betty Pendler Award honors the legacy of Betty Pendler, a fierce advocate for individuals with disabilities. Previous recipients include notable figures such as Governor Chris Christie, Senator Bob Casey, and Ambassador Nikki Haley. Community Options is proud to celebrate the impactful work of leaders like Kelly Garcia, who are making a difference in the lives of those they serve.

Watch COI present Kelly with the award here

Cupids Chase 5K Logo. In support of people with disabilities. National 5K series.

2.8.2025
48 Cities
Check out our new locations in Key West, Florida and Nashua, New Hampshire
www.CupidsChase.org

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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. #AllItTakes