Summer Newsletter

• Community Options Recognized as New Jersey’s Top Workplaces for 2025
• Nafis is Thriving in the Workforce with Two Jobs and a Big Smile
• Vaseful Marks Six Years of Growth and Community Recognition
• Valentine’s Day Cupid’s Chase 5K is Back
• Honoring Champions: A Decade of Impact and Inclusion in Maryland
• Community Options Named Largest Nonprofit I/DD Service Provider
• Coding a Brighter Future: Ryan’s Journey to Syracuse University
• Meet the New Leadership Academy Graduates
• 2025 Summer Newsletter.pdf

Community Options Recognized as New Jersey’s Top Workplaces for 2025

Proud to Be Recognized as a Top Workplace

Community Options has earned recognition as one of New Jersey’s Top Workplaces for 2025, ranking number 16 among large-sized companies. This prestigious honor reflects anonymous employee surveys that highlight the organization’s strong culture, meaningful connections and growth opportunities.

“This award validates Community Options’ ongoing commitment to the well-being of every employee,” said Courtney Eidel, Chief Human Resources Officer. “Here, every individual is valued, supported and recognized. Each role matters and every success is celebrated.”

For more than 35 years, Community Options has stood firm in its mission to empower people with disabilities while investing in its greatest asset: the team. With a workforce exceeding 7,000 across 12 states, employees regularly share moments of impact and celebrate milestones through Engage, the company-wide platform designed to connect and inspire.

The organization reinforces inclusion and career fulfillment through professional development programs such as the Duke University Executive Leadership Training and the Leadership Academy.

“The mission gives purpose to the work and the culture provides space to grow,” said Yongxin Zhou, Director of Development and recent Duke University Management Certificate recipient. “Being part of something bigger is a source of pride.”

This recognition inspires Community Options to continue fostering a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to thrive.

Nafis is Thriving in the Workforce with Two Jobs and a Big Smile

For many, finding a job is just about earning a paycheck, but for Nafis, employment is about purpose, independence and connection.

A proud resident of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Nafis has been crushing his goals and making a name for himself in the workforce. Last year, he landed a job at Sesame Place, where his enthusiasm and strong work ethic quickly made him a star employee. His dedication didn’t go unnoticed; he received an outstanding performance award!

Despite the accolades, Nafis wasn’t satisfied yet. This year, with the guidance of his coach and support team, he set his sights on something bigger, a second job. Determined to grow his skills, he secured a position at Amazon Fresh. Now, he can be found greeting customers with his signature smile, helping to create a welcoming environment at the store.

Whether engaging with coworkers or assisting customers, Nafis radiates positivity and proves that with determination and the right support, anything is possible.

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Vaseful Marks Six Years of Growth and Community Recognition

Vaseful Flowers and Gifts is celebrating its lasting impact on meaningful employment outcomes for people with disabilities. With locations in Princeton and Edison in New Jersey, the shop continues to thrive as a local floral business committed to creating stunning floral arrangements and promoting inclusion.

In May, the Princeton location celebrated six years of serving the community by participating in Bloom Local, a creative initiative by Experience Princeton that showcases small businesses and strengthens local connections through floral art and public installations.

In June, the Edison location earned first place in the Florist and Flower Shop category in CommunityVotes Edison. Nominated and voted for by local residents, Vaseful received this award as a testament to both its exceptional quality and its meaningful mission.

“We’re proud to be more than just a flower shop,” said Kathy Angelinovich, Store Manager and Floral Designer. “It’s an honor to work alongside individuals who are building skills, confidence and a true sense of purpose.” Customers take home more than just flowers, visit vaseful.com for more information.

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Valentine’s Day Cupid’s Chase 5K is Back

Cupid’s not the only one making moves this Valentine’s Day. Community Options is excited to bring back its beloved Cupid’s Chase 5K on Saturday, February 14, 2026. This year promises to be the biggest yet, with 51 races nationwide, including new locations in: Galloway, NJ • East Stroudsburg, PA • Swarthmore, PA • Conway, SC • El Paso, TX

Cupid’s Chase is more than just a race. It is a celebration of inclusion and community that welcomes everyone, from first-time runners to seasoned athletes. This year, there are even more reasons to sign up early. The first 5,000 registrants will receive a free copy of Silent No Longer by Community Options President and CEO Robert Stack.

Of course, Cupid’s Chase wouldn’t be complete without its signature race shirts. Runners can choose white to let the world know they’re single and ready to mingle, or red to show they’re taken. It’s become a fun tradition and a great icebreaker at the starting line.

This Valentine’s Day, skip the flowers and chocolates and lace up your sneakers instead. Join thousands across the country in a race that’s making a difference.

Visit cupidschase.org to secure your early bird discount today.

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Honoring Champions: A Decade of Impact and Inclusion in Maryland

On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Community Options will host the We the People Gala at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. This milestone celebration marks ten years of developing housing and providing meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the State of Maryland.

Each year, Community Options presents the prestigious Betty Pendler Award to individuals who are paving the way for a more inclusive future. The award’s namesake was a passionate advocate whose daughter had Down syndrome. This year, Community Options proudly honors three remarkable individuals whose impact embodies the award’s spirit.

Mark Berkowsky, Principal Architect of Berkowsky and Associates, will be recognized for his lifelong dedication to creating accessible, sustainable spaces. With over three decades of experience serving major institutions and nonprofits, Mark’s work reflects a deep commitment to inclusive design. His leadership of Community Options’ enterprise business, Daily Plan It, demonstrates his devotion to building stronger, more equitable communities.

Jonathan Will, a cherished member of the Washington Nationals since 2005, will be celebrated for nearly 20 years of service as a batboy. Jonathan’s passion for baseball and infectious spirit have made him a beloved figure in the clubhouse and earned him a World Series ring following the Nationals’ championship in 2019. As a member of the Community Options family, his story is a shining example of the power and promise of workplace inclusion.

The gala will also honor the legacy of John Hager, former Lieutenant Governor of Virginia and Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. John was a tireless advocate for disability rights and public service. His distinguished career broke barriers and advanced opportunity for people with disabilities across the nation.

Join Community Options for an elegant evening honoring these remarkable champions and raising critical funds to expand programs in Maryland. To register, please visit https://allittakes.comop.org/gala.

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Community Options Named Largest Nonprofit I/DD Service Provider

Community Options has been recognized as the largest nonprofit organization exclusively supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by BHB-CFHS 50.

“This recognition affirms the strength of our mission and the dedication of our staff, families and advocates nationwide,” said Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options. “For more than 35 years, we have been dedicated to ensuring persons with disabilities have access to housing and meaningful employment. We are proud to lead with purpose and continue building inclusive communities.”

The BHB-CFHS 50 Report ranks the top 50 behavioral health nonprofits across the country based on the services provided, organizational scope and revenue generated. Community Options earned the top position in the category for organizations exclusively serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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Coding a Brighter Future: Ryan’s Journey to Syracuse University

Community Options proudly celebrates Ryan as he embarks on an exciting new chapter in his academic journey. Following years of dedication and personal growth, Ryan has been accepted to study Computer Programming at Syracuse University.

Since joining Community Options’ residential services in October 2021, Ryan has grown into a determined and focused young man. With the support of dedicated staff and a nurturing environment, he has sharpened his time management skills, learned the value of self-care and balanced academic demands with personal growth. Prior to his acceptance at Syracuse, Ryan graduated from Central Square School District and continued his education at Onondaga Community College.

“Ryan is a hard worker and is constantly studying,” said Lucy Bryant, Program Manager at Community Options. “And when he’s not studying, he’s working with his robot, CD6.”

Ryan’s passion for robotics and science is evident in the fully functional robot he designed and built himself, complete with mobility and speech capabilities. His natural engineering talent and curiosity make him an excellent fit for Syracuse’s rigorous computer programming curriculum. The program will teach him how computer systems operate, and he will learn to design and develop software solutions from concept to completion.

The entire Community Options family could not be prouder of his achievements and will continue to support him in his future endeavors.

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Meet the New Leadership Academy Graduates

The comprehensive Leadership Academy program at Community Options is designed to identify and develop emerging leaders within the organization, equipping them with the skills and confidence to drive innovation and foster empathetic, effective leadership.

The program began last October and concluded in June with final capstone presentations showcasing impactful projects that addressed key organizational priorities.

“A strong leader inspires those around them to grow and succeed. The Leadership Academy provides a unique opportunity for staff to develop the skills, insight and confidence necessary to lead with empathy and purpose,” said Alicia Jenks, National Training Director. “Community Options is proud of this year’s graduates and looks forward to seeing their continued impact within the organization.”

Reflecting on the experience, Leadership Academy graduate Jaime Rutkowski shared, “The most valuable lesson I gained from the Leadership Academy was the impact of empathetic leadership on team performance and morale. Before the Leadership Academy, I tended to focus more on tasks and outcomes, assuming that clear directives were sufficient for success. However, the program emphasized that true leadership involves understanding and addressing the needs, motivations and even concerns of individual team members.”

Community Options congratulates all graduates for their dedication and commitment to growth: Jessica Bzdil, Jennifer Segilia, Cornell Brownfield, Ashley Morrison, Nicole Walker, Samantha Hutson, LaRon Washington, Andrea Jackson, Kelsey Munoz, Janissa Garcia, Jacqueline (Jackie) Inmon, Ricardo Henry, Jessica Marshall, Jaime Rutkowski, Axel Rosado and Sean Spolarich.

Looking ahead, Community Options remains committed to nurturing leadership talent and invites nominations for the next Leadership Academy cohort.

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