HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — March 27, 2026 — Community Options welcomed New Jersey Human Service Commissioner Stephen Cha to the Red Ribbon Academy in Hillsborough, New Jersey, a medical day program supporting individuals with complex medical disabilities.
Joining Commissioner Cha for the visit were Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire, Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Siefried, and other officials from the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Commissioner Cha toured the facility, met with participants and staff and learned more about how Community Options continues to lead in developing innovative services for people with disabilities.

“It was great meeting the program participants and staff and to see firsthand the critical services the Red Ribbon Academy provides for adults with complex needs. Every visit with our community partners deepens our understanding of the people behind this important work. We can’t do what we do at Human Services without the support and partnership of organizations like Community Options. I commend Community Options and the staff at the Red Ribbon Academy for their family- and person-centered approach to help individuals reach their fullest potential,” said Department of Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha.

The visit highlighted the innovative work being done at Red Ribbon Academy, a state-of-the-art program that supports adults with complex medical conditions through a combination of medical care, therapeutic services and engaging daily activities. The program is dedicated to enhancing quality of life in a nurturing, person-centered environment where individuals are empowered to reach their fullest potential.

“Red Ribbon Academy reflects our commitment to providing high-quality care for individuals with the most complex needs,” said Tracy Mendola, Community Options’ Vice President of New Jersey. “We were honored to welcome Commissioner Cha and Deputy Commissioner McGuire and look forward to working with them to support New Jerseyans with disabilities and their families.”

The Red Ribbon Academy opened in 2013 in Wayne, NJ, through a partnership between Community Options, the Division of Developmental Disabilities and the Parents Group to support people who have the most severe and fragile medical disabilities in a way that fosters growth and progress. The second program opened in Hillsborough, NJ, in 2016.

For more information on Red Ribbon Academy, please visit www.comop.org/services/red-ribbon-academy

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About Community Options, Inc.:
For over 35 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment support for people with disabilities – supporting thousands of people from over 60 offices across 12 states. Community Options provides advocacy assistance to empower people with disabilities because all people – regardless of ability level – should live and work in the community with dignity, choice and self-determination. For more information, please visit our website: www.comop.org and follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram and X.