March 05, 2024 | Press Release.pdf

Princeton, New Jersey– Community Options, a leading national nonprofit supporting people with disabilities, is pleased to announce an enhanced partnership with the NBA Foundation. Following a successful first year of collaboration, the NBA Foundation and Community Options announced an 18-month extension to place Black youth with disabilities in competitive and integrated employment.

Community Options’ employment program targets youth in seven NBA markets: Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz.

Programming includes job exploration, where participants are guided to understand potential career paths; self-advocacy instruction to empower them in asserting their needs and rights in the workplace; work-based learning experiences to provide real-world job exposure; and counseling on post-secondary education and vocational training. Moreover, the program will facilitate job placement with on-the-job support. Follow-up services will address any ongoing needs, ensuring long-term success.

Explains Community Options President and CEO, Robert Stack, “When I founded Community Options in 1989, I sought to transform a system that oppressed people with disabilities by excluding them from their communities. With the continued support of the NBA Foundation, we will expand our employment programs to impact hundreds of youths with disabilities across the country. At Community Options we want to make sure access to these programs is offered to everyone, especially young people who did not receive equal and fair attention as they navigated service and education systems.”

Launched in 2020, the NBA Foundation is focused on creating greater economic opportunity and career advancement in the Black community. Its Board of Directors is comprised of eight representatives:
• Governors: Gayle Benson, Mat Ishbia, Tony Ressler, and Larry Tanenbaum
• Players: Harrison Barnes and Tobias Harris
• NBA and NBPA: Commissioner Adam Silver and Executive Director Andre Iguodala

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About Community Options, Inc.:
For 35 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment supports for people with disabilities – serving thousands of people from over 50 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 to follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.