Press Release.pdf

PRINCETON, NJ – November 19, 2020 – Community Options, Inc. awarded U.S. Senator Bob Casey with their Betty Pendler Award today in recognition of his leadership and advocacy for persons with disabilities. The Senator was presented the award by Community Options Founder, President and CEO, Robert Stack, and Community Options Chairman, Tim Dunigan, during a virtual event this morning.

“I am honored to receive the Betty Pendler Award from Community Options,” said U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA). “As we confront this public health crisis, it is more important than ever that we continue to fight for people with disabilities, from advocating for more funding for home and community-based services to building on the successes of the ABLE Act. I hope to work toward a future where all individuals with disabilities can live and work with dignity.”

Community Options is a nonprofit organization that provides housing and employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across 10 states, including 400 in Pennsylvania. The organization, which maintains its headquarters in Princeton, N,J 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.

The esteemed Betty Pendler Award is presented to the person who best exemplifies the mission of Community Options. Among Senator Casey’s most recent achievements was the introduction of the Coronavirus Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act of 2020.

“There is no one more deserving of the Betty Pendler Award than Senator Casey.” said Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options. “Time and time again, Senator Casey has proven to be a staunch advocate for persons with disabilities.”

This prestigious award is named in honor of Betty Pendler, who fought tirelessly for the interests of persons with disabilities. Having a daughter born with Down Syndrome, Betty became a dedicated parent leader and advocate. She served on the board of directors of the AHRC of New York City, the editorial advisory board of Exceptional Parent, the NY State Developmental Disabilities Council, and was a faculty member of Partners in Policymaking.

Bob Casey, Jr. has served in the United States Senate since 2006, representing the people of Pennsylvania. He was born in Scranton, PA and is the son of Robert Casey, former Governor of Pennsylvania. Senator Casey’s achievements on behalf of people with disabilities include the passage of the ABLE Act, and the introduction of the Coronavirus Relief for Seniors and People with Disabilities Act of 2020 to address the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with disabilities.

“The passion Senator Casey showed while fighting to pass the CARES Act is a great example of his commitment to serving the underserved,” said Stack. “We are excited for this opportunity to recognize his dedication with this award and look forward to continuing to work with him to advance the cause of persons with disabilities in the future.”

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About Community Options, Inc.:

For over 30 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment supports for people with disabilities – serving thousands of people from over 40 offices across 10 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 along with the #AllItTakes campaign, search #AllItTakes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.