Media Advisory

Assemblyman Greenwald to deliver keynote at National Nonprofit Conference

“Local Innovation taken to a National Level”

Princeton, April 17, 2009: Community Options, Inc. is a Princeton-based, national nonprofit organization that develops community-based housing and innovative employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. The organization is celebrating its 20th year of dedicated service by holding a National Conference and Gala May 13-15th at the Nassau Inn and Historic Governor’s Mansion, respectfully.

Assemblyman Greenwald (D-Camden) will be delivering a lunch keynote on Wednesday, May 13th at 12:30pm to the national employees, families and stakeholders of Community Options, Inc. Assemblyman Greenwald recently introduced a bill to close 5 out of 7 developmental centers in New Jersey noting that 81% of people with developmental disabilities living in institutions do not need to be there and could live successfully in the community. “We need to bring the way we care for the developmentally disabled into the 21st century,” said Greenwald. “By investing in community-based programs rather than traditional institutionalized models, we can both save taxpayers money and provider higher-quality care.” Greenwald goes on to say, “ The important work being done by Community Options furthers our shared goal of creating more choices and better care for people with developmental disabilities and their families.”

Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options has dedicated his life’s work to moving people out of institutions across the country. Stack was recently published in the Washington Times (3/09) to say, “The investment in what we need with a new infrastructure to right size and consolidate and close institutions, will not only save more than $5 billion, but allow for the purchase of more than 15,000 new homes and 20,000 new vehicles and will create thousands of jobs.”

To join us for our Annual Conference and Gala, to gain a press pass, and to learn more about Community Options, Inc., please visit www.comop.org

Press Release .pdf