Press Releases, Articles and e-Newsletters

Ambassador Nikki Haley to Receive Community Options’ Betty Pendler Award at National Conference

PRWeb

September 25, 2017, Princeton, NJ – Community Options, Inc. will present its prestigious Betty Pendler Award to Ambassador Nikki Haley at the organization’s 11^th annual iMatter Conference, which will be held in Ambassador Haley’s home state of South Carolina from September 24^th to September 27th.

The award is named in honor of Betty Pendler who was reknowned for her tireless efforts in helping those with disabilities. Each year the award is given to those who exemplify the mission of Community Options and demonstrate their commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities live their best lives in communities of their choosing. Recent recipients of this award include Governor Tom Kean, Elaine Katz of Kessler Foundation, Senator Joe Kyrillos, and Gail B. and Senator Robert Gordon.

Ambassador Haley is being recognized for her contributions to individuals with disabilities and programs that provide homes and employment to people with disabilities throughout her career as a public servant. As governor, she signed numerous proclamations in support of the rights of disabled persons and signed the ABLE Act into law in South Carolina, allowing people with disabilities the opportunity to contribute to a tax-exempt savings account without losing necessary benefits. Community Options had the good fortune of hosting then-governor Haley at a tour of one of its homes for disabled individuals in Columbia, SC in late 2013. At the time of her visit, she said, “It was an honor to tour the Community Options’ home in Columbia. They offer quality care and provide adults with special needs the opportunity to live an independent life style. We will continue to support these kinds of services for individuals with disabilities.”

Robert Stack, president and CEO of Community Options said, “Ambassador Haley’s visit to one of our homes for people with disabilities had a tremendous impact on the public perception of people with disabilities living side by side in a neighborhood, just like anyone else. She has been relentless in her advocacy of helping people with disabilities. We are excited to honor her support with this award.”

On Tuesday, September 26, 2017, Stack, along with Community Options’ board chair, Phil Lian, of Princeton, NJ, will present the award to Ambassador Haley. It will be accepted on her behalf by her former chief of staff, Swati Patel, at the Community Options iMatter Conference on Supported Employment held at the Francis Marion Hotel in downtown Charleston.

About Community Options, Inc.:

For 28 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment programs for people with disabilities – serving thousands of people through more than 40 offices across 11 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 ComOpCares campaign, search #ComOpCares on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

###

Community Options to Hold National Conference in South Carolina to Celebrate 10 Years of Service

September 24, 2017 | Charleston Regional Business Journal online article | Article.pdf

Charleston Regional Business Journal

PRINCETON, NJ — To celebrate 10 years of providing housing and employment support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in South Carolina, Community Options will hold its 11th Annual iMatter Conference at the Francis Marion Hotel from September 24-27.

Each year, Community Options focuses on a current issue, trend or development that impacts the lives of people with disabilities worldwide. At this juncture, no issue could be more relevant than unemployment within the disability community. Embracing the philosophy that all people who want to work can and should be able to work, Community Options will delve into the pathways that government, private industry and non-profits together can forge to create opportunities for employment for all.

This year’s iMatter conference, titled “A Meaningful Life: An iMatter Conference on Supported Employment,” will offer a program that challenges attendees to rethink, even re-imagine, traditional approaches to employment. An array of distinguished experts and honored guests will share their experience and knowledge with conference attendees. Featured speakers include Dr. Beverly A. Buscemi, South Carolina’s Department of Disabilities and Special Needs; Michael Callahan, Marc Gold & Associates; Chris DeVany, Pinnacle Performance Improvement Worldwide; Bonnie Jean Smith, Parent, Member of the Minnesota Governor’s Council; and Tim Riesen, Ph.D., Utah State University, Dept. of Special Education and Rehabilitation .

“Community Options has been an invaluable asset to our community,” said Charleston Mayor John Teckleburg, who will open the conference events on Monday morning with the Reading of the Proclamation. “Charleston is happy to be a part of Community Options’ national efforts, and we look forward to working with them to focus on inclusion for all of our citizens.”

The Betty Pendler Award, which is presented to the person who exemplifies the mission of Community Options, will be presented to United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley. This prestigious award, named in honor of Betty Pendler who gave tireless effort to promoting the interests of those with disabilities, has been presented to Governor Tom Kean, Elaine Katz of Kessler Foundation and Senator Joe Kyrillos, all of whom have made extraordinary contributions to advancing equality, belonging and opportunity for people with disabilities

Dorothy Goodwin, the State Director of South Carolina for Community, looks forward to hosting the event in the Palmetto State.

“We are beyond excited to be hosting Community Options’ 2017 National Conference in beautiful Charleston South Carolina on the 10th Anniversary of the agency’s opening in our great state. Plans are underway to ensure an action-packed event both during conference hours and in the evenings with many activities and events available within walking distance. We experienced one of our largest growth periods during the 2016-2017 fiscal year, are now offering Supported Employment services in all three regions of the state as well as making plans to expand into the Pee Dee Region of the state. So, there’s much to celebrate during our 10th Anniversary!”

The Community Options iMatter Conference will be held at the Francis Marion Hotel,located at 387 King St, Charleston, SC 29403. For more information or to register to attend, visit www.comop.org

2017 Conference – Event Photos

[Show as slideshow]

On September 24-27, 2017 Community Options hosted its 11th Annual iMatter Conference A Meaningful Life Conference on Supported Employment at the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, SC.

Realty of Princeton and Bonefish Grill Throw End of Summer Bash to Benefit Community Options

September 22, 2017 | Press Release.pdf

Left to right: Ida Bormentar, Executive Director Community Options; Mary; James A. McKenna, Broker/Owner for Realty of Princeton; Christopher Wilkerson, Managing Partner of BoneFish Grill; Andrew Park, Managing Director of Community Options Enterprises; Melissa Alancourt, Director of Floral Operations for Community Options Enterprises’ Vaseful Flowers & Gifts.

PRINCETON, NJ – On Wednesday, September 20, Realty of Princeton partnered with Bonefish Grill in Lawrenceville, NJ for its annual “End of Summer Get Together.”

This year, Realty of Princeton and Bonefish Grill celebrated the end of summer with a donation to local nonprofit Community Options of Princeton, NJ. Community Options provides housing and employment support to thousands of individuals with intellectual and development disabilities across 11 states. The donation was made to the organization’s entrepreneurial businesses (Community Options Enterprises) that operate to integrate people with disabilities into the workforce.

Jim McKenna, the Broker and Owner of Realty of Princeton, has served on the Business Advisory Council for Community Options since 2015.

“Realty of Princeton is excited to partner with Bonefish Grill of Lawrenceville to give back to the community,” said McKenna, who collaborated with Bonefish Grill managing partner Christopher Wilkerson on the event. “Having spent the last few years on their Business Advisory Council, Community Options Enterprises is consistently pushing for the best in service for the individuals they support.”

The event was held at Bonefish Grill in Lawrenceville, inside the Mercer Mall.

Community Options Enterprises consists of Vaseful, a flower shop in Edison; Presents of Mind, a gift store in Flanders and Daily Plan It, a completely furnished office building that offers rental space and tenancy to local businesses, located in Morristown, Princeton and Moorestown. To learn more about Community Options Enterprises, visit https://comop.org/services/enterprises/.

###
About Community Options, Inc.:

For 28 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment programs for people with disabilities – serving thousands of people through over 40 offices across 11 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 ComOpCares campaign, search #ComOpCares on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

: Members of the Carnegie Business Collaborative, Gabe Shick, Christopher Kuhn, James A. McKenna, & Mick Cimorelli with Beth O’Brien, Director of the Senior Care Ministry of Princeton

: Members of the Carnegie Business Collaborative, Paolo Cerri, Christopher Kuhn, W.C. Jack Miller, Mick Cimorelli

Assemblyman Parker Space visits home for individuals with developmental disabilities

September 20, 2017 | Press Release.pdf

Assemblyman Parker Space visits home for individuals with developmental disabilities GREEN TOWNSHIP, NJ – Assemblyman Parker Space today visited a Community Options’ home in Green Township. Space met with two of the residents at their home to learn more about their lives and the types of support they receive from Community Options.

“I want to thank Community Options and the residents here for inviting me into their home,” said Space (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris). “As legislators, we deal with a whole host of issues and it is important for me to see first-hand people with disabilities being an active part of our community and use this experience when the Legislature is deciding human services policies. We need to provide opportunities that can lead to a more independent and inclusive life for those with disabilities and I want to thank Community Options for their role here in Sussex County and throughout New Jersey.”

There is high demand for community-based homes in New Jersey and across the country. The New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities has a waiting list of over 10,000 individuals seeking placement in a home. In recent years, Community Options has sought out partnerships with municipalities throughout the State to build or acquire additional homes. The three-bedroom home toured by Assemblyman Space was acquired through a public-private partnership between Community Options and Green Township.

“A lot of progress has been made in New Jersey in recent years to shift funding away from institutional developmental centers and into community based housing,” said Svetlana Repic-Qira, Regional Vice President for Community Options. “We look forward to continuing to work with Assemblyman Space and other State officials to give more people with disabilities the opportunity to live and work in the community.”

Community Options, Inc. is a national nonprofit organization based in New Jersey that provides residential and employment supports to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. With over forty offices across eleven states, the agency provides services to over 2,700 individuals and their families. 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.

###

Community Options to Hold National Conference in South Carolina to Celebrate 10 Years of Service

August 18, 2017 | Press Release.pdf

The Francis Marion Hotel

Dorothy Goodwin, the State Director of South Carolina for Community, looks forward to hosting the event in the Palmetto State.

The Community Options iMatter Conference will be held at the Francis Marion Hotel, located at 387 King St, Charleston, SC 29403. For more information or to register to attend, visit www.comop.org

###

About Community Options, Inc.:

Choices 2017 Summer

Choices Summer 2017

Community Options believes in the dignity of every person, and in the freedom of all people to experience the highest degree of self-determination. Embracing this philosophy, Community Options provides housing, support services and advocacy assistance to help empower people with disabilities.

The Best Maryland Advocate: Governor Hogan

Governor Larry Hogan. Photo Credit: Executive Office of the Governor. Photographer: Joe Andrucyk Event: Bill Signing

Governor Hogan has not only proven to be one of the most pragmatic governors in Maryland’s history, but an astute advocate for persons with disabilities. He knew that he had to surround himself with dedicated people who provide public service, and with unflappable professionals dedicated to improve the lives of Maryland’s most vulnerable citizens. In tandem with Deputy Secretary Simons, persons with significant disabilities relegated to live in a state institution in Massachusetts which uses punitive treatment, are now returning home.

Community Options has worked with the executive and departmental leadership of Maryland and has 12 small homes opened or in development to accommodate over 40 people with disabilities. The result is not only quality care, but will also create over 100 jobs for caregivers in the state of Maryland.

Brian Dion, Regional Vice President, has opened two offices in Maryland and is not only focused on purchasing beautiful homes for the newly returned citizens, but also to find jobs and meaningful day services. With the assistance of Kim Herndon and Madeleine Will, a notable business advisory committee is being formed to augment the direction and vision for this terrific group of professionals who are ready to implement supports for persons with disabilities.

Tanisha Thorpe, the Children’s Director Maryland with Brian Dion, Regional Vice President, Arizona, Maryland, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Utah.

Still, the board of directors knows that this would not happen without the fortitude and leadership of Governor Hogan. He has won personal battles for himself and always helps others to win their battles as well.

Robert Stack, President & CEO of Community Options with Phil.
Phil was the first person to move into our Maryland home. Community Options now supports over 60 people in that state.

Community Options Leadership Academy Continues to Brighten the Future

Community Options is committed to fostering the professional growth of staff through training and development opportunities. We recognize the need of developing our bench strength through leadership and management training initiatives that prepare staff for future leadership roles in the organization.

The Leadership Academy is a Community Options succession planning initiative which seeks to identify, train and develop key employees to ensure the organization has a pipeline of future leaders. The Leadership Academy is a highly competitive one-year program.

The Leadership Academy is currently in its 4th round of developing 15 high potential staff throughout the organization. To date, 42 active alumni continue to advance the mission of the organization through their leadership at Community Options.

Thinking of buying flowers?

vaseful.com

1.877.VASEFUL

Vaseful Flowers and Gifts is a charming flower shop that offers high quality floral services and delivery to anywhere in the world. We are committed to serving our customers with the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by our 24-hour guarantee. Vaseful is owned and operated by Community Options Enterprises, Inc., a non profit organization that supports people with disabilities.

Cookeville Native Starts His Own Lawncare Business

“I love to make money and see how good the yard looks after I’ve mowed the grass,” says Harmon.

Kyle Harmon started his lawn care business with two yards and a push mower. He expanded his services with a borrowed weed whacker from Community Options Quality Assurance Coordinator Ryan Vinson. With such quick success and a desire to give high quality service, Kyle saved enough money to purchase a new one.

A lover of the outdoors, Kyle has enjoyed mowing lawns from a very young age. He would often mow the lawn for his foster parents. Kyle was referred to Community Options by the Department of Children’s Services, as he had come of age when he could no longer be in the foster care system. Since coming to Community Options, he has received supported living, community-based day and supported employment services with the national nonprofit organization.

Kyle’s first customer was his neighbor, who needed someone to mow his lawn at a reasonable rate. The neighbor could no longer handle the manual labor or yard maintenance. Kyle and his lead staff, Ashley Gentry, submitted a bid to the neighbor and earned the opportunity. The second yard was secured when a Community Options employee was looking for someone to mow his sloped yard, as he lacked the time to handle the responsibility.

“I love to make money and see how good the yard looks after I’ve mowed the grass,” says Harmon.

He was given a John Deere riding lawn mower by a staff member this year, enabling him to secure two additional yards. With business going so well, Kyle purchased a trailer to transport his riding lawn mower.

“Kyle is still learning the art of mowing and needs direction. As he continues to provide mowing services to his customers he will gain more knowledge and eventually be able to mow with little to no direction from his job coach,” said Jeanette Preece, Community Options’ Executive Director of Cookeville, TN.

Kyle currently maintains a total of four lawns and is hoping to increase that number to six by the end of the year. Community Options’ Cookeville office serves 20 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, provides residential support with 10 area homes and supports six individuals who are currently employed in the workforce.

A Move to New York City Marks a New Beginning For Two Young Men

Keith Baxter-Young and Andrew Daniels hold up the lease agreement to their new place they moved to in July.

Community Options’ mission is to provide housing and employment support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In early July, Keith Baxter-Young and Andrew Daniels moved into a residential building as roommates in the Harlem section of New York City, living independently for the first time.

Baxter-Young, 23, came from the foster care system in August 2015 after living in Queens. Daniels, 24, had lived with his family in Manhattan until he moved to Community Options in September 2014.

New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities’ Individual Support and Services (ISS) assists adults with developmental disabilities who wish to live independently. The division provides funds to pay for housing costs, and on a limited basis, for items such as food, transportation and clothing. Rent for their new residence is $2,000/month, with the subsidy paying $1,400, leaving Baxter-Young and Daniels with a $600 bill to split. Also through the program, they received $3,000 each for set up costs for various expenses such as furniture, and real estate fees.

Baxter-Young has worked at Target for a few months and Daniels is actively seeking employment. They were approved to receive 5,200 hours of services through Community Habilitation/Recreation in addition to Employment and Day Habilitation services.

Pittsburgh Native to Take on Integral Role

Michele McGregor – Vice President of Mission Advancement

Community Options has appointed Michele McGregor as Vice President of Mission Advancement.

In her new position, McGregor will be responsible for grant development, essential training, leadership training, individual and major gift development as well as special event implementation. McGregor will work to create a culture of philanthropy within Community Options and provide both strategic direction and tactical oversight to all aspects of fundraising and communications.

“I am honored to be offered the opportunity to serve Community Options as Vice President of Mission Advancement,” said McGregor. “During my first six years with Community Options I’ve seen, first hand each day, how this organization’s dedication, devotion and innovation has impacted the lives of so many in such profoundly positive ways. In this new role, I am proud to play a key role in our efforts to promote the interests of people with disabilities.”

McGregor joined Community Options in 2012 as the Assistant Executive Director in Pittsburgh, PA and in 2014, Michele was promoted to the State Director of Quality Assurance for Pennsylvania and then shifted to National Quality Director before her current post.

Community Options Delivering Supportive Employment Services in Utah

Dustin Porter, Residential Director,
Utah COI residents, McKenzie,Trina
and Cristy with their parents.

In March 2017, Community Options expanded services to Utah. In a matter of just a few months, Community Options has made noticeable progress in providing housing and employment supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

With over 20 years’ experience working with people with disabilities and employment services, Shannon Wilkins was hired as the Director of Employment Services. Utilizing her knowledge of programs and established relationships with funding sources, Wilkins cultivated a relationship with the Vocational Rehabilitation Department and Division of Services for People with Disabilities to provide employment supports. Sharing the same progressive, inclusive philosophy as the state, Community Options obtained funded support for 23 individuals in the Salt Lake and Weber counties of Utah. One of those individuals, Keanu Unufe, has already found employment.

Keanu Unufe was about to turn 22 in May, resulting in a loss of state-provided support and a lack of formal programs. Upon his graduation from an extended education transition school, his teachers and Community Options searched for potential employment. After an assessment of Keanu’s skills and abilities, assistance in creating a resume and practicing his interviewing skills and self-advocacy, he was offered an interview with Walmart as an Associate on May 15.

He now works five days a week and a total of 20 hours. Well-liked by his supervisors and co-workers, Keanu has been a welcome addition to the Walmart team.