I personally enjoy the work I do for Community Options as I believe my personal values closely match up to those of the agency. Community Options is an innovative Human Service Provider Agency that believes all individuals with various abilities should have the same opportunities as you and I. They should be able to live and work and play in their communities without being treated any differently then every one else. When I first came to New Jersey and started visiting some of the Developmental Centers I would leave and honestly sit in my car and cry as I could not believe that Human Service professionals along with Politicians and even family members could think that individuals who resided in these institution had any quality of life. It is very rewarding when you are able to meet with a family and help them understand that yes community living is different but it also has it advantages and you can show them a nice safe, clean home in a great community and offer their loved ones a private single bedroom as well as the opportunity to learn skills they never had the opportunity to learn before. When an individual becomes comfortable in their new home it is awesome to see them help themselves to drinks and snacks, to partake in developing a menu, participate in grocery shopping and help prepare the meal that they will consume with their friends. Our mission along with my personal mission is to support our individuals in a safe and healthy environment and to make them as independent as they can possibly be so they can enjoy a happy and fulfilling life. I want them to experience the same things we experience such as gainful employment, outings with friends and families and being integrated in a safe accepting community.

– MADDIE LOBBAN, MS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMUNITY OPTIONS, INC. (BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ)