May 2013 eNewsletter
Give Your Mother a Gift with a Purpose This Year
Business with a Social Purpose
Mother’s day is Sunday, May 12th this year and if you’re thinking of buying flowers then call Vaseful at 1-877-VASEFUL today! Vaseful, a Community Options Enterprise, is a unique, non-profit floral business that provides employment for people with dis abilities in an integrated setting. The shop allows individuals- who may otherwise not be given a chance to do so- to work in the community and have control over their own lives.
With Mother’s day just around the corn er, stop in or call Vaseful to place an order, so that all the mothers in your life know they are loved on their special day, and each and every day! Aren’t sure what to send? Call Vaseful, and speak to one of our expert florists! We are always happy to give advice to our customers, with your budget in mind. The second Sunday in May is one of the busiest days of the year for florists; so don’t wait until the last minute! Call or visit today! www.vaseful.com
Drumthwacket Foundation Chooses Vaseful as Floral Provider
Governor Chris Christie and First Lady Mary Pat Christie have once again displayed their support of Community Options, Inc. and the population they serve. On Tuesday, April 9th, Drumthwacket (the Governor’s Mansion) was the setting for an honorary party to thank the sponsors of the Sandy Relief Fund Benefit. The Drumthwacket Foundation used the services of Vaseful to fill their floral arrangement needs for this important night. Vaseful, a subsidiary of Community Options, is a complete floral shop that employs individuals with disabilities so that they have the opportunities to learn vocational skills in an integrated setting and lead independent lives.
The Red Ribbon Academy is Up and Running
Adult Medical Day Program is a Great Success After years of hard work, Community Options and The Parents Group are able to physically witness the product of all their efforts. Take a moment to see all of the great strides that have been made and the science that is in play every day at the program. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVZ-pyy8FCU
Congratulations Community Options Tennessee!
The annual Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Quality Assurance audit took place last week. Community Options recognizes and congratulates Hollie Campbell and the Nashville team as well as Jeanette Preece and the Cookeville team for scoring a perfect score for the second year in a row! Both operations scored a proficient score of 54 out of 54 on their annual DIDD QA audit last week. This will result in a 24-month audit schedule instead of a 12-month audit schedule.
New Group Home in Simpsonville, SC
Community Options has just purchased its first group ho me in Simpsonville, SC. The house is located in southern Greenville County and will be home to four men. The house is in the process of being furnished and is getting all of the finishing touches to turn it into a home worthy of the name. Each gentleman will have his own bedroom and will be able to enjoy t he spacious living area and large backyard. The new residents are anxiously awaiting the opening of the home, and are looking forward to leaving their institution to live in the community. The men are becoming more and more excited, as the opening date approaches.
Grant Awarded for New S.T.E.P. Program
Thank You Developmental Disabilities Council The DDC in South Carolina awarded a grant to create a Community Options STEP program, which is already in place in New Jersey. The School to Employment Program (STEP) is Community Options’ Transitional Education program, focusing on students with disabilities. The program provides high school students with transferable vocational education and relevant social skills development as part of their Individualized Education Plan, improving future opportunities for competitive employment and post- secondary education.
This grant enables Community Options to start a School to Employment Program (STEP) in Columbia, South Carolina. One of the goals of the SC Developmental Disabilities Council is to provide enhanced employment opportunities for students with severe disabilities, and this grant will help accomplish this goal. Community Options will assist the Council in meeting this goal by offering an innovative transitional services program (in the form of STEP) that involves job sampling to help students with disabilities secure competitive employment in jobs they enjoy.
Congratulations to Team ComOp, Special Olympic Champions!
Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and competitions to more than 4 million athletes in 170 countries. Special Olympics competitions are held every day around the world, including local, national, and regional competitions, adding up to more than 53,000 events a year. The competitions include the Special Olympics World Games, which alternate be tween summer and winter games and are held every two years.
Community Options, Inc. is happy to congratulate three men the organization supports for their accomplishments in the Spring Games Special Olympics in Lubbock, Texas. Team ComOp swept the 400-meter walk event, with Peter Johnansen coming in first. Dustin Stewart won second place with Paul O’Neal taking third. Congratulations!