August 28, 2020 | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |

I recently watched Morgan Freeman in “Driving Miss Daisy.” Thinking about how much strife, turmoil and growth this country has gone through made me appreciate how we can help each other to make sense of things.

This pandemic forced us to embrace our purpose and reaffirm an intrepid pursuit to shape a better future for others.

Our nonprofit helps persons with disabilities. We free people from unnecessary institutionalization. And we all make sure that we can apply our experiences and knowledge not only to free ourselves but also others from the shackles of injustice.

We believe no person with disabilities should be segregated in an institution and denied fundamental freedoms.

The COVID-19 transmissions are greater and deadlier within large institutions. We place people from large facilities and not only provide a better life, but a longer life.

Over the past 30 years, Community Options has supported people with disabilities thriving in small homes with our fearless staff. Their dedication is second to none.

Our work remains more rewarding than difficult. It is even more emotionally uplifting during this pandemic.

Those of us who have found our calling know the intrinsic value of helping enhance the quality of life of another human being — and we realize what an incredibly worthwhile endeavor it is to work at Community Options.

The pandemic has brought to light the true meaning of “essential.” We cannot cancel the support that people with disabilities need in their lives like a school semester. We cannot shut down our services like a bar or a movie theater or a restaurant. We cannot host a Zoom call for the life-caring needs of those we support.

We live our lives in the service of others. If you want to ensure that our metaphorical Miss Daisy arrives at her chosen destination of happiness, contact Community Options or another nonprofit in your area.

ROBERT STACK
President & CEO
Community Options
South Side