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State Representatives Visit Community Options Homes in Pennsylvania

April 01, 2024 | Press Release.pdf

Harrisburg, PA – Community Options, a leading national nonprofit supporting people with disabilities, welcomed Pennsylvania legislators this week at homes across the Commonwealth. State Representatives Joanne Stehr and Tim Twardzik toured Community Options homes in their districts, meeting directly with residents and staff to learn more about the organization’s mission and the impact of its services.

From left to right: Ashley Filarski, Director of Supported Living, Candi, and Representative Joanne Stehr. In April 2025, Representative Stehr toured a Community Options home in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, meeting with Candi to hear her story of independence made possible through individualized support services.
From left to right: Ashley Filarski, Director of Supported Living, Candi, and Representative Joanne Stehr. In April 2025, Representative Stehr toured a Community Options home in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, meeting with Candi to hear her story of independence made possible through individualized support services.

Representative Joanne Stehr toured a home in Northumberland. During her visit, she met with Candi, who shared her inspiring journey towards living independently with support from Community Options’ staff. The discussion focused on the importance of individualized support and the successes achieved through person-centered care.

“Meeting with Representatives Stehr reinforces the importance of strong partnerships between nonprofit organizations and policymakers,” Ashley Filarski, Director of Supported Living at Community Options. “Her willingness to listen and learn about the challenges and successes of our programs is invaluable as we work together to improve lives of people with disabilities across Pennsylvania.”

In Schuylkill County, Representative Tim Twardzik visited a home and met with Ryan, who recently moved in. Ryan gave a tour of his home to Rep. Twardzik and how Community Options provides support to him throughout the day.

From left to right: Sherri Hammer, MaryBeth Dougherty, Representative Tim Twardzik, Ryan, Executive Director Allen Graver, and Program Specialist Beth Webber. In April 2025, Representative Twardzik visited a Community Options home in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, where he met with Ryan and learned how Community Options supports individuals with disabilities through person-centered care.
From left to right: Sherri Hammer, MaryBeth Dougherty, Representative Tim Twardzik, Ryan, Executive Director Allen Graver, and Program Specialist Beth Webber. In April 2025, Representative Twardzik visited a Community Options home in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, where he met with Ryan and learned how Community Options supports individuals with disabilities through person-centered care.

“We are grateful to Representative Twardzik for taking the time to meet with Ryan and see firsthand how our services empower people with disabilities to live more independently,” said Allen Graver, Executive Director of Community Options in Schuylkill County. “His engagement shows a true commitment to understanding the needs of his constituents with disabilities.”

Community Options remains committed to advocating for policies that enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. By engaging with legislators, the organization aims to ensure continued support for essential programs that promote independence, inclusion and dignity.

About Community Options, Inc.:
For over 35 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment supports for people with disabilities – serving thousands of people from over 50 offices across 12 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 follow us on social media on Facebook, Instagram and X.