Governor Murphy Congratulates Lian & Mueller for Service to Individuals with Disabilities

July 25, 2018 | Press Release.pdf

Governor Murphy Congratulates Lian & Mueller for Service to Individuals with Disabilities

A letter from Governor Murphy congratulating Philip Lian and Joan Mueller on winning the Betty Pendler Award, which recognizes leadership and philanthropy on behalf of people 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.

PRINCETON, NJ (July 25, 2018) – Recently, Community Options presented the Betty Pendler Award to Community Options Enterprises Chairman Philip Lian and his wife Joan Mueller. Following that, a letter from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s office arrived congratulating Lian and Mueller for the accolade and also for their years of service to individuals with disabilities.

The Betty Pendler Award recognizes leadership and philanthropy on behalf of people 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. Past recipients of include Ambassador Nikki Haley, Governor Tom Kean, Elaine Katz of Kessler Foundation, Senator Joe Kyrillos, and Gail B. and Senator Robert Gordon.

Lian was recently appointed Chair of the Board of Directors of Community Options Enterprises (COE). COE operates entrepreneurial businesses that actively integrate people with disabilities into the workforce.

“Phil is as brilliant as he is benevolent with his support and time,” said Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options. “His advice is invaluable, and his expertise and values are second to none.”

Mr. Lian brings more than 30 years of finance, insurance, and risk management expertise. For the past twelve years, he has managed his own financial services and insurance practice. Throughout his tenure as a Board Member of COE, Mr. Lian has been instrumental in expanding critical housing and employment programs for individuals with disabilities. His leadership helped establish two new programs in New Jersey; the Red Ribbon Academy in Hillsborough, which opened in 2016, and Vaseful in Princeton, opening later this year. The Red Ribbon Academy provides quality day services that foster growth and progress to adults with disabilities who are medically fragile. Vaseful, which currently has one location in Edison, is a full-service retail flower and gift shop. While serving local and online customers as a traditional florist, this unique business also provides employment and training for people with disabilities in an integrated setting.

Robert Stack, President & CEO of Community Options presents the letter from Governor Murphy to Philip Lian.

Mr. Lian serves as a trustee for the Wagner Free Institute of Science of Philadelphia and Xaverian High School. He also chairs the Insurance Committee and is a member of the Finance Committee for the Union League of Philadelphia. Mr. Lian holds a B.A. degree from Fordham University with majors in Finance and Economics.

Governor Murphy is a supporter of Community Options and visited one of their entrepreneurial businesses, the Daily Plan It, in 2016.

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About Community Options, Inc.:

For over 29 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.

Phil Lian and Joan Mueller were honored during Community Options, Inc.’s spring iMatter Golf Classic at TPC Jasna Polana in Princeton, NJ. on May 21, 2018

Stack with Lian and Joan Mueller at Community Options’ annual iMatter Golf Outing.

Community Options Names Former Princeton Mayor Marchand to Board

June 11, 2018 | Press Release.pdf

Community Options Names Former Princeton Mayor Marchand to Board

PRINCETON, NJ – Community Options has recently named Phyllis L. Marchand to the board of trustees for Community Options Enterprises.

Community Options Enterprises operates several innovative programs as well as entrepreneurial businesses that successfully integrate people with disabilities into the workforce.

Marchand served 23 years as an elected official in Princeton Township, and for 12 years as Mayor before retiring in 2009. She recently joined the Community Options board to augment production of their new Princeton VASEFUL flower store slated to open on Witherspoon Street in the fall.

“As one of its longest-serving elected officials, Phyllis Marchand is ‘Princeton’. Her numerous contributions to the community serving on boards and committees, donating her time to a variety of organizations serves as a role model for what one person in a position of leadership can achieve, while working together with others making a difference to many,” said Philip Lian, Chairman of the Board of Community Options Enterprises, Inc. “We look forward to Phyllis’ active participation on our board.”

“Community Options has a stellar reputation for helping people with various disabilities become productive and engaged members of the community by providing various programs in employment training and hands on job opportunities,” said Marchand. “What a wonderful way to help these individuals and enhance our society! I am honored to play a role in this mission in Princeton and beyond.”

One of Community Options Enterprises’ innovative programs is the Red Ribbon Academy, located in Wayne and Hillsborough, NJ, which supports adults who have the most fragile medical disabilities in a way that fosters growth and progress. Community Options also has three businesses that provide individuals retail, management and customer service skills. Presents of Mind is a unique gift shop in Flanders, NJ. The Daily Plan It is a complete office, conference and copy center with locations in Morristown, Moorestown and Princeton, NJ. Vaseful, located in Edison, NJ, is flower shop that offers high quality floral services and delivery to anywhere in the world.

Marchand was appointed by the Legislature and Governor to the Delaware and Raritan (D&R) Canal Commission and is a former Commissioner. Mayor Marchand led in state affairs as President of both the New Jersey League of Municipalities and the New Jersey Association for Elected Women Officials. Recognized as “Elected Official of the Year” by the New Jersey Municipal Managers Association.

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About Community Options, Inc.:

For over 30 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.

Valley National Bank Supports Community Options Inc.’s Second Red Ribbon Academy in Hillsborough, New Jersey

September 13, 2016 | Valley National Bank Press Release.pdf

Valley National Bank Supports Community Options Inc.’s Second Red Ribbon Academy in Hillsborough, New Jersey

From left: Senator Christopher ‘Kip’ Bateman; Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options, Inc.; Svetlana Repic-Qira, Community Options, Inc. Regional Vice President of New Jersey.

WAYNE, N.J. – Tuesday, September 13, 2016 – On September 8th, Community Options Inc. opened its second Red Ribbon Academy, located at 2230 Camplain Road in Hillsborough, New Jersey. The Red Ribbon Academy is a state-of-the-art medical special needs adult day care program with a combination of tender loving care, therapy integration and fun, adapted activities. The program provides quality medical, therapeutic and recreational support to medically fragile adults with developmental disabilities.

Valley National Bank attended the grand opening and supported the new Red Ribbon Academy by providing Community Options with a donation. The funds from this donation are being used to purchase medical equipment that will assist individuals who have the most severe and fragile medical disabilities in a way that fosters growth and progress. Many of these adults have graduated out of school systems and are unable to find an appropriate program, or were denied care due to the severity of their medical needs.

“We are proud to support the essential services and programs that the Red Ribbon Academy provides,” remarked Bernadette Mueller, Executive Vice President at Valley National Bank. “As a community bank, it is our responsibility to assist organizations like Community Options, Inc. in their efforts to empower people with disabilities.”

About Community Options, Inc.

For over 25 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment programs for people with disabilities – serving thousands of people through 38 offices across 10 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.

About Valley National Bank

Valley National Bancorp is a regional bank holding company headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey with over $21 billion in assets. Its principal subsidiary, Valley National Bank, currently operates 211 branch locations serving 30 counties throughout northern and central New Jersey, the New York City boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island, and Florida. Valley National Bank is one of the largest commercial banks headquartered in New Jersey and is committed to providing the most convenient service, the latest in product innovations and an experienced and knowledgeable staff with a high priority on friendly customer service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information about Valley National Bank and its products and services, please visit www.valleynationalbank.com or call Customer Service 24/7 at 800-522-4100.

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Community Options Opens Second Ribbon Red Academy in New Jersey

September 8, 2016 | Press Release.pdf | Town Topics link | Town Topics article.pdf

Community Options Opens Second Ribbon Red Academy in New Jersey

From left: Philip Lian, COE Board member; Kimberly Spano; James Spano, COE Board member; Senator Christopher ‘Kip’ Bateman; Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options, Inc.; Svetlana Repic-Qira , Community Options, Inc. Regional Vice President of New Jersey;Anthony Ferrera, Administrator/Deputy Township Clerk for Hillsborough Township; David Kois, Business Advocate for Hillsborough Township; Daniel Surtz, COE Board Member; Gail Gordon, COE Board Member; Alec Taylor, COE Board Member; Linda Thomas, member of the Red Ribbon Academy’s Parent Group; Dr. Baber Ghauri, COE Board Member; Courtney Eidel, Chief Administrative Officer of Community Options, Inc.; Paul Hritz, COE Board Member and David Sweeney, Chief Financial Officer of Community Options, Inc open the new Red Ribbon Academy in Hillsborough, NJ.

PRINCETON, NJ (September 8, 2016) – Community Options opened its second Red Ribbon Academy, located at 2230 Camplain Road in Hillsborough, NJ. The Red Ribbon Academy II is a state-of-the-art, medical, special needs, adult day program that combines tender loving care, therapy integration, and adapted activities for the 15 people enrolled to attend. The program provides quality medical, therapeutic and recreational support to medically fragile adults with developmental disabilities.

In 2013, Community Options launched the first Red Ribbon Academy in Wayne, NJ. The model day-program quickly caught the attention of the community and media because of the numerous awards for its exemplary program design, advanced therapeutic sensory environment, vocational rehabilitation supports, and multifaceted recreational programs available to maintain and increase the participants’ mental acuity and maximize their physical ability.

Red Ribbon Academy has touched the hearts of many worldwide. Community Options received generous donations from The Spano Family Charitable Foundation and Valley National Bank. The donation from the Spano Family Charitable Foundation funded the outstanding sensory room. James Spano serves as a board member on Community Options Enterprises’ Board of Directors. Valley National Bank’s donation was used towards the purchase of medical equipment for the program.

In addition to several Community Options employees and board members, Senator Christopher ‘Kip Bateman, Anthony Ferrera, Administrator/Deputy Clerk for Hillsborough Township and David Kois, Business Advocate for Hillsborough Township were in attendance for the ceremony and to welcome in the newest members of the Hillsborough community.

“I was very excited to attend the opening of Community Options’ newest support system,” said Senator Bateman. “It’s going to make a significant difference in the lives of 15 individuals.

The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 8am to 4pm. In addition, the program provides transportation to and from the Academy. The Red Ribbon Academy is open to anyone who qualifies for services under the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities.

“This represents where we started from and the journey we endured to get to the next level,” said Ayesha S. Patrick, Executive Director of the Red Ribbon Academy. “Community Options Enterprises (COE) broke down doors and boundaries and has stepped out of the traditional program/ medical day program model and created a quality, state- of -the- art program that is being duplicated within COE in accordance with the overall mission to make a difference in the lives of medically fragile individuals.”

For more information about the Red Ribbon Academy, please visit: http://www.comop.org/celebrating-two-years-of-making-a-difference/ and our website at www.comop.org.

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About Community Options, Inc.:

September 14, 2016 – Town Topics Newspaper

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.

2016 Red Ribbon II – Ribbon Cutting Photos

2016 Red Ribbon II – Ribbon Cutting

[Show as slideshow]

On September 8, 2016, Community Options opened its Second Ribbon Red Academy in New Jersey. Read more here.

Community Options to Open Second Red Ribbon Academy in New Jersey

August 22, 2016 | Press Release.pdf | MyCentralJersey.com online article |

Community Options to Open Second Red Ribbon Academy in New Jersey

MyCentralJersey.com What’s happening in HILLSBOROUGH: Ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 8

PRINCETON, NJ – On September 8 at 9 a.m., Community Options will celebrate the opening of its second Red Ribbon Academy, located at 2230 Camplain Road in Hillsborough, NJ with a Ribbon cutting Ceremony. The Red Ribbon Academy is a state-of-the-art special needs medical adult day program with a combination of tender-loving care, therapy integration and fun, and adapted activities. The program provides quality medical, therapeutic, and recreational support to medically fragile adults with developmental disabilities.

“This represents where we started from and the journey we endured to get to the next level,” said Ayesha Patrick, Executive Director of the Red Ribbon Academy. “Community Options Enterprises (COE) broke down doors and boundaries and has stepped out of the traditional program/ medical day program model to create a quality, state-of-the-art program that is being duplicated within COE in accordance with the overall mission, and in continuing to make a difference in the life of medically fragile individuals.”

Originally launched in 2013, the first Red Ribbon Academy in Wayne, NJ quickly became a model day program that garnered significant media attention and numerous awards for its barrier-free design, and advanced therapy rooms with special sensory environments for people with profound intellectual disabilities and medical needs. A wide array of therapeutic experts and advanced recreational programs also are available to maintain and increase the participants’ mental acuity and maximize their physical ability.

Community Options will provide quality support and services to 15 people in the Hillsborough program. The Red Ribbon Academy is open to anyone who qualifies for services under the NJ Division for Developmental Disabilities with transportation provided to and from the Academy.

For more information about the Red Ribbon Academy, please visit: http://www.comop.org/celebrating-two-years-of-making-a-difference/ and our website at www.comop.org.

For more information about the ceremony, contact Ayesha Patrick at Ayesha.Patrick@comop.org and to RSVP; please contact Gloria Hanson at Gloria.Hanson@comop.org.

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About Community Options, Inc.:

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.

Choices 2016 Summer

Choices Summer 2016

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.

Trustee Gail Balph Gordon and Senator Robert Gordon Honored at Spring Golf Classic

Gail and Senator Gordon were honored during Community Options, Inc.’s spring iMatter Golf Classic at the Alpine Country Club in Demarest on May 23, 2016.

On Monday, May 23rd, Community Options hosted a Spring Golf Classic at Alpine Country Club in Demarest, NJ. With perfect weather, the golfers enjoyed a great afternoon of golf and fellowship. At dinner, Community Options’ Trustee Gail Balph Gordon and Senator Robert Gordon were awarded Community Options’ highest honor, the Betty Pendler Award.

Betty Pendler was widely recognized for her relentless pursuit to provide individuals with disabilities a chance to enjoy all that life has to offer. The Betty Pendler Award is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies the mission of Community Options: To develop housing and employment supports for persons with disabilities.

Both Gail and Robert Gordon have a long history of advocating for individuals with disabilities. Gail serves on the Community Options Enterprises (COE) Board and has extensive expertise in crisis management, community relations, and political affairs.

Senator Gordon, who serves the 38th Legislative District in the New Jersey State Senate, also serves on the NJ Health and Human Services committee, and has long shared the same views as Community Options regarding opportunities for individuals with disabilities. He has utilized his position as Senator to advocate for the dignity of every person, regardless of disability.

Because of avid supporters like Gail and Senator Robert Gordon, Community Options is able to continue to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity to have an impact in their respective communities.

Thinking of Buying Flowers?

vaseful.com
1.877.VASEFUL

Clarence’s Hole-in-One Interview

Clarence came to Community Options for assistance with finding competitive employment. He interviewed and was hired May 13, 2016 at the Fort Jackson Golf Club! Clarence washes and maintains the golf carts as well as drives them around, interacting with the golfers. He also gets to play two rounds of golf per month for free. At first, Clarence only wanted to work in a print shop since he had worked in a similar job in high school. However, after meeting and interviewing with Mr. Matt, the manager of the Golf Club, he accepted the job. Clarence works 32 hours a week. After working there only a month, Clarence’s colleagues consider him part of their team.

Amanda, Employed and Planning a Vacation

: Amanda bussing tables

: Amanda cleaning table

In December 2013, Community Options assisted Amanda in getting an interview with Brian Mueller, owner and manager of Blue Coast Burrito in Cookeville, TN. At the interview, Brian offered Amanda a job washing dishes three days a week. It wasn’t long before Brian saw great potential in his new hire and asked her to work additional days and added responsibilities to her position. Amanda has now been working at Blue Coast Burrito for over 2 years. She is a valued employee, appreciated by management, other employees and customers. Amanda’s hours have recently increased again and she now receives a portion of the restaurant’s tip pool each week. As a result of her hard work, Amanda is planning a vacation this summer. She is thinking of going to the beach or to Walt Disney World. Community Options is very proud of Amanda’s success!

More about Amanda Here.

Welcome Home in Texas!

The Community Options staff in Dallas has been very busy this past winter and spring with the transition of five new individuals into homes.

Brian, Johnny and Jarmacus moved into their new homes in Carrollton, TX, while Kathleen and Adrian each moved into their new homes in Garland, Texas. All five individuals are enjoying their new homes and thoroughly enjoy being an integral part of a community.

“I am so happy and proud of the five newest members to our family. As well, I am proud of my team for their hard work to make these transitions happen,” said Jeni Greene, Executive Director of Dallas, Texas. Welcome home to Brian, Johnny, Jamarcus, Kathleen and Adrian!

Cupid’s Chase Corner

Febuary 11, 2017

Registration for Cupid’s Chase 5k opens in July! Now taking place in more than 30 locations, there’s no excuse not to participate! Register early to receive early bird savings. And now, the more money you raise the more Cupid’s Chase swag you will receive.

Community Options Enterprises Transforms

Community Options Enterprises has recently undergone a transformation in its infrastructure. In an effort to improve its operational efficiency, changes have been made in the organizational structure. COE has appointed Dina Casalaspro as Managing Director of Employment & Development Services. She provides oversight to all COE operations. Andrew Park continues to oversee all operations of the entrepreneurial businesses as Managing Director. In addition, three Regional Directors, covering the northern, central, and southern regions, will provide day-to-day oversight of all meaningful day habilitation programs, School To Employment Program (STEP) and supported employment in their respective regions. Yasmin Qazilbash has been appointed Regional Director of the southern region. Meghan Hunter has recently been promoted to Regional Director of the central region. Katie Valle has been hired as Regional Director of the northern region.

“Through this reorganization, we hope to grow and expand all our employment services by increasing our contracts with local high schools, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and the Division of Developmental Disabilities,” says Svetlana Repic-Qira, Regional Vice President of New Jersey. “We want to assist more individuals in developing their skills to attain and maintain gainful employment. I feel confident that with this team in place, we will be able to accomplish that.”

The Red Ribbon Academy, the specialized medical day program in Wayne, NJ, continues to thrive. The Red Ribbon Academy has been widely received as a quality program for individuals with complex medical needs. Due to its success, a second program is being developed in Hillsborough, NJ. This program is scheduled to open this summer. Ayesha Patrick has been appointed Managing Director of the Red Ribbon Academy and will oversee efforts to expand the program.

Our Leaders Matter: Executive Training and Development at COI

Community Options, (COI) is investing in the future of the organization by providing high potential executive level staff with a chance to develop and hone their leadership and management skills and competencies. Community Options has partnered with Duke University Management Training and Corporate Education Group (CEG) to provide certificate programs for individuals and organizations seeking to optimize performance through professional development. The courses offered through the Duke University and CEG Alliance encompass key executive level competencies such as performance management, advanced leadership, strategic thinking, communicating effectively, and
leading change initiatives.

Community Options takes great pride in offering its executive staff Leadership Certifications from Duke University and CEG. Thus far, eleven executives have completed and provided positive feedback. According to Jeni Greene, the Dallas region Executive Director, “The Leadership Certification Program provided me the tools to be a more effective manager. I’m able to use many of the tools in my operation to instill a high performing team”. Another Executive Director from the Philadelphia region, Nick High, believes “the program has given me the opportunity to look at my leadership style with a critical lens. It has provided me with the ability to focus on both leading a team today and continuing to build one for the future”. Other Executives in the program were able to immediately put into practice what they learned and have also shared their learnings with their respective management teams in order to develop their team’s leadership skills. Meredith Quinn, Executive Director for Bergen and Passaic Counties in New Jersey, thinks “the program has become a wonderful resource for me that I can now utilize in Management Training for my team”. Community Options is committed to strengthening Directors so that they can successfully lead the organization into the future.

Community Options’ Expansion into Maryland

In November 2015, Community Options began establishing an operation in Rockville, Maryland. Community Options opened their first home in Maryland on February 29th, 2016. Soon thereafter, three people with disabilities were living in their new home.

The Maryland office has since renovated and opened up additional homes in the Rockville/Silver Spring area. Community Options supports twenty-four individuals and has six beautiful homes. In addition to residential services, Community Options also provides supported employment services, personal supports, and has two day programs in Montgomery and Howard Counties.

The Maryland team looks forward to continued growth and success.

The Daily Plan It West Opens

Community Options opened up its first Daily Plan It nineteen years ago in Princeton, NJ. Today, Community Options now operates four Daily Plan Its in New Jersey: Princeton, Morristown, Moorestown, and the Daily Plan It West located at the National Office in Princeton.

The Daily Plan It West, the newest location, offers ten offices, a state-of-the-art conference room, guest reception services to tenants and provides access to a fully equipped copy center to serve local business owners and executives looking for an office to rent.

In addition to being a great office space for tenants and their businesses, Daily Plan It West in Princeton is designed to support people with disabilities in a day habilitation program that offers meaningful activities.

For more information regarding this Daily Plan It or other locations, please contact Andrew Park at Andrew.Park@comop.org

Save the Date

A celebration of Community Options’ 20 years of service in New York City.

Thursday, October 6, 2016
six o’clock in the evening

The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers

Cocktails, dinner and silent auction

cocktail attire