Letter: Frelinghuysen has been friend to those with disabilities

February 20, 2018 | USA Today Network NorthJersey.com online

NorthJersey.com

More than 35 years ago, I drove then-Assemblyman Rodney Frelinghuysen to a New Jersey state institution warehousing people with disabilities. He was new to government and wanted to learn about disability services. At the Vineland State School, he was shocked to see a woman, naked, tied up in 5-point restraints, and screaming. He asked how this could be.

I was 27 and angry and so raised my voice to him explaining that this was his fault. I explained that the government was not doing enough to help place people from congregate institutions into proper community homes. He got it. As a member of Congress from New Jersey, Frelinghuysen was always a quick study and always grasped the most complex issues with ease.

During the last three decades, Frelinghuysen has been a true friend to people with disabilities. He helped fund entrepreneurial businesses in New Jersey to employ persons with disabilities. He is someone who really changed the lives of Americans and made the country better.

When he leaves office, we will have lost a true advocate for persons with disabilities. Frelinghuysen is a veteran, a leader, a patriot and an ethical politician who believed in what was right and moral. Congressman Frelinghuysen will be missed.

Robert Stack

Princeton, Feb. 14

The writer is the president and CEO of Community Options, a national non-profit developing housing and jobs for persons with disabilities.

Celebrating The 25Th Anniversary Of Community Options

Capitol Words article .pdf – Congressional Record article .pdf

HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

of new jersey

in the house of representatives

Monday, February 10, 2014

Celebrating The 25Th Anniversary Of Community Options

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Community Options of New Jersey, as they celebrate their 25th anniversary this year.

Founded in 1989, Community Options, Inc. was established around the belief that all people should have the freedom to experience the highest degree of self-determination. The non-profit is built around that philosophy and provides housing and support services, and advocates on behalf of people with disabilities.

Originating in New Jersey, Community Options has expanded its services across multiple states to support people with mental retardation, autism, physical disabilities, traumatic brain injury and dual diagnoses. Recognizing that people with the most severe disabilities require environments and support that are tailored to very specific needs, Community Options works with state and county based authorities to facilitate community placement and work opportunities that encourage individual choice and flexibility.

Community Options is the sixth-largest nonprofit organization in New Jersey, and has developed a number of partnerships with Non-Governmental Organizations in countries across the world. Providing advocacy assistance to empower people with disabilities, Community Options believes that all people, regardless of disability level, should live and work in the community with dignity, choice and self-determination.

I have seen firsthand how their facilities in Wayne and Morristown work to create the best possible environment for persons with disabilities. This includes 24-hour residential services, supported employment to match people with disabilities for competitive jobs, entrepreneurial businesses, as well as programs supporting persons with very significant medical needs.

The mission and work of Community Options has made the nonprofit an important asset to New Jersey. Their continued dedication to support thousands of families, and champion the rights of persons with disabilities, is to be commended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating Community Options, Inc. of New Jersey as they celebrate their 25th anniversary.

Choices 2013 Fall

Choices Fall 2013

Governor Nikki Haley of South Carolina visits Community Options’ Group Home

Governor Nikki Haley visits with one of our residents

“In my 50 years in this field I have never, ever seen a Governor come to any home operated by an agency supporting people with disabilities” said long-time Community Options Trustee and Chairman of the York Foundation, Dr. Clarence York.

In the most recent board member meeting, Robert Stack explained that when South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley came into the house, she asked one of the residents to give her a tour.

Rebecca, one of the residents, led the Governor around the home. Instead of starting with her bedroom or the kitchen, she went right to the garage to show Governor Haley what she believed to be the most important part of the community, a Ford van (a Ford van, Rebecca explained means freedom to her).

“We can go any place we want here,” said Rebecca.

Governor Haley asked how the local community accepted our home.

South Carolina Executive Director Dorothy Goodwin pointed out that, “When we bought the bank foreclosure and renovated it, we had a drop in and invited all the neighbors. They all came and now we are friends with them.”

“It was an honor to tour the Community Options’ home in Columbia,” said Governor Haley. “They offer quality care and provide adults with special needs the opportunity to live an independent life style. We will continue to support these kinds of services for individuals with disabilities.”

Community Options 25th Anniversary Gala Committee Members

Susan Doctorian Kyrillos
Chair
Tom Bracken
New Jersey Chamber of Commerce
John Crowley
Amicus Therapeutics
Delia C. Donahue, Esq.
Pepper Hamilton LLP
Caren Franzini
Franzini Consulting, LLC
Gail Gordon, Esq.
Florio Perrucci Steinhardt & Fader LLC
Beth Hegberg
Mendham, New Jersey
David A. Norcross, Esq.
Alexandria, Virginia
William Rue
Rue Insurance
Robert Stack
Community Options, Inc.
Dr. Clarence N. York
Community Options, Inc.

A Message from Susan Kyrillos Chair

Community Options’ 25th Anniversary Gala

Community Options is inspiring to all of us who know this impressive organization. When Robert Stack, founder and CEO started the company in 1989 from his kitchen table, he had no idea that the mission would expand to a total of eight states. The ninth, Mississippi, will be added any day now.

The simple goal of Community Options is to provide a higher quality of life for individuals with disabilities living in state institutions. Over the past two decades, we have seen the realization from state government leaders that a small group home is a better way for these individuals with significant disabilities to live and enjoy life. Many of them understand it is a moral issue and reflects a stronger mutual benefit to our society.

Ironically, this is also a smarter financial plan for state governments. In New Jersey, every individual who leaves a state institution and moves to a group home, saves the state approximately $100,000 annually.

In addition to the group homes Community Option provides, employment opportunities and on the job training are provided to the clients. The Daily Plan It located in Morristown, NJ and Vaseful Flowers in New Brunswick, NJ are two businesses where Community Options provides ongoing, appropriate level of work for those clients who are able and willing to work. They have fun, receive a paycheck and contribute to society.

In 2014, Community Options will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary! We are planning a celebration in May. Please stay tuned for details. In the meantime, enjoy the upcoming holiday season with your family!

Warm Regards,

Susan Doctorian Kyrillos, Chair, 25th Anniversary Gala

Mississippi officials assess and evaluate our homes and businesses

Featured in photo: David (Matt) Armstrong, Director Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Bureau, Jerry Avery, Director of Dept of Mental Health, Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Screening, Katie Terzian, associate, Daily Plan It Princeton, Ashley Lacoste, Director of Home and Community Based Services & Ed LeGrand, Executive Director, Mississippi Department of Mental Health & Steven Verba, Managing Director for Community Options Enterprises.

Danny C., Ashley Lacoste, & Ed LeGrand take a break after Danny gave them a tour of his home. Thank You for taking the time to see our group homes, our businesses and visit with the people we support.

We are pleased to announce that the improvements and re-design of our website are now complete!

New website redesign screenshot Everything is more legible with darker texts on lighter backgrounds as well as smoother web navigation with drop down menus. Users will have an easier time accessing the different types of services we provide, office locations, and our career section with current job openings.

When signing up for Cupid’s Chase 5K just click on the Cupid’s Chase tab and you’ll be able to sign up for the race directly on our site, form a team or join an existing team.

Visit us at www.comop.org to check out our complete re-design and let us know what you think.

If you have any questions, comments or feedback, please reach out to Kathryn Sampson at kathryn.sampson@comop.org

Community Options would like to thank David Culbertson for generously donating paintings to the Santa Fe day program.

Community Options would like to thank David Culbertson for generously donating paintings to the Santa Fe day program. Since coming to Community Options in September of this year, Santa Fe, NM Day Program Coordinator, Jon Paszkiewicz, has been working to add value through community activism and involvement, self-advocacy, education, and the arts. As part of this initiative, and with the support of Executive Director Kathy Davies, Jon reached out to local artists. This is how he met David Culbertson.

David’s work is best described in his own words: “I work in organic dye and polyurethane on panel using various non-traditional tools to create my paintings… My current works are explorations in mixing paint, polyurethane, & organic dye to create random flowing images. The final result is far from the look of the creation of the piece, with gravity slowly moving the paint into forms & designs that are very different when I go check on it the next day.”

David’s art is in private collections around the world. Despite the significant value of the initial donation, after meeting the day program participants David surprised us with two additional pieces. David said, “For me, when ‘things’ are given, the value cannot exist in how much something is worth. It is about inspiring people, bringing freedom, and making connections. Life has more value than can be measured.”

The donated works will be proudly displayed in the Santa Fe day program. David’s art can be seen and purchased at Scorpio Studio

NJ Congressman Frelinghuysen visits Community Options’ Red Ribbon Academy

Congressman Frelinghuysen high fives Mo one of the students at the Red Ribbon Academy.

Community Options, Inc. welcomed 11th District New Jersey Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen to the Red Ribbon Academy. Community Options operates this program for young adults with profound disabilities.

The Red Ribbon Academy is the first organization in New Jersey that aids adult individuals who have the most severe, medically fragile disabilities in a way that fosters growth and progress. Congressman Frelinghuysen met with Community Options President and CEO Robert Stack as well as Regional Vice President Svetlana Repic-Qira to learn about this program and the therapeutic services it offers. Two parents of the programs participants, Linda Thomas and Marsha DuBose-Wilks, gave Congressman Frelinghuysen a tour of the building. He had the opportunity to visit the program’s state of the art sensory therapy room and meet the individuals receiving daily support as well as their physical and occupational therapists.

“It was an honor and pleasure to tour the Red Ribbon Academy in Wayne,” Frelinghuysen said. “The facility boasts state-of-the-art programs with loving staff, which enhance the emotional and physical growth of those with severe developmental disabilities. I thank the Red Ribbon Academy and Community Options, Inc. for their hard work and dedication in development of such an inspiring plan to serve New Jersey families.”

Frelinghuysen and Stack’s relationship dates approximately 30 years. While employed with the state of New Jersey, Stack gave a tour to Frelinghuysen of a state-run institution for people with severe disabilities. At the time, Frelinghuysen was serving his first term as Assemblyman. This is where the two gentlemen forged a relationship based on improving care for people with disabilities. This relationship was founded on a fundamental belief that people with disabilities who want to live in an environment in which they can flourish, should be given the opportunity. The Congressman ostensibly showed that he cared by visiting two of the grateful mothers who fought hard for the program. Before he left, they thanked him for the visit. He hugged them and said, “You are the powerhouses”.

New York City Councilwoman Inez Dickens visits our home in Harlem, NY

Director of Residential Services, Alicia Henry, New York City Councilwoman Inez Dickens, and Executive Director Christopher Thompson on the rooftop of our home in Harlem were residents have a designated picnic area.

“Above and Beyond”

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities or CARF accreditation signals a service provider’s commitment to continually improving services, encouraging feedback, and serving the community.

Please join us in congratulating Hector Johnson, Kathy Davies and Todd Case along with their entire teams on another 3 YEAR CARF Accreditation for all regions in New Mexico!

A STEP for South Carolina

The South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council awarded a grant to Community Options to establish a STEP (School-To-Employment-Program) in Columbia. With this grant, Community Options is contracting with schools and businesses to provide a certain number of students with disabilities the opportunity to sample jobs and receive direct on-the-job training during the 2013-2014 school year. While they explore possible careers at job sites, they will also learn key skills like interviewing, networking, and resume building. In addition, our employment specialists will ensure the completion of the program so that each student can secure the job that they want after graduation.

According to Dorothy Goodwin, the Executive Director of Community Options Columbia office, “This STEP grant will provide some high school students in the Midlands area with special needs the opportunity to develop real work experience prior to leaving high school. It is our objective to assist them with transitioning into the workforce using the skills they will gain from working with partnering companies.” As generally agreed, the transition from school to work is a challenging time for young adults, and these challenges are often magnified for youth with developmental disabilities. As STEP becomes part of their secondary education curriculum and individualized education plan, it will make a difference in addressing and mitigating these issues.

Originally developed in New Jersey five years ago, STEP has grown to 25 job sites throughout the Garden State and last year placed 100% of their graduating class into paid employment in a career field of their choosing. A few years ago, Community Options received a grant to expand STEP to Pennsylvania, and now looks forward to making the same impact in helping young adults with disabilities achieve their dreams to be independently employed in the Columbia community.

CUPID’S CHASE 5K

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Community Options’ Cupid’s Chase 5K run is a national fundraiser that takes place in 24 cities, throughout eight states, on the same day. Each race is set to start at 10 a.m.

www.facebook.com/CupidsChase

Vaseful flowers Thinking of buying flowers? Vaseful has traditional centerpieces or modern arrangements or even plants for a fun surprise. Either way, make someone smile with flowers!

Can’t be there in person? Vaseful can deliver nationwide!

Call us today!
1877- VASEFUL

www.vaseful.com

Like us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/Vaseful

Choices 2008 Summer

Choices Summer 2008

Community Options, Inc. Supporting People with Disabilities Since 1989.
Our mission is to provide housing and employment supports for individuals with disabilities.

In this Issue

David Shunkey, Business Owner
Robert Stack named in New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson’s Poverty Reduction
COI Board Welcomes New Trustee
Community Options National Run/Walk October 25,2008
Dr.Clarence York Lecture Series
COI’s Annual Board of Directors meeting
COI Opens First Children’s Home

NJ Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen tours the Daily Plan IT

Congressman Frelinghuysen, Robert Stack, Cathy Douma, Corey Hribar, Svetlana Repic- Qira, & Christopher Dixon

On June 16th, New Jersey Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen and his staff toured the Morristown Daily Plan It. Congressman Frelinghuysen met with Robert Stack and the Community Options Enterprises team to gain an understanding of the job training and development activities taking place at the shared office and conference center in Morristown, NJ. He and his staff were thoroughly impressed with the organization’s innovative approach to job readiness and community integration taking place within his district. During his visit, Cathy Douma, the parent of one of the 20 individuals working at the Morristown Daily Plan It, provided the Congressman with a first-hand account of her son’s success within the program and discussed the many challenges parents and family members face in finding meaningful, practical job training for their loved ones with disabilities. She relayed her and her son’s positive experiences at the Morristown DPI and emphasized the importance of legislative support for new approaches to employment services. Congressman Frelinghuysen committed to remaining involved and supportive of Community Options and looks forward to working with us in the future!

Community Options Enterprises Receives 3-year Accreditation from CARF

In April, COE underwent a vigorous audit and assessment by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities in order to renew certification. We are pleased to announce that COE passed with flying colors. This clearly illustrates COE’S ability to provide superior and effective employment and training services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

David’s Peanut Butter Puppy Bites

David began receiving services from Community Options in December 2007 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. David is a Jackson Class member diagnosed with Profound Mental Retardation, Autism, Pica, and Diabetes. He doesn’t speak, but understands many phrases in English and some Spanish as well. He expresses himself through body movements and some sign language. David is self-employed. He has a dog biscuit business and receives intensive job coaching 15 hours a week. David’s job coach, David Young, is assisting Mr. Shunkey in the development of his dog biscuit business. The men have been working together baking the biscuits at David Shunkey’s residential home. They have been assembling sample packages, decorating small baskets to serve as point of purchase displays and have distributed the treats to Lyn Marie’s Hair Salon and several upscale vet clinics around Albuquerque. David Young has created a business card for Mr. Shunkey, designed and produced product labels, and is currently researching some larger outlets through which to offer the Puppy Bites. The two men recently attended an orientation enabling them to use a large, industrial kitchen, located in the South Valley, which would allow them to bake larger numbers of puppy treats. A business operation plan is required for use of the large kitchen and until this is complete, David will continue to use his house oven. Mr. Young has also obtained FDA approval for David Shunkey’s business.

Robert Stack named in New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson’s Poverty Reduction Tasks Force

Robert Stack, CEO of community options, has been appointed as a member of New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson’s ‘Poverty Reduction Task Force” The task force will develop specific recommendations for legislative, regulatory and infrastructure initiatives to reduce poverty and income inequality in New Mexico. Governor Richardson cited that he is ‘confident he will be a valuable member of this board and will fulfill the responsibilities with integrity and dedication.’ Mr. Stack is the only member appointed to the task force outside of New Mexico. The efforts of Robert Stack and his organization to empower individuals with developmental disabilities impressed Governor Richardson throughout several meetings during his term leading to his appointment.
To learn more about this appointment read the article posted in “Town Topics” on July 30,2008. www.towntopics.com/jul3008/other3.php

NJ Regional Vice President. Svetlana Repic-Qira receives the prestigious Retty Pendler Award.

Featured in photo COI Board members Dr.York & Peter Dulligan with Svetlana Repic-Qira

This annual award is given to employees or others whose dedication and work exemplify Community Option’s misson.

2nd Annual Surf Camp

“Thank you so much for a fabulous day. To see my daughter out there yesterday with a big smile on her face was priceless; thank you to the many volunteers who gave their time and expertise to our kids. I hope they know how much it means to all of us. As a parent you look forward to the day that it’s your kid who scores the winning goal, makes the basket at the last second or strikes out the best hitter. As a parent of a child with special needs I didn’t think I’d ever experience that feeling. Truthfully, I don’t want my daughter to stand out- I want her to mix in. Looking out into the water yesterday. Anna looked like a typical eight year old. That, to me, was as good as any basket she could have scored” Visit the link to view video:
www.fifthroomcreative.com/imatter2008/

El Paso, Texas

October 10,2008 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.- 8th Annual Wine & Cheese (Dance&Auction) will take place at the El Paso Sandunes Hall.

COI Board Welcomes New Trustee

Delia Donahue & her husband Mike Donahue at the 17th Annual Auction.

Community Options is pleased to announce a new addition to the Community Options Board of Directors, Delia Donahue. Delia is a partner at Pepper Hamilton Law Firm, and has worked with Community Options as a volunteer for the last four years.

October 25th Community Options to host National Run/Walk

Community Options of Bowling Green Kentucky is holding a fun walk/scavenger hunt on October 25,2008 at 10 AM at Kerieakes Park for their part in the National imatter Run/Walk event. Bowling Green chose to promote a family atmosphere that the COBAC committee feels is more conductive to the individuals served in that region; individuals live mostly in family home provider situations. Along with the fun walk and scavenger hunt, we will have food and a raffle held after the race. There will also be prizes given to those who place first, second, and third. Walkers may sign up for the event on the day of the race, or pre-register for a discounted rate online at www.comop.org. Kentucky is only one of 14 locations across the country participating in the iMatter Run/Walk which will conclude our annual Disability Awareness Week in October.

Locations: New Jersey/ New York Liberty State Park
Binghamton, NY River Park
Syracuse NY, Willow Bay
Pittsburgh, PA Allegheny County Park
Buck’s County, PA Tyler State Park
El Paso, TX Ascarate Park
Amarillo, TX John Stiff Park
Dallas, TX Kiest Park
San Antonio, TX McAllister Park
Bowling Green, KY Kereiakes Park
Cookeville, TN Tennessee Tech Campus
Chattanooga, TN Chattanooga Riverfront Park

Clarence York Lecture Series

The Clarence York Lecture series kicked off on May 28,2008 in New Jersey Hosted by Bancroft NeuroHealth, the series focuses on helping individuals with disabilities play a more active role in their communities. The initial lecture was a one-day intensive seminar entitled ‘Building Communities for all Abilities”. Dr. Clarence York, who served as the former President of Bancroft for 20 years, for whom the Lecture Series is named has wholeheartedly dedicated his life to helping people with disabilities. Dr. York is an internationally recognized expert in the field of development and leadership of organizations serving individuals with disabilities, and has been a member of the Community Options Board of Trustees for nearly 15 years. His Foundation, the Clarence York Foundation, has helped to touch many lives, assisting Community Options in their mission to provide housing and employment programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. Another seminar is planned for October 1,2008 to continue the series. To learn more about The York Foundation visit:
www.TheYorkFoundation.org

COI’s Annual Board of Directors meeting

Community Options hosted their Annual Board of Directors Meeting in Morristown, NJ at the Daily Plan It. This year, the meeting was again opened up to employees across the country allowing them to observe the governing body of the organization prepare for our 2008-2009 year. Topics included the new fiscal budget, successes, growth, and potential issues for the upcoming year and the solutions for those issues. Maralie Waterman Belonge, Executive Director of New Mexico observes; “I had the opportunity to meet the very impressive volunteer leadership of the organization and connect with many of my colleagues from Princeton and around the country, all of whom are doing extraordinary service and advocacy work… In addition to the celebration of where we have come from, there was recognition and clear articulation through Robert Stack’s comments of just how far we have yet to travel and with more ground gained, just how much more challenging that journey will be.’

“ I urge all of you in this room to work to promote institutional closure. There is no such thing as too small of an effort. A letter to your local paper, or a blog or educating a family member about how to talk to an elected official is a good way to inform others about the plight of those who cannot speak for themselves.” – Robert Stack COI Board Meeting, May 17,2008

17th Community Options Annual Auction

Featured in photo from left to right: Kenny Fiore, Terry Morrison, Nancy Seiler, Sean O’Boyle

Terry Morrison spoke to attendees at the 17th Annual Auction about how Community Options has changed her life” I am happy to be out of the New Lisbon {Developmental Center}. Now I am happy.” Terry recalled during her speech. “Now I get to take the bus & work.

COI NJ Opens Children’s Home

Community Options of Northern New Jersey is pleased to announce the opening of its first children’s home. The home is the first of its kind to open in the state of New Jersey under the Division of Developmental Disabilities C-PEP (Children’s Placement Enhancement Pilot).
The residence in Wayne, NJ is home to two adolescent girls with developmental disabilities. What makes this home unique is that Community Options has incorporated a house-parent model in lieu of the traditional direct support staffed model. We have a live-in couple who are a part of the girl’s lives on a daily basis, and help to create a consistent loving family environment, as well as direct staff who are on hand 24 hours a day to provide support to the house parents and residents. The administrative, management and support staff involved in the program has been through an extensive training program through the Boggs Center and through this training have become a cohesive and core group of staff to support the girls. The focus of the C-PEP program is to ensure that children who are at risk of out of state placement are kept within the state placement are kept within the state, as well as bringing children who have already been placed out of state back to New Jersey.