A flower shop where possibilities bloom for people with disabilities

A flower shop where possibilities bloom for people with disabilities
June 5, 2019 | NJTVONLINE.ORG

A ribbon-cutting at Vaseful Flower and Gifts in Princeton marks another opportunity for New Jerseyans with disabilities through the 30-year-old Community Options, which was established to develop housing and job supports for those with disabilities.

Mary Santasine has worked at Vaseful for 10 years. She says she enjoys how she helps the business while earning a paycheck.

Community Options’ President and CEO Robert Stack says the building was paid for by donations and that employee pay comes from the sale of flowers. In some cases, Vaseful’s pay exceeds minimum wage.

Senate President Steve Sweeney is the father of a daughter with Down syndrome. He says nowadays a disability is not a barrier for work.

Community Options says it’s as simple as more employers being open to the idea.

Community Options celebrates 30 years of service

May 14, 2019 | centraljersey.com

Community Options has been helping people with severe disabilities obtain housing and employment for 30 years.

To celebrate the non-profit organizations achievements and growth through those years, officials held the annual fundraising gala in Princeton, where the national office is headquartered.

“Tonight is so significant, it shows the support we get from Princeton and how much people care about those with significant disabilities having housing and jobs in the community,” said Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options, at the event that was held on May 9.

An estimated crowd of 400 people gathered inside the McCarter Theater Tent that evening at Princeton University to celebrate Community Options.

“I hope people takeaway from this gala that people with disabilities are like anyone else. They want to live with others, have the same choices as others and want to pursue happiness,” he said.

The non-profit’s mission is to develop housing and employment for individuals with developmental disabilities, according to Community Options officials.

Bernard Carolbelo is one of the people Community Options has helped.

“This place means a lot, it really does. I am proud to be here tonight. We should never again have institutions,” he said.

One of the organizations supporters is Judith Scheide, who is a philanthropist in the Princeton area.

“This is one of the most wonderful and meaningful organizations I have ever supported. This organization fills a need and I hope it continues to go on for another 30 years,” she said.

Scheide said she will continue to support the organization and help them help others all over the country.

Community Options maintains operations not only in New Jersey but in Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Maryland, South Carolina and Texas with offices also in Nashville and the Empire State Building, according to officials.

“The changes we have experience over 30 years has just been incredible,” said Phil Lian, Chairman of Community Options Enterprises. “We are celebrating tonight the personal service and achievements of what we have been able to do for so many others.”

He said the people they have helped are able to participate in the daily life that others get to enjoy.

Community Options has a staff of more than 5,600 people that support thousands of people with disabilities, according to Stack.

“This organization is wonderful because the people that are a part of Community Options can live and work in Princeton just like the rest of us,” said Lydia Pfeffier, a long time supporter of the organization. “The organization has a committed leadership and mission that want help the individuals they serve live a full and happy life.”

Former Mayor of Princeton Phylis Marchand was also in attendance to celebrate the organization.

“I am delighted to celebrate this anniversary of Community Options. They are just amazing,” she said. “I am really thrilled to know that they will be opening a new Vaseful Flower shop right here on Witherspoon Street. Not only will the flowers be beautiful, but the employees there are individuals in the Community Options homes, which brings even more of a sense of community.”

Marchand is referring to the new flower store that will open later this month. Their first Vaseful shop was opened in Edison several years ago, according to officials. The shops are a part of the organizations effort to have employment opportunities for the people they serve.

The stores employ people with autism and other developmental disabilities, according to Andrew Park, Managing Director of Community Options Enterprises.

“As a board member and a father of an autistic young man I am glad to be with these guys to tend to the people in society we care about,” said Alec Taylor, head of the Matrix Group. “This organization is a mixture of government and private that helps those who are less fortunate. So I love this organization and could not be any happier to be here.”

Another one of the people Community Options has helped through the years’ is Bernard Krakowsky.

Since 1996 he has been a resident in his own condo in Robbinsville and used to live in an institution in Bordentown.

“I have been with them since 1994. I lived in a house with four other guys when first started with Community Options. I am just happy to be here,” he said.

Community Options Inc. will celebrate 30 years with gala May 9

May 3, 2019 | centraljersey.com

centraljersey.com

Community Options Inc. will be celebrating the organization’s 30-year anniversary with a fundraising gala on the campus of Princeton University.

The non-profit’s mission is to develop housing and employment for individuals with developmental disabilities, according to Community Options officials.

The gala will take place on May 9 in the McCarter Theater Tent at Princeton University from 5:30-10 p.m.

“Forty years ago, New Jersey had over 8,000 people with disabilities segregated in large, congregate institutions like the North Princeton Developmental Center, which originally opened as the New Jersey State Village for Epileptics. The large institution warehoused persons on the significant end of the spectrum with autism, intellectual disabilities cerebral palsy and also epilepsy, ” said Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options.

He said since the non-profits establishment in 1989 the organization has helped individuals who had been placed in those institutions for their disabilities.

“We were able to place people who were inappropriately left in these large institutions and purchase small homes, hire staff and help them obtain jobs or meaningful programs and return them to their local communities.” said Stack.

Community Options maintains operations in Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Maryland, South Carolina and Texas with offices also in Nashville and the Empire State Building, according to officials.

“We are asked to expand because our services are individualized backed with low administrative costs and well-trained staff.” said Stack.

Community Options has a staff of more than 5,600 people that support thousands of people with disabilities, according to Stack.

“We bag people’s groceries, butter people’s popcorn, clean people’s offices and even deliver flowers from very own Vaseful full-service floral stores. The stores employ people with autism and other developmental disabilities.” said Andrew Park, Managing Director of Community Options Enterprises.

He said the organization is excited about their newest flower store on Witherspoon street in Princeton.

The new flower store will open next month. Their first shop was opened in Edison several years ago, according to officials.

“We also own and operate The Daily Plan which are office complexes rented to entrepreneurs staffed by persons with disabilities,” Park said.

Stack said he wants parents to know that they are not alone.

“There are agencies like ours and others to support their child regardless of the severity of their disabilities. We have a strong national infrastructure, but our expertise is developing and providing strong services for the person to live in a beautiful home and have a job they enjoy,” said Stack

For more information about the gala, please contact Kimberly Schleyer at Kimberly.Schleyer@comop.org or call 609-951-9900

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.

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

Former Mayor Marchand Named To Community Options Board

June 20, 2018 | Town Topics online

Former Mayor Marchand Named To Community Options Board

Town Topics

Community Options has recently named Phyllis L. Marchand to the board of trustees for Community Options Enterprises, which operates several 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, scheduled to open on Witherspoon Street in the fall.

One of Community Options Enterprises’ innovative programs is the Red Ribbon Academy, located in Wayne and Hillsborough, N.J., 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, and The Daily Plan It is a complete office, conference, and copy center with locations in Morristown, Moorestown, and Princeton. Vaseful, located in Edison, is flower shop that offers delivery to anywhere in the world.

Marchand was appointed by the Legislature and governor to the D&R Canal Commission and is a former commissioner. Mayor Marchand was president of both the New Jersey League of Municipalities and the New Jersey Association for Elected Women Officials. She was recognized as “Elected Official of the Year” by the New Jersey Municipal Managers Association.

Choices 2018 Summer

Choices Summer 2018 Newsletter

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.

SAVE THE DATE

Community Options’ Annual
iMatter Conference
Foundations for Growth:
Learning from Others
The Andaz
Scottsdale, Arizona
September 23rd – 26th, 2018

Community Options Enterprises Appoints New Chair of the Board of Directors

Joan Mueller and Philip Lian receive the Betty Pendler award in recognition of their leadership and philanthropy on behalf of people with disabilities. Presenting the award is Robert Stack, President & CEO of Community Options.

Phil 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.

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. Prior, he served as Senior Vice President for Marsh & McLennan Companies, Aon Risk Services and Willis Group. He currently holds insurance licenses in 10 states.

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 was a great asset in establishing 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.

An active community member and philanthropist, 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. He and his wife, Joan, recently received Community Options’ prestigious Betty Pendler award in recognition of their leadership and philanthropy on behalf of people with disabilities. The award is named in honor of Betty Pendler who was renowned for her tireless efforts in helping those 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 this award include Ambassador Nikki Haley, Governor Tom Kean, Elaine Katz of Kessler Foundation, Senator Joe Kyrillos, and Gail B. and Senator Robert Gordon. Phil and Joan reside in Princeton, New Jersey.

Also appointed to the Community Options Enterprises Board of Trustees are Reginald Jenkins, Jr., Esq. of Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt & Fader, LLC; Phyllis Marchand, Princeton Mayor (1998-2009) and Lori Grifa, Esq. of Archer Law.

vaseful.com

1.877.VASEFUL

Opening our second shop later this year!

305 Witherspoon Street
Princeton, NJ

Maryland Individuals Thriving with Community Options after Return from Out-of-State Centers

In the summer of 2017, Tennille Thomas, Chief of Staff for the Social Services Administration within the Maryland Department of Human Services, launched an initiative to bring home all children with intellectual and developmental disabilities that were placed in out-of-state institutions and identify residential living opportunities for them. The state specifically approached Community Options and asked them to be one of the providers for the individuals. Community Options received a Sole Source and Emergency contract to open and operate two, four-bedroom children’s homes. Not long after, Community Options officially opened two homes by winter of 2018.

The two homes currently serve seven girls that cope with severe behavioral issues and/or trauma. Several were once living in out-of-state institutions where they were not prescribed medication, experienced physical restraint and electric shock. Since coming to Community Options’ nurturing environment, all seven individuals have been integrated into Montgomery County public schools. One of the first individuals to come to Community Options from this initiative was Rachel. Rachel departed the Judge Rothenberg Center in Massachusetts. There, Rachel was restrained 20 times a month, exhibited self-aggressive behaviors and was considered “too violent to live in the community”. Since coming to Community Options, however, Rachel has excelled in school and in the community.

In the near future, Community Options plans to open another home, which will serve individuals ranging from age 14 to 18. Community Options homes in Rockville provide therapeutic supports, life skills and psychiatric support. They are thoroughly staffed with direct support professionals including behavioral consultants, counselors and social workers.

From Workshop to Dance Studio, South Carolina Woman Enjoys Her New Dream Job

Nikki teaches Ballet and Tap to a class of five and six-year-olds.

Nicole “Nikki” had only worked at a workshop, and desired to do more meaningful work with her time. Nikki indicated art and dance as some of her interests, so her employment specialist at Community Options in Summerville, SC, participated in job searching at various creative studios. One local studio, Kelly’s Dance, had been interested in hiring an individual with a disability for a while, and was thrilled to be introduced to Nikki. Nikki was hired as an Assistant Dance Instructor shortly after being interviewed by the owner.

“Kelly’s Dance is exceptionally lucky to have Nikki work with our students,” said Kelly Lax, owner of Kelly’s Dance. “She is dependable and wonderfully pleasant. The students adore her. Nikki carries out all her responsibilities as an assistant dance instructor to perfection. We couldn’t be any be any more pleased.”

Nikki teaches Ballet and Tap to a class of five and six-year-olds, preparing the children for their upcoming recital. The instructor boasts that Nikki is coming out of her shell, and has “jumped right in” to teaching the kids, who love interacting with her each week.

When asked what her favorite part of the job is, Nikki simply responded that she loves teaching kids.

In Short Period of Time, Community Options Utah Continues to Expand and Grow Services

On August 14, 2017, the State of Utah launched Operation Rio Grande, a “collaborative plan to restore public safety and improve the environment for those seeking services in the Rio Grande District of Salt Lake City.” An element of the plan was to identify homeless individuals and/or individuals with disabilities and aid them in employment searches. This initiative, along with the recent phasing out of sheltered workshops, created a need for more community-based programs in the region. To help fill this need, Community Options recently licensed their first day program site in Utah, located in Salt Lake City, and began taking admissions in mid-April. The program is employment-driven, allowing for up to 20 individuals to gain valuable life and employment skills for six hours per day from Monday through Friday.

“Over the last year, Community Options has been able to provide residential services, supported living and employment supports,” said Shannon Wilkins, Community Options’ Associate Executive Director of Utah. “We are excited to add Host Homes to our services as well as expand our current services.”

Community Options recently opened their first home in Salt Lake City in April, their fourth home in Utah since September. Homes in Ogden and Salt Lake accommodate persons with significant development disabilities who will work and enjoy the natural beauty of Utah.

Community Options now supports 14 individuals across the four homes. The staff in Utah is also looking into opening several additional homes in Provo.

Another successful iMatter Spring Golf Classic

Haldeman Auto Group foursome: Frank Mastroianni, Steve Randall, Greg Hritz, Allen Haldeman

The annual iMatter Spring Golf Classic took place on May 21st at the renowned TPC Jasna Polana, where golfers enjoyed a beautiful day on a rigorous course. The event raised more than $250,000 and hosted 116 golfers and more than 140 dinner guests. Although no one took the Hole-in-One prize of a new Subaru, Lexus or Ford from Haldeman Auto Group, there was at least one golfer who came close. (Most of the shots landed in the water.) Event chair, event sponsor and Community Options Enterprises Board Chair Philip Lian led a very exciting live auction, including Belmont Stakes tickets to witness Justify win the Triple Crown. The auction generated an additional $15,000 in support of the Community Options mission.

Foursome members, L to R: Brian Kelly, Keith Barrack, Gail Gordon & Noah Simon

Photos from this event can be viewed on our website at www.comop.org/2018-imatter-spring-golf-classic-event-photos/

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.