June 7, 2021 | Press Release.pdf

Princeton, NJ – In 1991, John Pavlovsky decided he wanted to do something to support people with disabilities. While making outreach to organizations, he came across Community Options, Inc. At the time, Community Options, founded in 1989, was still a small agency based in Bordentown, New Jersey. He joined the Community Options Business Advisory Council (COBAC) as a volunteer.

Throughout John’s career as an Accountant, he accumulated many accolades. He is most proud, however, of his appointment to Chair of the Community Options Business Advisory Council. As COBAC Chair, he leads a group of volunteers who fundraise, raise awareness, conduct community outreach and support people with disabilities to find employment.

Community Options has recognized John’s volunteerism and advocacy with the following awards:

Volunteer of the Year Award- 1998

Corporate Citizenship Award- 2005

Eddy C. Moore Award- 2011

John fondly remembers spending time with some of the first people who Community Options supported in employment. The individuals were working   on a farm in Bordentown. He loved being outside in the fall and winter, teaching people the skills they needed to sell pumpkins, wreaths and Christmas trees.  

As John worked alongside people with disabilities on the farm, he became passionate about helping them enter the workforce. He successfully advocated for people with disabilities to be hired by the company he worked for, Fiserv.

“My favorite memories with Community Options come from the holiday parties,” said John. “Catching up with the consumers on their lives and what they’re working towards is great. These are conversations I will always treasure.”

His advocacy for people with disabilities is and always has been clear to everyone, especially his daughter, Patricia. Seeing the significance of her father’s volunteerism, Patricia pursued a career with Community Options.

After working in a Community Options’ home, Patricia transferred to a role as a Job Coach where she’s helped hundreds of people with disabilities find meaningful work. Now, she is Assistant Manager of Community Options’ STEP21 program which prepares young adults with disabilities to enter the workforce.

Patricia’s passion, like John’s, is recognized by many. She was honored with a Joint Legislative Resolution delivered by the New Jersey General Assembly.

As Patricia works with young people to build their skills and prepare them for work, John rallies the community to offer them jobs, welcoming workplaces, and a bright future.

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About Community Options, Inc.:

For over 30 years, Community Options has developed housing and employment supports for people with disabilities – serving thousands of people from over 40 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. For more information, please visit our website: www.comop.org and to follow along with the #AllItTakes campaign, search #AllItTakes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.