Pioneers of Supported Employment

(Commissioner Socolow, Left, Christopher Dixon, Executive Director, Right)

New Jersey Labor Commissioner David Socolow was our distinguished keynote for our 20th Year Anniversary Gala held on May 15, 2009 at the Historic Governor's Mansion in Princeton, New Jersey.

"The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has the privilege of helping individuals with disabilities achieve equal opportunity to enter today's workforce," said New Jersey Labor Commissioner David J. Socolow. "Economic independence is achievable through participation in the workforce and is made possible by the public-private partnerships we have made with cutting-edge service agencies like Community Options, Inc."

"We've seen great progress for workers with disabilities in the 90 years of the public Vocational Rehabilitation program", said New Jersey Labor Commissioner David J. Socolow. "We are now on the leading edge of selfemployment and entrepreneurial ventures thanks to our public-private partnership with agencies like Community Options, Inc."

Warehousing of People with Disabilities is a Moral Offense

(Assemblyman Greenwald (D-Camden), Left, Robert Stack, President & CEO, Right)

Assemblyman Greenwald delivered the keynote at our Annual iMatter Conference held at the Nassau Inn. Assemblyman Greenwald was an absolute inspiration to our national audience calling the warehousing of people with disabilities "a moral offense" and promised that he would not stop working until the developmental centers were closed.

“We need to bring the way we care for the developmentally disabled into the 21st century,” said Greenwald. “By investing in community-based programs rather than traditional institutionalized models, we can both save taxpayers money and provider higher-quality care.” Greenwald goes on to say, “ The important work being done by Community Options furthers our shared goal of creating more choices and better care for people with developmental disabilities and their families.”

Alancourt named head florist at Vaseful Shop - Star Ledger - 5/15/09

Vaseful Flowers and Gifts in New Brunswick -- a one-of-a-kind shop focused on more than just flowers -- is welcoming a new face to its team.

A nonprofit flower shop, Vaseful has employed people with disabilities since it opened 10 years ago. The shop is an entrepreneurial business owned and operated by Community Options Inc., a national nonprofit organization that develops housing and employment support for people with disabilities.

Vaseful provides training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, teaching customer service, maintenance and clerical skills and floral design.

Melissa Alancourt, who has spent more than 16 years in the industry, joined the shop, located at 172 Hamilton St., as the new head florist.

"I am excited to be working at Vaseful, where I am hopeful I can help to bring the shop to the front lines of premier wedding services and special-event planning," Alan court said.

Among those welcoming Alancourt are Marissa Alexander. A veteran employee of Vaseful, Alexander completed the American Institute of Floral Designers training program and gained hands-on experience. "My hopes are for Vaseful to be a place where individuals can succeed in their goals through a consistent customer base," Alexander said.

Vaseful is a full-service flower shop that delivers anywhere in the United States. For more information or to order from Vaseful, visit vaseful.com or call (877) 827-3385.

20th Year Anniversary Gala - Commissioner Socolow to Deliver Keynote

For 20 years, Community Options has been breaking new ground in the fight to help those with disabilities gain access to both quality homes and meaningful jobs in the community. We have built houses, opened businesses, enacted legislation, and tirelessly sought to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities for two decades.

On this night, May 15th, 2009 at the Historic New Jersey Governor's Mansion, surrounded by friends, colleagues, advocates, and supporters, we will celebrate these achievements, refresh our commitment, and plan for the future. New Jersey Labor Commissioner David J. Socolow will be delivering the Keynote at the Gala. "The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has the privilege of helping individuals with disabilities achieve equal opportunity to enter today's workforce," said New Jersey Labor Commissioner David J. Socolow. "Economic independence is achievable through participation in the workforce and is made possible by the public-private partnerships we have made with cutting-edge service agencies like Community Options, Inc."

4th Annual iMatter Conference

Community Options, Inc. is holding its 4th Annual National Conference in Princeton, New Jersey at the Nassau Inn from May 13-15, 2009. This year’s conference will kick off the week’s events leading up to our Gala celebrating 20 years of service to people with developmental disabilities. The conference will focus on providing quality services to people with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury.

Assemblyman Greenwald (D-Camden) will be delivering a lunch keynote on Wednesday, May 13th at 12:30pm to the national employees, families and stakeholders of Community Options, Inc. Assemblyman Greenwald recently introduced a bill to close 5 out of 7 developmental centers in New Jersey noting that 81% of people with developmental disabilities living in institutions do not need to be there and could live successfully in the community.

Topics will include employment, entrepreneurial business development, accessible housing, unique program development as well as employee hiring and retention. Community Options, Inc. is honored to facilitate this nation-wide symposium to promote educational and workforce development opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. We hope you will join us. For more information, please contact Lisa Smith at 609-951-9900.