Choices Newsletter!!!! Read it today!

Read the Choices Newsletter today!!!

Community Options Holiday Party!!!

Please click below to view the video from our Holiday Party, Thursday, December 16, 2010! Happy Holidays!!!

Community Options, Inc. Holiday Party, December 16, 2010 from Steve Guberman on Vimeo.

Mary Pat Christie, First Lady of New Jersey, Encourages Corporations to be Socially Responsible

Community Options, a national nonprofit organization that supports people with disabilities, has long worked to connect with corporations across the country to mutually support each other. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming more and more prominent among the public and private sectors and is the dotted line that is connecting these two worlds together for the greater good.

Recently, Mary Pat Christie, First Lady of New Jersey became the Honorary National Chairperson of the Cupid’s Chase 5K Run hosted by Community Options. The run takes place on February 12, 2011 in 24 cities across 10 states on the same day and at the same time.

“I encourage corporations across the United States to become involved with the Cupid’s Chase 5K Run that supports an important cause – community housing and employment for people with disabilities,” says Mary Pat Christie. “Community Options is a fantastic cause to align with to increase your corporate social responsibility efforts,” she added.

Although the term “CSR” - for Corporate Social Responsibility - started in the early 1970s, it is a term that is beginning to gain wider traction and broader, inherent meaning. Highly debated and criticized as a way to distract from the fundamental economic role of business, CSR is proving to achieve the opposite. The purpose of CSR is to help organizations achieve both their business missions and social missions.

A majority of the world would equate being involved with a nonprofit organization with the act of giving money. This is not always the case.

“When a corporation signs on to help our organization, that could look like so many things,” says Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options. “Some corporations want to volunteer for a day so they will paint the inside of a group home, some corporations wish to be outside during a beautiful spring day so they do all of the spring cleanup for a group home. A person’s time is very valuable to us,” he added.

To become involved with Community Options or the Cupid’s Chase 5K Run, please visit them at www.comop.org or call 609-951-9900. You can also find the organization on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Today is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities! Please read this statement made by Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State:


On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I join with friends and colleagues around the world to recognize December 3 as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Advancing opportunities and promoting the rights of disabled people has been a lifelong commitment, and I am honored to continue advocating on behalf of people with disabilities on the international stage.

The United States is proud to be a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to support its full and effective implementation. We are also invested in including disability rights as a core focus of our efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. This global undertaking to eradicate extreme poverty and inequality offers hope to millions of people across the developing world, but much remains to be done for people with disabilities, particularly disabled women and girls. We cannot hope to achieve the Millennium Development Goals when those with disabilities are denied the opportunity to lead empowered and autonomous lives by violence or the fear of violence. Disabled people deserve equal access and opportunity within society.

In honor of this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the State Department is hosting events focused on the issues of HIV/AIDS and disability, and violence against women and girls with disabilities. These events will bring together experts with experience in disability rights, civil society, and government to help raise awareness and understanding of how to tackle these challenging issues. Our Special Advisor for International Disability Rights Judith Heumann is leading efforts at the United States Department of State to ensure disability inclusion and non-discrimination are central to all of our policies and practices, in Washington and around the globe. Together, we can help 650 million people living with disabilities today enjoy their full human rights, and achieve the vision of equality and inclusion set forth in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

How to Win in Local Markets- When You're Not Local

The following is an interview by Robert Stack as told to Harper Willis of BNET- CBS Interactive Business Network.

We have perhaps the toughest business pitch of any company out there: We have to convince families that we can take care of a disabled loved one in perpetuity — for his or her entire life.

Most families are reluctant to outsource the care of relatives to strangers. If they’re going to do it, they’d much rather rely on local organizations that they already know and trust. So, when I first tried to expand my nonprofit Community Options into new states, local communities and funders blew us off, assuming that we were just out to make a buck.

Several years ago, we discovered two key ways to allay these fears and build trust in new markets: hiring locals and befriending our competition. In the process, we’ve grown from operating in just a few cities to operating in 30 cities in 10 states.

The local connection

I recently met with an executive at the Amarillo Area Foundation about starting a care house in Amarillo, Texas. After I finished my pitch about why they should fund us, the executive leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed and asked, “Are you from Amarillo?”

I’m not, but the woman sitting next to me — the executive director of the project — is from the nearby town of Happy. The executive uncrossed his arms and said, “Ok, let’s talk.” And we were eventually able to get funding.

Hiring local caregivers also helps us earn the trust of communities and build awareness about our organization. Most of our marketing is done through word of mouth, so it helps if families know the caretakers who work in our houses. We need our staff to be able to carry on conversations about local politics and sports teams with families and members. We are trying to build a sub-community, not impose our own corporate culture on the lives of the locals.

Plus, having executives who know the area helps us choose the best location for our houses. We need people who know the local building inspectors so we can get handicap accessibility and bathroom modifications approved. A lot of our business is about politics, and we need insiders to help us do our job — not to mention help us navigate the complex web of funders in every region.

The competition is our ally

I’ve long known that one of the biggest mistakes we could make when trying to break into a new community is to treat the competition as our enemies. We aren’t selling jeans — we are trying to persuade families that they can entrust us with the wellbeing of their loved ones. If we come across as a cutthroat organization trying to destroy local organizations and steal jobs, we’ll alienate the people we are trying to serve.

Beyond protecting our image, there is a more fundamental reason why I treat our competitors with respect: Although there are many organizations with similar functions to ours, there aren’t nearly enough.

Nearly 2 percent of all Americans have a severe disability. Right now, my organization cares for 1,400 individuals. In New Jersey alone there are 3,000 people with disabilities living in large institutions, plus 8,000 others who are on a waiting list for a place to live comfortably.

Of course, not everyone knows those statistics. Before we enter a new state, we have to make the case for why it needs another organization like ours. We try to point out how we are different from — not better than — the local competition. Many states we enter are already facing lawsuits because of a dearth of services for people with disabilities. As a result, they welcome an organization like ours. We try to target those states, rather than ones that are closer to meeting the needs of the community.

We’re growing

I started off with the goal of making a difference in the life of just one person. Over the last 15 years we’ve grown from $9 million in revenue to $72 million in revenue. Although I don’t measure the success of my company in dollar figures, this kind of growth is definitely a sign that we’re on the right track.

For the third year, Community Options is hosting the Cupid’s Chase 5k run, a fundraiser for people with disabilities. It’s held simultaneously in 24 cities across the U.S.

– As told to Harper Willis

Verizon Fios - Photo I.D.

Recently, Robert Stack, President and CEO was featured on Verizon Fios' Photo I.D. show.

Mary Pat Christie, First Lady of New Jersey, to Chair 5K Run for National Nonprofit

Community Options is a nationally based nonprofit with the mission of developing housing and employment for people with disabilities since 1989. This year, the board of trustees of Community Options designed their major fund raiser to promote awareness of the organization’s cause as well as raise much-needed money for programming. Community Options will hold the Cupid’s Chase 5K Run and has recruited Mary Pat Christie to be the national Chair.

The Cupid’s Chase 5K Run is the largest simultaneous national run held by any nonprofit in the country. Held in 24 locations on the same day and same time, Community Options will gain the support of over 14,000 people across the country on February 12, 2011 when the run is set to take place. Each city has a local chairperson and this year, Community Options has the honor of having the First Lady of New Jersey, Mary Pat Christie as the Honorary National Chair of all 24 5K’s taking place across the country.

The First Lady will work with Community Options to ensure a successful 5K and that awareness is raised about the excellent work the organization is doing to improve the lives of people with disabilities across the country. The Cupid’s Chase 5K Run will take place in Manhattan, Syracuse, Binghamton, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Princeton, Glen Rock, Stone Harbor, Columbia, Bowling Green, Paducah, Nashville, Chattanooga, Cookeville, Hartford, El Paso, Amarillo, Dallas, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Chicago, Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Las Cruces.

“We are both honored and humbled that the First Lady of New Jersey, Mary Pat Christie, has agreed to Chair the Community Options' Cupid’s Chase,” said Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options. “We hope to promote greater corporate social responsibility among businesses across the country while raising awareness of our cause and contributing to an overall greater sense of self-worth,”he added.

For more information about Community Options and the Cupid’s Chase 5K Run, please visit them at www.comop.org or www.comop.org/cupidschase. Follow the organization on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter at COINATIONAL.

OPM Hosts Disability Employment Training Workshop

The disability employment training workshop gave agencies the information and resources they need to develop strong plans for hiring more individuals with disabilities

Washington, DC – On Tuesday, October 26, 2010, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) hosted a Disability Employment Training. This event was open to all Federal employees and discussed the hiring of individuals with disabilities and how to meet the goals outlined in President Obama’s Executive Order (E.O.) 13548. Topics discussed at this training included an overview of the E.O., how to effectively use the Schedule A hiring authority, reasonable accommodation guidance, the disability register, and improving return to work outcomes.

“The U.S. Government should be a model employer of persons with disabilities,” said U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry. “I am committed to a diverse and talented workforce, and that includes improving the Federal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.”

E.O. 13548 was issued on July 26, 2010 and mandated that OPM work with the Department of Labor, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Office of Management and Budget to design model recruitment and hiring strategies so that agencies may increase the number of individuals with disabilities they employ. Each agency must create its own plan for increasing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The E.O. also encourages the increased use of the Schedule A excepted service hiring authority for persons with disabilities as well as internships, fellowships, and training and mentoring programs.

Individuals with disabilities currently make up just over five percent of the Federal workforce and individuals with targeted disabilities make up less than one percent of the Federal workforce. Through efforts like today’s training, the Federal Government is committed to increasing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

“This is a win-win for everyone,” said OPM Deputy Director Christine Griffin. “Employment opportunities are increased for people with disabilities and the Federal government hires highly talented and skilled individuals.”

Top 10 Ways Hiring Disabled Workers Can Motivate All

Inspiring and motivating your team involves more than one-on-one giving and rewarding tangible forms of recognition. It is also about making a difference and giving back in ways that have meaning for your workforce and customers. You can reinvent your corporate culture by living the beliefs and values that are common to the community in which your company is present.

The harsh reality is one out of five Americans lives with a disability, and 70 percent of Americans with disabilities are unemployed. Consider the following 10 points, sparked from my conversation with Robert Stack, chief executive of Community Options, Inc., www.comop.org, on how we can be more inclusive of disabled Americans in the workplace.


1. Americans with disabilities represent an untapped resource. They want to be working no matter their disabilities—whether it’s blindness, hearing impairment, a muscular ailment, autism, etc. Consider a physically or mentally challenged person as your next hire because he or she may provide a unique talent and ability that makes a difference in your organization.

2. Reap hidden ROI. Tapping individuals with special needs for employment will become a visible marker and spill over into attracting clients that similarly care about and respect all individuals.

3. Hiring challenged individuals motivates and impacts all employees. Many people have family members or friends with some form of disability, or knows someone who has a loved one with a disability. Being a disabled-worker-friendly company will thus increase loyalty and morale across the entire company.

4. Raises brand awareness. While you should never do it for publicity reasons, hiring people with special needs, and offering training and development to cultivate their growth, is a positive and inclusive way to enhance your corporate brand similar to other corporate social responsibility initiatives.

5. Improve customer awareness. Having individuals with disabilities aboard your company increases awareness of the typical physical challenges they experience and might help you innovate new solutions for products and services.

6. Break stereotypes. Companies that make the step in hiring people with disabilities help team members understand workplace and personal differences, appreciate their blessings, and let go of incorrect and negative perceptions.

7. Find the perfect employee for the job. Many disabled workers are gifted with talents that will actually lend themselves to existing positions in your company. Asperger syndrome is an autism disorder that gives some people incredible ability to process details, which is an excellent trait for computer programmers, social media posting and monitoring, and researchers, etc.

8. Find the perfect job for the employee. Robert Stack shared a poignant story of an autistic person who was unable to read but was eager to work. He was the perfect candidate for shredding confidential papers when a company was challenged in finding someone who met the strict requirements for the job.

9. Elevate workplace principles. By allowing such individuals to be a part of your workplace, you are going to learn and demonstrate caring, kindness, greater courtesy, and respect, and make your company a friendlier and more service-oriented organization with which to do business.

10. Begin your outreach. Finding talented and skilled people with disabilities for your organization is a process. Robert Stack invites companies to get more information at its Web site, www.comop.org.

Incentive columnist Roy Saunderson is author of Giving the Recognition Way and president of the Recognition Management Institute, www.realrecognition.com, which consults companies on improving employee motivation that leads to increased productivity and profit. He can be reached at roysaunderson@realrecognition.com. Also, tune in every Tuesday to his radio show, Real Recognition Radio.

Obama Signs Rosa's Law

(WASHINGTON) -- President Obama on Tuesday signed legislation, called Rosa's Law, requiring the federal government to use the term “intellectual disability” instead of “mental retardation” and “individual with an intellectual disability” instead of “mentally retarded” in health, education, and labor policy.

Rosa’s Law is named for Rosa Marcellino, a young Maryland girl with an intellectual disability whose brother Nick convinced his state legislature to change the official phrase to "individual with an intellectual disability."

"We're not allowed to use the words at my house, it would be just like saying a curse word," said Nick in testimony to Maryland legislators. "We're also not allowed to use other words that are hurtful to minorities or people who are different."

The change will be not be immediate, but instead will be made gradually over the next several years.

An Exhibit Full of Hope

Whenever you see Steven, you’ll see him carrying paper and a pencil. Steven
remembers watching his father paint a picture of a wagon. The wagon was green and white. He states that his father was a cool Vincent Van Gogh. Steven says, “my art work keeps me out of trouble and makes me feel good.” Specifically, Steven likes working with colored pencils and he enjoys drawing monsters, holiday pictures, and cars. Steven likes writing on the back of his pictures “The End” when he is finished.

Steven is a man supported by Community Options in his home in Southern New Jersey. For years, Steven lived at the New Lisbon Developmental Center. Community Options was able to successfully move Steven into his own home in the community.

In honor of his work, there will be an exhibit held at the Moorestown Daily Plan It on October 27, 2010 at Noon and all are welcome to attend.

If you are interested in seeing Steven's work, please attend his Exhibit on October 27, 2010. For more information, please call the Moorestown Daily Plan It at 609-265-7749.

Women with Disabilities, Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Aided through Funds by the U.S. Department of Justice

Community Options, Inc. a national nonprofit organization that has been developing homes and employment for people with disabilities since 1989, recently became funded by the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women to educate and advocate for women with disabilities who are survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

NAVAAS (Never a Victim, Always a Survivor) will begin working immediately to outreach to state-run institutions and facilities to start the education process about the program and all that it will offer. In partnership with The Genesis House, Community Options will also work to reexamine policies and procedures that will benefit women with disabilities, provide appropriate services and referrals and collaborate and create risk-reduction training and educational outreach to women with disabilities.

The grant will primarily be carried out in Cookeville, Tennessee and will work closely with The Clover Bottom Developmental Center, an 87-year old facility that was originally established to house “feeble-minded persons.”

As many as 83% of women with disabilities are survivors of domestic violence or
sexual assault according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. People with disabilities were victims of 47,000 rapes in 2006 and the rate of violent crime
against people with disabilities was 1.5 times higher than for those without disabilities. People with disabilities are more than two times more likely to be sexually assaulted and women with a cognitive disability were more likely to be victimized than women with other types of disabilities.

NAVAAS can provide personnel training, technical assistance, advocacy, interventions, educational presentations, referrals, support groups and assistance with strategic planning.

“Being awarded this grant to assist women with disabilities who are survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault is vital to our work as we continue to emancipate women with disabilities from institutions,” says Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options. “At the alarming rates that violence occurs against women with disabilities only proves how the work of this grant will transform the lives of so many women.”

For more information about NAVAAS, please contact Robin Gray, Executive Director of Community Options of Cookeville at 931-372-0955 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              931-372-0955      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or robin.gray@comop.org.

National Disability Advocate Authors Book on The Facts of Life

Community Options, Inc. a national nonprofit organization that has been developing homes and employment for people with disabilities since 1989 recently held its annual iMatter Conference at the W Hotel in Dallas. The organization had the pleasure of having Leslie Walker-Hirsch as a presenter.

Leslie Walker-Hirsch is an educational consultant who specializes in social and sexual development for individuals with intellectual disabilities. She is an advocate, lecturer and the co-creator of the CIRCLES curriculum series, a multi-media teaching series for improving social competence and judgment that is designed especially to address the learning styles of youth and adults with cognitive disabilities. The CIRCLES series is in its fifth iteration.

Her book, The Facts of Life…and More, released in 2007, is currently available from Paul H. Brookes, Baltimore, MD or from your retail bookseller. This book was voted “Winner Best Special Needs Titles” by Exceptional Parent Magazine in 2007.

Her other publications include: Down Syndrome: Visions for the 21st Century,
Chapter 22 “Building Relationships/Social and Sexual Development”, A Guide to
Consent, Chapter 4 “Consent to Sexual Activity”, as well as many articles in journals
and newsletters.

She is the founder, former and current chairperson of the American Association on
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), formerly American Association
on Mental Retardation (AAMR), Special Interest Group on Social and Sexual Concerns, former President of the General Division and Fellow in the AAIDD formerly AAMR), member of the National Clinical Advisory Board of the National Down Syndrome Society, serves on the Proctor and Gamble panel of experts for the 8th
grade and is a member of the Board of Directors of Alta Mira Specialized Family
Services. She has trained professionals in her unique strategies across the US and
internationally. She teaches in the Graduate College of Education at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM.

Leslie Walker-Hirsch has a Master’s Degree in Special Education and Administration.
She consults to schools, agencies and states to assist individuals with intellectual
disabilities, their families and the professionals who support them on issues related to developing social competence and sexual safety.

For more information, please visit www.lesliewalker-hirsch.com.

And so it Begins!!!!! 5th Annual Advocacy Conference....

We kicked off our 5th Annual iMatter Conference last night at the W Hotel in Dallas! Jeff Brady of Brady Media and former evening News Anchor of WFAA Channel 8 delivered some opening remarks to all of the participants to get everyone settled in.



People from across the country had the opportunity to catch up and spend some good time together on the Wet Deck of the W, which overlooks the entire Dallas skyline and is breathtaking!

This morning, we were fortunate enough to have Judy Woodruff, Broadcast Journalist of the PBS Newshour to deliver our opening keynote to the participants of the conference. Mrs. Woodruff spoke about her own experiences of being a parent of a child with a significant disability. Mrs. Woodruff touched on so many important aspects of disability advocacy and to highlight one piece of what she discussed, she said that "everyone has the ability to give" and that "we have to continue to be advocates and do all that we can to ensure that people with disabilities have every opportunity to achieve their God given talents."



Our morning keynote was followed by Dr.Daniel Baker, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Transition, Supported Employment, and Positive Behavioral Supports from the Elizabeth Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities to discuss Employment and Wellness.



Dr. Colleen Wieck, Executive Director of the Minnesota Council on Developmental Disabilities conducted a breakout session on Investigating Employment Outcomes for Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum.



We were also very fortunate to have Samuel Bagenstos, Principle Deputy Assistant Attorney General discuss the Department of Justice's efforts in enforcing the Olmstead lawsuits across the country and the status of each state that continues to operate institutions to warehouse people with disabilities.

Our closing session was comprised of Lon and Jackie Pinkowitz of FuturAge along with Lisa Smith of Community Options to discuss our implementation of the Precision Care Software across the country.

Great day! So much information and knowledge shared. Looking forward to tomorrow. Laura Shumaker, Author of a Regular Guy: Growing up with Autism!

HGTV Host and WNBA Champion to Speak at Advocacy Conference for People with Disabilities

Community Options, Inc. a national nonprofit organization that has been developing homes and employment for people with disabilities since 1989, will be holding its 5th Annual iMatter Conference on September 27, 2010- September 30, 2010.

The “Advocacy – Connect. Share. Live,” national conference will be taking place at the W Hotel in Dallas. The conference will be the culmination of a years worth of
work by parent groups the organization has assembled across the country to increase access and resources for children with disabilities.

On Wednesday, September 29, 2010 from 1:30-3:30pm at the W Hotel in Dallas, Fran Harris will be conducting a breakout session for participants of the Advocacy
conference.

Fran Harris is America's No Excuses Coach and recently hosted her own show on HGTV, "Home Rules". A business & life coach she's appeared on hundreds of TV and radio shows including CNBC, CNN, FOX Business, TLC, HGTV, The Today Show, Oprah's Radio Network and many others. A WNBA Champion, she's also a fitness, lifestyle & team building expert whose clients include Fortune 100 companies, organization and teams worldwide. For more on Fran visit http://franharriscoaching.com and
http://franharristv.com.

"What I love most about Community Options, Inc.'s work is that it focuses on the many wonderful assets of those it serves rather than on any perceived deficits. Now, that's real empowerment,” says Harris.

For more information about Community Options and the conference, please visit them at
www.comop.org or www.comop.org/conference. Follow the organization on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter at COINATIONAL.

Healthcare professional discusses 'Parenthood's' handling of Asperger's syndrome - Los Angeles Times

More than two decades ago, Dustin Hoffman won an Oscar for his portrayal of an autistic adult in the 1988 film "Rain Man." This year, Claire Danes snagged an Emmy for her role in "Temple Grandin," an HBO movie that chronicled the remarkable life of an autistic woman who graduated from college and became an expert in the humane handling of livestock. Movies and TV shows can be a powerful force in shaping attitudes about mental health disorders, but do Hollywood-crafted tales tell the whole story?

The NBC TV series "Parenthood" (10 p.m. Tuesdays) returns this season with a continuing story thread about how the Braverman family deals with their son, Max, who has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Lauren Presti, director of a program at Trellis Services Inc., which treats children with autism and related communication disorders, discussed how "real" the series is on the Baltimore Sun's Picture of Health blog. Presti says, in part:

" 'Parenthood' also gives its audience an insight into the family dynamic. We could see how the entire family responded to Max's diagnosis and struggled as a whole in adjusting work and school schedules as well as daily home routines. In my own experience, I have had parents like Max's mother who completely break down in intake or call to express their frustrations with the different therapies, diets, schools, etc. they are juggling for the benefit of their child. The frustration in the mother and even the father made the depiction incredibly true in my perspective."

To read more of this article and other links related to it, please visit the Los Angeles Times.

Picture Caption - Minka Kelly as Gaby, left, and Max Burkholder as Max Braverman, who has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, in NBC's "Parenthood." (Justin Lubin / NBC)

First Lady Mary Pat Christie Highlights Importance of Skills Training to Empower People with Disabilities to Succeed in the Workforce

From the Governor's Office:

Trenton, NJ – New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie got a first-hand look at job training activities for people with disabilities today during a tour of Morristown’s The Daily Plan It, one of several organizations operated by Community Options Inc. Mrs. Christie’s visit is part of her ongoing commitment to recognize groups and agencies that encourage and inspire people to have pride in themselves and their state.

“No matter who you are, furthering your education and receiving new skills is critical to feeling confident in the workforce.  This center provides people living with disabilities the skills they need to truly be empowered through employment,” said Mrs. Christie. “I commend Community Options Inc. for the good work they are doing everyday to help incorporate these individuals into the workforce, and strengthening their participation in our larger New Jersey community.”

The Daily Plan It is a professional conference and copy center where space is made available to small business owners to develop and operate entrepreneurial businesses that train and employ people with disabilities.  The employees provide the entire infrastructure of the business from phone reception and copying to mail delivery and cleaning.

“I feel very fortunate that we are able to have First Lady Christie to our Morristown Daily Plan It,” said Robert Stack, founder and CEO of Community Options. “The Daily Plan It is at the essence of what we do – social inclusion – where a person’s disability does not define who they are or what they are capable of doing”.

After the tour, Mrs. Christie participated in a roundtable meeting with agency officials to further discuss training models for people with disabilities.

Incorporated in 1989, Community Options, Inc. helps develop residential and employment supports for people with severe disabilities, utilizing technology and training. Today, Community Options has grown to encompass 24 offices in nine states, including three offices in New Jersey.  The organization is renowned for providing quality, cost effective administration that encourages individual choice and flexibility.

First Lady of New Jersey Mary Pat Christie, to Tour Social Enterprise for People with Disabilities

Community Options, Inc. a national nonprofit organization that has been developing homes and employment for people with disabilities since 1989, will be welcoming the First Lady of New Jersey, Mary Pat Christie to tour one of its Daily Plan It’s on Friday, September 17, 2010 at 10:00am. The Daily Plan It is a complete conference and copy center where space is made available to small business owners and people with disabilities provide the entire infrastructure and concierge of the business.

The Daily Plan It is only one of the ways that Community Options combats a sheltered workshop setting for people with disabilities. The organization owns and operates five other social enterprises across New Jersey that allow people with disabilities to gain a relevant and portable skill set to move on to more competitive employment.

First Lady Christie will be joining leaders of the organization for a tour of the Morristown Daily Plan It as well as the facilitation of a round table discussion about replicable models of employment for people with disabilities and decreasing the wait list for employment and day services in New Jersey.

Robert Stack, founder and CEO of Community Options is an expert on national disability policy and has dedicated his entire career to emancipating people with disabilities out of state run institutions to provide them with a better quality of life in the community. Stack develops small, two to three person homes in eighteen out of twenty-one counties in New Jersey. Stack’s social enterprise models are the most replicable and practical business systems in the United States that offer a stepping stone for people with disabilities who have a desire to learn a skill set and earn a paycheck.

“I feel very fortunate that we are able to have First Lady Christie to our Morristown Daily Plan It,” says Stack. “The Daily Plan It is at the essence of what we do – social inclusion – where a person’s disability does not define who they are or what they are capable of doing,” added Stack.

The First Lady of New Jersey, has successfully combined her roles as wife and mother with a business career and community service. Born in Paoli, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Christie is the 9th of 10 children. She is a graduate of the University of Delaware, and she earned a master’s degree in business administration and finance from Seton Hall University. Mrs. Christie currently is senior vice president in the high yield corporate bond department at Cantor Fitzgerald. FShe participates in her daughters’ Girls Scout and Brownie troops and serves as a team mom for various baseball and soccer teams. Mrs. Christie is involved in her church, St Joseph’s in Mendham, and contributes to the family liturgy, confirmation class activities, and soup kitchen outreach.

There is a press pass required for this event for security purposes. Press will be allowed to enter the building located 150-152 Speedwell Avenue in Morristown at 9:45am to set up for the tour beginning at 10:00am. The roundtable is not open to the press.To obtain a press pass, please contact Jessica Guberman at jessica.guberman@comop.org or 973-390-0357. For more information about Community Options, please visit them on their website at www.comop.org.

Award-Winning Television New Anchor to Deliver Opening Remarks at Advocacy Conference for People with Disabilities

Community Options, Inc. a national nonprofit organization that has been developing homes and employment for people with disabilities since 1989, will be holding its 5th Annual iMatter Conference on September 27, 2010- September 30, 2010.

The “Advocacy – Connect. Share. Live,” national conference will be taking place at the W Hotel in Dallas. The conference will be the culmination of a years worth of work by parent groups the organization has assembled across the country to increase access and resources for children with disabilities.

Jeff L. Brady is an award-winning TV News Anchor and Reporter who spent 18 years in broadcast journalism, working in newsrooms across the southwest. Most recently, he anchored the 5pm news at WFAA-TV in Dallas-Ft Worth. Throughout his time with Channel 8 he consistently led rating victories and shepherded a large audience to ABC World News with Charles Gibson.

In 2009 Jeff retired from WFAA-TV and the news industry to launch Brady Media Group, a Media Strategy and Content Development agency in Dallas, Texas. BMG offers several core services: (CRITIQUE) evaluating your current brand messaging and media, (CREATION) developing new digital content or soliciting targeted media coverage, and (COACHING) teaching your team the necessary skills to leverage your enhanced brand and unique media for maximum reach.

Jeff teaches and mentors other fellow journalists including those at the prominent Poynter Institute for Media in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is also a highly sought speaker and coach for executives and networking organizations throughout North Texas.
Jeff graduated from Texas A&M University in 1986. While there he was Company Commander in the Corps of Cadets. He served on the Ross Volunteers. Jeff was also a staff writer for the Battalion.

Before becoming a journalist, Jeff served as a U.S. Marine Captain on active duty in the Persian Gulf during the first Gulf War. He now lives in Dallas with his wife Wesley and their three children.

“As a journalist, I learned more than once about personal strength, stamina and integrity from special needs children and their families. They are, more often than not, leaders and role models in every city and state across America. I believe that civic governments and municipalities should make every effort to enhance people with disabilities opportunities and access, which educates us all,” says Brady.

Brady will be speaking on Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 6:30pm at the W Hotel in Dallas.

Please visit the conference website for registration information!

Judy Woodruff to Deliver Keynote Advocating for People with Disabilities

The “Advocacy – Connect. Share. Live,” national conference will be taking place at the W Hotel in Dallas. The conference will be the culmination of a years worth of work by parent groups the organization has assembled across the country to increase access and resources for children with disabilities. The conference keynotes are made up of award-winning journalists, celebrities and state and federal officials who are true advocates for people with disabilities.

The opening keynote of the conference is Judy Woodruff. For 12 years, Woodruff served as anchor and senior correspondent for CNN, anchoring the weekday political program, "Inside Politics." Woodruff also played a central role in the network's political coverage and other major news stories. At PBS from 1983 to 1993, she was the chief Washington correspondent for The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. From 1984-1990, she also anchored PBS' awardwinning weekly documentary series, "Frontline with Judy Woodruff."

“As the mother of a son with physical disabilities -- I appreciate the mission of Community Options, to help individuals like Jeff find a place to live as normally as possible, and a job that allows him to be a contributing member of society, which is what he and so many others like him, want,” says Woodruff.

The organization is thrilled to offer to conference participants the knowledge and wisdom of Woodruff who has been an advocate for people with disabilities for decades. Robert Stack, President and CEO has been a loyal follower of Woodruff since the inception of Community Options. “The parents, staff and people with disabilities we support are so lucky to be hearing and learning from this icon. She is an inspiration to me and a role model for all of us,” says Stack.

Woodruff will be delivering her keynote on Monday, September 27, 2010 at 9:15 at the W Hotel in Dallas. To receive a press pass for this event, please contact Jessica Guberman at jessica.guberman@comop.org.

For more information about Community Options and the conference, please visit them at www.comop.org or www.comop.org/conference. Follow the organization on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter at COINATIONAL.

Dana Marlowe - Accessibility Advocate to Present at National Advocacy Conference

Dana Marlowe’s voracious passion for equal access for all has made her an advocate for people with disabilities for as long as she can remember. It was that passion that put her on the path to start her academic career studying sign language interpreting at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. As her focus on communication and interest in technology to help people with disabilities grew, she continued on with degrees in Technical Communications from the Rochester Institute of Technology and lastly a Masters in Communication from the University of Texas at Austin.

She is currently the Principal Partner and co-founder of the company, Accessibility Partners LLC, an accessibility and information technology consulting firm headquartered in Maryland. She has gained national and international recognition for her support of disability rights in society and the workplace, where she works to break down attitudinal barriers. She strives to make technology more usable and accessible to all and in doing so partners with Federal Agencies and Fortune 500 businesses. She has won the Rising Star award from “Government Computer News” and “Federal Computer Week”, appeared on the cover of, “Washington Technology”, and has been featured in a Tech Biz Now column. She recently received an award in December 2009 as one of the top 35 professionals in Maryland by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Prior to Accessibility Partners, Ms. Marlowe was the Senior Vice President at TecAccess, LLC, where she created corporate partnerships with corporations and through those efforts generated over five million dollars of revenue annually. Dana has an impressive record in business management, marketing, and communications as it relates to accessible technology and disability in both government and private industry. She has served on numerous committees and performed national speaking engagements with such agencies as the Federal Communications Commission (Consumer Advisory Committee 2004-2005), Interagency Disability Educational Awareness Showcase (IDEAS) Advisory Board (2005), National Organization of Disability, and DC Metro Business Leadership Network board (2008-2009).

Most recently, Dana has been invited to present to countries throughout South America, Europe, and Africa on topics ranging from disability employment and assistive technology, to the business case for accessible technology. In the past few years, she was the keynote speaker at the International Information and Communication Technology and Accessibility Conference in Africa, as well as the keynote at the Conference on Assistive Technologies for the Vision and Hearing-Impaired in Spain.

Dana has also written several articles that have appeared in such diverse publications as Professional Woman´s Magazine, “The Chicago Tribune”, Teen Ink, Sign News, and Deaf Women United.

With over fifteen years dedicated in the accessibility industry, Dana is known for her stewardship in advocating for all aspects of disability rights. She lives in Maryland, with her husband, toddler, and one very sweet Labrador Retriever who is actually the real boss of the house.

For more information about the conference and to register please click here.

Hot off the Press! The Summer 2010 Choices Newsletter

Please click here to read Community Options latest Summer 2010 Choices Newsletter. Information about our upcoming Advocacy conference, the iMatter Surf Camp for Children with Autism, a San Antonio Fashion Show Fundraiser and employee appreciation in Syracuse are all featured!

For more information about our upcoming conference, please visit our website.

Jeff Brady, CEO of Brady Media Group and Award-Winning TV News Anchor and Reporter to Deliver Opening Keynote

Jeff L. Brady is an award-winning TV News Anchor and Reporter who spent 18 years in broadcast journalism, working in newsrooms across the southwest will be delivering the opening keynote at Community Options national Advocacy Conference on September 26, 2010. Most recently, he anchored the 5pm news at WFAA-TV in Dallas-Ft Worth. Throughout his time with Channel 8 he consistently led rating victories and shepherded a large audience to ABC World News with Charles Gibson.

In 2009 Jeff retired from WFAA-TV and the news industry to launch Brady Media Group, a Media Strategy and Content Development agency in Dallas, Texas. BMG offers several core services: (CRITIQUE) evaluating your current brand messaging and media, (CREATION) developing new digital content or soliciting targeted media coverage, and (COACHING) teaching your team the necessary skills to leverage your enhanced brand and unique media for maximum reach.

Jeff teaches and mentors other fellow journalists including those at the prominent Poynter Institute for Media in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is also a highly-sought speaker and coach for executives and networking organizations throughout North Texas.
Jeff graduated from Texas A&M University in 1986. While there he was Company Commander in the Corps of Cadets. He served on the Ross Volunteers. Jeff was also a staff writer for the Battalion.

Before becoming a journalist, Jeff served as a U.S. Marine Captain on active duty in the Persian Gulf during the first Gulf War. He now lives in Dallas with his wife Wesley and their three children.

Judy Woodruff to Deliver Keynote Advocating for People with Disabilities

Community Options, Inc. will be holding its 5th Annual iMatter Conference on September 27, 2010- September 30, 2010.

The “Advocacy – Connect. Share. Live,” national conference will be taking place at the W Hotel in Dallas. The conference will be the culmination of a years worth of work by parent groups the organization has assembled across the country to increase access and resources for children with disabilities. The conference keynotes are made up of award-winning journalists, celebrities and state and federal officials who are true advocates for people with disabilities.

The opening keynote of the conference is Judy Woodruff. For 12 years, Woodruff served as anchor and senior correspondent for CNN, anchoring the weekday political program, "Inside Politics." Woodruff also played a central role in the network's political coverage and other major news stories. At PBS from 1983 to 1993, she was the chief Washington correspondent for The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. From 1984-1990, she also anchored PBS' awardwinning weekly documentary series, "Frontline with Judy Woodruff."

“As the mother of a son with physical disabilities -- I appreciate the mission of Community Options, to help individuals like Jeff find a place to live as normally as possible, and a job that allows him to be a contributing member of society, which is what he and so many others like him, want,” says Woodruff.

The organization is thrilled to offer to conference participants the knowledge and wisdom of Woodruff who has been an advocate for people with disabilities for decades. Robert Stack, President and CEO has been a loyal follower of Woodruff since the inception of Community Options. “The parents, staff and people with disabilities we support are so lucky to be hearing and learning from this icon. She is an inspiration to me and a role model for all of us,” says Stack.

Woodruff will be delivering her keynote on Monday, September 27, 2010 at 9:15 at the W Hotel in Dallas. To receive a press pass for this event, please contact Jessica Guberman at jessica.guberman@comop.org.

Global Autism Advocate to Keynote National Conference

Community Options, Inc. a national nonprofit organization that has been developing homes and employment supports for people with disabilities since 1989, will be holding its 5th Annual iMatter Conference September 27-September 30th at the W Hotel in Dallas.

Laura Shumaker will be delivering a keynote on Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at 9:00am. Shumaker will focus her keynote on the advocacy work of caregivers. "Parents nor their children enter the world of disability by choice. But it is the choice of Caregivers, and every day we must show them our gratitude,” says Shumaker.

Shumaker is the author of A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism and is a City Bright for the San Francisco Chronicle. She has contributed to several anthologies, including Voices of Autism, A Cup of Comfort for Parents of Children with Special Needs, Writin’ on Empty, and the forthcoming Gravity Pulls You In. She is a regular contributor to NPR Perspectives and a columnist for 5 Minutes for Special Needs. Laura’s essays have appeared in The New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Contra Costa Times, Literary Mama, the East Bay Monthly, The Autism Advocate and on CNN.COM.

The “Advocacy- Connect. Share. Live” conference will be the culmination of a years worth of work by parent groups Community Options has assembled across the country to increase access and resources for children with disabilities.

“Laura offers a unique and refreshing perspective that will challenge everyone who hears her speak. She is such a strong writer and I am on the edge of my seat to hear her live,” says Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options.

Gov. Chris Christie approves N.J. law removing offensive references to people with disabilities

Photo Credit- AARON HOUSTON/For The Star-Ledger

Governor Chris Christie signs a bill that will remove the word "retarded" from the official state lexicon on mentally disabled people.

Written by Susan K. Livio with the Statehouse Bureau

TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie today made it illegal for state laws or rules to identify anyone with a developmental or intellectual disability as "mentally retarded" by signing legislation sought by people who have felt belittled by the term.

Mental retardation was once a medical diagnostic term, but society turned it into something derogatory, said Tom Baffuto, executive director of the Arc of New Jersey. The nonprofit was founded as the Association for Retarded Citizens until people complained and it changed the name nearly 20 years ago.

Elizabeth Shea, the Arc’s assistant executive director, said the law’s passage is one step in the direction of ridding the hurtful terms from every day conversation.

"We’d like New Jersey to get to a place where you can’t use the ‘R’ word with it being inflammatory,’’ she said.
stephen-sweeney-disabled.jpgAARON HOUSTON/For The Star-LedgerSenator Stephen Sweeney speaks after Governor Chris Christie signed a bill that will remove the word "retarded" from the official state lexicon on mentally disabled people.
Christie said he regretted people had to wait so long to get the bill passed, and said he was proud to have signed it. "This is making sure each citizen in our state is treated with the respect they deserve ... It’s their government, too,’’ he said.

The 81-page bill includes the citations in state law and regulations that have to be changed, including: "mentally retarded," "physically handicapped," "feeble-minded,’’ and "physically or mentally defective." The law also applies to language involving people with mental illness, such as "the insane," the "mentally deficient," and "the mentally ill."

"Words matter - it’s that simple,’’ said Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester), one of the bill’s sponsors and the father of a daughter with a developmental disability. "We have a community of productive, hard-working citizens...The ‘R’ word should mean respect."

The legislation (S1982) passed in June.

Samuel Jenkins of Elizabeth, who works for the New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project, said the there is a movement to pass a federal law. He’s also participating in a training session with new employees working with people who have developmental disabilities about the impact of hurtful language.

"I am not afraid," Jenkins said. "I will not back down from this challenge."

2010 iMatter Surf Camp for Children with Autism

Please enjoy the 4th Annual iMatter Surf Camp for Children with Autism video. The camp took place on Saturday, August 14, 2010 and was a great success. We had over 400 people in attendance and the children had a great time learning how to surf on this beautiful day!

4th Annual iMatter Surf Camp from jessica on Vimeo.

**Media Advisory**

Media Advisory
**Press Pass Required**

Sports, Health, Children, Autism
On-Site Interviews with Children, Families, Organization, Photo Opps


Date
Saturday, August 14, 2010

Event
iMatter Surf Camp for Children with Autism

Time
Open to the press with a pass at 11am. Event ends at 4pm.

Location
Cupsogue Beach, Westhampton, New York
(Entrance through far end of the parking lot – cut in Dune- Set up there)

Press Pass
To obtain a press pass, please contact Jessica at 973-390-0357 or jessica.guberman@comop.org.

The iMatter Surf Camp for Children with Autism is hosted by Community Options, a national nonprofit organization that supports people with disabilities. The iMatter Surf Camp is the largest aquatically therapeutic event in the country for children with Autism.

www.comop.org/surf_camp

20th Anniversary Celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options was invited to attend the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act today at The White House. Here are some photos from the event as well as President Obama's speech from the celebration that took place on the South Lawn:


The White House


Robert Stack and Elizabeth Dole


Robert Stack and Governor Thornburgh


Patti Labelle performing at The White House

From the Newswire:

On Monday, July 26, President Obama will hold an event at the White House to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The President is expected to deliver remarks at the event. Invited guests include Cabinet officials, Members of Congress, grassroots leaders and Americans living with disabilities. The President’s remarks will be open press.

The event will include performances by Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, Patti LaBelle and Marlee Matlin, and remarks by Marca Bristo, President of Access Living, White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett and Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Melody Barnes. Robert David Hall will introduce the President.

It was just over twenty years ago that Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options, Inc. founded his organization. For years, Stack had spent working at the state level on the institutional side of the human service field. Knowing there was a better and more inclusive way that people with disabilities could live, Stack started Community Options.

The organization is known today as the fastest growing national nonprofit that develops housing and employment supports for people with disabilities. With offices in thirty-two cities in nine states supporting thousands of people with disabilities with the help of over 2,500 employees, Stack has turned his dreams into reality.

“It is an honor to be invited to The White House to celebrate such tremendous accomplishments,” Stack said. “Advocates in our field have made great advances over the past twenty years and there is much more work left to do,” he added.

Nonprofit CEO to Commemorate 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

On Monday, July 26, President Obama will hold an event at the White House to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The President is expected to deliver remarks at the event. Invited guests include Cabinet officials, Members of Congress, grassroots leaders and Americans living with disabilities. The President’s remarks will be open press.

The event will include performances by Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, Patti LaBelle and Marlee Matlin, and remarks by Marca Bristo, President of Access Living, White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett and Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council Melody Barnes. Robert David Hall will introduce the President.

It was just over twenty years ago that Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options, Inc. founded his organization. For years, Stack had spent working at the state level on the institutional side of the human service field. Knowing there was a better and more inclusive way that people with disabilities could live, Stack started Community Options.

The organization is known today as the fastest growing national nonprofit that develops housing and employment supports for people with disabilities. With offices in thirty-two cities in nine states supporting thousands of people with disabilities with the help of over 2,500 employees, Stack has turned his dreams into reality.

“It is an honor to be invited to The White House to celebrate such tremendous accomplishments,” Stack said. “Advocates in our field have made great made advances over the past twenty years and there is much more work left to do,” he added.

The celebration will take place on The White House South Lawn on Monday, July 26, 2010 at 5:30pm. Pre-Set 4:30 PM, Final Gather 5:00 PM, North Doors of the Palm Room. Reporters should enter through the North West gate on Pennsylvania Ave. Press who do not have a White House hard pass should send their full name, outlet, date of birth and Social Security number to media_affairs@who.eop.gov no later than Monday, July 26 at noon.

Daniel Vance - Nationally Syndicated Column

Daniel Vance, Columnist, recently wrote a column about David Shunkey and his entrepreneurial business, David's Peanut Butter Puppy Bites as featured in the Wall Street Journal!


By Daniel J. Vance


I hear dogs love them.

David Shunkey of Albuquerque, New Mexico, makes Peanut Butter Puppy Bites, which are crisp canine treats shaped to resemble dog bones. Like any upstart business owner would, Shunkey has been getting his small business off the ground, looking for markets, and refining his recipe. The only difference is this businessman has autism.

A National Institutes of Health website defines autism as causing “severe and pervasive impairment in thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate to others.” Its severity ranges over a wide spectrum.

“David is nonverbal,” said Heather Gooch, who is program manager of supportive employment with Community Options in Albuquerque. She spoke for Shunkey with his permission. “He knows sign language and can understand more than he can sign. We also read his facial expressions and body language, and he uses different sounds to communicate. He has a speech language pathologist on his team and they have developed a communication dictionary to document his sound and hand movements. So if there is someone new working with him, they know how to communicate with him.”

Community Options has an on-site job coach helping Shunkey with marketing, baking, and selling. His dog treats are all natural, and include whole wheat flour, unbleached white flour, corn meal, rolled oats, eggs, safflower oil, vanilla, and peanut butter.

“Currently, David bakes four to five dozen once or twice a week out of his kitchen at home,” said Gooch. “We're looking to get a commercial kitchen for him. So far, five businesses have taken on his biscuits.” He has the potential to bake up to 75 dozen per week. He sells them for five dollars a dozen to dog groomers, vets, and pet shops.

In his 50s, Shunkey grew up in an institution that had one staff member for every 30 clients, which unfortunately led to his developing some behavioral issues. Now he lives in a group home. Community Options has support staff for Shunkey and a therapist doing site analysis to make sure the kitchen stays safe.

Gooch said, “David really gets involved in the baking process.” With help, he has been pursuing FDA approval to market his baked goods to humans. Of course, if receiving this approval, his new food item likely wouldn't resemble dog treats and would have a different name. Gooch said FDA approval could come within three months.

Contact danieljvance.com. [Blue Valley Sod and Palmer Bus Service make this column possible.]

People with Disabilities and Business Ownership

Please click here to read an article from the Wall Street Journal published on Thursday, July 15, 2010 about people with disabilities and business ownership. The piece is written by Sarah Needleman.

Community Options supports David in our New Mexico location and we are very proud of this piece and David's entrepreneurial spirit to continue to be a business owner!!!

National nonprofit receives Housing and Urban Development grant to construct NJ’s first Green group home for people with disabilities

In January 2010, Community Options, a national nonprofit organization that develops homes and employment for people with disabilities announced that they would be working in partnership with Hopewell Township to develop the first green, sustainable group home for people with disabilities in New Jersey.

Recently, this project was deemed worthy of a grant through the Housing and Urban Development body that funds affordable housing projects across the country. The grant will permit the development of a group home for four persons with developmental disabilities. The home will be of a one-story design and will provide supportive services to assist the residents to live independently.

Plans call for the construction of this home to be LEED for Homes certified. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, provides standards for environmentally sustainable construction Project architecture and construction is being managed by Princeton Design Guild (PDG). Environmentally friendly from start to finish, additional project details call for the disassembly of an existing large barn, relocation and renovation of a smaller barn, dismantling of the original farm house and construction of a new sustainable Community Options home.

“Being awarded this grant to construct a sustainable group home in New Jersey for persons with disabilities is beyond my wildest dreams,” says, Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options. “Our organization has been working for years to become more environmentally correct and this is one of amazing things we are able to do because of our vision; our vision has become a reality,” he added.

Picture Caption - Artist Rendering of the home to be constructed

Four years ago, Community Options, a national nonprofit organization that has been developing supports for people with developmental disabilities since 1989, started the iMatter Surf Camp for Children with Autism. The first one-day, free camp was held at Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton, New York. The first camp had 22 children participate. The camp was so successful that each subsequent year the camp has been held, it has significantly grown. In 2009, the camp had over 300 people participate from all over the country.

The camp is one day and free and the organization provides lunch to all that participate. This year, registration will begin at 9:30am following a brief prayer service and song performance in loving memory of Kristen Bednar; the camps lead volunteer who passed tragically in a snowmobile accident in January. Following the service, children will be paired up with their volunteers for the day and start surfing. The children are assigned a one-to-one volunteer who they surf tandem with all day. With a quick break for lunch, the children are always eager to get back in the water and surf until the day wraps up between 4pm-5pm.

The camp has become so popular that businesses all across the country have jumped on board to become sponsors. This year, the camp has received support from thirteen businesses.

Sponsors are:

Cancos Tile
O'Brien Drywall Unlimited, Inc.
Birch Lane Elementary School
Global Surf Industries
LIParentSource.com
Carolina Pad
Boogie Wipes
Episencial
Care4Hire
Fourth Wall Events
Converge Coworking
Fifth Room Creative
Dynamic Drape and Decor

“We are so proud of the iMatter Surf Camp and what it has become,” says, Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options. Stack indicates that the camp has taken on a life of its own and that people are incredibly pleased with the day they are offered to have their children positively included in their community and with their peers.

“Global Surf Industries is very proud to be able to support iMatter Surf Camp. Our company mantra is life is better when you surf and you can see the personification of this every time we attend one of these events,” says Ed Gerbino of Global Surf Industries.

Global Surf Industries has become an in-kind sponsor to the camp by donating foam boards to Community Options that the children can use at the camp.

Another in-kind sponsor of the camp is Cancos Tile. Cancos has been involved with the camp since its inception and they provide the hundreds of the very popular t-shirts that are made every year.

“We couldn't be more proud than to be sponsoring the surf camp. It is a tremendous day for us to be able to give a little back to the community and help out in a special way for this cause,” says Mark Valva, President of Cancos. Valva says the expressions and feelings that are created as a result of the camp makes it even more of a spectacular day.

Kim Walls, CEO of Episencial, a Los Angeles-based company has sent thousands of organic sunscreen samples for all the participants of the surf camp. Walls said, “At Episencial we believe in the developmental benefits of touch and play. Our all natural formulas are designed to enhance these experiences, helping to create healthy grooming rituals that serve children throughout their lives.”

Some of the sponsors utilize the camp as a way for their employees to volunteer in the community and there are volunteers that have been involved with the camp since it started. Jeff Guberman, President of Fourth Wall Events and Dynamic Drape and Décor says,” We are thrilled to help Community Options with the iMatter Surf Camp. We believe that helping the community is an important responsibility of any business. When you see the look of happiness on the faces of the children, you know that it is all worth it.”

One sponsor company is thrilled to be a sponsor of the event because of what the message of the organization is. “"Here at Little Busy Bodies, Inc, we believe that all people should have the opportunity to excel and be the best person they can be. Community Options camps bolster self-confidence and empower people with disabilities to be all that they can be in their day-to-day lives; we are proud to support such strong ideals,” says, Julie Pickens, CEO of Little Busy Bodies, Inc.

The iMatter Surf Camp for Children with Autism will be taking place on Saturday, August 14, 2010 from 9:30am-4:00pm at Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton, NY.

For more information about the camp, please visit the website or you can fan the camp on Facebook. There is a press pass required for this event and to obtain a press pass, please contact Jessica Guberman at jessica.guberman@comop.org or 973-390-0357.

Petty Cash Gets Serious

This is an article that Robert Stack, President and CEO was interviewed for with American Express - Inside Edge related to Petty Cash. It was written by Karen Bannan.

Community Options has 2,500 employees who work with thousands of developmentally disabled people. In many cases, employees live alongside their charges in group homes managed by the Mount Olive, N.J.-based nonprofit. As part of that care, it’s not unusual for an employee to run to the supermarket for milk or pay a pizza delivery person, both of which require cash.

That’s why every one of Community Options’ more than 150 group homes has a petty cash account, a locked box with anywhere from $200 to $1,000 inside. It’s important for the three or four employees who co-manage each facility to have access to cash, explains Robert Stack, the organization’s president and CEO. “A local ice cream store is going to want paper money.”

While petty cash might be a forgotten concept at larger companies, for mid-size enterprises such as Community Options, it’s still a key part of running the business. To protect what could be large sums of money from being lost or stolen, companies need to have strict policies in place.

Added together, Community Options’ petty cash accounts total more than six figures, which is why the company uses multiple policies and practices to protect it, including requiring receipts for purchases, adhering to a strict accounting process and performing several types of audits.

Such restrictions make for extra work, but it’s worth it. Business owners may be reticent to police employees, but failing to do so can have serious consequences, says Alan Carsrud, a professor who holds the Loretta Rogers Chair of Entrepreneurship at Ryerson University in Toronto. “Any entrepreneur always has to be thinking, ‘What happens if we don’t take care of business and we end up on the front page of our local paper? What will the headline read?’ ”

Petty cash problems typically start out as simple mistakes but can quickly spiral into something much more dangerous, says James Ratley, president of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, an Austin, Texas, group that specializes in anti-fraud training and education.

“Companies can definitely fall prey to internal fraud, and it happens more often than you would think,” Ratley says. “They believe the word ‘petty’ in the phrase ‘petty cash.’ They have no idea how much money is at stake or how long this kind of theft can continue if left unchecked.”

To read this entire article, click here.

Can moms of children with autism have it all?

In a survey of 326 families, researchers at Washington State University Vancouver found that moms experience the brunt of workplace ramifications that come with the added responsibility of parenting a child with autism.

Half of moms said they work fewer hours and 3 out of 5 reported turning down a job offer because of their child’s unique needs. What’s more, 1 in 4 autism moms said they had taken a leave of absence or declined a promotion. As a result, 60 percent reported recently experiencing financial difficulties.

To read the complete study by lead author, Dana Lee Baker, please click here.