Local Texan to Chair National Family Group Representing Children with Disabilities

Community Options is the recipient of a $1 million dollar grant from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, an arm of the Administration for Children and Families. Community Options, Inc. will use its existing 26 offices in nine states to support families of children with disabilities to evaluate, promote and provide national leadership training through a Family Web 2.0 project. Families will teach each other how to evaluate and operate training programs and how to engage in positive policy development to ensure ongoing support services.

Community Options has recently selected a National Family Chairperson to head the family groups for the grant that will be assembled across the country. Candy Sheehan is a wife and mother who has been given incredible opportunities and challenges in her life. She is a fifth generation Texan and has lived in Coppell 26 years with her husband Tom. They have two children Zac, 24 years old, born with developmental disabilities, and Alissa, now a junior at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Zac now lives happily in a home owned by Community Options and volunteers at Presbyterian Hospital.

After the birth of her son Candy knew knowledge meant empowerment. She became an advocate not only for her son but for all children with special needs. Candy was accepted into the first class of Partners in Policymaking in Texas and was previously the Mayor of Coppell. Candy helped write and pass legislation at the state and federal level as well as became a nationally recognized leader as a parent advocate.

“This grant of national significance is the culmination of our team’s relentless efforts to improve the lives of children with disabilities and to empower families.” Said, Robert Stack, President and CEO of Community Options. “Candy is the best person to chair our National Family Group for this grant as she has the knowledge and passion to mobilize families to help them gain access to the resources that they need to help their children be successful,” added, Stack.

NJ's First Green Group Home for People with Disabilities

Community Options currently operates seventy group homes supporting people with disabilities across New Jersey. The organization is working on a unique project that has never been done in the state. In partnership with Hopewell Township and Princeton Design Guild, the nonprofit is building the first sustainable group home for people with disabilities in New Jersey.

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.

PDG will harvest over 10,000 board feet of lumber from the large barn for use in other projects. In addition, the entire original timber frame, flooring and siding from the original farmhouse will be harvested for reuse in historic restoration projects. All glass, metal, non-painted wood, wiring, pipes, stone and concrete is being recycled. Less than 10% of the existing materials will go into a landfill. Lead architect on the project, Christina Loiacono, AIA is accredited as a LEED Green Associate. Designed to blend in with its rural Hopewell setting, the new home will provide a group living environment for four individuals with disabilities and will help satisfy Hopewell Township's affordable housing goals. Sustainability will guide all aspects of the design and construction of the new home, which will incorporate many environmentally friendly features.

Princeton Design Guild is a full-service design construction firm located in the Princeton area. Serving area clients for over 25 years, PDG is headed by Kevin Wilkes, AIA, supported by a staff of architects, woodworking craftsmen and construction professionals.

Tray Chaney - New Ambassador

Tray Chaney, the highly celebrated up and coming actor, is best known for his role on the HBO’s Original hit series "The Wire", but his career as a performer at the early age of four years old. Among his credits is his performance at New York’s Apollo Theatre, "Head of State" with Chris Rock and Bernie Mac, "The District" (CBS Television), "America’s Most Wanted" (Fox Television), Lil Bow Wow "My Baby" Video featuring Jagged Edge, and The Salon featuring Vivica A. Fox. He is also the author of the book "The Truth You Can't Betray" and he is in the studio working on his debut recording album.

"At a time when all of us are in need of something, it is easy to forget that there are those who face daily challenges that we take for granted. Organizations like Community Options remind us that those who have mustgive to those who don't. It is our responsibility as Americans." --- Tray Chaney

New Ambassador - Jacki-O

Jacki-O, As one of the few female hip hop artists to break into the industry with any success, Jacki-O has found content in her own skin as a lyricist, author and even an actress. The CEO of the company Jackmove Entertainment, she is not only managing her career but helping other recording artists break into the business as well. Known by many for her skills on the stage, in 2008 Jacki-O showed another side of herself by penning the urban novel GROWN AND GANGSTA. Within weeks it became a bestseller, taking her on tour and garnering a new audience in the process. Currently she is in the studio working on her next music project and planning to release her autobiography RELENTLESS in late 2010.

"As a mother myself, I know how precious the lives of all children are. For that reason, it is my belief that any organization that provides assistance for those with disabilities---regardless of their age---is one that we need to support. Community Options is such an organization." --- Jacki-O, recording artist/author

Paddle Out - Long Island

A Paddle Out took place today on Long Island in honor of Kristen Bednar, lead volunteer of the iMatter Surf Camp for Children with Autism who passed away on New Year's Eve in a tragic snowmobile accident. Hundreds of surfers, family and friends came out to honor Kristen. Below are some pictures from Newsday as well as a video from the Paddle Out.

In Memory of Kristen Bednar - Advocate who changed the Lives of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and tragic passing of Kristen Bednar, our lead female volunteer of the iMatter Surf Camp for Children with Autism. Kristen has tragically passed due to a snowmobile accident in Vermont that occurred on Thursday.

Kristen was the most amazing woman and a huge advocate for all children with autism spectrum disorders. She had the best attitude and a smile that could light up your entire life. She will be greatly missed.

Please take a moment to say a prayer for Kristen, her husband Mike, and their entire family







iMatter Surf Camp 2007

www.fifthroomcreative.com/imatter


iMatter Surf Camp 2008

www.fifthroomcreative.com/imatter2008


iMatter Surf Camp 2009

http://gallery.me.com/steveguberman#100046