“It’s aWonderful

Life”

“It’s aWonderful

Life”

Annual Report 2006-2007

CommunityOptions, Inc.

Supporting People with Disabilities Since 1989.

“No one is born to be a failure.” “No one is poor who has friends.” It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

People with disabilities can earn a living wage.

People with disabilities can live in their own homes.

People with disabilities can own a business.

People with disabilities can be independent of public programs.

People with disabilities can develop their own microenterprises.

People with disabilities can positively affect the lives of others.

People with disabilities can have a wonderful life.

A Message from the President

Dear Friends of Community Options:

In the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, JimmyStewart’s character George Bailey gave uphope. From his perspective, cataclysmicevents would ultimately result in thedemise of his life. He wished he had neverbeen born. Clarence Oddbody, angel(second-class in need of wings) was sentto help George understand the profoundeffect his life had on those around him.After George Bailey experienced what thetown of Bedford Falls would have beenlike had he never been born, he decidedthat he wanted to live again. Near the endof the movie, his war hero brother returnshome and the entire town of Bedford Fallsgathers around George to show support.His brother proposes a toast: “To my bigbrother George, the richest man in town.”

There are several lessons that can belearned from this Frank Capra film. Themost important lesson is that no one ispoor who has friends. At CommunityOptions we experience several parallels tothis fictional account of George Bailey’slife. Community Options, like GeorgeBailey, helps others to have a wonderful life.We have used our resources to ensure thatpeople do not end up in Potter’s Field.

Although George Bailey developed a lossof hearing when he saved his brother fromdrowning, he still listens to what othersneed. Community Options listens topeople with disabilities. CommunityOptions listens to their families. We ask

what they want and make every attemptto meet their needs. George Bailey wasthe quintessential family man. He and hiswife Mary (played by Donna Reed) hadfour loving children. He cared aboutothers and was respected by all who knewhim. We do not purport to have met thisHollywood ideal, but we try to come asclose as possible.

George Bailey sacrificed his dreams of worldtravel in order to ensure that the BaileyBrothers Building and Loan could act as acatalyst for the people of Bedford Falls, sothat the people he cared about could livein a warm community within their ownhomes. In the last 15 years, CommunityOptions’ staff have willingly sacrificed theirtime and contributed their expertise toensure that persons with disabilities can livein a community with family and friends.This annual report documents ourdedication to the people we support. Weknow that we will continue to help othershave a wonderful life.

Warmest Regards,

Robert StackPresident & CEO

Robert Stack President & CEO

Community Options

One of the ingredients that is critical to Community Options’

success in improving the lives of people with disabilities is the

Community Options Business Advisory Council (COBAC).

COBAC is an integral part of the organization’s employment

and business strategy. The councils have several key functions:

to advise local Community Options’ executive directors on

important issues; to help organize and execute fundraising

activities; and to establish and maintain corporate and civic

ties in the towns where Community Options operates

programs. COBAC members often introduce Community

Options’ employment specialists to potential employers.

Council membership is composed of civic leaders providing

expertise, identifying vendors, analyzing local labor markets,

locating job opportunities, and developing business plan

development for microenterprises.

Business Advisory Council

COBAC

In It’s a Wonderful Life, there is a run on the bank.

Bank customers want to withdraw all of their money.

There is a lack of faith in the solvency of the

Bailey Brothers Building and Loan. George and Mary

Bailey collateralize the withdrawals because they

know it’s best for the Bedford Falls community. They

understand civic responsibility and stewardship.

Community Options remains true to its mission even

while fundraising. Events are designed to foster

community involvement. Special events include

auctions, golf tournaments, dedicated tickets to

professional hockey games and testimonial dinners

that recognize community leaders who support our

goals. A variety of fundraising ventures across the

country encourage community members to become

part of the life of Community Options, and more

importantly, to become part of the lives of people

with disabilities.

Special Events

Examples ofResidential Homes

Offered byCommunityOptions.

In the movie It’s A Wonderful Life, George and Mary Bailey forego theirhoneymoon to save Bailey Brothers Building and Loan. They realize thatwithout the building and loan, people in need of independent housingwill become dependent on renting sub-standard houses in Potter’s Field.Their commitment is so strong that when the bank patrons ask forwithdrawals, Mary backs the withdrawals with the couple’s life savings.This leap of faith keeps the business solvent.

Community Options understands and identifies with suchcommitments. We have staked our capital and our reputation onfinancing housing for people with disabilities. We buy, build, renovateand furnish the kind of homes that we want for our own families. Wedo not believe that people with disabilities and their families wouldever choose life in an institution if they had a real alternative. We

want to offer that alternative – a real Community Option. Nationalstatistics indicate that over 50,000 people with disabilities live ininstitutions and over 500,000 people living with their families are onwaiting lists for housing.

The Community Options’ philosophy is founded on choice. Familiesand individuals who select our services join our staff as part of a teamto develop a residential plan based on the preferences of the individualin need of supports. Decisions about the size and location of a houseor apartment, whether to live with a roommate, the color of roomsand style of furniture are all important for individuals with disabilitiesto make with the support of their friends and family. CommunityOptions currently manages over 135 residences nationwide. Themajority of our homes accommodate four persons or less. Staffingplans are developed based on individual need and range fromone-to-one, 24 hours per day support to less than 4 hours per week forpeople receiving independent living services.

Residential Support

The Community Options’

philosophy is founded on

choice. Families and

individuals who select our

services join our staff as

part of a team to develop

a residential plan based

on the preferences

of the individual in

need of supports.

“I want to live again.”(George Bailey, after the revelation that his work and lifehad impacted so many people both personally andprofessionally.)

Every person affects others through their work. It can beas simple as saying hello to someone who enters theWal-Mart, or as complicated as designing greeting cards.Community Options believes that every person who wantsto work can and should work. Community Options rejectsthe view that a disability means the person has to acceptunemployment or a below-minimum wage job. CommunityOptions rejects the view that a disability means the personmust work in a sheltered workshop or a segregated workplace. Currently in the United States, one in three adultswith a disability lives in poverty and more than 65 percentare unemployed. Community Options has made it a priorityto create new opportunities for economic empowerment.

Community Options employment services are designed tomeet the goals and skills of each person who wants to work.The employment staff meet with the individuals and theirfamilies to discuss job specifics. This includes theindividual’s job interests, the hours per week a person isable to work, and the preferred location.

Community Options finds real work for real pay. CommunityOptions successfully places people with severe disabilities in realjobs at, or above, minimum wage. To date, Community Optionshas placed over 500 people with disabilities in jobs.

Employment

Option Quest

During the climax of the movie, Mary Bailey observesGeorge’s erratic behavior and realizes that he is in needof significant support. She calls all of her friends andfamily in the community. The response is tremendous.Most of the town of Bedford Falls rallies around Georgewith financial and spiritual support. They celebratewith George as he returns to continue his wonderfullife.

Option Quest is a community-based alternative to traditionalday programs. People with disabilities learn about recreationaland cultural resources in their communities and, in many cases,

experience the rewards of giving back to the community throughvolunteer work. Option Quest staff help participants sampleactivities and decide how they can fill their days with meaningfulendeavors. Current Option Quest program examples arevolunteering for “Meals On Wheels,” going to the local library,assisting staff at child care centers, participating in synagogues,temples and churches, advocating with environmental andcommunity action groups, enrolling in community classes, andengaging in physical fitness routines at parks, health clubs andcommunity centers.

Non-Traditional Supports

When Frank Capra directed It’s a Wonderful Life, he emphasizedsignificant tenets of family and American values: naturalsupports; the importance of friends; family; patriotism;determination; leadership; sacrifice; and diversity.

As the angel Clarence demonstrates, life in Bedford Falls wouldbe very different had George Bailey never lived. Uncle Billy wouldhave been institutionalized, Mary would remain a spinster, andGeorge’s brother would have drowned as a young boy and neverlived to be the pilot who saved the lives of hundreds of sailors;the quality homes of Bailey Park would never have been builtand the proud owners would have remained renters in Potter’sField. George Bailey used his talents to augment the quality oflife for his family and his community. He used different methodsto support Uncle Billy, his brother, his daughter ZuZu, thepharmacist, and the immigrant families. At Community Options,we use our talents and our creativity to provide dignified supportto people with disabilities.

Real Life ChoicesReal Life Choices provides assistance to families caring for members with developmentaldisabilities at home, allowing families to remain together for as long as possible andempowering individuals and families to make decisions about their specific needs. Theprogram is designed to provide persons with disabilities and their families with greaterflexibility in identifying the services they need and want. Real Life Choices focuses onsupporting individuals living at home, providing such assistance as in-home respite,socialization and habilitation, individual supports, and job coaching, while ensuringthat additional services, including residential, are available if needed.

Traumatic Brain Injury | Life Skills ProgramThe intent of the Life Skills Program is to assess needs and provide training and assistancethrough the development and implementation of an Outcome Service Plan for the personwith the traumatic brain injury. Examples of life skills from education on nutritionalprinciples, to access to public transportation, or using a memory coach are used to reachmaximum levels of independence.

Community Options Enterprises

Community Options Enterprises, Inc.was established to develop and operateentrepreneurial businesses. Thesebusinesses enhance job training andemployment opportunities for peoplewith disabilities. Community OptionsEnterprises develops businesses thatsuccessfully integrate people withdisabilities into the workforce. Businessesinclude concierge service businesses(personal services), mailing businesses,full-service copy centers, errandbusinesses, shared office conferencefacilities and a flower shop.

Located in New Brunswick, New Jersey,Vaseful is a unique floral business thatprovides employment for people withdisabilities in an integrated setting.Vaseful is designed to serve walk-in andphone customers (1-877-VASEFUL)nationally with on-line shopping(www.vaseful.com).

Community Options manages twoshared office facilities in New Jersey, onein Morristown and one in Princeton.The Daily Plan Its (DPI), are professionalworking environments and copy centersthat offer all of the amenities availablein a traditional office environment to self-employed and small business operators.Staff includes people with and withoutdisabilities. The DPIs provide a cost-effective infrastructure and support.Business persons realize savings utilizingthe DPIs state-of-the-art equipment,office/conference space and mailing andshipping services. Receptionists andother office support personnel areprovided.

The Community Options IncubationNetwork (COINet) is a first-of-its-kindtechnology-orientated small businessincubation system based in both

Morristown and Princeton, New Jersey.The common denominator for all newfirms supported through this program isthe development of new products,processes, and services targeted to thedisability market. COINet offers officespace at below market rates, and providesspecialized support services includingbusiness planning assistance, professional

development activities, customizedtechnology solutions, and linkages tofinancial assistance and strategicpartnerships. Committed to long-termbusiness development and job creation tobenefit persons with disabilities, COINet’smanagement team and Advisory Boardprovide a foundation of expertise tomaximize the probability of success foryoung businesses. BRADesigns, a typicalCOINet start-up, is a greeting cardcompany created by Brad Goldman, whohas quadriplegia. He uses an advancedhead pointer system to paint originalartwork. His creations are now sold on-line, at events and at retail shows.

“The Community Options’Technology Business Incubator

is the recipient of public andprivate support, but…society is

the true beneficiary.”

Janice Hertz,Director of the Microsoft’s

Accessibility Technology Group.

www.vaseful.com

Training is an essential part of maintaining and improving thequality of Community Options’ services. As training needsare identified the Community Options’ training team developsappropriate instructional curricula and training modules. Theteam works with the regional vice-presidents and local executivedirectors to review and schedule training.

All staff receive training that includes general orientation,management, fiscal applications, behavioral supports, crisismanagement, adaptive technology, and wheelchair etiquette.Specialized training, provided to address the needs ofindividuals, includes seizure management, lifting and transfer,nutritional and dietary needs, sign language, blood pressuremonitoring and wheelchair maintenance. Training is mandatedto employment staff relative to sound job matching anddevelopment. Specific training required by local fundingsources addresses medication administration, first aid,CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), developmentaldisabilities overview and prevention of abuse and neglect.

Quality Assurance & Training

Training is anessential part ofmaintaining and

improvingthe quality of

Community Options’services.

James Conroy, Ph.D., James Conroy, Ph.D., James Conroy, Ph.D., James Conroy, Ph.D., James Conroy, Ph.D., Founder and President of the Center for

Outcome Analysis in Pennsylvania, under contract with the State of

New Jersey, conducted an evaluation of 172 people with disabilities

who left New Jersey’s Johnstone Training and Research Center

during the last decade. The data indicated that the people served

by Community Options had more significant disabilities, and

scored higher on quality of life measures including physical home

environment, integration, independence, earnings, friendships, and

opportunities to make choices, than individuals served by other

provider agencies.EV

ALU

ATIO

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George Bailey played by Jimmy Stewart findshimself on a bridge. He has been told by Mr.Potter that he was worth more dead than alive.He is on the brink of despair, on a bridge withone wish that he had never lived at all. Hecontemplates jumping off the bridge. Fromnowhere Clarence Odbody, Angel Second Classjumps off a bridge knowing George will save him.As the two recuperate in the boathouse Clarencetells George that he is his guardian angel.Skeptical, George asks, “Oh yeah, where are yourwings?” Clarence retorts, “I haven’t got any. Istill have to earn them.”

Our own guardian angel, Dr. Clarence York gothis wings a long time ago. As the Chairman ofThe York Foundation, he has been our guardianangel and a trustee of Community Options, Inc.for the last 10 years. Just as George Bailey waslead by Clarence through his journey to self-knowledge, Dr. York advises CommunityOptions on methods for development andprogram integrity drawing on his own strongvalues and years of experience. He identifiesrelevant venues for Community Options to enterand monitors growth and progress as it affectsindividual lives.

The York Foundation

“Flowers...are a proud assertion that a ray of beautyoutvalues all utilities of the world.” Ralph Waldo Emerson (Gifts, 1844)

The York Foundation will establish a substantial endowment by 2010.Funds generated by The Foundation will assist Community Options in accomplishing three key future goals:

“People with disabilites are our proud assertion that their beautyoutvalues traditional utilities of the world.” Dr. Clarence York (New York, 2004)

Enhance staff training and support

Augment staffing levels and capabilities

Expand program services

Consulting Services

Community Options of fers a widerange of consulting services to bothnon-profit and for-profit corporations.Community Options has a proven trackrecord of working with organizations inneed o f management and otherconsultation services.

Our internationally based professional teamconducts comprehensive assessments oforganizations in need of assistance and developsa strategic plan on how best to meetorganizational goals and achieve financialstability. Community Options contracts directlywith state, local and private organizations to helpameliorate structural support of identifiedcorporations. Additionally, CommunityOptions contracts with relevant consultantsbased on customer needs.

Some of the services Community Optionshave provided to other non-profit andfor-profit business corporations include:

Training: Community Options develops and implements custom-designed training programs for all levels of staff, including boardmembers, executive management, and front-line staff. Trainingscan include, but are not limited to: positive approaches tobehavior management; individualized person-centered planwriting; quality assurance plan development andimplementation; supervisory training; and train the trainerprograms that enable the organization to continue best practicesafter the consultation period is complete.

Board Development: As a nationally based organization,Community Options has ties to volunteers throughout theUnited States and will assist organizations in recruiting thehighest quality board members best suited to steer theorganization for future development. Community Options’ teamof consultants provide expert advice on recruiting members forsmaller, community-based Advisory Councils assisting non-profitorganizations in accomplishing their mission at a grass-roots level.

Fiscal Management: The financial team at Community Optionshas access to sophisticated technology and control systems toassist struggling non-profit organizations with upcoming audits;management letters; and financial training for members of anorganization’s fiscal department. The team provides trainingand assistance in complex legal and financial processes, such asrestructuring loans and the procurement of both commercialand residential facilities. Community Options also is availableto act as a fiduciary intermediary if required.

Personnel Development: Community Options’ experiencedHuman Resources staff is available to assist non-profits with thedevelopment and review of personnel policy and proceduremanuals to ensure that current legal requirements are upheldand meet the most recent legal standards. The Personnel Teamalso assists with recruitment strategies; insurance claims; adviseson litigation issues and Worker’s Compensation claims; safetyin the work environment; compensation recommendations;union issues; and employee meetings including evaluationmethodologies for positive outcomes.

“Community Options did anexcellent job in assisting our office

in turning around a non-profit withsevere fiscal and systems issues. They

were professional, courteous andresponded quickly to our needs. Iwould strongly recommend their

management team to anygovernment agency who needs to

revamp orrectify issues with a non-profitthey are under contract with.”

Brian J. Dion, M.P.A.State of Tennessee

Director of Residential Supportsand Provider Development

Department of Finance and AdministrationDivision of Mental Retardation Services

Andrew Jackson Building, 15th Floor500 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243

Staffing Services: Community Options’ national team ofhighly specialized employment specialists provide assistance forboth non-profit and for-profit agencies in recruiting and trainingdedicated and skilled staff members. Employment staff willwork with each organization to identify staffing needs andmatch individuals receiving services with jobs that meet theircareer goals and personal preferences. Employment specialistswill provide on-site training services for newly hired individualsto ensure that both employee and employer are satisfied withthe match and to guarantee that job responsibilities are fulfilled.Community Options’ Executive Search Team is available toassist contracting agencies in recruiting, screening and hiringexecutive staff members capable of managing organizations ofany size.

Community Options also provides consulting services forentrepreneurial ventures and smaller start-up businesses. Inaddition to the aforementioned services, Business Developmentstaff can assist with the following:

Business Plan Development: Community Options has astrong history of developing successful , innovativeentrepreneurial ventures specializing in businesses developedto provide services for or by individuals with disabilities. Ourcreative team wil l assist customers in business plandevelopment; grant writing; obtaining bank loans; marketingstrategies; and conducting feasibility studies.

Creative Services: Community Options’ Creative ServicesDepartment assists organizations with their branding andmarketing materials. The expert design staff develops eye-catching, effective marketing materials to ensure that clientsstand out among their competition. Utilizing the most state-of-the-art design and printing technology, the design team isalways prepared to create the perfect logo, brochure, letterhead,newsletter, or other marketing collaterals for your organization.Additionally, Community Options’ Creative Ser vicesDepartment operates a fully staffed copy and mailing centerwhere professionals proficiently assemble packets, informationalmaterials, and booklets, and perform direct mailings.

COMMUNITY OPTIONS, INC. & AFFILIATESCOMBINED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2005

Grants and contracts 21,826,649

Program Service fees 18,234,769

Room and board 731,743

Contribution 414,595

Special events 155,843

Interest Income 35,135

Gain on sale of property 144,326

Other Income 866,446

Total revenue and support 42,409,506

Expenses

Program services 35,408,403

Management and general 5,562,238

Total expenses 40,970,641

Change in net assets 1,438,865

Net assets, beginning of year 12,032,732

Net assets, end of year 13,471,597

*These Combined Financial Statements represent Community Options, Inc. andaffiliates. Please contact Community Options or the auditing firm of M.D.

Oppenheim & Company, P.C. for more detailed financial statements.

Financial Summary – FY 2005

$42,409,506REVENUE

$40,970,641EXPENDITURES

Program Service Fees$18,234,769

Fundraising/Other$2,348,088

Federal Grants$255,123

State & County Funds$21,571,526

Employment Services$8,456,625

Depreciation & Other$1,550,325

Administration$4,011,913

Residential Services$26,951,778

National Board of Trustees

From left to right: Marge Brown, Philadelphia, PA, Trustee; Dr. Clarence York,New York, NY, Trustee; Corey Hribar , Hamilton, NJ, Secretary; Derek Wright ,Pittsburgh, PA, Trustee; Thomas Burdick, Morristown, NJ, Trustee; Robert Stack,Princeton, NJ, President/CEO; Peter Dulligan , Cresskill, NJ, Trustee; Frank Zak,Cleveland, OH, Treasurer; Timothy Dunigan, Hershey, PA, Chairman. Not featured inphoto, Timothy Carden, Montclair, NJ.

All local offices are supported by our centralized national team that has expertise in administration;financial management; human resources; insurance; technology; quality assurance; and training.

National Team

Management Team

Robert Stack is the founder ofCommunity Options and thePresident and Chief ExecutiveOfficer. He has an MBA and over20 years of experience in the field.This includes internationaldevelopment, as well as managingNew Jersey developmental centerswith over 8,000 staff and a $300million budget. He was aconsultant for vocationalprograms for persons withtraumatic brain injury atMt. Sinai Hospital in New Yorkand previously was the executivedirector of United Cerebral Palsyof New Jersey.

Karen Hensley, Regional VicePresident for Tennessee,Wisconsin and Pennsylvania,holds a Master’s degree inTherapeutic Recreation. She hasover 15 years of experience innon-profit managementsupporting persons withdisabilities. Previously, she wasthe Chief Operating Officer forEaster Seals of Tennessee. Shehas rapidly developed innovativeprograms throughout herregions.

Mario Saenz, Regional VicePresident for Texas and NewMexico, has a Master’s degree inEducation and Counseling withover 25 years of experience innon-profit management anddevelopment for persons withdisabilities. Mario joinedCommunity Options as theexecutive director of El Paso andwas previously employed bythe Texas Mental RetardationAuthority as a Services ProgramAdministrator.

Corey Hribar, Secretary andExecutive Director of CommunityOptions Enterprises, received herBA from American Universitywith a double major inInternational Relations, Businessand Economics. She has beenpromoted several times within theorganization. Her last positionwas Director of Operations. Shehas extensive experience with theCommission on Accreditation ofRehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

Lisa Smith, Director of Trainingand Quality Assurance, has aBA from Stockton College.She began her career withCommunity Options 10 years agoworking directly with persons inresidential services. She iscurrently responsible foroverseeing the development andimplementation of the trainingand quality assurance procedures.

Richard Zuckerman, RegionalVice President for New York,has a Master’s degree inRehabilitation Counseling fromNYU and a BA in Psychology. Hehas over 25 years of experience innon-profit management forpersons with disabilities andextensive experience in traumaticbrain injury, residential andin-home supports. He previouslyworked with the New York StateAssociation for Retarded Citizensand brings a wealth of knowledgeto this position.

Svet Repic-Qira, Regional VicePresident for New Jersey, has an MAin Psychology, a BA from theUniversity of Connecticut and is alsoa licensed Professional Counselor.Svet was an executive director forNorth Jersey Community Optionsfor three years prior to her currentappointment. Svet also movedthrough the ranks in CommunityOptions as community support andadministrative coordinator . Shebegan her career at CommunityOptions in 1998 as an assistantmanager in residential services.

Leeana G. Cruz, ExecutiveAssistant to the President,received her BA from SetonHall University in SouthOrange, NJ in August 2004.Leeana graduated in only 3years with a concentration inCommunication, includingpublic relations, film,television, advertising andm a r k e t i n g . L e e a n a h a sextensive experience supportingpeople with disabilities, as shepreviously worked in the legalfield for 3 years assistinginjured workers.

Selwyn Davidson, Directorof Technology, attendedKean University and is a MicrosoftCertified Professional. Selwynis responsible for oversight ofthe information and technologydepartment. This includesst ate -of - the-ar t , high-speednetwork maintenance andtelecommunications management.

Belgica Cedeno, Controller,has a BS in accounting. Shehas over 20 years of experience innon-profit account management.She manages financial operationsnationally, and oversees allfacilities and corporations fundedby the United States Housing andUrban Development Department;USAID and other federal grants.

William Simon, FinancialDirector, has a degree in AppliedScience. He has over 25 yearsof experience in non-profitaccounting. Bill oversees allaspects of fixed asset financing.He also is responsible for theprocurement and maintenanceof equipment, transportationmanagement and works withthe local executive directorsto purchase residential andcommercial facilities.

Bright Rajaratnam, ChiefFinancial Officer, has an MBAfrom Rutgers Universityand a Certified ManagementAccountant degree from theUnited Kingdom’s Instituteof Cost and ManagementAccounting. He has over 15 yearsof experience in non-profitaccounting. He was a CFO for alocally based New Jerseynon-profit supporting personswith disabilities before comingto Community Options.

Denise Anderson, MedicalServices Coordinator, is aregistered nurse and hasa Bachelor of Science fromRutgers University in New Jersey.She has over 15 years experienceworking in the medicalprofession. Prior to working forCommunity Options, Deniseworked for the New JerseyDepartment of Human Services,Division of Youth and FamilyServices and the MorristownMemorial Hospital. Denisebegan medical oversight forpersons with disabilities atCommunity Options in 2003.

Management Team

Jerneau Sullivan, Director ofHuman Resources, attendedSeton Hall University and is anactive member of the Society forHuman Resources Management.She has over 9 years of experiencein the human resources field. Herlast position was that of a HumanResources Regional Manager withMidlantic/PNC Bank. She beganher tenure with CommunityOptions 7 years ago and since thenhas received several promotionswithin the organization.

Jessica Conte, Real Life ChoicesCoordinator, has been workingdirectly with persons withdisabilities for the past sevenyears, first as a job coach and,eventually, as a Real Life ChoicesCoordinator. Real Life Choicesprovides assistance to familiescaring for members withdevelopmental disabilities athome so they can remaintogether for as long as possible.Jessica is responsible for theupstart and expansion of theReal Life Choices program atCommunity Options.

Wendy J. Conte, Director ofDevelopment, received her BAand MA in English from TheCollege of New Jersey. Comingto Community Options with astrong background in writingand teaching writing, Wendy isresponsible for identifying andcultivating private and publicfunding sources fromindividuals, foundations, andcorporations, as well as local,county, state, and federalinitiatives.

Executive DirectorsNew JerseySherron Armstrong, Somerset/Middlesex/Essex, holds a Bachelor of Science Degree witha Minor in Sociology from Jersey City StateCollege.She has several years of experienceworking with individuals of diverse socialenvironments including adults withdevelopmental disabilities.

Michelle Boggan, Burlington County, has aBS in Psychology from Florida A&MUniversity. She has been working in theHuman Services field since 1996. Her mostrecent position was as Program Coordinatorof Transitional Residential Services forCatholic Charities Behavioral Healthcare.

Diane D’Orazio, Mercer/Ocean/Atlantic/Monmouth Counties, holds a BA inPsychology from Montclair State University.She has been working with people withdisabilities for over 18 years, beginning asManager of a Residential Parenting Program,which is a supervised apartment programfor people with disabilities who havechildren. She has worked with CommunityOptions previously as Executive Directorfor North Jersey and Executive Director forMonmouth, Ocean and Atlantic Counties.She brings with her a strong background inleadership and innovative programdevelopment as well as extensive knowledgein the disabilities field.

Jessica Guberman, Ph.D, Passaic/Bergen/Morris/Sussex/Warren Counties, has aDoctoral Degree in Psychology from MadisonUniversity and 10 years of experience withinnon-profit grant writing, and strategicplanning. She has experience with diversepopulations that include substance abuse,mental health, domestic violence, sexual abuse,and developmental disabilities.

New YorkReginald Shell, Brooklyn, has a BS inAccounting and a Master’s degree inGovernmental Administration from the Uni-versity of Pennsylvania. He has held financialand managerial positions in private andgovernmental organizations. He served as theAssistant Director for AdministrativeOperations for the NJ Division ofDevelopmental Disabilities before joiningCommunity Options in 1997.

TexasChandy Emery, Amarillo, has over ten yearsof management and training experience in thefield of developmental disabities. She hasoversite of all operational aspects of theresidential homes in Amarillo as well as theemployment placement and training programs.

Amy P. White, Austin, has a Bachelor of Artsdegree in Sociology from Texas State University,and has spent many years working in a locally basednon-profit organization in Austin assisting peoplewith developmental disabilities. She has a strongbackground in program design, growth, anddevelopment and has dedicated herself toadvocating for the legal rights of persons withdevelopmental disabilities.

Jamar Stanton, Dallas, graduated fromStephen F. Austin State University with adouble major in social work and sociology.He has been in the Mental Retardation/Mental Health field for over 17 years. Jamarbegan his dedication to the field as a volunteerin high school, moved into servicecoordination and case management.

Linda C. Ponce, San Antonio, has a B.A degreeat the University of Incarnate Word, majoringin Child Psychology and Human Relations.Linda brings 23 years of experience in workingwith people with various needs and disabilities.Linda has extensive knowledge in working withAt-Risk-Youth, Mental Health, MentalRetardation, Job Training and Placement, andMental Retardation Authority Functions. Herpassion is fueled by empowering people toachieve their maximum independence andadvocating for rights of people with disabilities.

WisconsinAJ Jelks, Oconomowoc, has a BS in Sociologywith a minor in Communication and EthicsStudies from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. She has a Master of Science inHuman Services from Springfield College. Shebegan her career with Community Optionsover six years ago as a Residential Manager.She has been working in the social servicesfield for over 13 years.

TennesseeGarth Platt, Chattanooga, has a BS inBusiness Administration from WheatonUniversity. He has spent the past six years workingwith people with disabilities. Garth started workingwith Community Options in 1998 as the Directorof Residential Services in Bucks County,Pennsylvania and has been promoted within theorganization numerous times.

Debra Ball, Cookeville, holds a Bachelor ofScience degree in Home and Family Servicesfrom Free Hardeman College. Ms. Ball hasover 16 years of experience working withpeople with disabilities. Debra has served asan Independent Service Coordinator UnitLiaison & Team Leader for Building GreaterCommunities and more recently as an IntakeCoordinator for the Middle TennesseeRegional Office with the State of Tennessee’sDivision of Mental Retardation Services.

New MexicoGary Marsjanik, New Mexico, has aBachelor’s degree in Social Science and aMaster’s degree in OrganizationalManagement from the University of Phoenix.He brings extensive experience in programdevelopment, fund raising, grant writing andhas held managerial positions with privateorganizations in New Jersey and New Mexico.He is a member of the Association ofBehavioral Health Administrators, theAssociation of Developmental DisabilitiesCommunity Providers.

Renee M. Spear , Southern Tier, NYSgraduated from S.U.N.Y. Cortland with aMasters degree in Adaptive PhysicalEducation. Renee has over 17 yearsexperience working in mangement positionsfor persons with disabilities. She has workedas the director of habilitation services for anagency in the Southern Tier. She brings awealth of experience and creativity toCommunity Options.

Natalie Bogdanowicz, Syracuse, has aBachelor of Science in psychology fromSyracuse University. Natalie has spent the lasttwenty years in the management andsupervision of residential programssupporting persons with developmentaldisabilities. In her current position, she alsomanages programs and supports for personswith traumatic brain injury.

PennsylvaniaBridget Haney, Pittsburgh, has a BS inPsychology and a dual Master’s degree inRehabilitation Counseling and VocationalEvaluation from West Virginia University.She has over 20 years of experiencesupporting people with disabilities, bothresidentially and vocationally. She was hiredas the first Executive Director of BucksCounty, Pennsylvania in 1994, and assistedin the establishment of the Pittsburgh office.Bridget has worked with Community Optionsfor over 10 years.

Mark J. Haumesser, Bucks County, has a BAfrom the University of Central Florida andan MBA in Business Administration fromTampa College. He has worked in the humanservices field for the past 16 years with thelast 14 years in management supportingindividuals with disabilities. Mark brings withhim extensive knowledge of program structureand development.

Hollie Campbell, Nashville, has a Bachelor’sdegree in Psychology from Middle Tennessee StateUniversity. Hollie will be overseeing the operationof our supported living program and ouremployment programs in the Nashville area.Hollie previously served as the Transition andIntake Director for the State of Tennessee in theDivision of Mental Retardation Services.

NATIONAL OFFICE16 Farber RoadPrinceton, NJ 08540Office: 609-951-9900Fax: 609-951-9112

NEW JERSEY

Burlington County1289 Rt. 38, Suite 101Tiffany SquareHainesport, NJ 08036Office: 609-265-7749Fax: 609-265-9637

Mercer County707 Alexander RoadBldg. 2, Suite 208Princeton, NJ 08540Office: 609-419-4418Fax: 609-514-0486Daily Plan ItOffice: 609-514-9494Fax: 609-243-0045

MorristownDaily Plan It150-152 Speedwell Avenue PMB#2Morristown, NJ 07960Phone: 973-971-0082Fax: 973-971-0083

Ocean/Atlantic/Monmouth Counties202 North Main StreetForked River, NJ 08731Office: 609-693-1700Fax: 609-693-6222

Northern New Jersey41 William StreetWayne, NJ 07470Office: 973-872-7111Fax: 973-872-7121

Somerset/Essex/Middlesex CountiesMountain View Plaza856 Route 206 SouthBldg. B, 2nd FloorHillsborough, NJ 08844Office: 908-359-6897Fax: 908-359-8814

NEW MEXICO

Albuquerque4401 Lomas, NEAlbuquerque, NM 87110Office: 505-265-7936Fax: 505-265-9685

NEW YORK

Brooklyn161-65 Woodruff AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11226Office: 718-940-8600Fax: 718-940-8377

Homer1-3 S. Main StreetHomer NY 13077.Office: 607-749-2971Fax: 607-749-2984.

Middletown90 North Street, Suite 207Middletown, NY 10940Office: 845-343-5286Fax: 845-343-5287

New York City45 John Street, Suite 210New York, NY 10038Office: 212-227-9110Fax: 212-227-9115

Southern Tier182-184 State StreetBinghamton, NY 13901Office: 607-722-5971Fax: 607-722-9065

Syracuse216 W. Manlius StreetEast Syracuse, NY 13057Office: 315-431-9859Fax: 315-431-0764

PENNSYLVANIA

Bucks County670 Louis DriveWarminster, PA 18974Office: 215-956-0853Fax: 215-956-0857

Pittsburgh900 Sarah Street, Suite 205Pittsburgh, PA 15203Office: 412-431-7079Fax: 412-488-6247

TENNESSEE

Chattanooga2115 Chapman Rd., Suite 125Chattanooga, TN 37421Office: 423-892-0022Fax: 423-892-7910

Cookeville1027 Nottingham DriveCookeville, TN 38506Office: 931.372.0955Fax: 931.372.0052

Nashville2815 Patriot WayNashville, TN 37214Office: 615-885-1099Fax: 615-885-1060

TEXAS

Amarillo801 S. FilmoreSuite 230Amarillo, TX 79101Office: 806-379-6901Fax: 806-379-6975

Austin6705 Hwy 290 WestSuite 502, #249Austin, TX 78735Office: 512-844-2956Fax: 512-301-4704

Dallas4004 Beltline Road, Suite 155Addison, TX 75001Office: 972-503-3901Fax: 972-503-3898

El Paso5959 Gateway West, Suite 460El Paso, TX 79925Office: 915-771-7764Fax: 915-771-8018

San Antonio1405 N Main Avenue, Suite 237San Antonio, Tx 78212Office: 210-212-4969Fax: 210-212-4966

WISCONSIN

Milwaukee458 West 5th StreetOconomowoc, WI 53066Office: 262-567-3367Fax: 262-567-3396

Locations

What would have happened?If George Bailey never lived, Bedford Falls would be Potter’s Field. If Community Options never existed…

“Our American society would be much further away from the goal of delivering on the promise ofeconomic self-sufficiency and personal freedom for persons with mental retardation.”Madeleine Will, Washington, D.C.

“Our daughter would still be at our house because no agency could find a place suitable for herneeds. Until we found Community Options, no other place was able to meet the requirements wemandated for our daughter’s care.”Dee and Denise Joiner, parents of Danielle, Amarillo, Texas.

“My child would be in a home doing nothing, or in a center-based program.”Betty Brewer, mother of Josh, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

“My child would be unloved except for our family, and very, very unhappy.”Barbara Burns, mother of Dawn, Burlington County, New Jersey.

“My daughter would still be living in a nursing home and getting poor care.”Dottie Bartolino, mother of Nicole, Ocean County, New Jersey.

“Our child would never have or have had the opportunity to experience the same quality of life asother young men his age.”Brenda Carpenter, mother of Brent, Dallas, Texas.

“My brother would still be in Mayview.”Kathleen Roy, sister of Dan, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

“My child would not receive the nurturing to become the person he is today, sharing with hispeers and living in his community.”Liller Griffin, mother of Kenneth, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.

“My daughter would not be challenged to live a more independent and happy life.”Eleanor Esposito, mother of Caren, Brooklyn, New York.

“Our daughter would not have a huge family of support to help her build a life of her own basedon her choices, filled with many new possibilities.”Gayle Lee, mother of Lyrica, Nashville, Tennessee.

“Our sister would be very bored. Thank you Community Options for all you’ve done.”Concepcion Rainville, sister of Josepha, El Paso,Texas.

Community Options will:• continue to work with families to ensure

that their loved one is given the relevant systems of support.

• work with government leaders to ensure that legislative and regulatoryinitiatives positively impact on the lives of persons with disabilities.

• advocate for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in local communities.

• continue to facilitate home ownership for persons with disabilities.

• strive for excellence to ensure people with disabilities have jobs in the private sector.

• negotiate with the business community to assist persons with disabilities todevelop entrepreneurial businesses.

• work in tandem with USAID to develop supports for persons with disabilities inEgypt, Lebanon, and Nicaragua.

• continue to advocate for the closure of all institutions warehousing persons withdevelopmental disabilities.

• advocate for the elimination of any restraint or intrusive adverse behaviortreatment for persons with disabilities.

• strive to ensure people with disabilities have a wonderful life.

The Future

Creative Services, a subsidiary of Community Options Enterprises,designed & produced this report employing persons with disabilities.

Creative Services707 Alexander Road, Princeton, NJ 08540

T 609.419.4407 F 609.243.0045

For more information please visit us at

www.comop.orgwww.comop.orgwww.comop.orgwww.comop.orgwww.comop.org

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