“It’s aWonderful

Life”

“It’s aWonderful

Life”

Biennial Report 2004-2006

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 disabilitiesPeople with disabilitiesPeople with disabilitiesPeople with disabilitiesPeople with disabilities can have a wonderful life. can have a wonderful life. can have a wonderful life. can have a wonderful life. can have a wonderful life.

A Message from

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 sent tohelp George understand the profoundeffect his life had on those around him.After George Bailey experienced what thetown of Bedford Falls would have been likehad he never been born, he decided thathe wanted to live again. Near the end ofthe 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 wonderfullife. We have used our resources to ensurethat people 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 askwhat they want and make every attempt to

meet their needs. George Bailey was thequintessential 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 ofworld travel in order to ensure that theBailey Brothers Building and Loan could actas a catalyst for the people of Bedford Falls,so that the people he cared about couldlive in 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 canlive in a community with family andfriends. This biennial report documentsour dedication to the people we support.We know that we will continue to helpothers have a wonderful life.

Warmest Regards,

Robert StackPresident & CEO

Robert Stack President & CEO

Dear Friends of Community Options:

the President

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.

(COBAC)

Business Advisory Council

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 of Residential Homes Offered by Community Options.

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 andindividuals who select our

services join our staff as partof a team to develop aresidential plan based

on the preferencesof the individual in

need of supports.

“I want to live again.” (George Bailey, after therevelation that his work and life had impacted somany people both personally and professionally.)

Every person affects others through their work. Itcan be as simple as saying hello to someone whoenters the Wal-Mart, or as complicated as designinggreeting cards. Community Options believes thatevery person who wants to work can and shouldwork. Community Options rejects the view that adisability means the person has to acceptunemployment or a below-minimum wage job.Community Options rejects the view that adisability means the person must work in asheltered workshop or a segregated work place.Currently in the United States, one in three adultswith a disability lives in poverty and more than 65percent are unemployed. Community Options hasmade it a priority to create new opportunities foreconomic empowerment.

Community Options employment services aredesigned to meet the goals and skills of each personwho wants to work. The employment staff meetwith the individuals and their families to discussjob specifics. This includes the individual’s jobinterests, the hours per week a person is able towork, and the preferred location.

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

Employment

Option QuestDuring the climax of the movie, Mary Bailey observes George’s erraticbehavior and realizes that he is in need of significant support. Shecalls all of her friends and family in the community. The response istremendous. Most of the town of Bedford Falls rallies around Georgewith financial and spiritual support. They celebrate with George ashe returns to continue his wonderful life.

Option Quest is a community-based alternative to traditional dayprograms. People with disabilities learn about recreational andcultural resources in their communities and, in many cases,

experience the rewards of giving back to the community throughvolunteer work. Option Quest staff help participants sample activitiesand decide how they can fill their days with meaningful endeavors.Current Option Quest program examples are volunteering for “MealsOn Wheels,” going to the local library, assisting staff at child carecenters, participating in synagogues, temples and churches,advocating with environmental and community action groups,enrolling in community classes, and engaging in physical fitnessroutines at parks, health clubs and community centers.

Non-traditional

When Frank Capra directed It’s a Wonderful Life, heemphasized significant tenets of family and Americanvalues: natural supports; the importance of friends;family; patriotism; determination; leadership; sacrifice;and diversity.

As the angel Clarence demonstrates, life in Bedford Fallswould be very different had George Bailey never lived.Uncle Billy would have been institutionalized, Mary wouldremain a spinster, and George’s brother would havedrowned as a young boy and never lived to be the pilotwho saved the lives of hundreds of sailors; the qualityhomes of Bailey Park would never have been built and theproud owners would have remained renters in Potter’sField. George Bailey used his talents to augment the qualityof life for his family and his community. He used differentmethods to support Uncle Billy, his brother, his daughterZuZu, the pharmacist, and the immigrant families. AtCommunity Options, we use our talents and our creativityto provide dignified support to people with disabilities.

Medical Support - Community Options’ healthcare staffdevelop plans to guarantee that medical and healthcare needsare met, and to ensure appropriate medical follow-up. Everyindividual’s needs are annually reviewed.

Respite - The respite services provided by Community Optionsare flexible and responsive to the individual needs of eachfamily. A standard approach, with rigid hours for servicedelivery, or randomly assigned caregivers, is not appropriate.Our staff and family members work together to identify thetype of respite needed, and the kind of person to deliver therespite service.

Supports

TBI - Life Skills Program – People who have experiencedTraumatic Brain Injury (TBI) require specialized services. Theintent of the Life Skills Program is to assess needs and providetraining and assistance through the development andimplementation of an Outcome Service Plan. The goal is toreach maximum levels of independence. Examples of life skillsbeing addressed through the plans are education on nutritionalprinciples, access to public transportation, and using a calendaror a palm pilot as a memory coach.

Community Options

Community Options Enterprises, Inc. wasestablished to develop and operateentrepreneurial businesses. These businessesenhance job training and employmentopportunities for people with disabilities.Community Options Enterprises developsbusinesses that successfully integrate peoplewith disabilities into the workforce. Businessesinclude concierge service businesses (personalservices), mailing businesses, full-service copycenters, errand businesses, shared officeconference facilities and a flower shop.

Located in New Brunswick, New Jersey,Vaseful is a unique f loral business thatprovides employment for people withdisabilities in an integrated setting. Vasefulis designed to serve walk-in and phonecustomers (1-877-VASEFUL) nationally withon-line shopping (www.vaseful.com).

Community Options manages two sharedoffice facilities in New Jersey, one inMorristown and one in Princeton. The DailyPlan Its (DPI), are professional workingenvironments and copy centers that offer allof the amenities available in a traditionaloffice environment to self-employed and smallbusiness operators. Staff includes people withand without disabilities. The DPIs provide acost-effective infrastructure and support.Business persons realize savings utilizingthe DPIs state-of-the-art equipment,office/conference space and mailing andshipping services. Receptionists and otheroffice support personnel are provided.

The Community Options IncubationNetwork (COINet) is a first-of-its-kindtechnology-orientated small businessincubation system based in both Morristownand Princeton, New Jersey. The common

denominator for all new firms supportedthrough this program is the development ofnew products, processes, and servicestargeted to the disability market. COINetoffers office space at below market rates, andprovides specialized support servicesincluding business planning assistance,

professional development activities,customized technology solutions, andlinkages to financial 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 card companycreated by Brad Goldman, who hasquadriplegia. He uses an advanced headpointer system to paint original artwork. Hiscreations are now sold on-line, at events andat retail shows.

“The Community Options’Technology Business

Incubator is the recipient ofpublic and private support,

but…society is the truebeneficiary.”

Janice Hertz,Director of the

Microsoft’sAccessibility

Technology Group.

Enterprises

&&&&&Training is an essential part of maintaining and improvingthe quality of Community Options’ services. As trainingneeds are identified the Community Options’ training teamdevelops appropriate instructional curricula and trainingmodules. The team works with the regional vice-presidentsand local executive directors 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 andtransfer, nutritional and dietary needs, sign language, bloodpressure monitoring and wheelchair maintenance. Trainingis mandated to employment staff relative to sound jobmatching and development. Specific training required bylocal funding sources addresses medication administration,first aid, CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR),developmental disabilities overview and prevention of abuseand neglect.

Qual i tyTraining

Training is anessential part of

maintaining andimproving

the quality ofCommunity Options’

services.

Assurance

James Conroy, Ph.D., Founder and President of the Center for Outcome Analysisin Pennsylvania, under contract with the State of New Jersey, conducted anevaluation of 172 people with disabilities who left New Jersey’s Johnstone Trainingand Research Center during the last decade. The data indicated that the peopleserved by Community Options had more significant disabilities, and scored higheron quality of life measures including physical home environment, integration,independence, earnings, friendships, and opportunities to make choices, thanindividuals served by other provider agencies.

EEEEEvaluationvaluationvaluationvaluationvaluation

The Dr. Clarence YorkFOUNDATION

George Bailey played by Jimmy Stewart finds himselfon a bridge. He has been told by Mr. Potter that hewas worth more dead than alive. He is on the brinkof despair, on a bridge with one wish that he hadnever lived at all. He contemplates jumping offthe bridge. From nowhere Clarence Odbody,Angel Second Class jumps off a bridge knowingGeorge will save him. As the two recuperate in theboathouse Clarence tells George that he is hisguardian angel. Skeptical, George asks, “Oh yeah,where are your wings?” Clarence retorts, “I haven’tgot any. I still have to earn them.”

Our own guardian angel, Dr. Clarence York got hiswings a long time ago. As the Chairman ofThe Dr. Clarence York Foundation, he has been ourguardian angel and a trustee of Community Options,Inc. for the last 10 years. Just as George Bailey waslead by Clarence through his journey toself-knowledge, Dr. York advises CommunityOptions on methods for development and programintegrity drawing on his own strong values and yearsof experience. He identifies relevant venues forCommunity Options to enter and monitors growthand progress as it affects individual lives.

Foundation

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

The Dr. Clarence York Foundation will establish asubstantial endowment by 2006. Funds generated byThe Foundation will assist Community Options inaccomplishing three key future goals:

to enhance staff training and support

to augment staffing levels and capabilities

to expand program services

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

Consulting Services

Community Options offers a wide range of consulting services to both non-profit and for-profitcorporations. Community Options has a proven track record of working with organizations in need ofmanagement and other consultation services.

Our internationally based professional team conducts comprehensive assessments of organizations in need ofassistance and develops a strategic plan on how best to meet organizational goals and achieve financial stability.Community Options contracts directly with state, local and private organizations to help ameliorate structuralsupport of identified corporations. Additionally, Community Options contracts with relevant consultants basedon customer needs.

Some of the services Community Options have provided to other non-profit and for-profit businesscorporations include:

Training: Community Options develops and implements custom-designed training programs forall levels of staff, including board members, executive management, and front-line staff. Trainingscan include, but are not limited to: positive approaches to behavior management; individualizedperson-centered plan writing; quality assurance plan development and implementation; supervisorytraining; and train the trainer programs 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 volunteersthroughout the United States and will assist organizations in recruiting the highest quality boardmembers best suited to steer the organization for future development. Community Options’ teamof consultants provide expert advice on recruiting members for smaller, community-based AdvisoryCouncils assisting non-profit organizations in accomplishing their mission at a grass-roots level.

Fiscal Management: The financial team at Community Options has access to sophisticatedtechnology and control systems to assist struggling non-profit organizations with upcoming audits;management letters; and financial training for members of an organization’s fiscal department.The team provides training and assistance in complex legal and financial processes, such asrestructuring loans and the procurement of both commercial and residential facilities. CommunityOptions also is available to act as a fiduciary intermediary if required.

Personnel Development: Community Options’ experienced Human Resources staff is availableto assist non-profits with the development and review of personnel policy and procedure manualsto ensure that current legal requirements are upheld and meet the most recent legal standards. ThePersonnel Team also assists with recruitment strategies; insurance claims; advises on litigation issuesand Worker’s Compensation claims; safety in the work environment; compensationrecommendations; union issues; and employee meetings including evaluation methodologies forpositive outcomes.

Staffing Services: Community Options’ national team of highly specialized employment specialistsprovide assistance for both non-profit and for-profit agencies in recruiting and training dedicatedand skilled staff members. Employment staff will work with each organization to identify staffingneeds and match individuals receiving services with jobs that meet their career goals and personalpreferences. Employment specialists will provide on-site training services for newly hired individualsto ensure that both employee and employer are satisfied with the match and to guarantee that jobresponsibilities are fulfilled. Community Options’ Executive Search Team is available to assistcontracting agencies in recruiting, screening and hiring executive staff members capable of managingorganizations of any size.

Community Options also provides consulting services for entrepreneurial ventures and smallerstart-up businesses. In addition to the aforementioned services, Business Development staff canassist with the following:

Business Plan Development: Community Options has a strong history of developing successful,innovative entrepreneurial ventures specializing in businesses developed to provide services for or byindividuals with disabilities. Our creative team will assist customers in business plan development;grant writing; obtaining bank loans; marketing strategies; and conducting feasibility studies.

Creative Services: Community Options’ Creative Services Department assists organizations withtheir branding and marketing materials. The expert design staff develops eye-catching, effectivemarketing materials to ensure that clients stand out among their competition. Utilizing the moststate-of-the-art design and printing technology, the design team is always prepared to create theperfect logo, brochure, letterhead, newsletter, or other marketing collaterals for your organization.Additionally, Community Options’ Creative Services Department operates a fully staffed copy andmailing center where professionals proficiently assemble packets, informational materials, and booklets,and perform direct mailings.

“Community Options did an excellentjob in assisting our office in turning

around a non-profit with severe fiscaland systems issues. They were

professional, courteous and respondedquickly to our needs. I would strongly

recommend their management team toany government agency who needs to

revamp or rectify issues with anon-profit they 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

Grants and contracts 20,787,300

Program service fees 13,228,065

Room and board 633,337

Contribution 98,903

Special events 135,797

Interest income 52,073

Other income 1,222,663

Total revenue and support 36,158,138

Expenses

Program services 30,615,364

Management and general 4,430,540

Total expenses 35,045,904

Change in net assets 1,112,234

Net assets, beginning of year 6,365,570

Net assets, end of year 7,477,804

COMMUNITY OPTIONS, INC. & AFFILIATESCOMBINED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2003

*These Combined Financial Statements represent Community Options, Inc.and affiliates. Please contact Community Options or the auditing firm ofM.D. Oppenheim & Company, P.C. for more detailed financial statements.

Financial Summary – FY 2003

Revenue - $36,158,138

Expenditures - $35,045,904

Employment Services$7,552,322

Depreciation & Other$1,029,516

Administration$3,401,024

Housing Services$23,063,042

Program Service Fees$13,861,402

Fundraising/Other$1,509,436

Federal Grants$353,062

State & County Funds$20,434,238

National Board of Truste es

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.

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.

Nat i ona l 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 in non-profit management supportingpersons with disabilities.Previously, she was the ChiefOperating Officer for Easter Sealsof Tennessee. She has rapidlydeveloped innovative programsthroughout her regions.

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.

Monica Rodriguez, ExecutiveAssistant to Robert Stack is anative Texan and finished her BAin Psychology from Our Lady ofthe Lake University in SanAntonio, Texas. Monica hasextensive experience in the privatesector including the constructionindustry, banking, and as anassistant to the Dean ofstudents within one of theTexas Universities.

Selwyn Davidson, Directorof Technology, attendedKean University and is a MicrosoftCertified Professional. Selwynis responsible for oversight ofthe information and technologydepartment. This includesstate -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, attended SetonHall University and is an activemember of the Society for HumanResources Management. She hasover 9 years of experience in thehuman resources field. Her lastposition 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.

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. Sherron’s mostrecent position was the Director of ResidentialServices for Community Access Unlimited.

Michelle Boggan, Burlington County, hasa BS 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.

Nicole Buckley, Mercer County, holds a BA inLiberal Arts with an emphasis in Social Sciencefrom Rider University. She began working forCommunity Options as a Residential Manager,and has been promoted several times within theagency. Her previous experience includes workingwith children with special needs for WestWindsor-Plainsboro Special Services. She bringswith her a strong background in leadership andprogram development.

Jessica Guberman, Ph.D, Ocean/Atlantic/Monmouth Counties, has a Doctoral Degreein Psychology from Madison University and 10years of experience within non-profit grantwriting, and strategic planning. She hasexperience with diverse populations that includesubstance abuse, mental health, domesticviolence, sexual abuse, and developmentaldisabilities. She is a member of the NationalSociety of Grant Writing Professionals and theAmerican Psychological Association.

Bret Li-Vaks, Passaic/Bergen/Morris/Sussex/Warren Counties, has a Bachelor of Science inHuman Services from Lesley University inCambridge, Massachusetts. He is completing hisMBA at Centenary College. He has been workingwith individuals with developmental disabilitiessince 1989 in New Jersey, Massachusetts, andHawaii. His most recent position was as AssistantDirector of Residential Services for CerebralPalsy of Middlesex County.

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.

Renee M. Spear, Southern Tier, NYSgraduated from S.U.N.Y. Cortland with aMasters degree in Adaptive Physical Education.Renee is a Division III All- American in basketballand softball and a member of the BinghamtonHall of Fame. Renee has over 17 years experienceworking in mangement positions for personswith disabilities. She has worked as the directorof habilitation services for an agency in theSouthern Tier. She brings a wealth of experienceand creativity to Community Options.

Natalie Bogdanowicz, Syracuse, has a Bachelorof Science in psychology from Syracuse University.She began her career as line staff working directlywith persons with developmental disabilities.Natalie has spent the last twenty years in themanagement and supervision of residentialprograms supporting persons with developmentaldisabilities. Prior to her appointment as ExecutiveDirector of Community Options, she was theCommunity Support Coordinator for sevenyears. In her current position, she also managesprograms and supports for persons withtraumatic brain injury. Natalie has extensiveexperience with the regulatory requirements andmethodologies for implementation required bythe state of New York.

PennsylvaniaSherry Franklin, Bucks, has a MA inCounseling Education and a BS in Educationfrom Westchester University. She has over 25years of experience working with individualswith disabilities in residential, vocational andemployment services.

Bridget Haney, Pittsburgh, has a BS inPsychology and a dual Master’s degree inRehabilitation Counseling and VocationalEvaluation from West Virginia University. Shehas over 20 years of experience supportingpeople with disabilities, both residentially andvocationally. She was hired as the first ExecutiveDirector of Bucks County, Pennsylvania in1994, and assisted in the establishment of thePittsburgh office. Bridget has worked withCommunity Options for over 10 years.

TexasChandy Emery, Amarillo, has over tenyears of management and trainingexperience in the field of developmentaldisabities. She has oversite of all operationalaspects of the residential homes in Amarilloas well as the employment placement andtraining programs.

Amy P. White, Austin, has a Bachelor of Artsdegree in Sociology from Texas State University,and has spent many years working in a locallybased non-profit organization in Austinassisting people with developmental disabilities.She has a strong background in program design,growth, and development and has dedicatedherself to advocating for the legal rights ofpersons with developmental 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 avolunteer in high school, moved into servicecoordination and case management. Jamaris a QMRP. Jamar is now the acting ExecutiveDirector for the Dallas office.

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.She began her career with CommunityOptions over six years ago as a ResidentialManager. She has been working in the socialservices field 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 startedworking with Community Options in 1998 asthe Director of Residential Services in BucksCounty, Pennsylvania and has been promotedwithin the organization numerous times.

Lee Anderson, Cookeville, has a bachelorsdegree in Special Education fromTennessee State University. He has beenworking with Community Options since2002, both in employment and in theresidential operation in Nashville.

Hollie Campbell, Nashville, has a Bachelor’sdegree in Psychology from Middle TennesseeState University. Hollie will be overseeing theoperation of our supported living programand our employment programs in the Nashvillearea. Hollie previously served as the Transition& Intake Director for the State of Tennesseein the Division of Mental Retardation Servicesbefore joining the Community Options team,and has over 10 years of experience working inthe MH/MR field.

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 and New MexicoAssociation of Fund Raising Executives.

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

Morristown150-152 Speedwell Avenue PMB#2Morristown, NJ 07960Office: 973-644-4750Fax: 973-656-3178Daily Plan ItPhone: 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

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

Austin3710 Cedar StreetBox 19, Suite 227Austin, TX 78705Office: 512-453-7689Fax: 512-459-1695

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

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.

“Our son would not have a true home with a fine family spirit, and we would not have peace of mind.”Marion Cubello, mother of Michael, Morris 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.

• continue to work with families to ensurethat 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 inthird world countries.

• 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

Community Options will:

For more information please visit us at

www.comop.org

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