The organization was founded in 1989 by Robert Stack, the President and CEO, along with a small group of disability advocates to create residential and employment supports for individuals with disabilities. In 2008 the organization supported over 1,400 people with disabilities. Community Options also advocates for the de-institutionalization movement. The organization states that all people with disabilities should live in community-based settings and be released from out-of-state-run institutions In 1992, Community Options opened their first four group homes in New Jersey. From 1995 to 2011, group homes were opened in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, South Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee. The New Jersey House of Representatives honored Community Options for 25 years of service on February 10, 2014 The 48th Governor of New JerseyThomas Kean was honored by Community Options on May 8, 2014 with the presentation of The Betty Pendler Award for his years of service dedicated to people with disabilities.
Cupid’s Chase 5K
Cupid’s Chase 5K is an annual fundraising race presented by Community Options. It takes place every year on the Saturday of Valentine's Day weekend. Cupid’s Chase 5K began in Princeton University’s Jadwin Gymnasium in 2009. In 2014, Cupid’s Chase took place in 24 cities across the country.
Services
Community Options operates several businesses in the United States that employ people with disabilities. Community Options opened Vaseful, a nonprofit flower shop, in 1999. Employees are responsible for credit card processing, phone orders, shipping, distribution, inventory management and floral arranging. In 2008, Community Options opened Presents of Mind, a nonprofit gift store. Employees' duties include retail management, point-of-sale software, customer relations skills and store layout. The Daily Plan It is an office and conference space for local businesses. Employees are responsible for customer service and facilities maintenance. The first Daily Plan It opened in Princeton, NJ in 1997. Community Options and the Parents Group opened The Red Ribbon Academy in 2013. The Red Ribbon Academy medical day program provides medical, therapeutic and recreational supports to people with severe developmental disabilities.
iMatter Conference
Community Options hosts an annual national conference to discuss services to people with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injury. Topics include employment, business development, accessible housing, program development and employee hiring and retention.
Betty Pendler Award
Starting in 1991, Community Options annually selects a distinguished person who exemplifies the mission of Community Options as the Betty Pendler Award recipient. Pendler was a member of the board of directors for the AHRC in New York City. Pendler was committed to people with disabilities, their families, and those who served them, in addition to raising a daughter with a developmental disability.
