In the News

LIVE Matches Corporate Volunteer Teams with One Day Projects

Suffolk County, NY-- On June 7th, thirty employees of the Suffolk County Water Authority spent their morning volunteering at two residences operated by Options for Community Living, Inc.  Options provides housing and support services to very low income, disabled and homeless individuals and families on Long Island.  The volunteers were challenged to clean up a backyard, plant flowers and shrubs, trim hedges and trees, improve landscaping, and install a block patio area trimmed with flowers.

Smithtown, NY -- On Thursday, January 17th, Options' Board of Directors,  Management Team, and Thrift Shop volunteers gathered at the Garden Grill Restaurant in Smithtown to recognize Anna Nicoll, retiring board member and volunteer, for her many years of service. 

JP Morgan Chase Foundation Supports Housing Programs

Smithtown, NY -- Options for Community Living, Inc. is pleased to be the recipient of a $15,000 grant from the JP Morgan Chase Foundation which will be used to support maintenance of permanent housing sites. 

The agency currently owns and operates 88 permanent housing units, and continues to expand affordable housing opportunities for people with mental illness and families living with HIV/AIDS. 

Suffolk County, NY -- In December, renovations were completed on three new permanent supported housing sites.  With carpeting installed and furniture delivered residents were able to move in to beautiful new homes in communities where they can access public transportation and community resources easily. 

These homes will accommodate nine individuals living independently, but with support provided by an Options Case Manager.  One of the homes was made handicapped accessible for residents in need of accommodation.

East Islip, NY -- Earlier this month, ten residents from Options' Sound Beach Community Residence made the move to a new home in East Islip. 

"We are just thrilled.  The residents are adjusting to the new neighborhood and getting familiar with local resources, stores and banks" said Community Residence Coordinator, Carolyn DeMuria. 

For over 20 years, Options rented the house in Sound Beach to operate the program.  Acquisition and renovation of the East Islip house was supported through the New York State Office of Mental Health. 

New York, NY -- On Tuesday evening, October 23rd, several Options employees, joined Eleanor Ahrens, permanent housing resident, at the annual Supportive Housing Network of New York 2007 Gala.  Over 400 guests gathered at Cipriani 23rd Street, to recognize the achievments of the supportive housing community and to support continued progress.  Nominated by Robin Sayles, Program Manager, Eleanor Ahrens was presented the "Tenant of the Year" award recognizing her accomplishments while in supportive housing. 

Hauppauge, NY -- For the last year, Sylvia Piccinni has made the ride from her home in Ridge to Lake Ronkonkoma where she volunteers over 30 hours each month at Options Thrift Shop.  On Thursday, October 4, Sylvia along with Linda Longo, her supervisor at the thrift shop, celebrated volunteerism at the RSVP, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Suffolk County's 35th Anniversary Luncheon held at the Hyatt-Regency Wind Watch Hotel.

(l to r) Suffolk County Legislator, Daniel Losquadro, Sylvia Piccinni and Linda Longo at the RSVP event.

The Stony Brook University Career Center Celebrates Partnerships

Stony Brook, NY  -- On Thursday, September 20, Diana Antos Arens, Ph.D.  Executive Director,  Diane Mendolia, Program Director, Georgia Kuhen, Deputy Program Director, Allison Covino, Deputy Program Director, and Elsa Fiore, Human Resources Director, attended a reception hosted by the Career Center at Stony Brook University.

Bethpage fabrics and furnishings supplier helps out at Options

Promoting Peace and Harmony

Hauppauge, NY -- On Friday, June 1, Options staff and program participants joined a host of other organizations and individuals at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge to celebrate Unity Day. 

The event, planned and organized by the Office of Minority Affairs, was the first annual County multi-cultural, multi-generational experience offering a variety of activities in-cluding, music, dance and artistic performances.  Many organizations, including Options, had displays and presentations celebrating diversity and the different cultures present throughout the County. 

Smithtown, NY -- On Thursday, April 19, 2007 Options for Community Living, Inc. celebrated 25 years of service to Long Islanders with a dinner and silent auction to be held at the Watermill Caterers in Smithtown.

Agency founders, Diana Antos Arens, Ph.D., Executive Director and Diane Mendolia, LCSW, Program Director were joined by 200 supporters who also came to acknowledge the contributions of honoree, Reverend Fred Hill, Chaplain, St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center.

Huntington Station, NY--- Twelve adults recovering from mental illness share household chores and work toward independent living at the Options' community residence that has operated in Huntington Station for the last 23 years.  On Friday, April 27, Assemblyman James Conte visited the group home as well as two smaller homes for individuals who with support and assistance, live independently.

Assemblyman Conte was interested in the progress made by Options' program participants.  "It was a pleasure to witness first-hand, how Options is preparing these hardworking adults to live independently.  I applaud their efforts," said the Assemblyman representing Huntington Station.

HUD acknowledges Options achieving "High Performer Standards"

Smithtown, NY -- The United States Department of Housing & Urban Development has awarded Options a special certificate to recognize the agency's distinguished performance within the Section Eight Management Assessment Program.

Oakdale, NY -- On every first Monday of the month residents at the Options for Community Living, Inc. group home in Oakdale await their visit from a furry friend. This month the volunteer from PRAAT, Patchogue Rotary Animal Assisted Therapy brought along "Dozen", a six month old Black Labrador Retriever. Residents in the Oakdale house are recovering from serious mental illness. For the last year, PRAAT has been visiting Options' group homes to allow residents to experience the benefits of spending time with an animal.

"Some of our residents grew up with pets and they miss that connection.  The visit from PRAAT really lifts their spirits.  It's a wonderful partnership for us" says Verna Wiggins, Community Residence Coordinator.