In the News

(Smithtown, NY – September 26, 2011) – Options for Community Living, Inc. was the recipient of a $5,000 grant from Burpee Foundation, Inc. The grant has enabled Options to purchase much needed seeds and supplies for their Greenhouse.

Lake Ronkonkoma-- On Wednesday, December 8, a gathering of supporters met at Options Thrift Shop at 392 Hawkins Avenue in Lake Ronkonkoma to celebrate its grand reopening.  

"We're so happy to be back" said Linda Longo, as she welcomed over 30 supporters of the agency and the thrift shop to enjoy this long awaited celebration.

Diana Antos Arens, Ph.D., Executive Director of Options for Community Living, Inc. spoke to the group about the history of the thrift shop and thanked all of the participants involved in its restoration. 

Medford, NY--  With programs that serve over 1000 adults and children in need each year and more than 150 units of affordable housing throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties, Options for Community Living, Inc. gladly welcomed 15 employees from Motorola to volunteer on their 5th Annual Global Day of Service.

On Wednesday, October 13, the group assembled on the grounds of Options' Medford group home and set to work.  The home is located on a large piece of land and has an operating greenhouse and planting beds where program participants garden and learn horticultural skills.  The volunteers weeded, pulled dead plants, cut back branches, trimmed, edged and spread mulch.

Suffolk County, NY --  On Friday, July 16, a team of volunteers from Motorola, Inc. spent their morning working at one of Options Transitional Housing sites.  The team was made up student interns all participating in Motorola's Intern Day of Service.  In just a few hours, the group had branches trimmed and  bushes cleared.  The property was much improved by the groups effort and Options is grateful for Motorola's support!

Options partners with Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Riverhead, NY- Renovations are wrapping up on a two-family home owned by Options for Community Living, Inc.  Within a few months, the home will provide safe, affordable housing to two very low income families. 

With a thorough renovation planned to design a handicapped accessible home, it was clear to Gail Rivera that some building materials and appliances in good shape could be reused.

Suffolk County, NY--  On January 13, Options Deputy Program Director, Georgia Kuhen, was honored at a luncheon held by the Board of Directors and staff of the Nassau Suffolk Coalition for the Homeless for her 18 years of volunteer service to the organization and her tireless advocacy on behalf of Long Islanders in need.

(Photo: Greta Guarton, Executive Director, NSCH and Georgia Kuhen)

Smithtown, NY--- While so many Long Islanders are struggling to make ends meet, giving to others less fortunate during the holidays is even more meaningful. Thanks to the generosity of a number of individuals, groups and private organizations many of our residents and families receiving services enjoyed a wonderful holiday season. Pictured: Volunteers from the Society of St. Vincent De Paul with Options’ Program Case Managers.

Merrick, NY -- Student Council Members at Roland Chatterton Elementary School in Merrick organized a collection of everyday needs and hygiene items for low-income families receiving services from Options for Community Living, Inc. 

The school-wide collection resulted in 61 gift bags stocked with toothpaste, lip balm, shampoo, soap, cotton swabs, lotion, batteries and more.  Jennifer Baldwin, Options Program Supervisor, met the students and picked up the gift bags.

"The students were really great" said Jen.  "We are very appreciative of the students, their families, the school, and the Student Council Advisor, Angela Kremberg, for taking on this effort." 

Smithtown, NY-- Members of Bette's Knitting Circle meet once monthly at the Gurwin Geriatric Nursing Facility to create beautiful hand made items which they donate to people in need.  This is the third year that the circle has been able to provide our program participants with colorful knitted and crocheted scarves for the holidays.  Thirty scarves were donated by this talented and generous group.

(photo l to r: Bette Spodek, Diane Mendolia, and Denise Waterhouse)

Organic Garden for Options’ family takes root

Suffolk County, NY --Equipped with rakes and gloves, seven employees from Teachers Federal Credit Union spent Sunday morning, June 7^th preparing a vegetable garden for a family in an Options for Community Living, Inc. program home. Options provides housing and support services to very low income, disabled and homeless individuals and families on Long Island.

Smithtown, NY -- Every few months the volunteers from Bright Hopes, Inc. come to Options with a delivery of colorful new one-of-a-kind quilts made specially for children and families in crisis due to homelessness.  The quilts belong to them where ever they go.  Board members from this community-based project, Eileen Fisher and Carol-Ann Gordon delivered over 30 handmade quilts, for Options' families just in time for the holidays. 

(photo: Eileen Fisher, Bright Hopes with Suzanne Arcario, Options)

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.

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.