 “The Town of Islip is widely recognized for innovative, affordable housing programs that have been recognized by New York State and the Federal government” said Michael McClain, Board of Directors, Chairman, Options for Community Living, Inc. “We are happy to have this opportunity to show our appreciation.”
(Photo L to R: top Paul Fink, ICDA, Rick Wertheim, UWLI, Theresa Regnante, UWLI, seated Robert Kuri, ICDA, and Sal Matera, ICDA)
Options operates residential programs for adults with mental illness, homeless families, and individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. More than 140 agency operated properties are scattered throughout communities in Nassau and Suffolk County. Residents receive assistance to develop their potential for independent living.
(Options Gala Committee: L to R - Lina Lopes, Necole Ferrante, Denise Waterhouse, JP Lardoux, Diane Mendolia, Ellen Labita, Diana Arens -- Charlie Russo absent from photo.)
“In 1994 Options first began to serve people living with AIDS through a Medicaid funded program. We quickly learned that many of those we served lived in substandard housing. Moreover, almost half the families and individuals had a history of homelessness” said Dr. Arens.
Over the last 13 years, working with the Islip Community Development Agency and the United Way of Long Island, as sponsor for the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS Program (HOPWA), Options has purchased and renovated 33 units of housing for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS, with six additional units in various stages of development. Today, over 75 adults and children reside in Options HOPWA funded homes. Many more occupy housing developed by other agencies.
“The Town of Islip has always led the way in terms of planning and developing housing opportunities for people with low incomes. We feel fortunate to have this opportunity to recognize Supervisor Phil Nolan for his strong leadership and Councilman Christopher D. Bodkin as a 15 year member of the Community Development Agency Board of Directors and its Chairman for the last two years” said Dr. Arens.
Twenty-seven years ago, Options began a long-term commitment to assist people with special needs to develop their potential for independent living. Today Options serves over 1000 men, women, and children each year. Options programs provide stability, support and allow people to reclaim their futures. For more information call 631-361-9020 or visit www.optionscl.org. |
Smithtown, NY – On Thursday, April 23rd, 2009 Options for Community Living, Inc. celebrated 27 years of service to Long Islanders with a dinner and silent auction at the Watermill Caterers. 