FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 18, 2006
Contact: PAUL PERILLIE, MAJORITY CAUCUS AIDE -- #(631) 854-4500

Patients Given Options for Community Living
Legislator Jon Cooper visits local group residence

For over 20 years, Options for Community Living, Inc. has operated a community residence in the Huntington area for adults recovering from mental illness. On Wednesday, April 12, a bright spring day, Legislator Jon Cooper (D-Huntington) paid a visit to the group home. Met by Options’ staff, the legislator had an opportunity to meet the residents as they prepared to head off to their daily activities. "Our residents participate in a variety of daytime activities as part of their recovery," says Diane Mendolia, Program Director.

"Options for Community Living runs a wonderful program that offers important support for individuals with mental illness," says Legislator Cooper. "It provides residents with many essential skills which allow them to achieve their highest potential throughout their lives."

During their stay at the group home, the residents develop the skills necessary to live more independently. "We see tremendous progress, with the majority of our residents moving on to housing where they continue to have support, but are more responsible for their own care," states Georgia Kuhen, Deputy Program Director.

Options for Community Living, Inc. also operates a shelter program for homeless Suffolk County families and a case management and housing program for people living with HIV/AIDS in both Nassau and Suffolk. All of the agencies’ programs are designed to promote health, safety and welfare. Last year alone, this not-for-profit agency assisted over 1,000 adults and children on Long Island. For more information, visit the Options website www.optionscl.org or call (631) 361-9020.