Options for Community Living, Inc., a private, not-for-profit agency, was established in 1982 to help Long Islanders in need. Our programs have grown to serve more than 2,000 adults and children annually.
Options for Community Living, Inc. is committed to assisting all individuals and families in need to develop their fullest potential for independent living.
An inclusive and sustainable community where access to high quality healthcare and safe affordable housing is available to all.
Options offers a unique approach to meet the challenges of coordinating health care for those with a very low income living with mental illness, HIV/AIDS or other chronic health conditions. We forge a true partnership between our clients, our extraordinary care coordinators, case managers and our professionalmanagementteam.
ACCREDITED BY CARF 2000 TO PRESENT
The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities is an independent non-profit accreditor of health and human services. Accredited programs include Mental Health Supportive Housing and Case Management / Care Coordination Programs for adults and children.
INTEGRITY Through our commitment to honesty and ethical principles, we cultivate trust, cooperation, and respect in all relationships.
TRANSPARENCY We believe open and honest communication in all areas of our work promotes confidence, increases motivation and loyalty, and fosters growth.
ACCOUNTABILITY We believe that a culture of responsibility and accountability is a vital component of effective and cohesive teamwork and supports strong outcomes.
RESPECT We believe that respect is fundamental to promoting a positive environment where innovation and creativity are encouraged and choice, culture, and diversity are valued.
QUALITY We maintain high standards of quality and are focused on continuous improvement centered on enhancing the lives of all in our community.
EQUITY We are committed to overcoming barriers that perpetuate social, economic, and environmental disparities through inclusive processes and equitable opportunities.
COMPASSION We believe that showing kindness and empathy for one another fosters appreciation of our diverse community, enhances feelings of belonging, and opens opportunity for new possibilities.
Options provides a variety of housing opportunities for Long Island residents with serious mental illness. Our employees assist residents to develop independent living skills and are available 24 hours a day. Placement is based on the individual’s ability and need for services. Referrals are received through the Single Point of Access (631) 231-3562. Agency fees are covered by Medicaid, Social Security, Public Assistance Grants, or they may be paid privately.
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING is long-term, affordable housing where up to three adults share a home. Options case managers periodically visit tenants to support recovery. More than 100 residential properties scattered across Nassau and Suffolk Counties are utilized. Many units are handicapped accessible. Emergency assistance is available to all tenants 24 hours a day.
COMMUNITY RESIDENCES are licensed by the NYS Office of Mental Health and are transitional in nature. Options has two types of community residences to help people develop more independent living skills: Congregate Treatment and Apartment Treatment. Several units are designated for adults with critical medical needs in addition to their diagnosis of mental illness.
The MOBILE RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT TEAM (MRST) provides enhanced support for tenants in NYS Office of Mental Health Supportive Housing or transitioning from an Apartment Treatment Program to supportive housing. Team members provide in-home support services to help residents develop skills to maintain stable housing. These are short term, intensive services lasting up to 18 months. (Available in Suffolk County only.)
Options owns and manages more than 60 units of supportive housing for individuals and families. Supportive housing is available to Nassau and Suffolk County residents with a low income who are also homeless or inappropriately housed. Tenants pay an affordable rent based on income. Once in stable housing, tenants can focus on improving their health, raising healthy children, and achieving their goals. Options employees are available to coordinate health care needs, support housing stability and monitor home safety and maintenance.
Options provides opportunities for financial assistance to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Financial assistance and services are limited by grant awards. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria to qualify.
> Emergency Rent
> Broker’s fees
> Utilities
> Rental subsidies
> Housing retention services
> Rapid rehousing services
Options provides comprehensive care management for children (ages 0 – 21) and adults with multiple chronic illnesses, serious mental illness, or HIV/AIDS. Services are provided in partnership with Long Island area Health Homes and are paid for by Medicaid.
CARE COORDINATORS HELP ADULTS AND CHILDREN TO IMPROVE HEALTH BY ARRANGING:
> Health care services (visits to a doctor, therapist, nutritionist, pharmacist and more)
> Participation in mental health treatment and substance use disorder services
> Linkage to community groups and resources including family support services
> Housing assessment and referral
> Entitlement activation and maintenance
> School advocacy, pediatric health and specialty services for children
THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE WHO ARE INVOLVED WITH OPTIONS ARE THE MOST CARING THOUGHTFUL LOVING PEOPLE I HAVE EVER MET. WITHOUT OPTIONS I DON’T KNOW WHERE I’D BE. “ “
Options provides case management, health education, insurance enrollment and supportive services focused on people living with HIV or AIDS who are uninsured or underinsured and have either fallen out of care or are sporadically engaged in HIV care and treatment. Options case managers and peer workers actively address the multiple needs of the individual and help to remove the barriers that prevent retention in care and treatment.
Personalized services are designed to help adult Medicaid beneficiaries who are enrolled in a Health and Recovery Plan (HARP). Individuals who are recovering from mental illness and/ or substance use disorder can use these services to improve their health and achieve goals. Services are flexible and collaborative to address the person’s specific goals and empower them to succeed. Options provides the following services:
COMMUNITY ORIENTED RECOVERY EMPOWERMENT (CORE)
> Psychosocial Rehabilitation
> Peer Support/Empowerment Services
> Family Support and Training
HOME AND COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES (HCBS)
> Education Support Services
> Pre-Vocational Services
> Habilitation/Residential Support Services
