As we begin a new fiscal year, I am proud to share that Options For All is off to a strong and meaningful start. July was a month filled with momentum, milestones, and a clear demonstration of the values we stand for.
Celebrating 40 Years
• This year marks Options For All’s 40th birthday a powerful reminder of the impact our organization has had on thousands of lives, and the future we continue to shape together Recognized as a Best Place to Work
• For the second year in a row, we’ve been named a Best Place to Work. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to putting people first, building a values-driven culture, and creating an environment where our employees can thrive.
Expanding Employment Opportunities
• We successfully vendorized our new Coordinated Career Pathways program, designed to support young adults as they transition out of the K–12 and transition systems into meaningful careers. This is one of several new employment pathways we are building to ensure independence, opportunity, and belonging for adults with disabilities
Welcoming New Leadership
• We are excited to welcome Dr. Juan Treminio as the newest member of our Board. His expertise and perspective will be invaluable as we expand our vision for the future
Wellness For All Launch
• We launched Wellness For All, a program that recognizes the importance of supporting our employees not only in their careers, but in their physical, emotional, and financial wellness New initiatives include:
• Education loan repayment support
• 403(b) matching
• Expert manager training on supporting employee wellness
• An additional floating holiday for mental wellness Community Partnerships
We completed assessments for Project Search at LEGOLAND California and The San Diego Zoo two extraordinary opportunities that will expand career exploration for the individuals we serve.
Advancing Financial Education
Thank you to Ryan Bowcott for connecting us to Comerica’s corporate giving team They have committed another $10,000 in grant funding to expand our financial education programs for clients and their families, a vital initiative we have been championing for several years.
Financial Performance
I am also pleased to share that we outperformed our July budget, setting a strong financial foundation for the year ahead.
These accomplishments reflect the collective commitment of our staff, partners, and Board to advancing our mission and ensuring that every individual we serve has the opportunity to live a life without limits
Thank you for your continued leadership and support. The year ahead promises to be one of growth, impact, and celebration and I am honored to walk this journey with you
PILLAR UPDATES
Best Place to Work
Investing in Our Team: Building Strategic Leaders
At Options For All, we believe that investing in our people is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen our mission. Professional development doesn’t just build skills it builds confidence, insight, and leadership that ripple throughout our organization and the communities we serve.
Recently, our Chief Financial Officer, Luby Rosochacova, participated in a week-long executive course, The CFO: Becoming a Strategic Partner, in Philadelphia. This intensive program brought together financial leaders from across the country to explore innovative ways CFOs can drive organizational growth, align financial strategy with mission-driven goals, and anticipate the evolving needs of the people and communities they serve.
Luby returned with valuable insights and actionable strategies that will help guide Options For All as we continue to grow and innovate. Her participation reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering our team members to lead with clarity, collaboration, and vision.
When we invest in professional growth, we invest in the future of our organization and the lives we impact every day.
Making Internships Matter
This year’s intern program was nothing short of inspiring. From the very first day to the final presentations, our interns took on meaningful projects that pushed their skills, made a real impact, and left a lasting mark on Options For All.
Abishek – Financial Analyst Intern
Abishek came into the program just weeks after teaching himself to code. He quickly turned that new skill into action by developing automated financial reports in Microsoft Excel VBA. His work not only saved countless staff hours but also delivered cleaner, more accessible insights into our financial data.
Niamh – Social Media Intern
With a creative eye and strategic research, Niamh transformed our TikTok presence from nearly nonexistent to a thriving platform. In just one summer, OFA grew from 7 followers to more than 500, with one video going viral and sparking conversations nationwide. Most importantly, her content reached families who now see hope and possibility for their children with disabilities.
Tanvi – Website Intern
Tanvi took a deep dive into our website performance and content strategy. She identified technical issues slowing us down, then designed a fresh new template that emphasizes clarity and impact. Her guidance helped us reimagine our site with the powerful reminder that less is more.
Behind the scenes, our staff provided guidance, mentorship, and the right balance of support and challenge. Together, we created an environment where interns not only contributed real results but also left with the confidence and pride of making a difference.
We’re grateful to Abishek, Niamh, and Tanvi for their dedication, creativity, and hard work and we can’t wait to see where their journeys take them next!
Wellness Wheel Wednesdays: Rolling Toward a Healthier Team
At Options For All, we know that the wellbeing of our employees directly impacts the work we do for the people we serve. That’s why we created Wellness For All an ongoing initiative designed to support every part of our team’s wellness journey, both on and off the clock.
As we enter in the month of August, in recognition of National Wellness Month, we’re bringing back a favorite activity among staff: Wellness Wednesdays—now with a new format we’re calling Wellness Wheel Wednesdays.
Each week, employees are encouraged to share how they’re caring for themselves in any area of the Wellness Wheel, from physical activity and healthy eating, to professional growth, emotional wellbeing, and financial health. The goal is to create a culture where wellness is not just encouraged, but celebrated and where employees can learn from one another’s ideas and successes.
By investing in the wellness of our team, we’re fostering a stronger, healthier organization that’s better equipped to deliver on our mission.
Celebrating 40 Years of One Mission, Infinite Possibilities
Forty years ago, a small group of visionaries asked a bold question: What if everyone regardless of ability could live a life without limits? That question became our mission, and for four decades we’ve carried it forward with passion, creativity, and an unshakable belief in what’s possible.
On July 24th, we gathered at the San Diego Air & Space Museum — a place that honors pioneers who dared to dream beyond boundaries — to celebrate this incredible milestone. It was the perfect backdrop for a night dedicated to the people who push possibilities every single day.
Our theme, One Mission, Infinite Possibilities, came to life through the stories we shared: Steven, who found his voice and purpose working at SeaWorld; Maria, who launched her own baking business with the support of her DSP; and the hundreds of OFA employees who show up not just for a job, but to make a difference.
We honored the heart and soul of our mission our employees for putting people first and believing in others before they believe in themselves. We recognized our board, community partners, and employer partners, whose leadership and collaboration have helped us grow, innovate, and serve more people in more ways.
This celebration was about gratitude reflecting on how far we’ve come and daring to imagine what’s next. Because if the past 40 years have taught us anything, it’s this: when you stay true to your mission, the possibilities really are infinite.
Here’s to the next 40 years — and beyond.
Deliver Exceptional Services Employment Services
Project Search: LEGOLAND California
• Assessment Day: June 10, 2025
• Start Date: August 4, 2025
• # Applicants Accepted: 10
Project Search: San Diego Zoo
• Assessment Day: July 21, 2025
• Start Date: August 25, 2025
• # Applicants Accepted: 10
Project Search Total Applicant Breakdown:
37 applicants
20 accepted (10 per site)
4 applicants waitlisted
Coordinated Career Pathways (CCP)
Exciting news! Coordinated Career Pathways (CCP) is now officially an approved vendor with the San Diego Regional Center. Plus, our Area Manager, Lily Holland, has earned her APSE Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) credential—this means Options For All can now officially provide services through CCP.
Film and Media
We’re excited to officially welcome Gary Seideman as our new Director of Film & Media! In just a short time, Gary’s leadership and vision have already made a big impact on our team and the future of our media work.
Want to get to know Gary and connect further? Find him on LinkedIn.
Have a Thriving Business Model
OFA starts the fiscal year strong by recording $824K in operating income comp to $107K budgeted The budget incorporated potential Medicaid headwinds and increased competition in Employment Services.
Key drivers of outperformance:
• Contract revenue: +$167K vs. budget
• DOR revenue: +$228K vs. budget
• Wages & salaries: $172K lower than budgeted due to the LA studio not yet operating and several planned positions remaining unfilled
• Non-wage costs: $90K favorable (equipment, occupancy, and depreciation) as the LA studio related expenses will start occurring in the 2nd quarter.
JULY/YTD FINANCIALS:
• Revenue: $3,435,051
• Expenses: $2,610,944
• Net Operating Income (operating profit): $824K
INDUSTRY UPDATES (STATE)
California Assembly Bill 815 (AB 815) Update
I’m excited to share an important legislative win. The CDSA sponsored bill, AB 815 (Ortega), has officially passed the Senate Insurance Committee and is now headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee for the next vote.
AB 815 is designed to protect Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and other social service workers from being wrongly classified by their personal auto insurance providers as commercial drivers just because they use their own cars to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the community. This misclassification can result in higher premiums or unnecessary coverage requirements. If passed, the bill will ensure these workers can continue doing their jobs without facing unfair insurance costs or barriers.
Passing the Senate Insurance Committee especially on consent signals strong, bipartisan support and real momentum. It’s a key step toward removing a significant obstacle for DSPs and making sure they can focus on what matters most: supporting individuals with IDD to live full, independent lives.
As AB 815 moves forward, I’ll keep you informed on progress and ways to help push it across the finish line. Together, we can secure this win for the DSP workforce and the people they serve.
INDUSTRY UPDATES (STATE)
Issue
Growing Demand
SDP Changes & Cuts
Implications for OFA
Expanded budget can support more people aging out of Early Start a key focus area for OFA.
OFA should prepare to support families navigating tightened SDP rules and budget constraints, including advocating for transparency and fairness in plan approval processes.
Equity and Transparency Requirements
With AB 1220, OFA can monitor and engage in reviews of data on service denials and disparities and participate in stakeholder dialogues shaping equity strategies.
Master Plan Alignment
Policy and Funding Risks
OFA can align its advocacy with Master Plan goals and track implementation updates required by AB 143.
Rate delays and budget shortfalls underscore the need for continued policy advocacy— especially as federal Medicaid threats emerge.
INDUSTRY UPDATES (FEDERAL)
Key Developments of One Big Beautiful Bill Act
1. Massive Medicaid Funding Cuts Threaten Disability Support
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that the bill will slash Medicaid funding by $900 billion over ten years, resulting in approximately 10 million Americans losing health insurance coverage—including 7.5 million people losing Medicaid benefits and 2 million losing Affordable Care Act coverage. Disability advocates strongly warn these cuts target society’s most vulnerable, especially those with disabilities.
2. Extensive Cuts to Medicaid & Medicare
The Center for American Progress and The Arc highlight that the bill’s provisions reduce federal spending on Medicaid and CHIP by roughly $1.02 trillion, potentially stripping 10.5 million people from the programs by 2034. Crucially, states confronting reduced federal support may prioritize cuts to “optional benefits” such as home- and community-based services (HCBS) which are essential for many individuals with disabilities.
3. Implementation Timeline & Delayed Impact
Though President Trump signed the bill on July 4, 2025, many of the Medicaid and SNAP-related changes are phased in incrementally over time. Some provisions like halting CMS rules to simplify Medicaid enrollment are already active, while others will roll out in the coming years.
4. Advocacy Response: California Speaks Out
Disability Rights California called the bill “the most harmful bill for disabled people” in their 34-year history, emphasizing that many of the cuts though slated to take effect post-midterm elections in 2026 pose severe risks to healthcare and community-based care. The organization urged state leaders to co-create mitigation strategies with affected communities.
5. Broader Impact on Nutrition & Education
For students with disabilities, the bill tightens Medicaid eligibility, which underpins many school-based support services. Additionally, disruptions to SNAP—a vital resource for many with disabilities—are expected, with stricter work requirements and administrative burdens likely leading to significant benefit reductions.
In Other News…
Introducing Gary Seideman!
Gary Seideman brings more than two decades of award-winning media production and leadership experience to his role as Director of Film & Media Programs at Options For All. With a career that spans broadcast news, corporate media, and inclusive workforce development, Gary has led high-impact storytelling initiatives and built programs that create real opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Before joining Options For All, Gary served as West Region Market Manager for Cox Communications, where he transformed a $10M loss into profitability, delivered millions in new revenue through data-driven storytelling, and launched a pioneering program to hire and train individuals with disabilities as Media Specialists. His work has earned him three Emmy Awards, a Telly Award, and recognition from the San Diego Press Club. He has also served as Co-Chair of Cox’s Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Council, Ambassador for the Diverse Ability ERG, and as a Miracle League coach supporting athletes with disabilities.
Gary holds a BA in Communications and Business from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a certificate in Design Media from UC San Diego.
July's Operational Results
• We brought on 37 new clients
• Client Retention Rate remained strong at 99%, exceeding goal
• Film & Media at 100% capacity and a 90% attendance rate, exceeding both goals
