
Annual Report 2022-2023


To create and support opportunities for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities in making choices to live, work, and love life in their community with dignity and respect.
Our team creates hope, inspires dreams, and enables our clients to live a life without limits Options For All: the best place to be Our Vision
Our Values
Be honest with yourself and others
Demand the highest ethical behavior of yourself and others
Be kind
Work collaboratively
Seek and give feedback
Develop and challenge yourself and each other
Provide efficient and caring service
Keep yourself and your clients safe
Have fun
Foster An Environment of Diversity and Belonging
Embrace diversity in people, ideas, and experiences
Assume positive intent
Be direct and authentic
Meet people where they are
Bring out the best in yourself and others
Act like an owner
Accept and embrace responsibility
Empower yourself and others
Deliver on commitments
Make fact-based decisions
Be disciplined
Strive for great execution
Anticipate and drive change
Communicate openly and honestly
Lead by example
As we reflect on the past year and look toward the future, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the progress we have made at Options For All (OFA) This year was marked by significant achievements and milestones, which included the important decision to focus our efforts in critically needed areas that align with what we do best here at OFA
To do this, we developed a 10-year strategy with the full support and engagement of OFA’s Board of Directors This long-term strategy is not just a roadmap for our organization; it is a commitment to the future of the communities we serve.
Our primary focus will be to solidify our support for California's Employment First commitment. This is more than just a policy stance; it's a foundational principle that guides our actions. We are building an infrastructure that ensures every client at OFA, regardless of their circumstance, becomes employment-ready. This is a promise we are making and one we intend to keep.
Another core element of our long-term strategy is our commitment to bringing essential services to communities that face accessibility and equity barriers Our role goes beyond being a service provider; we aim to be a bridge that connects underserved communities with opportunities they rightfully deserve
In order to realize our long-term strategic goals, in FY 22/23, we introduced OFA’s ‘3 Pillars of Success’ which guide how we operate and envision our focus and growth These pillars – Be a Best Place to Work, Deliver Exceptional Services, and Have a Thriving Business Model – are the bedrock of our organizational ethos
Being a 'Best Place to Work' is about fostering an environment where our team members feel valued, heard, and motivated By investing in our staff, we are investing in the quality of service we provide 'Delivering Exceptional Services' is our commitment to helping our clients live a life without limits It is about consistently exceeding the expectations of those we serve and ensuring that every interaction with OFA is a positive and impactful one Having a 'Thriving Business Model' is about sustainability and innovation It ensures that we continue to grow, adapt, and remain financially robust, enabling us to serve our community effectively and for the long term
This year, we also expanded our Board of Directors with new members who are not only able, but also excited to carry forward our purpose and strategic objectives. Their diverse skills, perspectives, and unwavering commitment to our mission are invaluable assets to OFA.
Our journey ahead is filled with opportunities and challenges, but with our dedicated team, supportive board, strong help from our Regional Centers and Department of Developmental Services, and continued partnership of our community, there is no limit to what we can achieve together
Thank you for being a part of our journey Together, we are laying the foundation for a future that is inclusive, equitable, and full of possibilities. Your support, trust, and partnership inspire us every day to strive for a future where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
With sincere gratitude,
Options for All strives to be a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment, advocating for equal opportunities and representation Our organization believes that diversity is not merely a checkbox, but a celebration of unique perspectives and voices. With every honor received, we reaffirm our belief in the transformative power of inclusion, proving that when everyone is given a chance, the possibilities are limitless.
SAN DIEGO BUSINESS JOURNAL'S BUSINESS WOMEN OF THE YEAR
Melissa Malone-Mongotmery, COO of Options For All
“Climb”, a short documentary produced as part of the Film & Media Program, was winner of Best Social Justice & Inclusion Film 2022 by Disability Film Festival, winner of Award of Merit by Accolade Global Film Competition, and was an Official Selection of San Diego Movie Awards 2022
“During the pandemic OFA never stopped delivering quality services. Our teams came together and showed up for our clients when it was needed most. We’re truly honored to be recognized by SARC.” - Brian Zottii
Thanks to our amazing staff OFA was able to react quickly and creatively to the pandemic shutdown. In addition to equipping our clients and staff with protective equipment, our innovative use of technology allowed staff to offer enriching remote services that kept our clients connected and engaged during times of isolation. Our staff also went above and beyond, for example supporting our Independent Living (ILS) clients with pandemic-related challenges such as ordering groceries for home delivery and navigating online rent payment systems.
In 2022 OFA was honored by the San Andreas Regional Center (SARC) for our hard work during the pandemic, receiving the Service Provider of the Year award from SARC.
OFA staff member Ryan Santos was also named ILS Staff of the Year by SARC. During the ceremony honoring Ryan, Ryan’s client Trevor thanked Ryan for being a dedicated advocate for him, and helping him learn how to cook by himself.
We are incredibly proud of our team's dedication to providing essential services safely during these challenging times
Ryan Santos has been an employee at OFA for more than 8 years. As a member of the Northern California ILS team Ryan demonstrated outstanding leadership, expanding enrichment classes with a well-managed curriculum. He ensured the safety of his client’s housing, mentored staff, and advocated passionately for every individual. Ryan is a shining star at OFA, and we are proud of his deserved recognition from SARC. Recently, Ryan was promoted to Area Manager, and now coaches other DSPs to provide the same exceptional services
We prioritize creating a positive and inclusive work environment for our employees.
Hispanic or Latino White Asian
Black or African American Native American or Alaska Native Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander Two
identify as living with a disability are veterans
We know that the quality of the services we provide to others is directly tied to the quality, dedication, and expertise of our service providers. Therefore we take seriously our commitment to being a Best Place to Work, and we place great importance on supporting and empowering our employees
We continuously work to foster a vibrant and dynamic company culture that embraces a fun and enjoyable work environment and promotes continuous growth. We listen to employee feedback, encourage open communication to ensure we understand everyone ’ s diverse perspective. We prioritize team making activities and love celebrating individual and group achievements and milestones.
"I've been a DSP at Options For All for 30 years, and the reason I stay is because of the people"Cuqui Cabrales, Senior Direct Support Professional
Rachel’s work as Business Developer Manager is vital to our goal of creating an infrastructure that ensures every client at OFA is employment ready Rachel meets with potential client employers, sharing the value that individuals with IDD bring to the workplace.
Through workshops and presentations, Rachel shares valuable insights and practical strategies for recruiting and employing individuals with IDD and dispels the many myths and misconceptions that have long been barriers to employment for individuals with IDD.
Employers learn about the unique skills and perspectives individuals with IDD bring to the workplace, learn about success stories, and explore with Rachel innovative approaches to inclusive hiring By addressing concerns and highlighting the benefits of
We aim to deliver exceptional services to our clients and partners, ensuring that all individuals have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
Community Engagement is designed to foster skill development in vocational, educational, recreational, and social environments Our programs are 100% community based which means we use our local communities as the classroom, with an emphasis on being contributing members of society Our staff work with clients in small groups to explore their interests, find their purpose, develop social skills, and gain a sense of autonomy in a safe environment Operating in the community this allows for natural opportunities to develop independence and safely navigate their surroundings while developing transferrable skills they can build on to transition to more independent programs when they are ready
Employment Services offer a variety of pathways to support individuals with disabilities get to work We offer support that is tailored to unique needs, and work alongside our clients to find the right job that suits their skill level, interests, and goals Our teams build partnerships with employers and community organizations to achieve specific outcomes such as work skills training, short- and long-term internships, supported employment, and direct job placement Once placed in a suitable position, our staff work alongside clients providing on-the-job training to ensure success and long-term stability
Our Enhanced Behavioral Support program is designed to support individuals who require more focused support due to the impact of their disability Our program is site-based, which fosters a more structured environment for safety, supervision and support but allows for flexibility to navigate the community and explore activities that align with our clients’ interests and goals Our experienced staff work closely with the client, their family and support network to create an individualized program that is best suited to meet their unique needs and supports them in building independence to take the next step.
Our Film & Media vocational training programs provides adults with disabilities an entry-level, hands on, working knowledge of film production, multimedia development, and supporting roles, which prepares them for competitive integrated employment in the film and creative arts industries The objective of Film & Media program is to provide a real-world experience for our clients to gain the transferrable skills, through project-based instruction, that will prepare them for internships, gigs, self-employment, and permanent employment after they complete the program
The Independent Living program supports adults with disabilities who live on their own, or who are in the process of transitioning to living on their own, in developing the knowledge and skills to support themselves in the home and take care of their daily living needs Support staff engage clients with functional curriculum aimed at developing the critical life skills such as safety, hygiene, meal preparation, health and medical management, budgeting, financial management, using public transportation, and selfadvocacy. Services are delivered in the clients home and in community settings and are individualized to unique support needs and goals
The Tailored Day program is an extension of our Community Engagement program and is customized to meet the support needs of clients on a 1:1 basis. The program is designed to support skill development in the areas of education, vocational training, social and recreation activities, and self-expression Support staff work with clients to achieve their personal goals in a variety of environments including classrooms, jobsites, recreational teams, and social clubs.
Geographical Regions Served
San Diego
Inland Empire
Imperial Valley
Northern California - Bay Area
Counties Served
San Diego
San Bernadino
Riverside
Imperial
Santa Clara
Santa Cruz
Alameda
OFA Enhanced Behavioral Support Facility Location
San Diego
OFA Film and Media Studio Locations
Sunnyvale (San Jose effective 1/18/2024)
San Bernadino
San Diego
Regional Center Partners
San Diego Regional Center (SDRC)
Inland Regional Center (IRC)
San Andreas Regional Center (SARC)
San Diego
Inland Empire
Northern California - Bay Area
Imperial Valley
1,039 clients served Age
OFA thanks our valued employer partners who hire or provide work experience opportunities, so our clients can become more independent and meet their individual employment goals.
SanDiego:
UCSDMedicalCenter
SanDiegoPadres
Pavilions
GroceryOutlet(ninelocations)
SmartandFinal(Twolocations)
HowardGardnerElementarySchool AztecThriftStore
DVESalon
NavyRecruitingDepot
CampRunaMutt
Domino'sPizza
LunaGrill
CloisterSeniorLiving
Let'sPlay
Legoland
SanDiegoZoo
Walmart Sprouts
CVS
HomeDepot
SDG&E
Target CountyofSanDiego HiltonHotels
ImperialValley:
LittleCesar's
TheChildren’sPlace
Nicky'sRestaurant
TheCopyCenter
CalipatriaCityHall
Nana’sKitchen
ElTroCoffee
Target McDonalds
ImperialValleyFoodBank
ValleyVida
GroceryOutlet
LittleFriendsDayCare
ImperialValleyChamberofcommerce
ElCentroPostacute
ClinicasDelValle
OneworldTransportation
InlandEmpire:
BehaviorFrontier
MFIRecovery
ElSolNeighborhoodEducationalCenter
McDonalds
AscendantsWarehouse
CrestCafe CVSPharmacy
BrainyActz
PhoenixTechnologies
Chevron
StaterBrothers PatrolSolutions
AlliedSecurities Radial
PizzaHut
SanManuelCasino
ArrowheadMedicalCenter
RedlandsCommunityHospital
PapaJohns
MarthaGreens
NorthernCalifornia–BayArea:
Groceryoutlet
IvyParkSeniorLiving
360DegreeTherapy
VasonaPark
Cisco
BeWellInvestment
SanJoseEarthquakes
Walgreens
LGRCRecreationcenter
AccessCaregiving
AllCreationsDayCare
PopperJasperFilmfestivals
AscendantsTechnologies
Equinix
VeteransAffairs
TraderJoe’s
BonAppetit
Andronico’s
Safeway
Thanks to our many volunteer partners OFA’s clients and staffs make a significant impact in the community, volunteering thousands of hours every year.
San Diego:
St Mark’s Church
St Peter’s Thrift Store
Casa De Amparo
Lifehouse
Feeding San Diego
Encinitas Historical Museum
Grandon Village
Leo Corrillo Ranch
Carlsbad Library
Brother Benno Foundation
Wagner’s Garden
ReRuns ReSale Shop
Mira Mesa Library
Mira Mesa Park
Camino Ruiz Neighborhood Park
Feeding San Diego
Pacific Health care services
Carmel Mountain Recreation Center
Sabre Springs Park
Scripps Ranch Library
Miracle Babies
Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Feeding San Diego
Bread of Life Christian Church
Living Way Church
Ramona Senior Center
2 the Rescue: Animal Sanctuary
Canyon side Park & Reserve City Church
Pacific Point Health
Advantage Health Systems · Scripps Ranch Library
Church of the Good Shepard
Refinery Church Food Bank
Bonita Library
Sharp Hospital
Victory Resource Center
MAAC Food Bank
Voices of San Diego choir
Spanish Village art center
PATH (clothing for homeless)
Paradise Hills garden
Mountain View Elementary School
Southbay Mission Church
National City Episcopal Church
Logan Heights food bank
Howard Garden Community School
Salvation Army
Refine Church
Montgomery Waller Recreation Center
Sharp Chula Vista
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church
Imperial Ave Food bank
Lakeside Library
Lakeside River Park Conservancy
Lindo Lake County Park
Partners Therapeutic Horsemanship
Santee Library
Spring Valley Library
Sharp Hospital Chula Vista
San Diego Humane Society
San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
Inland Empire:
Mentone Senior Center
Murrieta Senior Center
2nd Chance Thrift Store
Greater Faith Grace Church
Helping Hands
San Bernardino Community Church
Lighthouse for the Blind
Ronald McDonald House
YAPS
KMF Boxing
NorCal Bay Area:
Restore Resource Center
Peterson Middle School
West Valley Community Center
Isiah’s Rock Non-Denominational Fellowship
Childhood Cancer Foundation
Lifestream
San Bernardino Family YMCA
Norton Younglove Community Center
GHH Thrift Store
San Bernardino Food Bank
Veteran’s Center
Highland Giving Garden
Rialto Methodist Church
Meet Tony, well on his way to achieving his dream job at the Zoo.
Tony began working with OFA’s Employment Services team after many setbacks finding meaningful employment. With the OFA team’s assistance Tony landed a job at Sea World. But what Tony really wanted was to work closely with animals at the San Diego Zoo. With his job coach’s encouragement and his own determination, Tony was hired as a Guest Ambassador at the San Diego Zoo.
As a Guest Ambassador, Tony shares facts about the animals with guests, and has been able to take on more responsibilities, such as providing training sessions for new volunteers and assisting with animal feedings. He has gained valuable experience working with animals and interacting with guests, and his hard work has earned him recognition and respect within the company.
Tony's ultimate goal is to become an animal care specialist, and he is proactively pursuing opportunities to learn more about animal care through workshops and seminars. His dedication and passion have not gone unnoticed, and he has been encouraged to apply for upcoming animal care specialist positions.
Through his hard work and perseverance, Tony has come a long way in achieving his dream job. He is a valuable member of the San Diego Zoo team, and his story is a remarkable reminder that with determination and the proper support, anything is possible.
"It's simply put: OFA changed my life. I am a story teller. Before joining OFA, I lacked an outlet to express myself "
Jake Solis, Client at OFA
Jake Solis describes his experience in OFA’s Film & Media program as life changing As a natural storyteller, he lacked an outlet to express himself before joining OFA’s Film & Media program With the encouragement and support of the F&M team of instructors and support staff, Jake now works alongside other amazing students pursuing their common goal to become filmmakers
His favorite part of the program is connecting with other students and teachers at the studio He learned to always be flexible and kind He has particularly enjoyed his introduction to the world of producing and directing
Jake's most memorable story from OFA was recording a voiceover promoting OFA's 2021 Bow Ties and Sandals Gala Unexpectedly, he was invited to attend the gala as a guest! To prospective students, Jake advises not to miss out on this incredible opportunity It will change their lives like it changed his, and they'll never regret it
We aim to achieve financial sustainability while also creating social impact.
In our tradition of being at the forefront of innovation, OFA has embraced A.I. technology to better the experience of both our employees and clients. Inspired by Match.com, we have created matching tools that have allowed us to create more meaningful connections between our clients and staff by pairing them based on shared interests, language preferences, and proximity This has resulted in a more satisfying experience for our clients, and we are delighted to be setting new standards for person-centered services
The use of A.I. has also created greater efficiency within our employee scheduling platform Teambridge, saving over 100 hours per week by automating workflows that send SMS and emails to staff when schedules are published, changed, or canceled. With schedules at their fingertips, our staff is always well-informed and better prepared for their workday
Through the implementation of Teambridge across all regions, we experienced a 35% improvement in our service delivery optimization rate within a year. Despite an initial 56% optimization rate during the system's rollout, our determination and hard work have paid off, and we are now consistently maintaining an average of 91% in schedule optimization! This incredible accomplishment is a testament to our dedication to providing person-centered services, and we're thrilled about the positive impact this will have on our clients' lives
Brandan’s work personifies OFA’s commitment to innovation and efficiency as one way in which to ensure excellent client service Brandan has been integral in the development of the employee scheduling platform Teambridge, and his efforts have not just been noticed within OFA; Brandan was asked to speak at ANCOR’s annual conference to share his recipe for success with others!
Brandan not only shared invaluable insights and strategies on increasing scheduling and client matching capabilities through technology, but championed the importance of inclusive employment practices His impactful presentation showcased Options For All's unwavering commitment to building an inclusive society, leaving a trail of optimism and empowerment in its wake. Attendees were captivated by Brandan's passion, and his words sparked a newfound belief in embracing diversity and creating boundless opportunities for all