Vital funds raised for vulnerable Long Islanders
Options for Community Living, Inc. (Options) recently held its second Murder Mystery Event- I Love the ‘80s to Death, at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh. Guests enjoyed dinner and refreshments while teaming up to question “suspects” and discover who committed the crime. It was an afternoon of laughter, intrigue, and fundraising. The event hosted 139 guests and raised over $56,000 for Options’ programs which help vulnerable adults, children, and families living on Long Island.
Yolanda Robano-Gross, CEO at Options for Community Living, Inc. welcomed sponsors and guests with gratitude. “Your generous support helps people who are diagnosed with mental illness and other chronic illnesses live with dignity in the community and we are incredibly thankful.”
A moving testimonial was provided by Paul Ferretti, who resides in Options housing and works for the agency providing peer services for others living with mental illness. Paul discussed his life full of “highs and lows” including recovery from substance use and a debilitating stroke. “It’s been a journey,” said Paul. “I didn’t have the drive or energy to pick up and start over again, but every step of the way there was Options. I don’t know where I’d be without them.”
The afternoon concluded with the announcement of a raffle basket and silent auction winners along with prizes for the “Best Dressed,” “Best Detectives,” and “Worst Detectives.” Thanks to generous sponsors and a caring community, the event was a “phenomenal success” stated Robano-Gross. “We are already discussing plans for next year’s event and what the theme will be.” Stay tuned!
To learn more about Options for Community Living, Inc. and how you can support its mission, visit www.optionscl.org or call a member of the Development Department at (631) 361-9020.
About Options for Community Living, Inc.
In 1982 Options was established to respond to the need for housing in the community for people with serious mental illness. Options opened its first community residence in 1984 and now provides a continuum of supportive housing opportunities across Long Island for people recovering from mental illness. In the 1990s, Options began providing Medicaid case management services for people living with HIV/AIDS. Supportive housing development for this population soon followed. In 2011, Medicaid redesign introduced “Health Homes,” and a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to care for those with HIV/AIDS, and with serious mental illness, and multiple chronic health conditions. As a Health Home partner, Options provides care coordination services for more than 1000 adults and children with serious chronic illnesses each year. Options for Community Living, Inc. is committed to assisting individuals and families in need to develop their fullest potential for independent living. Residential and support services prepare participants for the demands and responsibilities of community life and promote housing permanency, health, safety and welfare. The organization’s actions are guided by principles of integrity, openness, accountability, respect and the highest quality of care.
—Submitted by Options for Community Living, Inc.
