Options for Community Living, Inc.
202 East Main Street
Smithtown, NY 11787
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Dr. Diana Antos Arens has announced her plans to retire as Executive Director of Options for Community Living, Inc. (Options), which she co-founded in 1982.
Find out what's happening in Smithtownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Options is one of the largest bi-county providers of housing and services for people with psychiatric disabilities, HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses on Long Island. Under Dr. Arens’ leadership, the agency – with 160 employees and an operating budget of $15 million – has grown to help more than 1,000 of Long Island’s adults and children annually.
“The announcement of Dr. Arens’ retirement plans brings us to reflect on 32 successful years of commitment, collaboration and undeniable dedication in helping people to develop their fullest potential for independent living,” stated Jody Burke, President, Options’ Board of Directors. “She has fostered an organizational culture of respect, quality and efforts beyond basic support services; and we are confident that Options dedicated staff will ensure a legacy of continued success. Everyone wishes Diana our heartfelt congratulations and all the best for the future.”
Arens, in partnership with Diane Mendolia, opened the agency’s first group home more than 30 years ago in response to the need for community mental health services. Options continued to grow its mental health programs and also broadened its mission and developed programs for individuals and families who were homeless or living with HIV/AIDS during the 1990s and beyond.
Today, Options provides housing with comprehensive, personalized support service on a daily basis to 500 individuals and families at more than 150 properties located in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Options’ Health Home Care Coordination and grant-funded services assist 800 Long Islanders with chronic illnesses annually to work toward optimal health.
“I am grateful to the many staff and Board Members who have worked with Options through the years to help our agency achieve its mission,” said Dr. Arens. “We founded Options in 1982 to serve Long Islanders in need with integrity, respect and compassion. I am deeply proud and honored to say that we have unequivocally achieved this goal, and I am confident that Options is well prepared to meet the future with continued success.”
Arens received her Masters and Ph.D. in Sociology at Stony Brook University. She has been an active member and served in leadership roles for various organizations on Long Island. Dr. Arens will continue to serve as Executive Director of Options for Community Living until August 2014 while the Board of Directors conducts a search.
