SMITHTOWN-BASED OPTIONS NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Yolanda Robano-Gross, Woodmere, New York, has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Smithtown-based Options for Community Living, Inc. As Executive Director, Robano-Gross will oversee an organization that 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.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors of Options for Community Living, I am delighted to welcome Yolanda Robano-Gross as our new Executive Director,” said Board President Jody Burke. “Her wealth of experience and proven leadership skills will help to further advance Options in its mission of assisting the neediest Long Islanders to live more healthy and productive lives.”

Robano-Gross brings more than 20 years of executive level experience within the health care industry to her new role, the majority of which were in the not-for-profit sector. She most recently was the VP of Developmental Disabilities Residential Services at FEGS Health and Human Services, a not-for-profit agency with programs throughout metropolitan New York. At FEGS, Robano-Gross was responsible for the operation and oversight of more than 100 residential program sites throughout New York City and Long Island. In addition to her experience at FEGS, she served as Director of Developmental Disabilities Services at PSCH, a comprehensive human services agency. Her additional prior experience includes Adjunct Field Instructor Liaison for SUNY Stony Brook University, Operations Director for Global Healthcare Staffing and Director of Quality Assurance for the Beacon Group.

“I am thrilled and privileged to be a member of the outstanding team at Options for Community Living. I look forward to continuing the level of excellence Options has always provided for the people we serve” said Yolanda Robano-Gross.

Robano-Gross earned a Master’s in Health Care Administration from Hofstra University, Master’s in Social Work from Yeshiva University and Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Marist College. She additionally holds a certificate in Executive Education, Non-Profit Leadership from The Fordham Center for Non-Profit Leaders.

About Options for Community Living, Inc.

Established in 1982, Options for Community Living, Inc. operates residential programs for adults with mental illness and affordable housing and care coordination services for individuals and families living with HIV and AIDS and other chronic health conditions. Options’ mission to assist people to live independently and with dignity in the community has grown through the years to serve more than 1,000 adults and children annually. For more information about Options for Community Living, Inc., call 631.361.9020 or visit Options’ website at www.optionscl.org.

Photo by Heather Walsh.