Options for Independence

The holidays are one of the times during the year when we think about what to give one another. From a plate of cookies to expensive jewelry, we seek to find the perfect gift for those special people in our lives. Many charitable agencies do their annual request for donations. The red kettles and bell-ringers are out in front of stores seeking contributions for the Salvation Army. There are boxes and bins at many local stores collecting toys for children in hospitals, or those who are less fortunate. Our mailboxes are full of international requests to feed, clothe and educate children overseas. Along with all of these requests, Options’ annual membership letter will be on its way soon, requesting your support.

With so many requests for donations, it would be hard to give to all of them, and even harder to decide which one is more worthy of your donation. Giving is a personal choice, and one that can and should not be dictated. With the economy in central New York and the nation in such bad straits, people may not even be in a position to give. This would be the case for most of the people we serve. They are people with disabilities that often have substantial challenges, and in many cases, are unable to earn a living.

Options has endured many cuts to its budget due to state and federal funding gaps, and services to our consumers have suffered for it. Grants have expired, and even though great need still exists, we have not been granted the funds to continue some programs.  Hard choices are being made, and we have been left to figure out how to bridge the gaps to continue to serve our consumers.

This may sound like too big a problem to be fixed by even a $10 membership, but if everyone who was able gave even a small donation, it could potentially fund a program that would help a person who was homeless find an apartment. It could help pay for a shower modification that would allow a person in a wheelchair the opportunity to bathe independently. It could help build a ramp for a person who cannot enter or exit their home. On a smaller scale, it could provide personal care products that their funds do not cover. No amount is too small to help.

Our Holiday Open House is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13. If you have never been to Options, and would like an opportunity to meet us, share a cup of coffee and some cookies, we would love the chance to tell you more about what we do, and why it is such a vital part of our community.

We would like to thank all of our contributing members; your continued support is greatly appreciated. Our holidays are brighter because of you.

Susan Gray is chair of the Options for Independence board of directors