Founded in 1985, we provide employment and independent living services to individuals with disabilities. We envision a society that embraces all its members as full partners in their community. Our goal is to assist individuals to become productive tax paying citizens. Our mission is to create and support opportunities for adults with disabilities and disadvantaged seniors in making choices to live, work and enjoy life with dignity and respect. For 23 years, we were a division of the Foundation for Educational Achievement under the name of Community Options. Effective July 1,2007 we became a free standing non-profit organization named Employment & Community Options.

Accomplishments 1. Celebrated 27years of delivering quality services. 2. Started three micro-enterprise businesses with our adults with developmental disabilities. The Micro-Enterprise Group of Coronado operates a shredding and delivery business, the Poway Super Shredders own a shredding business in Poway and Vending Express has two- headed candy vending machines placed throughout the Poway community. .  3. Started Legacy Circle Endowment Fund and recruited 18 founding members to the endowment. 4. Held special events in each of our four geographic areas promoting our services for adults with developmental disabilities.     Our Long-Range Goals include the following: 1. To increase our cash reserve to $1.5 million.  2. To increase our Legacy Circle endowment fund to $1 million.  3. Reduce our reliance on government funds so less than 75% of our funds come from governmental agencies.  4. Improve our name recognition in the community so it aligns with our ranking at one of the top 25 non-profits in San Diego County.  5. Continue to grow and expand services when opportunities are identified.   Specific Goals for FY 2012-13 : 1.    1.  The Governance Committee will continue to develop policies and procedures to address the CARF recommendations. a.    Develop a policy on the independence of board members b.    Develop a policy on board performance regarding the engagement and use of executive compensation advisors and other advisors. c.    Develop a policy on total executive compensation philosophy d.    Develop an exit process for board members e.    Revise and update the code of ethics. 2.    2.  The CEO and the Governance Committee will continue to identify and recruit new members for the board of directors.     3.    3.  The CEO will continue to build stronger relationships with major donors. Continue to increase our fundraising efforts and to decrease our reliance on governmental funding: a.    CEO to write one grant per month b.    CEO and Development Officer to meet with major donors each month. Scheduling at least one meeting per month c.    Recruit and staff a Santa Clara County Development Committee   4.    4.  The CEO will work with the marketing committee to implement the marketing plan for Employment & Community Options a.    Establish a marketing committee b.    Develop branding and style guidelines c.    Improve and enhance our marketing materials d.    Develop a speakers bureau   5.    5.  The CEO will lead the strategic planning efforts of the organization to develop a revised strategic plan with the goal of review and updating it annually.