Options of Linn County still strong after 50 years, despite transitions

CEDAR RAPIDS - A few years ago, Options of Linn County was in the midst of transition and some in the community were unsure if the program - which provides services and support to adults with disabilities - would survive.

The program, which started 50 years ago, recently has shifted away from providing work opportunities to offering volunteer activities for those adults. But the larger mission has remained unchanged.

'It's been through quite a few changes,” said Jim Fox, the organization's director. 'Our goal has been community integration - for our folks to be a part of the greater Cedar Rapids community.”

Officials with Options will hold an open house from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, at the Linn County Community Services Building, 1240 26th Ave. SW. The event, which is open to the public, will include displays, refreshments and tours of the facility.

Options, which has been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities since 1982, provides day habilitation and pre-vocational services to adults with disabilities.

Fox added that Options is one of the only organizations of its kind that is a county service rather than a private effort. Much of the program's funding is through Medicaid, however, he added.

'We began in 1966 - it was basically developed by parents of persons with disabilities and began more or less as an adult day care type of thing,” Fox said. 'But it grew into an emphasis really on work and it was up until just recently that that's what Options was really about.”

About two years ago, Options began a shift away from offering paid work opportunities - spurred by changes to sub-minimum wage rules - and now focuses largely on volunteer efforts.

The shift was finalized this summer.

Fox said some in the community were concerned the transition would mean the end for the program, but it has remained a strong presence in the community.

'For the people that were working that transitioned over, they're the ones that are really enthusiastic about the volunteer opportunities,” Fox said. 'A lot of them do miss getting the paycheck, there was a lot of pride in that. But outside of that, the transition has been going really great.”

Fox said, of the roughly 180 individuals in the program, close to 150 participate on most days. Of those, about 100 are out in the community - often volunteering - every day with some 25 partner organizations, such as Meals on Wheels, the Linn County Veterans Affairs food pantry and Hawkeye Area Community Action Program's Operation: BackPack program, which serves food-insecure children.

But there's also time for fun, said Judy Monk, Options facility coordinator. Some offerings include bowling, visiting area museums or catching a movie at a local theater.

But it's hands down the volunteer opportunities that are the most popular, she said.

'The truth is, they love the volunteer opportunities,” Monk said. 'People really hook into that sense of purpose.”

IF YOU GO

What: Options of Linn County's 50th year celebration open house

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday

Where: Linn County Community Services Building, 1240 26th Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids

Website: http://www.linncounty.org/145/Options