Non-Profit Feature: Community Options, Inc.

Community Options, Inc. is a non-profit organization specializing in group homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They offer housing, employment supports and so much more.

​Every February, Cupid’s Chase 5K run will take place all over the country to celebrate the founding of Community Options in February 1989.

This year, I was so excited to volunteer and photograph the Cupid’s Chase 5K run in Glen Rock, New Jersey.

The runners slowly arrived at the Glen Rock Municipal Pool around 8am to register, have breakfast, and hang out to stay warm. During that time, the volunteers were setting up and the DJ started playing some uplifting music.

Around 9am, more runners arrived and some were dancing to the music, some were taking pictures at the photo booth, and some were stretching and warming up before the 5k run.

Promptly at 10am, the 5k run officially kicked off and the runners were ready to go. One by one, the runners returned to the finished line. We were all cheering them on and congratulating them. Each runner got a medal for participating. At around 10:30am, the award ceremony started and all the winners got their medals and proudly showing them off.

The energy and support from the bystanders were amazing and so inspiring!

I asked Michael Manginello, a Staffing Coordinator from Community Options Inc. in Elmwood Park, New Jersey, what was his absolute favorite moment while working at Community Options. He said: “Seeing the reactions on the faces of our residents.”

He also shared his one tip about life and that is “Patience is a virtue”. 

Need a volunteer photographer for your non-profit organization’s upcoming fundraiser or gala. Contact me and let’s chat!