Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions have made it difficult on Options Inc., a nonprofit organization in Big Lake. The group was doing very well financially at the beginning of the year, but when the shut-downs began in March the group was hit hard. Since the workers were not able to go out and do their jobs, the state stopped sending service revenue reimbursement checks that Options relied upon to stay in operation. In June, the group had to furlough half of its employees. Revenue is down 62% over last year. 

The workers that Options works with have been told they can’t return to their jobs until the pandemic is over, and of course no one knows when that will happen. Not only did all these workers lose their jobs, but they lost their social network and daily routines as well, without understanding why they lost it.

Options Inc. has helped to train and find employment for adults with intellectual disabilities since 1979. They currently work with 250 disabled workers in Sherburne County. They work hard to offer opportunities to adults with mental disabilities that they believe everyone should enjoy: a place to form friendships; to feel valued; to engage with the community without feeling judgement; and to work a job that gives them not just a paycheck, but purpose. Currently, Options is partnered with 80 local businesses.

Elizabeth Roemer raves about Options. Her daughter, Tina, has been with Options since 2006. Elizabeth said that Tina has learned a lot from the jobs she has worked, and that she always looks forward to going to work. Options doesn’t only give Tina a job, but also provides her with a network of peers, and a sense of purpose and independence. 

“If [Tina] didn’t have Options,” Elizabeth said, “she would just spend her days sitting on the couch watching TV.”

Elizabeth is especially grateful that Options offers all the training, transportation, and guidance that Tina needs to be a successful employee. She said there is no way she could have done all of it herself – it would have been difficult to find employment for her daughter, and even more so to provide all the necessary training. 

Brenda Geldert, executive director of Options, said they are grateful for the CARES funding they have been allocated, but it isn’t enough to get them by. She asks anyone who wishes to help to reach out to elected representatives to get them to support legislation that would bring much-needed support back to the group.

“The financial impact of COVID-19 weighs heavy on us,” Geldert said. ”However, seeing the joy in people as they are able to return encourages us that hope is not lost, and we are dedicated to continuing the mission of Options.”