Often, we hear stories about somebody struggling with mental illness, homelessness, and other life challenges. It’s either somebody we personally know, a friend or relative, or even an actor in Hollywood or professional athlete. We are living in challenging times, but the good news is, we are raising awareness by bringing these dark conversations to the forefront and making a difference with organizations such as Options for Community Living (Options).
I recently interviewed Yolanda Robano-Gross who is the current Chief Executive Officer for Options and has served in this role for a decade. Options serves many of the most vulnerable Long Islanders, individuals, families, and children who are experiencing economic challenges and have chronic physical and/or mental illnesses.
We focus on industry leaders, and Yolanda certainly is making a difference for vulnerable Long Islanders. “Thank you. Our clients are so appreciative of the assistance we give them, and our staff gets great satisfaction in assisting them to achieve their goals.”
Homelessness has been a big problem across our country, and we need to do better in addressing these individuals. “We did see a spike during and post COVID as individuals who were able to sustain on a month-to-month basis experienced job loss and illness. Thankfully, we are starting to see a turn in the right direction. I believe we can eradicate homelessness, but that would need support from multiple sources. New York and Long Island needs more truly affordable housing. There are so many people working full-time jobs who cannot afford to pay their rent, so in conjunction with the housing options, should be funding increases so staff like ours can make a living wage. We want young professionals to stay on Long Island and continue its growth. If we want this, we must help them achieve it. And when it comes right down to it, we need to address stigma. It is 2024! The time of “NIMBY-ism” should be long over! Our neighbors need our help! The fact that someone has any type of illness does not make them a bad neighbor, and it certainly does not make them a bad person. We all need a leg up at one time or another. Allowing for housing for those who need it allows for businesses to be staffed, and families and communities to prosper, thrive, and grow.”
So many people are struggling with mental health for whatever reason. More people are starting to share their personal stories. Athletes, celebrities and influencers are coming forward shinning a light on this very dark topic, but we do need the media to focus on the positive outcomes.
“Yes, I agree, and the media does need to focus more on the positives and less on the sensationalized. I realize that the fact that someone with a mental health concern has graduated school, got a job, or has achieved any of 100’s of goals may not sell as many papers as the negative items do, but they should. THAT’S what is important! Negative things happen all the time, I don’t deny that, but come to Options and I will show you how they are far outweighed by the positives and that is what our communities should see and focus on!”
There is still a stigma attached to mental health. “Let’s remember this, approximately 1 in 4 Americans are diagnosed with a mental illness. Count the houses on your block or count the people in your office and you will get a good idea how that looks when it’s extrapolated out to your town, city, or state. Mental health is not about ‘those people.’ We all do what works for us to ensure that our mental health is as strong as it can be daily. For some of us that means taking medication, for some it means speaking with a counselor, for others it means taking a day off to eat pizza and binge watch their favorite show. But diagnosis or not, we all need to be mindful of our mental health, so just because someone looks different than you, or you find their behaviors to be “odd” or “off putting,” doesn’t mean they do not belong in your neighborhood. Remember, no one asks to have any type of illness! If someone says they take insulin to manage their diabetes, no one blinks. Say in a friendly conversation that you have experienced clinical depression or live with bi-polar disorder and see what reaction you receive from most people. In a day and age where we are focused on inclusivity and acceptance, this should extend to those with mental health challenges. I also hope the younger generation will start advocating for those who are challenged. I see my Gen Z staff, my Gen Z daughter, and her friends do so. I find that they are more tolerant and accepting in general of mental health (and other) concerns. My hope is that funding will increase to allow us to maintain this smart, upcoming generation of advocates on Long Island and allow us to recruit them into the world of human services and behavioral health.”
I’m sure there are changes you would like to see as it pertains to the work you do and the leaders of our country. “Yes, I would like the leaders to listen to those of us who are out here in the field. Sometimes I feel as if rules or regulations are made in the bubble of an office, and then it is up to those of us out here to implement them when it’s not always practical to do so. Listen to those of us who are out here and take what we have to say into consideration before these changes are made. We are the people doing the hard work, and we can give great insight into what is needed to make those changes happen.”
Everybody loves success stories and Options has many. “Yes, there are many! But I guess the one that is currently nearest and dearest to my heart is a gentleman who was a client that came to us after a history of mental health and substance use issues, who experienced a stroke. This man is bright, gentle, and articulate. He has worked his way through our housing continuum to independent level supportive housing and is now an employee of our organization. He is as grateful to be here as we are to have him.”
“We are always looking for great new team members, so if you’re interested in employment in our field, call our recruiter Michelle Smalley at 631-361-9020, ext. 1147 or visit our website. Volunteers are also always needed. Do you have a team that is interested in a planting project, or you’d like to work in our thrift shop, or set up a hygiene product drive? Reach out. If our mission aligns with your own personal beliefs, reach out to be a board member! We always welcome new board members to increase our reach to the community. Lastly, financial donations are always needed and always welcomed!”
Join Options at their Radio Bingo event on Friday, November 1 at the American Legion, Post 94 in Babylon at 7:00pm. BINGO with a twist! Instead of calling numbers, music from all different genres and generations will be played. There will be singing and maybe even a dance contest. Since it is the day after Halloween, costumes are also encouraged! To get your ticket, reach out to Option’s Donor Relations Manager, Vicki Perks at vperks@optionscl.org
631-361-9020, ext. 1287.
If you want to learn more about Options or make a donation, please visit:
Website: https://optionscl.org/
Social media: @Options4CL
