KOP Insiders: Petrick Sanders, Executive Director, Community Options

KOP Insiders delves into the stories of the people who make King of Prussia one of Pennsylvania’s most dynamic live-work-play-stay destinations.

In depth interviews provide insight into the companies that make up our diverse business community and put a face to the individuals behind the business. In this edition, we are joined by Petrick Sanders, Executive Director of Community Options.

Can you give us a little background into Community Options and your role?

I am an Executive Director at Community Options in the King of Prussia branch. At Community Options, we work with individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. It brings me pure enjoyment to see the progression of people doing things they previously couldn’t. I followed Community Option for a year before joining them, waiting for the opportunity to join Robert Stack and the entire Community Options team. The mission of Community Options is to provide the best optimal living situations for individuals with developmental disabilities. In addition, we provide shelter, care and even job placement services that assist those individuals in accomplishing anything they want to. Ultimately, Community Options is in the business of making dreams come true.

What motivated Community Options to move to King of Prussia in 2017? How has operating in KOP contributed to the organization’s success?

Looking at the area and what it offers makes you think, why not King of Prussia? It’s an up-and-coming, beautiful area with an enormous opportunity for growth from both a residential and business standpoint. Community Options is glad to be a part of this supportive community that is continuously booming into something greater each day.

What makes KOP a good fit for your employees and company culture?

In King of Prussia alone, we have 116 employees within 18 homes. We attract a lot of young professionals to Community Options, specifically to the King of Prussia location, there are always activities within the community. From small events to the KOP Beerfest, our employees and individual feel that the area always has something for them to do.

What are some of your favorite things to do in KOP?

As a kid, we always went to the King of Prussia Mall. My wife and daughter loves Häagen-Dazs ice cream, and I love their cookies. There are multiple restaurants to choose from and different ethnic eatires are popping up every month. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. Knowing that you are in a safe environment, like King of Prussia, makes it easy for you and your family to feel comfortable. Our individuals love that aspect of feeling respected and accepted when they are in the community and that’s paramount.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about moving their company to KOP?

King of Prussia has always been where you can come, hang out and be a part of the festivities. There are always live events going on. This is a place where you always feel welcome. I have attended multiple networking events since I have been in the area, and there are always conversations about how we can help each other and the people in the community. If you are starting a new business or are looking to move your business to a location that supports you, that is King of Prussia.

The floor is yours. Tell us anything you’d like to share about Community Options.

We are community-based and would love to connect with different companies for them to see what we do. There are always opportunities for corporate sponsorship and volunteering for community giveback. We are also hosting an event in February called the Cupid Chase 5K Run in the historic Norristown Farm Park. Community Options only hosts one fundraising event a year, to support our individuals achieve their goals. We welcome any business to join us by sponsoring or participating in the run.

About Community Options
Community Options’ mission is to develop housing and employment supports for persons with disabilities.

Community Options believes in the dignity of every person, and in the freedom of all people to experience the highest degree of self-determination. Embracing this philosophy, Community Options works with individuals with significant disabilities through residential services, day programs, social enterprises that employ individuals with disabilities, high school transition programs, and specialized programs for respite and medically fragile adults. As a national agency, Community Options seeks to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the community through person centered and natural supports, and collaboration with community partners to increase accessibility to services. Community Options does not administer any large congregate programs, recognizing that people with the most severe disabilities need environments, equipment, clinical and staff support that are tailored to their very specific needs. In its history, the agency has developed a reputation for quality, cost effective administration that encourages individual choice and flexibility.

1010 West 9th Avenue, Suite 10, King of Prussia, PA 19406 | comop.org