On June 1, the staff and board of directors of Options for Independence gathered at the Old Erie Restaurant in Weedsport to bid farewell to Options' Executive Director Guy Cosentino. Amidst warm words from Board Chair Nancy Wise, a beautiful song by board member Bessie Williams, a lot of laughter and some tears, the group shared memories of an amazing tenure. After 11 successful years, Cosentino has exited Options to begin a new endeavor as the executive director of the Stardust Foundation.
Cosentino became Options' executive director in February of 1996, following a term as the mayor of the city of Auburn. His commitment to Options began when he was mayor; he implemented initiatives to make the city more accessible for individuals with disabilities. As mayor, Cosentino participated in Options for Independence's annual Disability Awareness Day, “assuming” a disability for the day. He was given a wheelchair on that snowy morning and experienced first-hand the difficulties in accessing buildings and moving around the city in a wheelchair. Shortly afterward, he implemented initiatives to install curb cuts in the downtown area and secured community block grant funds to implement an access program to build ramps and make homes handicap accessible.
When Cosentino came aboard, he and the dedicated board of directors created one of the most well-respected independent living centers in central New York. Under his guidance, Options has increased public awareness and advocacy for individuals with disabilities throughout the region. Options now implements voter registration drives and candidate's forums, hosts an annual conference, participates in numerous community events and provides innumerable trainings on a wide variety of disability-related issues.
Also, Cosentino is an active member of the Auburn/Cayuga County Homeless Task Force, which has played an integral role in the development of housing and homeless programs in our community.
When he isn't working, Cosentino can be found addressing hot topics in his weekly column in The Citizen. He also developed a public access television program in conjunction with Cayuga Community College and Adelphia Cable (now Time Warner) to further his advocacy on public issues.
Now, Cosentino takes on a new challenge. This month, he assumed his duties as the executive director of the Stardust Foundation of Central New York. He will continue his commitment to social advocacy in a different way - by distributing funding for projects that will positively affect central New York.
Options for Independence is sad to see him leave, but excited for the community. He brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion for social and public policy issues to his new position. We are proud to let the rest of the community gain a valuable asset that we have had the pleasure of keeping for 11 extremely successful years.
To Guy Cosentino on behalf of the board of directors and staff of Options for Independence: Congratulations on your new endeavor and the best of luck in all you do. You have been a mentor, a confidante, a champion and an inspiration. You will be missed but never far from our thoughts. Thank you for all of your hard work and contributions to Options for Independence. Quite simply, thank you for being you.
Amanda Derby and the Options for Independence staff wrote this column together. To reach Options for
Independence, call 255-3447.
When Cosentino came aboard, he and the dedicated board of directors created one of the most well-respected independent living centers in central New York. Under his guidance, Options has increased public awareness and advocacy for individuals with disabilities throughout the region. Options now implements voter registration drives and candidate's forums, hosts an annual conference, participates in numerous community events and provides innumerable trainings on a wide variety of disability-related issues.
Also, Cosentino is an active member of the Auburn/Cayuga County Homeless Task Force, which has played an integral role in the development of housing and homeless programs in our community.
When he isn't working, Cosentino can be found addressing hot topics in his weekly column in The Citizen. He also developed a public access television program in conjunction with Cayuga Community College and Adelphia Cable (now Time Warner) to further his advocacy on public issues.
Now, Cosentino takes on a new challenge. This month, he assumed his duties as the executive director of the Stardust Foundation of Central New York. He will continue his commitment to social advocacy in a different way - by distributing funding for projects that will positively affect central New York.
Options for Independence is sad to see him leave, but excited for the community. He brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion for social and public policy issues to his new position. We are proud to let the rest of the community gain a valuable asset that we have had the pleasure of keeping for 11 extremely successful years.
To Guy Cosentino on behalf of the board of directors and staff of Options for Independence: Congratulations on your new endeavor and the best of luck in all you do. You have been a mentor, a confidante, a champion and an inspiration. You will be missed but never far from our thoughts. Thank you for all of your hard work and contributions to Options for Independence. Quite simply, thank you for being you.
Amanda Derby and the Options for Independence staff wrote this column together. To reach Options for
Independence, call 255-3447.
