Testimonials

“We find being a partner in the OPTIONS Internship Program very rewarding. The students we have worked with over the years have all proven to be hard-working, enthusiastic and willing to take on new challenges out of their comfort zone to help them grow as young adults. The work ethic of the OPTIONS interns actually sets a good example for some of the college students we work with through the Radio-Television Department at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.”
—Brad Palmer, WSIU Public Radio

“The OPTIONS Program provides golden opportunities to very special students. OPTIONS teaches students how to learn and, therefore, how to succeed at the college level and as citizens.”
— Dr. Lloyd Burtch, Professor, John A. Logan College

“Jennifer’s willingness to complete a task or job without hesitation, even if it isn’t glamourous, is a breath of fresh air.”
— Peggy Henson, Southern Illinois HealthCare

“OPTIONS impacts my life in a big way. Working with a Speech and Language Pathologist, in both group and individual sessions, has vastly improved my language skills. I live on my own and use the strategies I’ve learned to find solutions for my daily issues.”
— Cassidy

“I’ve taught students from the OPTIONS Program for years now and have found these students to be bright, fundamentally sound young people full of creativity and promise, always, always, put in a position for success by the fine OPTIONS staff. A wonderful learning environment.”
— Prof. Steve Falcone, John A. Logan College

“OPTIONS helped change my life. I first came to Brehm in 1995 and now I hold a staff sports writer position with the Southern Illinoisan newspaper. Recently, I won my first Associated Press award! After struggling with parochial school, I was diagnosed with ADD and OCD. Soon after, I began attending Brehm and OPTIONS, which helped me through community college and then Southern Illinois University. Thanks to the lessons I’ve learned from Brehm and OPTIONS, I’m only the second person in my family to graduate from college. ”
— Pete

“Brehm and OPTIONS helped put me on my path to success. I learned how to deal with my disability as well as how to be an advocate for myself in seeking any help I needed in school or in life. Brehm and OPTIONS helped me to stand on my own two feet and taught me many important skills that I will use for the rest of my life. These skills range from organization skills to skills needed to live on my own and be an independent adult. If I had not come to Brehm and eventually gone to OPTIONS, I am certain I would not be in the place I am today and would not have been as successful as I was at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. The staffs at Brehm and OPTIONS are supportive and caring individuals who supported me while I was a student, as well as after I left the program. Brehm and OPTIONS will always hold a special place in my heart as I know they provided me with the foundation to be successful in life.”
— Natalie Pereless, Brehm and OPTIONS alumnus

“Cathy has added to our office because of her punctuality and willingness to do the job assigned to her. There have been times when she is alone in the front office and she has done well. It is a great value to have someone in the front office that can be depended upon so that I can get my work done on time.”
— Karen Waldron, School of Journalism at SIU

“I used to be rebellious. I didn’t care about much. I was depressed a lot. When I came to OPTIONS, things really turned around for me and everything got better. I have a great internship that I can build into a career, as well as a new attitude and a great outlook on life.”
— Grace

“As a community college advisor, it is a pleasure working with Brehm students and staff. The students are always prepared for the advisement process – usually far better than the average college student!”
— Jane Minton, Advisor/Counselor John A. Logan College