OPTIONS names telethon ambassador

John Watkins has been selected to serve as the Telethon 2012 “Let’s Work Together” Ambassador. Watkins, 50, has received services from OPTIONS for 30 years.

Watkins was born on Aug. 26, 1961, in Amite, and is the youngest son of Joan Watkins and the late R.P. “Buddy” Watkins.

Watkins received a certificate of completion from Hammond Junior High in 1983.

Throughout his school years he loved participating in the Special Olympics and won numerous medals for track and field, OPTIONS officials said.

Since completing school, Watkins has been employed in a variety of jobs with the help of OPTIONS support. He has worked in the Garden Center and enjoys working on the ironing crew at First Baptist Church in Amite.

Watkins lived at home with his family for most of his life.

In 1999, he moved into an OPTIONS Community home. In 2011, Watkins’ family purchased a home that he is able to share with two roommates.

The 2012 Event Sponsor is Middendorf’s. To help OPTIONS Telethon 2012 “Let’s Work Together!,” contact Katie Krause at (985) 345-6269x140, kkrause@options4u.org or visit http://www.options4u.org.

OPTIONS is a nonprofit agency whose mission is to help people with disabilities live and work in the community. OPTIONS has been providing quality services to people with disabilities in the Florida Parishes for more than 30 years.

OPTIONS is a United Way Partner Agency.