Nonprofit · EIN 72-1161001
OPTIONS INC
Tax-exempt · HAMMOND, LA 70401
Financials
| Year ended | Form | Revenue | Expenses | Net income | Total assets | Liabilities | Net assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 30, 2025 | 990 | $8,253,384 | $8,836,253 | -$582,869 | $7,256,355 | $550,876 | $6,705,479 |
| June 30, 2024 | 990 | $9,161,911 | $9,666,756 | -$504,845 | $7,701,421 | $510,054 | $7,191,367 |
| June 30, 2023 | 990 | $9,875,879 | $8,877,272 | $998,607 | $8,122,056 | $482,940 | $7,639,116 |
Financial details: 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025
Revenue
- Contributions, gifts and grants
- $1,578,593
- of which government grants
- $749,872
- Program service revenue
- $6,576,784
- Investment income
- $49,477
- Net gain from sales of assets
- $28,550
- Other revenue
- $48,530
Expenses
- Grants and similar amounts paid
- $0
- Other salaries and wages
- $5,523,296
- Salaries, compensation and benefits (total)
- $5,523,296
- Professional fundraising fees
- $0
- Travel
- $66,450
- Depreciation
- $309,358
- Program services (functional)
- $8,124,359
- Management and general (functional)
- $482,474
- Fundraising (functional)
- $229,420
Balance sheet and other
- Total assets, start of year
- $7,701,421
- Total assets, end of year
- $7,256,355
- Total liabilities, end of year
- $550,876
- Net assets, end of year
- $6,705,479
- Land, buildings and equipment
- $2,494,609
- Net assets without donor restrictions
- $5,685,498
- Net assets with donor restrictions
- $1,019,981
- Gross receipts
- $8,402,264
- Employees
- 278
- Volunteers
- 111
- Year formed
- 1973
- State of legal domicile
- LA
From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.
Officers, directors and key employees
As listed on the 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025, highest compensation first.
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIMBERLY SIMS | RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR Highest-paid employee | 40 | $121,221 | $4,550 |
| CARRIE MERCKE | CEO/PRESIDENT Officer | 40 | $77,351 | $0 |
| MATTHEW COTTON | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MELAINE WALKINS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| JOHN POTEET | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LAURIE JOHNSON | CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| JOHN MARTINEZ | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| PAUL TITUS III | PAST CHAIR/DIRECTOR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| PATRICK COUDRAIN | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ERIC DOSCH | SECRETARY & TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| SARAH MICHELL | VICE CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| JAY BURCHFIELD | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| TERESA LANDRY | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended June 30, 2024: 12 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CARRIE MERCKE | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Officer | 40 | $77,665 | $6,228 |
| MATTHEW COTTON | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MELAINE WALKINS | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| JOHN POTEET | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LAURIE JOHNSON | CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| JOHN MARTINEZ | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| PAUL TITUS III | PAST CHAIR/DIRECTOR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| PATRICK COUDRAIN | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ERIC DOSCH | SECRETARY & TREASURER Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| SARAH MICHELL | VICE CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| JAY BURCHFIELD | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| TERESA LANDRY | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
990 for the year ended June 30, 2023: 12 people
| Name | Title | Hours / week | Compensation | Other / benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CARRIE MERCKE | CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Officer | 40 | $77,966 | $6,254 |
| MATTHEW COTTON | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| MATT ALOMBRO | SECRETARY Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| JOHN POTEET | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| LAURIE JOHNSON | CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| JOHN MARTINEZ | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| PAUL TITUS III | PAST CHAIR/DIRECTOR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| PATRICK COUDRAIN | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| ERIC DOSCH | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| SARAH MICHELL | VICE CHAIR Trustee or director, Officer | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| JAY BURCHFIELD | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
| TERESA LANDRY | DIRECTOR Trustee or director | 1 | $0 | $0 |
Address and contacts
- Address (IRS master file)
- 19362 W SHELTON RD, HAMMOND, LA 70401-8251
- Principal officer (990 for 2024)
- CARRIE MERCKE, 19362 WEST SHELTON ROAD, HAMMOND, LA 704018251
- Signed the 990
- CARRIE MERCKE, PRESIDENT
- Phone
- (985) 345-6269
- Website
- WWW.OPTIONS4U.ORG
- Return prepared by
- BERNARD & FRANKS CORP OF CPA'S
Mission
OPTIONS HAS BEEN IMPROVING THE LIVES OF HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH MAXIMIZING LIFE SKILLS, MEANINGFUL WORK AND ACTIVITIES, COMMUNITY INCLUSION, AND PROVIDING SUPPORT BEYOND THE FAMILY.
Program accomplishments
- RESIDENTIAL SERVICES - OPTIONS OPERATES 4 COMMUNITY HOMES. EACH HOME PROVIDES A NURTURING AND SUPPORTIVE ATMOSPHERE FOR SIX INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TO CALL HOME. TWO OF THE HOMES ARE FOR WOMEN AND TWO ARE FOR MEN. THE HOMES PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH COMPLEX NEEDS TO LIVE WITH PEERS IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. THE LOCATIONS WERE CHOSEN IN ORDER TO MAXIMIZE ACCESS TO THE COMMUNITY AND PROVIDE A UNIQUE NEIGHBORHOOD EXPERIENCE FOR RESIDENTS. EACH HOME IS STAFFED AROUND THE CLOCK TO ENSURE THE CARE AND SAFETY NEEDS OF RESIDENTS ARE MET. ALL 4 COMMUNITY HOMES HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY OPERATING FOR OVER 25 YEARS.Expenses $2,414,839 · revenue $1,591,905
- OPTIONS PROVIDES PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WITH MEANINGFUL WORK OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH JOB PLACEMENT AND SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT. PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES HAVE COMPETITIVE JOBS IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH OPTIONS JOB PLACEMENT, JOB COACHING, AND ONGOING SUPPORTS. THEY WORK AT BUSINESSES SUCH AS BANKS, OFFICES, GROCERY STORES, RESTAURANTS, RETAIL STORES, AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES. PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES HAVE JOBS THROUGH OPTIONS SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM. THESE INDIVIDUALS WORK ON OPTIONS CLEANING CREWS, LAWN MAINTENANCE CREW, LEARNING GARDENS, WEAVING STUDIO, AND AT FABULOUS FINDS. IN OUR RURAL COMMUNITY, JOBS CAN BE SCARCE, ESPECIALLY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. OVER 80% OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN THE U.S. ARE NOT EMPLOYED AND THIS PROGRAM IS JUST ONE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. OPTIONS SEEKS OPPORTUNITIES AND CONTRACTS WITH AREA BUSINESSES OR STARTS NEW BUSINESSES TO DIRECTLY EMPLOY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES.Expenses $2,587,534 · revenue $2,067,873
- OPTIONS SUPPORTED INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM ASSISTS INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TO LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY AS INDEPENDENTLY AS POSSIBLE. THE PHILOSOPHY OF OPTIONS IS TO SUPPORT, ASSIST, AND MEET THE NEEDS OF EACH PERSON BASED ON HIS OR HER UNIQUE NEEDS AND GOALS. OPTIONS OFFERS SERVICES THAT ARE TAILORED TO EACH PERSON'S INDIVIDUAL NEEDS, WANTS, AND SKILLS. PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE ASSISTANCE WITH FINDING HOUSING AND NEGOTIATING LEASE TERMS, NAVIGATING HOME OWNERSHIP, FINANCIAL CASE MANAGEMENT, HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACHING AND SUPPORT, MEDICAL CASE MANAGEMENT, IN-HOME PERSONAL CARE, TRANSPORTATION, AND ANY OTHER SERVICES NEEDED IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE FOR THAT PERSON. OPTIONS HAS BEEN MEETING THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH ITS SUPPORTED INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM SINCE 1985.Expenses $3,121,986 · revenue $3,290,379
- FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES - OPTIONS PROVIDES INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, WHO LIVE WITH THEIR FAMILIES, WITH SUPPORTS THAT ENHANCE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE AND ASSIST THEIR CAREGIVERS. FAMILY SUPPORT INCLUDES ASSISTANCE WITH ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING, MEAL PREPARATION, HYGIENE, LIGHT HOUSEKEEPING, TRANSPORTATION, AND OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES. THESE SERVICES SUPPORT THE FAMILY CARE GIVERS THUS ENABLING THEM TO MAINTAIN THEIR OWN JOBS, CARE FOR THEIR OTHER CHILDREN, AND TAKE NEEDED BREAKS. PARTICIPANTS ENJOY THE OPPORTUNITY TO PURSUE INTERESTS OUTSIDE OF THE FAMILY. OPTIONS HAS BEEN PROVIDING FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES SINCE 1991.
- TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - THE PURPOSE OF OPTIONS TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM IS TO PROVIDE ESSENTIAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES. IT IS A CRITICAL SERVICE SINCE MOST PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES DO NOT DRIVE. OPTIONS TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM PROVIDES ACCESS TO DOCTORS' APPOINTMENTS, GROCERY SHOPPING, COMMUNITY JOBS, CHURCH AND RECREATION AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES.
What it must file and when
IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in June, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.
| Tax year | Year ended | Due | IRS public records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 30, 2026 | November 16, 2026 | Not due yet |
| 2024 | June 30, 2025 | November 17, 2025 | 990 on file |
| 2023 | June 30, 2024 | November 15, 2024 | 990 on file |
IRS record
- EIN
- 72-1161001
- Tax-exempt status
- 501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization
- Foundation status
- Publicly supported organization (509(a)(2))
- Donations deductible (Pub 78)
- Public charity, 50% deduction limit
- Exempt since
- 1990
- Accounting year ends
- June
- Files
- Form 990 or 990-EZ
- Category (NTEE)
- Human services (P820)
- Assets (IRS master file)
- $7,256,355
- Income (IRS master file)
- $8,402,264
Filing history
| Form | Year ended | Revenue | Expenses | Assets | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | June 2025 | $8,253,384 | $8,836,253 | $7,256,355 | XML |
| 990 | June 2024 | $9,161,911 | $9,666,756 | $7,701,421 | IRS |
| 990 | June 2023 | $9,875,879 | $8,877,272 | $8,122,056 | XML |
| 990 | June 2022 | $10,041,582 | $8,754,694 | $7,174,170 | IRS |
| 990 | June 2021 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | June 2020 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | June 2019 | – | – | – | IRS |
| 990 | June 2018 | – | – | – | IRS |
990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 72-1161001).
Questions about OPTIONS INC
- What is the EIN of OPTIONS INC?
- The employer identification number (EIN) of OPTIONS INC is 72-1161001.
- Is OPTIONS INC tax-exempt?
- Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1990.
- Are donations to OPTIONS INC tax-deductible?
- Yes. It is listed in IRS Publication 78 (Public charity, 50% deduction limit).
- Which annual return does OPTIONS INC file?
- Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.
- When is the next return of OPTIONS INC due?
- The return for tax year 2025 (the year ending June 30, 2026) is due November 16, 2026. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.
- When did OPTIONS INC last file with the IRS?
- The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended June 2025.
- Who is the principal officer of OPTIONS INC?
- The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 names CARRIE MERCKE.
- Who are the officers and directors of OPTIONS INC?
- The 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 lists 13 people; 2 received compensation from the organization, the highest $121,221 (KIMBERLY SIMS, RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR).
- How much revenue does OPTIONS INC have?
- On its 990 for the year ended June 30, 2025 it reported revenue of $8,253,384, expenses of $8,836,253 and total assets of $7,256,355 at year end.
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