I am honored to serve as the Executive Director of the Christian Opportunity Center (COC). I started out as a Direct Support Professional at COC in the ‘90s and have worked in a variety of administrative positions since that time. During my more than 20 years at COC, I have observed firsthand the work of the many excellent staff who make COC the great organization it is today. It is truly a place where both staff and the people we support can come and find a sense of belonging.
The mission of COC is “integrate Christian values in empowering individuals with disabilities to realize their full potential.” Each person that we support has gifts and abilities unique to them. Our staff are focused on helping them both identify and develop those gifts and abilities and then with helping them use those skills to be active members of their communities. Types of skill building our staff assist with could be obtaining and keeping a job with a business in the community, opening and maintaining a bank account, accessing a local medical clinic for necessary medical services, or attending and participating in the life of a local church.
As our name and mission indicate, COC is a faith-based organization. Christian values of Honoring God, Commitment to Service, Responsible Stewardship, and Leadership Excellence inform how we do what we do every day. Our services are designed to address the needs of the whole person.
COC provides services and supports to people with disabilities in the communities of Pella, Oskaloosa, Knoxville, Indianola, and Des Moines. We offer services ranging from 24/7 residential, to weekday programs, to a few hours per month of vocational support.
Whether you or a family member are seeking to receive services from COC, you are looking for a meaningful job, you are wanting an opportunity to volunteer, or you are looking for a non-profit service organization worthy of your financial support, COC can meet your need. I hope you will take the time to explore what COC can offer you and what you can offer COC and the people with disabilities that COC supports.