Author Archives: Amy Zuck

COC Hosts Spare Some Time Bowling Fun-Raiser to Support Individuals with Disabilities and Foster Community Connections

Oskaloosa, IA—Christian Opportunity Center (COC) is excited to announce its upcoming fundraising event, the Spare Some Time Bowling Fun-Raiser, which will take place on Sunday, March 17, at Statesmen Lanes and Community Event Center in Oskaloosa. This event serves a dual purpose: raising funds to support individuals with disabilities in the Mahaska County area and fostering meaningful connections between individuals with disabilities and community members.

The Spare Some Time Bowling Event offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between individuals with disabilities and the community. Often, these connections may not naturally occur in day-to-day interactions. However, through shared experiences like bowling, individuals of all abilities have the chance to come together, build relationships, and create lasting friendships.

“At COC, we believe that everyone, regardless of ability, thrives in a supportive community,” said Amy Zuck, Public Information Director at COC. “The Spare Some Time Bowling Event isn’t just about raising funds; it’s about celebrating inclusion. It’s a chance for the community to connect with individuals with disabilities, discovering their unique talents and fostering friendships that may not naturally occur. This event embodies our commitment to community integration for the people that we support.”

In addition to fostering community connections, funds raised through the Spare Some Time Bowling Event will directly support COC’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. These funds will help supplement our services and support by providing financial assistance for individuals to attend camps and trips they may not otherwise have access to. Additionally, funds will support spiritual services, including weekly bible studies and retreats, enriching the lives of those we serve on a spiritual level.

COC extends its gratitude to Tony Witt, the event sponsors, volunteers, and community partners whose support makes events like the Spare Some Time Bowling Event possible.

Event Details:

Date: March 17
Time: 2-4 pm
Location: Statesmen Lanes and Event Center
Address: 1700 A Ave E, Oskaloosa

For more information about the Spare Some Time Bowling Event, including sponsorship opportunities and how to get involved, please visit www.christianopportunity.org or contact Amy Zuck at azuck@christianopportunity.org or 641-673-9480, ext. 1105.

COC Embarks on New Building Project

In 2023, the Christian Opportunity Center (COC) purchased property in Pella with the goal of building a new duplex, which the individuals in our remaining Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/ID) will move into. These individuals currently live in one of the original COC residential homes, which was designed for up to 15 individuals.

In the disability services field, a goal of federal and state entities has been to decrease the number of individuals receiving services in “institutional” or “facility” environments (including ICFs/ID), and to instead have individuals live in community homes with no more than four individuals (funded through the Home and Community Based Services waiver). In 2022, COC was able to convert our other Pella ICF/ID home in its current location to meet this standard. But due to the layout of the one remaining ICF/ID home and its proximity to other COC administrative sites, that was not feasible for this home.

We are thankful for the years of faithful support we have received from Pella and the surrounding communities. It is because of this support, along with additional federal grant funds, that we can move forward with this project without additional fundraising.

COC has contracted with 2B Constructed Inc. to complete this project in 2024. We are excited to begin the building project and to see the new home for our individuals take shape. COC remains committed to providing excellent services and support to individuals with disabilities, while also meeting and exceeding the expectations of funders, regulators, and other COC stakeholders. Building this new home will help us continue meeting this goal!

For more information about Christian Opportunity Center, please visit christianopportunity.org.

Empowering Lives: Generous Donations from Knights of Columbus Boost COC’s Mission

Christian Opportunity Center (COC) extends heartfelt gratitude to the Knights of Columbus from Indianola, Norwalk, Oskaloosa, and Pella for their recent donations totaling $39,832.00 to the COC Foundation Fund. These generous contributions are a testament to the Knights of Columbus’ strong commitment to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities in their communities.

The breakdown of the donations is as follows:  Indianola: $1,260.00, Norwalk: $4,302.00, Oskaloosa: $1,533.00 (not pictured), Pella: $32,737.00.

   

These funds will be pivotal in enhancing COC’s services to benefit those we support. The impact of these donations will make a significant difference in the lives of the people we support and will be used in these three ways:

  • Enabling individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in summer camps and trips that may have been otherwise inaccessible due to financial constraints. This aligns with COC’s mission to provide enriching experiences and opportunities for personal growth for the individuals we support.
  • Supporting COC’s Spiritual Services program, facilitating weekly Bible studies and Spiritual Services retreats throughout the year. These programs contribute significantly to the overall well-being and spiritual development of both individuals supported by COC and the dedicated staff.
  • Assisting in the construction of a new duplex in Pella which will allow those individuals in COC’s final Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities to move into the Home and Community Based Services waiver program.

COC is grateful to the Knights of Columbus’ commitment to positively impacting the lives of those with intellectual disabilities.

“We are amazed by the Knights of Columbus’ generosity. These donations will empower us to continue our mission of providing meaningful experiences and spiritual enrichment for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The support from Indianola, Norwalk, Oskaloosa, and Pella KoC is a testament to their dedication to inclusivity and compassion for every member of our community,” said Amy Zuck, COC’s Public Information Director.

Christian Opportunity Center sincerely appreciates the support and collaboration of the Knights of Columbus and remains committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with intellectual disabilities. We are grateful for the partnership with the Knights of Columbus and will continue working together to enhance the lives of those we serve.

For more information about COC and its programs, please visit www.christianopportunity.org or contact us at info@christianopportunity.org.

COC Celebrates 28 Years of Service as Maintenance Coordinator McMillian Retires

After 28 years of service, the Christian Opportunity Center (COC) bids farewell to its Maintenance Coordinator, Charlie McMillian, as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement. Charlie has been integral to COC, contributing significantly to the organization’s mission and ministry.

Charlie’s journey with COC began in 1989 when he started working part-time for Mahaska Vocational Service, a subsidiary of COC. Although he initially resigned in January 1994, fate had other plans, and he returned to the organization in March 1995, taking on various roles, including driving a bus route from Knoxville to Pella. Over the years, his involvement in maintenance grew, eventually leading him to a full-time position in 2009. When his supervisor retired, Charlie assumed the role of Maintenance Coordinator.   Reflecting on his unexpected career at COC, Charlie stated, “No, I never planned on having a career at COC. It just worked out that way, and I do not regret it.”

Charlie expressed that what he will miss most about working at COC is interacting with the people supported by COC. He also highlighted his positive relationships with contractors and vendors, who generously supported COC’s mission. Despite the challenges of the job, Charlie shared that these relationships and the people he worked with made it feel less like work on most days.

As he looks forward to retirement, Charlie shared that he learned long ago not to make plans, preferring to remain flexible. Charlie plans to stay active in ministry, aiming to be an example that leads others toward the Lord. He looks forward to motorcycle trips and other adventures, embracing a slower pace of life.

Reflecting on his experience at COC, Charlie takes away the thoughtful realization that he served a purpose. His work mattered and played a crucial role in fulfilling COC’s overall mission and ministry. He leaves with a deep respect for the direct support staff and understands that a fulfilling career goes beyond a big paycheck and retirement plan.

Christian Opportunity Center thanks Charlie for his years of dedicated service and wishes him a joyful and fulfilling retirement. His tenure at COC will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the Christian Opportunity Center for years to come.

Christian Opportunity Center Appoints Derek Kruempel as Associate Director

Christian Opportunity Center (COC) proudly announces the hiring of Derek Kruempel as the Associate Director. Kruempel, originally from Ames, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role, reinforcing COC’s commitment to delivering excellent support and services to individuals with disabilities in Pella, Knoxville, Oskaloosa, Des Moines, and Indianola communities.

Kruempel most recently served as the Executive Director of a Wisconsin-based disability service center for 3 ½ years. During that time, he gained extensive experience providing key disability services such as pre-vocational training, supported employment, day services, and integrative community activities.

Kruempel also has a deeper personal connection that prepared him for this role. He and his wife’s first child was diagnosed with a congenital brain malformation and placed on the Autism spectrum. This personal experience ignited his passion for making a difference in the lives of those facing similar experiences. His hands-on experience as a parent of a child receiving disability services and his role as a leader in the field uniquely position him to understand and address the diverse needs of COC’s community.

“My upbringing in a family deeply rooted in service to others, combined with raising a child with disabilities, has shaped my dedication to working with vulnerable populations,” added Kruempel. “This personal connection has greatly influenced my approach to this role, as I aspire to model service provision to our clients in a manner that aligns with the care and compassion I would want for my own son.”

Kruempel envisions a future for COC where the organization remains at the forefront of providing quality services, establishing itself as the provider of choice for families and funding sources in the region. He aims to foster community integration as a seamless and natural aspect of daily routines for the individuals COC supports.

“What motivated me to join Christian Opportunity Center in this leadership role was the desire to return to the Central-Iowa region to be closer to family and to continue serving individuals with disabilities,” said Kruempel. “I believe there is a strong alignment between my personal values and those of COC, and I am excited about the opportunity to grow as a leader while empowering individuals with disabilities to live fulfilling lives.”

COC welcomes Derek Kruempel and his family and looks forward to his positive impact as the Associate Director, furthering the organization’s mission of empowering individuals with disabilities to realize their full potential.

Our mission is to Integrate Christian values in empowering individuals with disabilities to realize their full potential.