John Eilers
COC Executive Director

 It is an honor to serve as Executive Director of the Christian Opportunity Center (COC). I began working for COC as the Associate Director in 2004.  During my tenure at COC I have observed firsthand the work of the many talented and experienced staff who make COC the great organization it is today.  As our name indicates, COC is a faith-based organization.  The work done in supporting people with disabilities is not just work, it is a ministry, one human being to another, that all may thrive and grow to become the people they were created to be.

The mission of COC is “intergrate Christian values in empowering individuals with disabilities to realize their full potential.”  Christian values inform how and what skills COC staff teach people with disabilities to assist them in becoming participatory members of the communities in which they live.  The skills may range from skills obtaining and keeping a job with a business in the community; to opening and maintaining a bank account; to accessing a local medical clinic for necessary medical services; to attending and participating in the life of a local church.  COC services are available 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 residential or 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.