Supporting People. Changing Lives.

Author Archives: Amy Zuck

Knights of Columbus’ Annual Campaign for Individuals with Disabilities Continues to Make a Difference, Inspires Community Support

Thursday, 17 August 2023 12:31
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[Pella, Iowa] – Christian Opportunity Center (COC) celebrates the Knights of Columbus’ (KoC) Campaign for Individuals with Disabilities, which takes place this month. As we reflect on the impact of their efforts, COC is a testament to the positive change that can be achieved when organizations and communities come together.

The Knights of Columbus’ annual Campaign for Individuals with Disabilities has touched the lives of countless individuals with disabilities nationwide. Through this initiative, the KoC has demonstrated its commitment to empowering and uplifting individuals with disabilities, and COC is immensely grateful for its support.

COC has received donations from multiple Knights of Columbus chapters in the communities we serve, including Pella, Oskaloosa, Norwalk, and Indianola. This collective effort underlines the broader commitment of the Knights to support individuals with disabilities and create positive change in communities across Iowa.

In 2022, the Pella KoC’s dedication and innovative approach were displayed as they hosted the Pella-Thon Variety Show alongside their renowned tootsie roll drive. Together, these efforts resulted in an impressive $60,000 raised for individuals with disabilities in the Pella area. Their support extended to numerous organizations in the Pella community. COC received a donation from the Pella KoC, which enabled COC to purchase a much-needed wheelchair-accessible vehicle, further enhancing the lives of those we serve.

As we celebrate this remarkable campaign, we extend our gratitude to the Knights of Columbus for their profound impact on the communities we serve. Their dedication to the well-being and empowerment of individuals with disabilities has paved the way for greater inclusivity and opportunities for growth. COC recognizes the significant role played by the KoC in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals with disabilities can truly thrive.

We take this opportunity to encourage others to rally behind the Knights of Columbus’ Campaign for Individuals with Disabilities. By supporting this worthy cause, you not only enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities but also strengthen organizations like COC, allowing us to continue to work to enable individuals with disabilities to live, work, and worship in the communities of their choice.

Amy Zuck, Public Information Director, remarked, “The Knights of Columbus’ continued support has been one of the driving forces behind our ability to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Their support over the years has helped many of the individuals we support attend summer camps and special trips. They have provided so many opportunities for the people we support to experience new places and make countless memories, which would not have been possible without their support.”

Let us come together to celebrate the spirit of giving exemplified by the Knights of Columbus, and let their inspiring example encourage us all to support their efforts. Together, we can create a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities, making our community a better and more inclusive place for everyone. For more information on the Pella Knights of Columbus and their upcoming Campaign for Individuals with Disabilities, please visit connect with Pella Knights of Columbus #12334 on Facebook.

COC Scholarships 2023: Recipients Announced for Knoxville and Indianola High School Graduates

Tuesday, 16 May 2023 10:08
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Christian Opportunity Center (COC) is proud to announce the recipients of two scholarships for 2023 local high school graduates. These scholarships, made possible by the COC Foundation Fund, are designed to recognize exceptional students in the COC service area and to provide financial assistance for their continued education. The two scholarships offered this year are the Sarah M. Braun Memorial Scholarship and the Proving What’s Possible Scholarship.

The Sarah M Braun Memorial Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship that was awarded to Alizabeth Orey from Indianola. This scholarship is named in honor of the late daughter of former COC Executive Director Rod Braun and wife, Robin, a current COC employee. It is presented to a high school senior pursuing an academic focus in human services. The scholarship is awarded based on excelling in academic performance, involvement in extracurricular activities and the local community, and a positive personal character and personality, all of which were demonstrated by Sarah Braun.

Orey is a highly accomplished honor student who is deeply involved in community service and volunteering in her community. She is also actively involved in Student Council, Band, Choir, Mayor’s Youth Council, and many more activities. Orey plans to attend Simpson college in the fall to study Pre-med, psychology, and neuroscience. She is a member of St Thomas Aquinas church in Indianola. COC congratulates Orey on her hard work and dedication and wishes her the best in her future endeavors.

The Proving What’s Possible Scholarship is a $500 one-time scholarship awarded by Christian Opportunity Center to a graduating high school senior with an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)  who has had a successful high school career and wishes to continue their education at a two-year community college, a vocational/technical training program, or a specialized program.

This year, the scholarship was awarded to Samuel Ball, a Knoxville Senior who has been on the honor roll for four years and is highly involved in Marching and Pep band. Despite facing challenges, Ball is eager to continue his education and develop more skills to find a good career and live independently. He plans to attend the University of Iowa’s REACH program in the fall.

Christian Opportunity Center is proud to recognize Samuel Ball’s achievements and dedication to his education. We believe that every individual, regardless of their disabilities, deserves the opportunity to pursue their educational goals. The Proving What’s Possible Scholarship is one way that we can support and encourage young people like Samuel to reach their full potential.  COC hopes that the Proving What’s Possible scholarship will inspire other students with disabilities to pursue their education and demonstrate that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and the right support. 

COC would like to congratulate both Alizabeth Orey and Samuel Ball for their hard work and dedication in their studies and extracurricular activities. We are proud to support the education of individuals who are dedicated to improving their communities and themselves.

 

Christian Opportunity Center Announces Promotion of Kelsey Goff

Tuesday, 14 March 2023 16:22
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After six and a half years of dedicated service, Christian Opportunity Center (COC) is proud to announce the promotion of Kelsey Goff to Regional Director of Residential Services. In her new role, Goff will be responsible for the oversight of Residential programs providing support and services to individuals with disabilities in the Pella, Indianola, and Des Moines Regions.

Goff has held various positions at COC, including Program Coordinator in the Indianola/Pella regions and Program Manager/Program Coordinator for the Oskaloosa/Knoxville regions. She credits her success to the great team players and supportive role models at COC, and she plans to bring the same qualities to her new role by being a good role model, empowering those around her, and leading by example.

Goff expressed excitement at the prospect of her new role: “I enjoy coming to work every day, and I’m looking forward to this new opportunity with COC. I hope to provide new ideas and opportunities and will work with my colleagues and team members to achieve our goals.”

“Kelsey is bringing a lot of great experience and energy into her new role. She’s a great fit for this position and I’m excited to have her join the COC Leadership Team” says Jodi Tukker, Associate Director.

The Christian Opportunity Center is thrilled to have Goff in her new position and is confident that she will continue to provide the best possible services for those individuals served in all communities served by COC.

Christian Opportunity Center set to host Spare Some Time Bowling FUN-raiser on March 19th

Monday, 06 March 2023 09:33
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Christian Opportunity Center (COC) will host Spare Some Time for COC, a bowling FUN-raiser and silent auction, on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Statesmen Lanes and Event Center from 2–4 pm. Doors will open at 1:30 pm for the silent auction. 

COC hopes this event will encourage positive social interactions between people with disabilities and community members. Social interactions for people with disabilities can be limited due to a lack of opportunities to meet others outside their family, work, or church life.  Spare Some Time for COC is an opportunity to create and foster new friendships and to focus on all the people with disabilities have to offer. 

“The benefits for people with disabilities to have positive friendships are amazing, it can even help increase a individuals lifespan. But it is what people with disabilities can give back to the community that is even more amazing to me. Everyone we support has so many gifts to give back. I want everyone to have the opportunity to see all they have to offer. These relationships can change lives for the better.” Said Amy Zuck, COC Public Information Director.  

This year we will be adding to the FUN by including a few new ways you can participate in Spare Some Time! We invite the community to join in weekly challenges leading up to Spare Some Time. Weekly challenges and prizes will be posted on the COC Facebook page.

Community members are encouraged to come out and bowl with COC on Sunday, March 19th. Individual bowling tickets are $25 per person, and this price includes bowling, shoes, and an event t-shirt. A team/family rate of $85 is available for groups of four. Tickets for Spare Some Time can be purchased online at https://one.bidpal.net/sparesometime23/welcome

If you aren’t able to bowl but would still like to support COC, event t-shirts are available to purchase at https://coc2023fundraiser.itemorder.com/shop/sale/

 

 

 

Mickey Edwards set to Retire from Christian Opportunity Center

Tuesday, 21 February 2023 13:27
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After a successful career of over 24 years at Christian Opportunity Center (COC), Regional Director Mickey Edwards will be retiring from the agency. Edwards joined COC in 1998 after working at the local Mental Health Center, where she facilitated their Supported Community Living program.

Shortly after starting at COC, Edwards was promoted to COC’s Leadership Team, serving as the Regional Director for Pella’s residential and vocational ICF, RCF, and HCBS services. Over the years, COC restructured, and Edwards became the Residential Regional Director for HCBS residential programs in Pella, Indianola, and Des Moines, the position she now holds.

Throughout Edwards’ career at COC, she has achieved numerous proud accomplishments, including working with past and current Executive Directors to educate state and local officials on funding increases, being involved in the implementation of the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulation, and serving as the HIPAA Compliance Officer.

Edwards’ time with COC has not only been professionally rewarding, but it has also been a personal journey of growth. Edwards shares that her faith has grown while employed at COC. Edwards said, “I have learned the value of giving back to the community, and my faith walk has matured while working at COC.”

When asked what she will miss most about working at COC, Edwards said, “Seeing the people we support grow in their abilities and helping COC grow as an agency by ensuring we are keeping updated on the changes in the disability field and the changing medical needs as our various populations’ age. Helping to solve the day-to-day issues is something I will also miss; every day was different as new concerns and joys came my way.”

Edwards’ plans for retirement include spending time with her husband, Steve, children, and grandchildren and visiting her mother in Ankeny. She would like to extend her gratitude and appreciation to her colleagues and COC for the past years of support and memorable experiences.

“Mickey has been an integral part of leading COC through many changes and challenges over the years – she has faced those challenges head on and has helped COC become the strong organization it is. It has always been evident that she is personally invested in COC and the staff and people supported she works with, and we will miss having her here at COC,” said Jodi Tukker, Associate Director. We at COC would like to extend our best wishes to Edwards for her future endeavors and retirement. Edwards’ dedication, leadership, and commitment to COC and the individuals we support will always be remembered and appreciated. Edwards’ last day will be March 1st.

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