Category Archives: Recent News

Christian Opportunity Center has been awarded a Three-Year Term of Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its Community-Based Employment and Life Skills programs in Indianola, Oskaloosa, and Pella.  This latest accreditation is the 14th consecutive CARF accreditation that has been awarded to Christian Opportunity Center (COC).

CARF is an internationally recognized, nonprofit accreditor that sets standards of excellence for human service organizations. Those programs who meet CARF’s standards have demonstrated a commitment to being among the best available.

An organization receiving a Three-Year Accreditation through CARF has voluntarily put itself through an extensive internal review process and has then demonstrated to a team of expert practitioners during an on-site survey that it conforms to the rigorous CARF conditions and standards. Due to Covid precautions, the survey for COC was conducted virtually on September 11-15, and COC was notified of the accreditation award on November 1st. 

Disability services in central Iowa is a highly competitive field, and often people with disabilities have several options for services.  Having an accreditation through CARF is a sign of quality that can be a useful tool for individuals with disabilities and their families when choosing a quality disability services provider. 

Charlotte stepped outside of her comfort zone and did a courageous thing. She applied for a job.
Applying for a new job may not seem like a big deal, but it is something to be celebrated for all of us at COC. You see, Charlotte had only worked in COC’s Sheltered employment program since she moved to Marion County. She had never held a job in the community. With encouragement from staff and family, she applied for a job that interested her that became open at COC, the Kitchen assistant. Charlotte competitively interviewed alongside many other people, and COC offered her the position. That was 15 years ago.

Today, Charlotte still holds the same position and is still loving her job. She says, “It’s fun working in the kitchen at COC. I really like my co-workers, and I get to see my friends.”
Congratulations, Charlotte! We are so happy that you stepped outside of your comfort zone and applied for that job. You are a joy to work with every day. Thank you for your years of service to COC

Christian Opportunity Center (COC) is excited to announce the COC Golf Classic will be taking place on June 11th at the Bos Landen Golf Club in Pella. This is the 19th year for the COC Golf Classic; it remains COC’s most significant fundraising event.  In 2020, COC canceled the Golf Classic twice due to Covid.

This year’s event will look a little different compared to years past events. One such change is that there will not be a dinner after the tournament has ended.  Instead, golfers will have boxed lunches provided for them before the tournament.

The Golf Classic committee has also added a new option that will allow golfers to “Support from a Distance” if they are not ready to participate in a group event.  Golfers who choose the “Support from a Distance” option will receive a gift certificate to Bos Landen for 18 holes, a Calloway Golf shirt, and a gift bag.  These gift certificates must be redeemed during the summer of 2021. “It will be a great way for people to continue to support COC, have fun, but do it when they are comfortable,” said Amy Zuck, Golf Classic Committee chair.

A silent auction will coincide with the Golf Classic, and this year’s auction will be online only.  Anyone in the community will be able to participate in the silent auction.  Details of the silent auction will be announced on COC’s social media pages the week before the event.  COC is still accepting silent auction items. 

“We are excited to get back a bit of normalcy to our organization and experience a day of fun and fellowship as we celebrate COC.,” said Amy Zuck.

If your business wants to sponsor this year’s Golf Classic or provide a silent auction item, please contact Amy Zuck. Registration is now open for golfers at https://christianopportunity.org/giving/golf-classic/ or by contacting Amy Zuck directly at 641-628-1162.

Christian Opportunity Center was recently awarded two separate grants by the Warren County Philanthropist Partnership and the United Way of Marion County. Both grants focused on teaching vocational skills to individuals with disabilities who are employed in the community. The grants allowed Community Based Employment (CBE) staff to purchase iPad and the Work Autonomy application. The I pads and app will enable individuals with disabilities more independence at their jobs. They will be able to check schedules, request time off, communicate with managers and co-workers, and keep motivated as they work.
COC thanks the Warren County Philanthropist Partnership and the Marion County United Way for their continued support.

Christian Opportunity Center (COC) would like to announce the retirement of Sheri Harper after 20 years of service. Harper started her career at COC in October 2000 as a Program Coordinator.  Harper began her career in disability services after graduating with a degree in Human Services and Sociology from William Penn. She worked for another disability services agency in Oskaloosa before coming to COC.

Harper has served as a Program Coordinator since October 2000. She worked for two years in the Pella region and then moved to the Oskaloosa region, where she ended her COC career. During Harper’s tenure as Program Coordinator, she played a critical role in coordinating the programs for people with disabilities to ensure their well-being and assist them in reaching their personal goals. 

When asked what significant changes she has seen in the disability field throughout her career, Harper stated, “Moving individuals from state institutions to Home and Community Based Services (group) homes was one of the most heartwarming changes for me. Seeing individuals (with disabilities) who grew up in institutions become more independent and learn that this is their home. They can get a drink of water, get into the refrigerator, and have a say in what they wanted to do without getting permission was both challenging and rewarding at the same time. Watching how these individuals interacted with others, seeing the joy on their faces, and knowing how they were when they first left the institution is the best.”  

Harper, at her Drive-Thru retirement open house.

Due to COVID, COC celebrated Harper’s retirement with a drive-thru open house. Staff was able to socially distance while sharing memories and thanking Harper for the difference she has made in so many lives.

As Harper reflected on her time at COC, she stated, “I have a book of fond memories I am taking with me from my years at COC. There are so many funny and heartwarming stories I have to look back on.  Experiencing their deep faith in

 God, hearing the heartfelt prayers shared by the individuals we support and seeing others’ compassion has been so rewarding and even overwhelming at times. I truly have received much more than I have given. COC is an amazing

COC Executive Director John Eilers thanks Harper for her years of service at COC

organization, and I have been blessed to have been a small part of its mission. I have formed true friendships and have been lifted when I was down.”

Harper plans to travel with her husband and grandkids once the world gets back to normal. She also plans to make a family cookbook to share with my children, nieces, and nephews to pass family recipes on to their families.