Christian Opportunity Center (COC) proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone in the career of COC Executive Director Jodi Tukker after 25 years of service to the organization. Jodi’s journey at COC embodies dedication, hard work, and a deep commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities.

Jodi Tukker’s career at COC began over 25 years ago, when she stepped into the role of a COC Direct Support Professional while pursuing her college education. During the past 25 years, she has worked in various administrative positions, including Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/ID) & Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Program Coordinator, HCBS Program Manager, ICF/ID Regional Director, Associate Director, and now, Executive Director. Her dedication to COC’s mission and her genuine care for the individuals supported have been the guiding principles of her tenure.

Reflecting on her 25-year journey at COC, Jodi shared, “In every role I’ve worked in, it’s the people supported that stand out. I’ve seen their joy and excitement while riding rides at amusement parks, listened to them recount the moment-by-moment details of their day, and sat with them as they grieved the loss of a loved one. We are with them during the highs and lows of life, and in all of those moments, I’ve known that what I was doing was meaningful and that I was making a difference.”

When asked about how coming up through the ranks and the diverse experiences Jodi has had have shaped her leadership style, she remarked, “It has given me a respect for the various positions – what is involved in each one and the skills and abilities they require to be done well. This understanding provides good perspective when making leadership decisions – balancing the best interest of employees while keeping the good of the people supported at the center of every decision – they are the heart of the mission of COC.”

Looking ahead, Jodi expressed her excitement for the future. “I’m excited to see what the future holds! I’m thankful to have been blessed with the opportunity to work for such a great organization over the past 25 years and am looking forward to what God has planned for us next!”

The entire COC community celebrates Jodi Tukker’s 25 years of dedication and service and looks forward to the continued impact she will make as Executive Director. Her passion, leadership, and commitment to COC’s mission embody the spirit of service and empowerment.

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

The Christian Opportunity Center (COC) is excited to announce the unveiling of its newly rebuilt Tulip Time Festival float, just in time for the highly anticipated festivities in Pella.

The Tulip Time Festival is special for COC and the individuals we support, symbolizing community spirit and cherished traditions. However, COC’s participation in the Tulip Time parades was limited for years by the lack of wheelchair accessibility on the COC float.

Motivated by a commitment to inclusivity and a love for the Tulip Time festival, COC’s Executive Director, Jodi Tukker, championed the initiative to ensure that the float was made for individuals of all abilities.

After exploring several external options and encountering challenges in finding someone able to complete this project, COC’s maintenance department stepped up to take on this endeavor. Doug Vermeer and Corben Mears, our maintenance team members, spearheaded the project with the goal of inclusivity and accessibility.

What initially started as a project to modify the existing float soon evolved into a complete rebuild, as structural issues were uncovered. Undiscouraged by the challenge, Vermeer and Mears, along with maintenance team member Loren Dykstra, embarked on the ambitious task of constructing a new float, primarily using reclaimed wood sourced from past COC maintenance projects along with salvageable pieces from the original float. To allow for wheelchair accessibility, a ramp that is stored underneath the float was added.

Their craftsmanship and the generosity of a local electrician, Brad Overbergen,
who donated his time to wire the lighting for the float, ended in a float embodying COC’s commitment to inclusivity and community. Individuals in COC’s Pella Life Skills program have been excited to see the progress as they watched the new float take shape.

“We are incredibly proud to reveal our new Tulip Time float, and it is an example of the staff of COC’s dedication to creating accessible and inclusive experiences for all of the people we support,” said Amy Zuck, Public Information Director at Christian Opportunity Center. “Our Executive Director and Maintenance Team led the way on this project, bringing together our team to ensure everyone we support can be a part of this event. It’s all about inclusivity and being part of the community – something we’re all about here at COC!”

The new float will debut during the Tulip Time parades on May 2 – 4 in downtown Pella.

For more information about the Christian Opportunity Center and its mission, please visit our website at www.christianopportunity.org.