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.

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.