COC Administrative Associate Christina Edsall at the Campus Compact Conference inside the Boston, Mass., Sheraton Hotel

Christian Opportunity Center Administrative Associate Christina Edsall presented alongside representatives from Central College at the March 20-23 Campus Compact 30th Anniversary Conference in Boston, Mass.

Edsall, who also serves as COC’s Volunteer Coordinator, teamed up with Central’s Cheri Doane, Peggy Fitch, and Linda Laine to discuss COC and Central’s efforts during the four-day conference inside the Sheraton Hotel. Doane is the Director of the Center for Community-Based Learning, Fitch is the Vice President for Student Development, and Laine is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies.

The group presented on the topic of Using Dialogue to Deepen Partnership Impact. Through a panel format, they shared their experiences of a mutually transformational partnership that is accelerating change for both the college and community. Edsall shared general information about COC, services COC provides, and provided a history of its partnership with Central, describing the impact of volunteer experiences on both Central students and people supported by COC.

“It was great to be able to share about COC’s partnership with Central,” Edsall said. “Other organizations were able to learn from what we do and apply it in their communities.

“This trip also strengthened our relationship with Central, as I was able to learn more about the challenges facing the college and they were able to learn more about the challenges facing COC. It gave us a better perspective and greater appreciation for one another.”

Following the panel session, Edsall was able to attend additional seminars and see the sights. COC Executive Director Rod Braun said this conference may open the door for Edsall to attend and contribute to future conferences in the state of Iowa and beyond.

Founded in 1969, COC provides residential and vocational support and services to more than 300 people with disabilities in Dallas, Mahaska, Marion, Polk and Warren counties. COC’s mission is to integrate Christian values in teaching skills for life. For more information on COC and its services visit https://christianopportunity.org/.

Bre Brooks, Human Resources Director

Following a comprehensive search process, Christian Opportunity Center has promoted Bre Brooks to Human Resources Director after seven years with the organization in two different positions.

Brooks began her time at COC as a Human Resources Associate in the winter of 2008. After 17 months, Brooks transferred to Program Coordinator, a position she has held for the past six years.

Brooks will manage human resources at COC beginning Wednesday, Feb. 3.

“I am looking forward to new and exciting challenges and the opportunity to grow with the organization,” Brooks said. “I am also eager to interact with staff more regularly, especially with training new hires.”

COC’s mission is to integrate Christian values in teaching skills for life.

Founded in 1969, COC provides residential and vocational support and services to nearly 300 people with disabilities in Dallas, Mahaska, Marion, Polk and Warren counties. For more information on COC and its services visit https://christianopportunity.org/.