Christian Opportunity Center

09/04/2026

Today's work assignment:

✔ Build skills
✔ Explore the community
✔ Support someone at work
✔ Celebrate progress

At COC, that's all part of a day's work as a Life Skills Instructor/Job Skills Coach.

We're hiring one full-time position in Pella. If you're passionate about helping others grow, gain independence, and reach their goals, we'd love to hear from you.

💙 36 hours/week
💙 Monday-Friday daytime schedule
💙 Occasional evenings and weekends for job coaching
💙 Starting at $16.50+/hour

Apply today: https://christianopportunity.org/employment/career-opportunities/

09/03/2026

One of the most rewarding parts of Deb Weston's 15 years at COC has been watching the people we support grow, gain independence, and reach their goals.

From birthdays and first days on the job to personal accomplishments big and small, Deb has found joy in celebrating life's special moments alongside the people she supports.

Her story is a reminder that some of the most meaningful work happens when we encourage others and celebrate their successes together.

Thank you, Deb, for your dedication, encouragement, and the care you've shown to the people we support throughout the years. We are grateful for the difference you've made!

09/02/2026

Come for the job, stay for the connection.

When we ask staff what has kept them at COC for 10, 20, and even 25 years, their answers often come back to the same thing: the relationships.

It's celebrating milestones, sharing laughter, encouraging growth, and being part of moments that matter. It's building connections with the people we support, their families, and coworkers who become like family.

If you're looking for more than a paycheck and want work that brings purpose, connection, and the opportunity to make a difference every day, we'd love to have you join our team.

Apply today and see why so many staff choose to build their careers at COC.

09/01/2026

Today we're celebrating Tina Comstock and Dawn Van Gorp on 10 years with COC!

We asked them both to reflect on their time at COC, a common theme continued to shine through: the people we support make a difference in our lives, too.

💙 Tina shared that some of her favorite memories are leading Bible studies and seeing the excitement of the people she supports as they learn, grow, and connect with one another. She says their love and enthusiasm remind us to see the value in ourselves and those around us.

💙 Dawn's journey to COC began after a mission trip opened her eyes to the need for supporting people with disabilities. Over the years, she's learned that while we often think we're helping others, the relationships we build at COC have a way of changing us, too.

Their stories are a reminder that some of the most meaningful parts of this work are the connections we make along the way.

Please join us in thanking Tina and Dawn for 10 years of compassion, encouragement, and dedication to the people we support. We are grateful for all they have given to COC over the years and look forward to many more memories ahead!

08/27/2026

💙👟 Save the Date for the 2026 COC Run Walk Roll Featuring the Buddy Walk! 👟💙

At COC, some of our favorite moments happen when people, families, staff, and friends come together. That's why we're excited to invite you to the 2026 Run Walk Roll Featuring the Buddy Walk on Saturday, October 17 at Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park near Indianola!

Join us for a morning filled with fun, laughter, inclusion, and community. Choose from a 1-Mile Buddy Walk or a 5K Fun Run, then stick around to enjoy activities for kids, optional costumes, prizes, and plenty of COC spirit.

This is a family-friendly event, and everyone is welcome!

🕘 Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.
Event starts at 10:00 a.m.

Ready to join us? Register today:
👉 Register for the COC Run Walk Roll https://christianopportunity.org/run-walk-roll-5k-walk/

We can't wait to see you there!

08/27/2026

The Knights of Columbus Telethon is here!

Today is always such a great reminder of what can happen when a community comes together. Every phone call, every donation and every person who chooses to give helps make opportunities possible for the people we support.

We are so thankful for the Knights of Columbus, the volunteers and everyone who continues to support people with disabilities in our community.

The Knights of Columbus will be on the phones in two weeks - on Thursday, August 27 from 10 am to 8 pm at St Mary's Catholic Church! We invite any and all community members to participate in that day via call making or donating to our 28th annual Campaign for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.

08/18/2026

Summer isn't over yet! 🌞

Earlier this summer, we asked our staff to take a little piece of COC along on their adventures, and we loved seeing where their COC gear showed up. From vacations across the country to fun closer to home, it was exciting to see COC represented near and far!

Now it's your turn! 📸

Have you worn your COC gear to the Iowa State Fair, a ballgame, a concert, on vacation, or even while enjoying a beautiful Iowa summer day?

Share a photo in the comments showing where your COC gear has been this summer, and you'll be entered for a chance to win a prize from COC!

Let's celebrate the last few weeks of summer by filling the comments with fun photos and great memories before the season slips away.

08/14/2026

There's nothing quite like Nationals week in Knoxville!🏁

We asked a few of the people we support what they love most about the Knoxville Raceway Nationals, and they had plenty to say!
We’re proud to call Knoxville home and to be part of a community that welcomes race fans from near and far each August.

From all of us at Christian Opportunity Center, enjoy your time at the Knoxville Nationals! 🏁

08/13/2026

The Knights of Columbus will be on the phones in two weeks - on Thursday, August 27 from 10 am to 8 pm at St Mary's Catholic Church! We invite any and all community members to participate in that day via call making or donating to our 28th annual Campaign for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.

08/11/2026

We couldn’t “meat” our goals without our amazing Oskaloosa staff! 🌭

To celebrate our Oskaloosa team, staff and their families came together for a BBQ-themed party filled with good food, raffle prizes and lots of fun!

One of our favorite moments came when two brothers each won a kids’ prize and chose to share some of their winnings with other children at the party. A simple act of kindness that made the day even more special!

A big thank you to our Oskaloosa Planning Committee for all the work they put into making this event happen, and to Doug and Stan from our maintenance team for bringing their Pinterest dreams to life with the photo booth. Who knew choosing between ketchup and mustard could be so much fun?

Good food, good company and a great team made for a pretty great day in Osky!