North Star Community Service, 221 W High St, Toledo, IA 52342, US

HistoryThe Christian Opportunity Center began in 1969 serving children with disabilities. COC began serving adults in 1974. In 1981, two 15-person residences for adults opened in Pella east of the school and workshop. COC built a third 15-person residence in 1984 to provide minimal support to residents with good daily living skills. The special education program moved from the COC campus to the Pella Christian Grade School in 1987 and to the Pella Christian High School in 1990. COC continues to support these students. In the late 1980s, COC continued to expand residential services, developing 5-person residences in Pella and Des Moines, Iowa, eight-person residences in Indianola and Pella, and single-family homes in Pella. COC developed a community-based employment program in Pella in 1987. Two years later, COC expanded services to Oskaloosa, providing both facility-based and community-based employment. COC received ten consecutive three-year accreditations by CARF beginning in 1982.SpecialtiesChristian Opportunity Center (COC) provides residential, vocational and spiritual services to nearly 300 people with disabilities. COC achieves its purpose by adhering to its core values: honoring God, commitment to service, responsible stewardship and leadership excellence. COC believes every person is created in the image of God and has significant value. COC provides people with disabilities the opportunity to reach their potential while promoting rights and responsibilities, independence and interdependence. Vocational services span from facility-based employment--contract work for production from companies in Pella and Oskaloosa--to community-based employment--finding and maintaining employment in Pella, Knoxville, Oskaloosa, Indianola and Des Moines. Many people served by COC have enjoyed long-term employment. Residential services span from intermediate care facilities for persons with intellectual disabilities--24-hour supervision and support--to supported community living--occasional assistance for people with independent living skills. COC has also aided home purchases for numerous people served. Additionally, COC provides spiritual services in the form of Bible studies, local church involvement and retreats.

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