Christian Opportunity Center

05/15/2026

We’re celebrating a special group of graduates connected to our COC staff!

These students have worked hard to reach this milestone, and we are so proud of each of them and the people who support them every day. From high school to college and everything in between, each one is stepping into a new chapter filled with opportunities.

Join us in congratulating these graduates and wishing them all the best in what’s ahead!

05/12/2026

As Nurses Appreciation Week comes to a close, we invite you to join us in thanking the incredible nurses who support our staff and the people we support each day.

Our nurses do so much more than provide medical care. They help create comfort, confidence, opportunity, and connection, playing an important role in helping people fully participate in their homes, programs, and communities.

Thank you for your compassion, your patience, your teamwork, and the many ways you show up for the people we support and staff. We are so grateful for all that you do.

05/11/2026

As another Tulip Time comes to a close, we’re grateful for a weekend full of community, connection, and celebration.

We were proud to have people we support from many of the communities we serve riding together on our float during one of Pella’s favorite traditions.

Thank you to the volunteers and organizers who make Tulip Time possible each year, we appreciate all the time and care you put into this celebration.

We’d also like to give a BIG thank you to Pella Motors for once again lending us a beautiful truck to pull our float. Your generosity helped create so many smiles and memories this weekend!

And thank you to everyone who waved, cheered, and celebrated alongside us—we loved being part of it with you.

05/07/2026

Tulip Time is one of the things that makes Pella such a special community—and the people we support have been busy being part of it all.

From helping a local business like Timeless Tulip wrap tulips to participating in the annual Klompen Classic 5K Run/Walk, it’s been a week full of connection, tradition, and community.

We love seeing the people we support not just attend Tulip Time, but truly be part of what makes this community so special. And the fun is just getting started!

05/06/2026

Tulip Time is one of our favorite weeks of the year! 🌷

We asked our staff and the people we support to share what they love most about this special time in Pella—and their answers made us smile.

From the tulips to the parades to time spent with friends and family, the food, it’s clear that Tulip Time means something a little different to everyone.

👉 What’s your favorite part of Tulip Time?

05/04/2026

As a COC Job Developer, Robbie Van Arkel played a vital role in creating employment opportunities and building strong business partnerships throughout the Indianola community.

In her own words:
“The people—staff and supported—are what make COC the place I want to come to every day. There is always something to smile about.”

Robbie brought that mindset to her work every day, leading with heart, connection, and a sense of joy that made a lasting impact.

As she begins her retirement, we thank her for all she has given to COC and the people we support. Wishing you the very best in this next chapter, Robbie.

05/01/2026

Many Communities, One Mission.

Over the past month, our team at COC has spent time in schools across the communities we serve—talking with students about disability awareness and careers in disability services.

Our Life Skills program has been visiting Twin Cedars for Reading Buddies, building connections and bringing awareness in a meaningful, hands-on way.

And we've welcomed three new apprentices from local high schools through the WorkSmart Connector -an exciting step in growing the next generation of our workforce.

These moments matter. They help build understanding, spark interest, and shape the future of our communities.

In every community we serve, we’re working toward the same goal, building a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone.

04/29/2026

Earlier this month, Connie Ervin celebrated 20 years at COC as a Life Skills Instructor in Indianola.

For two decades, Connie has brought compassion, patience, and genuine care into her work—supporting people as they build skills, confidence, and meaningful routines that make a lasting difference every single day.

Thank you, Connie, for 20 years of commitment to the people we support and to COC. We’re so grateful for you!

04/27/2026

We’re helping spread the word about a fundraiser happening today at the Pella Applebee's, hosted by Launching Arrows. This fundraiser will benefit the Night of Stars, an alternative Prom for people with disabilities.

Night of Stars is something many of the people we support truly look forward to all year. It’s a night full of music, dressing up, friendship, and feeling celebrated and it means so much to those who attend.
Supporting today’s event helps make that special night possible. Thank you to everyone who shows up and supports this meaningful cause. Remember to mention that you are there for the Launching Arrows fundraiser.

Tomorrow is the day! Mention our fundraiser and 25% goes to Launching Arrows to support prom in a few weeks!

04/24/2026

As we wrap up Administrative Professionals Week, we’re proud to recognize COC Program Coordinators Heather Allen, James Miller, and Teresa Rietveld for the advocacy, care, and coordination they bring to their roles.

Their work reflects the heart of COC’s mission through strong relationships, meaningful support, and the many behind-the-scenes efforts that help services run smoothly for the people we support.

Thank you, Heather, James, Teresa, and the rest of the Administrative Staff at COC, for the dedication and compassion you bring each day.