Get to know our
History
Community Opportunities, Inc. (COI) was organized as a non-profit organization community rehabilitation program (CRP) on October 31, 1997. As a CRP we provide work training and day activity programs for people with mental retardation and/or other developmental disabilities. COI is a sister company to CLC which provides residential and other living options for many of the individuals served at COI.
Mission
To provide a work atmosphere filled with dignity and respect, that develops valued members of the general workforce through the building of skills, confidence, independence and self-esteem.
How We’ve Done It
Since our inception our mission and objectives have been accomplished through a variety of approaches. We have partnered with the community at large to serve as a labor resource for business and industry, matching the abilities of the individuals we serve with the requirements of employers in our local community. We have provided training that is transferable to any job. For example, arriving at work on time, taking scheduled breaks as appropriate, solving disputes with co-workers, following instructions and asking for clarification when instructions are not clear; these are just a few of the skills taught and emphasized by work skills instructors with skills being taught in both traditional teaching venues and while the people we serve are completing sub-assembly or piecework at COI.
Individuals employed in the community have been assisted in a variety of ways. Since public transportation is very limited in our community. Transportation to and from work has typically been provided by COI. Also, a COI employee has always interacted on a regular basis with employers to help individuals maintain their employment. These and other activities constitute the supported employment component of our program.
When someone is not employed in the community or when contract work is slow, COI provides training in variety of ways including classes on a whole host of topics, field trips to interesting places, participating in exercise, going for a walk or just having a funky-fun day to relax.
Speaking of funky and fun, COI believes that work should be fun; employees are encouraged to have fun with each other as well as with the people they serve and the people we serve are encouraged have fun at work. That’s why music frequently fills the air, conga lines snake through the building, and there are “Dress-in-the-Dark”, “Pajama” and “Dress-in-Orange” Days for staff and worker-trainees alike. Fun and funky is what makes COI unique from other day services and why people enjoy coming to work.
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