Our Beginning
The Christian Opportunity Center began in 1969 serving just five children with disabilities, an enrollment that grew to a peak of 43 students in 1976. We leased space until we built a school building in 1975 in north Pella, Iowa.

Transition to Adult Services
Recognizing the need for adult vocational services, COC began serving this population in 1974 and built a workshop in 1979 north of the school building. 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.

Transition to Inclusionary Programs for Children
In keeping with the national trend to include children with disabilities, 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. The COC continues to support these students through the COC Foundation.