Rod Braun Executive Director Our Stakeholders Carry Out the Purpose and Mission of COC There are many groups with diverse needs and interests who have a stake in the future of COC. First and foremost among these stakeholders are the people with disabilities we support along with their parents and guardians, many of whom take an active role in advocating for the interests of their loved ones. Our many volunteers enhance the quality of life for the people we support. There are individuals who work one-to-one and develop long term friendships. There are volunteers from community churches who regularly take individuals to church and assist them in becoming a part of the life of the church of their choice. There are school, college, and church groups who assist in providing special events. Our volunteers do much to "make a difference" in the lives of people with disabilities!   COC has been blessed with staff members committed to our purpose and mission. Many have made their service a long-term commitment. Quality staff members are the key to quality supports for people with disabilities. That is why COC has made staff recruitment and retention a high priority and has engaged in many creative strategies to enhance the length of service, and to make disability services a viable career choice. The goal of the leadership of COC is to balance the needs and interests of the various stakeholder groups and to focus our organizational energy in the right areas. Quality governing body members ensure that the purpose and mission are effectively carried out. The board members of both boards (i.e. COC and the COC Foundation) along with at-large committee members volunteer their time to ensure that good policies are established and that the strategic plan of the organization is implemented. COC takes seriously its responsibility to funding sources to offer good value for the many services supported by taxpayers in our primary counties. We are committed to working cooperatively with county officials to ensure accountability for the funds entrusted to us. Our donors "make a difference" by helping us grow the COC Foundation "to secure COC's future." Individuals, businesses, churches, and foundations allow us to supplement government funding sources in specific areas determined by the governing bodies. Many local businesses provide employment opportunities to people with disabilities through individual job placements and small work groups known as work enclaves. Other businesses provide contract work for our facility based employment program that provides real jobs for people with disabilities. Businesses have learned that people with disabilities make quality employees. COC has an exceptional track record in helping people with disabilities transition from tax-supported to tax-paying citizens. COC is committed to providing local businesses with high quality, cost-effective products on contract work, and providing support in assisting people to learn jobs in the community. COC is thankful for a cadre of consultants and support service providers who offer their expertise to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities. Yes, it is a diverse group of stakeholders! Collectively, they have worked collaboratively to see that people with disabilities get the very best supports and that their lives have meaning.