Category Archives: Blog

Surviving to Thriving

Posted on May 8, 2017 by

When Laura finally escaped the confines of the abusive environment she lived in, she began the process of taking her life and identity back. This is where the community and organizations like Harbor House and COTS were able to help. At COTS, Laura reignited her life’s… Read More

Garnish and Serve

Posted on May 8, 2017 by

The remodel of the kitchen in the women’s facility is completed! At the end of 2016 we outlined our desire to repair the heart of the home for our Women’s facility and now we can happily tell you that that heart is at full strength… Read More

Kitchen Magicians

Posted on Mar 29, 2017 by

As Virginia Woolf said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.”  This month residents shared the kitchen with volunteers and longtime friends of COTS Lynn Van Zeeland & Mary Harp-Jirschele, during our Turkey Cook Off. This event engaged… Read More

Investing in Faith

Posted on Mar 29, 2017 by

Speaking with Rory is a delight. It’s easy to see him as a natural leader and secure confidant. However, this wasn’t always the case. Before COTS Rory describes a different life. “I lived off negativity. I was in between jobs a lot and drinking was… Read More

Finding Support

Posted on Sep 30, 2016 by

A young adult resident is motivated to move his life forward 23-year-old Jake slept on his aunt’s couch in her basement for six months before he moved into COTS. He knew he needed a stable place to get his life on track. “I wasn’t moving… Read More

Accomplishing Financial Independence

Posted on Aug 24, 2016 by

A resident’s journey toward independent living “I was homeless, I was in trouble with the law and had very limited resources,” recalls 75-year-old Jason while reflecting on his time before COTS. After a stint in jail, Jason was left with only his clothing and a… Read More

Meal Minister Cooks up Fun

Posted on Jun 30, 2016 by

Pernilla Werninger has been a Meal Minister for COTS for around two years. She heard about COTS after running into a neighbor who was a Meal Minister. Being a Meal Minister appeals to her because she is able to “do something nice for someone who… Read More

Campus of Change

Posted on May 19, 2016 by

New Campaign Transforms COTS into a True Home This year, COTS launched a campaign to transform our facilities into a place of healing and new beginnings. Our Campus of Change Campaign helps our facilities become “home” for our residents who are working on life skills… Read More

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