Bringing added joy to the season, we’re happy to announce COTS received a $25,000 match challenge grant from the J. J. Keller Foundation for our transitional shelter project with Sacred Heart Congregation. J. J. Keller Foundation matches all gifts up to $1,000 for each gift to COTS from now to June 6, 2018.

Coupled with our $50,000 match gift from the William J. & Barbara A. Schmidt Family Foundation, Inc., we continue to move forward with our mission of ending homelessness for our most vulnerable community members.

COTS along with the Congregation at Sacred Heart are readying the former convent to serve individuals and families in the upcoming year. This will be an extension of our current programming to assist individuals and families move to self-sufficiency with light touch case management. Your gift will be matched to assist us in opening up this new place for our program participants to call home.

Join us in changing the lives of our community members: send your matching gift to COTS, Inc., 819 S. West Ave, Appleton, WI 54915, with memo line: “Sacred Heart Match”. Or, go to bottom of this newsletter and select Donate Now.Thank you for opening your compassionate hearts to help us make a difference in our residents’ lives!

It warms our hearts to share how your giving made great things possible this year.

John’s Story
Critical barrier removal funds made it possible for John to complete his studies at Fox Valley Technical College and graduate with honors this December.  In combination with his educational achievement, John also moved into his own place.

An amazing success story that shows how your generous gift helped us support a resident in the crucial areas of education and housing stability. John could focus on his studies because we helped with his housing.

Dustin’s Story
Dustin had some life changing events take place and his church family recommended he join the family at COTS. When he moved to our facility, Dustin set goals to learn how to adapt to his new circumstances and save money to live independently. His goals focused on two areas  at COTS: housing stability and well-being.

After two years, Dustin was able to accomplish both of his goals. Now, he actively participates in the COTS Aftercare Program, with support over the next three years.

Dustin shared he would never forget his experience at COTS – “All this time, I’ve been struggling, but COTS helped me be positive…It takes time, but it’s not impossible to establish a better life for yourself.”

Another prime example of the great results your kindness and generosity support.