Category Archives: Blog

Structure is Key to Moving Forward

Posted on Apr 22, 2016 by

54-year-old Tom, a referral to COTS from Homeless Connections, decided living paycheck to paycheck was not helping him have a better life. For Tom, “budgeting is a big factor and goal in starting over.” The “structure” at COTS allows Tom to learn and apply valuable lessons… Read More

“The Opportunities are Endless”

Posted on Mar 29, 2016 by

Resident of Veterans’ Program finds happiness and purpose Michael’s life changed when he hit a semi at 70 miles per hour. He was paralyzed from the neck down for 5 weeks. Due to the accident, Michael had to give up his 20-year welding career. After… Read More

“Just Go Out and Do It”

Posted on Jan 20, 2016 by

Young adult resident gets his life back on track “I was kind of spinning my wheels,” Ryan says of his life before COTS. The now 23-year-old had, “a very sheltered childhood.” Once he went to college, however, he started experimenting with drugs and alcohol. “I… Read More

A Purpose-Filled Life

Posted on Sep 21, 2015 by

Written by a resident of COTS’ Women’s Program I came to live at COTS after being in treatment for my alcoholism.  I knew that I couldn’t return to my old surroundings, so I made the decision to separate myself from my grown children and recreate… Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Sarah O’Hearn

Posted on May 28, 2015 by

Sarah O’Hearn first learned about COTS’ Meal Ministry program when she was looking for Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities for her and her husband. She found the opportunity on our website and knew she had found her calling. “I love it!” she exclaims. “For me, it’s perfect… Read More

A Home of His Own

Posted on May 28, 2015 by

Jeremy moved into COTS because, “I was homeless in that I would have wound up on the street.” Jeremy had been in and out of the hospital three times due to his excessive drinking. The third time, he decided to go into treatment at The… Read More

Amanda: Success in Bloom

Posted on Apr 29, 2015 by

“I separated from my parents and family because of abuse, and they did not want me anymore.”  To the outside world, it looked like Amanda’s life was on track. She was at Lawrence University studying music education when her family’s abuse reached a new level and… Read More

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