Christian Opportunity Center Executive Director John Eilers has now retired. He has dedicated nearly two decades of his career to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities at COC. Effective Thursday, Eilers has stepped down from his position.

Eilers joined COC in 2004 as the Associate Director, and in 2018, Eilers assumed the role of Executive Director.

Reflecting on COC’s greatest accomplishments during his tenure, Eilers said, “Two achievements come to mind, first, the heroic work of all COC staff as we together weathered the Covid-19 Pandemic with minimal loss of life and serious illness for people supported and staff. The second noteworthy achievement was the conversion of all but one of our Intermediate Care Facilities to Home and Community Based Services group homes. The positive outcomes are more community integrated lives for people supported and better funding for COC.”

Beyond the organizational achievements, Eilers says he cherishes the countless moments of compassion, rapport, and personal growth witnessed between COC staff and the individuals they support.

“I have been blessed to be able to do work that is not only human services but also a ministry to people with disabilities. To be part of COC’s ministry to support wonderful people with disabilities to have a good life has been a privilege and a joy.”