I want to share with you some information about an amazing organization and our work to reach the community. I am sharing this with the blogger community because I know how many people you can reach and we are very concerned about the lack of public awareness of the issues we face – primarily the importance of work and community interaction for people with disabilities. Anything you can do to help is greatly appreciated. I hope you can help us spread the word about this important issue.
COR Enterprises is a 35+ year old Billings non-profit that serves people with disabilities by assisting them with employment and community activities. As we continue to grow and develop, we have created the “Growing Strong with COR Values” campaign to educate the public.
Among these COR values are
Ø Empowering people with disabilities to work and take part in the community;
Ø Supporting local businesses, non-profits, and government agencies with information and resources on the ADA, the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, and the ways in which we can partner together for mutual benefit;
Ø Continuing to grow to meet the changing needs of our clientele;
Ø Promoting the dignity and independence of our clientele;
Ø Partnering with civic groups to share our message, resources, and values.
We are Growing Strong through
Ø An ever-changing staff training and development program designed to meet higher and higher levels of service;
Ø An expansion of services when new programs are needed;
Ø A transition from our current facility to one that meets the absolute highest levels of health and safety, while providing an attractive and welcoming work environment for staff and clients. We are embracing a nationwide change to a more empowered, dignified facility and will be one of Montana’s largest and first organizations to make this transition.
Ø An ongoing Capital Campaign that includes individual and business gifts, donations for next winter’s silent auction, and a number of fundraisers coordinated with local businesspeople, including Avon and Lia Sophia staff.
We ask the community to ponder this question: “What if there was no COR?” Imagine a young woman, now vibrant and confident, working in the community with the help of a job coach. Living independently with minor supports, such as help with grocery shopping and getting to medical appointments. She has friends, social activities, a fully engaged life. She lives with independence, dignity and empowerment. Without COR she would likely live in a group home or with her parents, spending her days at home, given the care she needs, but never the independence that makes her heart soar.
Or imagine a 60 year old man, ready to retire. Without COR’s services, he could end up with few options. Now, he can choose to stay at COR all or part of the day in the Active Choices social/arts/recreation/education program, he can receive support to live on his own, or he can continue to work part-time.
We all want options for our life. We want to make choices, chart a path, figure out the best way to work and live in our community. COR’s clients deserve the same.
Those interested in more information, a training session, a public speaking engagement, or to become involved in the Capital Campaign should call Heather at 406-248-9115 x126.
