Reaching Our Community

Support for Communities

HISTORY:

The Community Outreach Training Center Housing Services was formed by Sharon D. Edwards in 2010 as an

Outreach program primarily to serve the Southwest Georgia community with professional development, job assistance, GED preparation and clothing as supportive services for the homeless population and very-low to moderate income families. The services provided produced an 87% success rate in helping educate and obtain employment for those we served.

 COTC, Inc. assists with information resources, training, publications, and other support and in other ways, including fundraising, much as possible. Along with our goal is to help renovate and repair simple, decent and affordable houses with people who are living in conditions that are inadequate and who are unable to secure decent housing by conventional means through funding from USDA and other resources.

COTC, Inc. also provides training for families who are eligible for housing assistance. Many parents in low-income families do not have a high school education and very few have any higher education; they also tend to have little skilled job training. Without such training, it is nearly impossible to acquire a well-paying job. If parents are trained in a particular profession or skill they are far more likely to be able to effectively support their families financially. Our concerted efforts are garnered to encompass the entire community, and "picked up the slack" from other organizations.

CURRENT PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS ADULT EDUCATION AND LIFE SKILLS:

Clients serviced

(Clients received: Emergency Services, Hotel/Motel Voucher, State ID, Birth Certificates, Clothing, Hygiene Packets, Rental Counseling, Foreclosure Prevention and Homebuyer Education)

 FOOD & CLOTHING:

The Community Outreach Training Center provides referrals for the food basket program to low-income residents in the community to other agencies and organizations. We host a Clothing Closet where clients can schedule an appointment to obtain necessary items when needed.

 HEALTH PROGRAMS and AFFILIATIONS WITH SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS:

Community Outreach Training Center collaborates with Salvation Army, Southwest Georgia United Way, Thomas County Health Department, Archbold Medical Center, local churches, ministries, civic organizations and other organizations to implement and host health fairs, Project Homeless Connect, and Helping Hands Community Outreach Days, which has reached an accumulated total of more than 1280 families with services such as blood pressure, health screenings, clothing, blankets, household items, hygiene products, prayer, hot meals, groceries, and many other services.