The Limelight: Cooper CARES

Cooper CARES (Christian Alliance for Rehabilitation and Employment Services) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide vocational services and employment opportunities for adults with disabilities and disadvantaged adults. Cooper CARES is a unique community outreach opportunity. They stand apart from other social services but will tirelessly work to sustain employment for those un-employable.

Cooper CARES will seek to empower the disabled and disadvantaged through employment, job placement, career development, mentorships, education, addiction recovery, and building a community that fosters dignity, self-worth, and hope for the future.

Cooper CARES hopes to open a work center in Cooper, Texas for the residents of Delta, Hopkins, Lamar, Fannin, and Hunt Counties. Once in full operation, the effort will generate revenues through providing services to the state (MHMR and DARS), and through negotiating contracts with existing businesses to provide services for packaging, sorting, re-work, assembly, mailings, etc. Cooper CARES will also work toward local agricultural production as well as manufacturing.

Cooper CARES is diligently working to accomplish the following goals in order to help the many who have been overlooked in the job market.

Needs and Opportunities:
• Must raise approximately $500,000 – ($200,000 for start-up, $300,000 for manufacturing)
• Needs community members and leaders willing to serve on Board of Directors
• Needs volunteers to serve as mentors and coaches with clients
• Needs churches who are willing to be mission partners

If you have ideas or resources to share, or if you want to follow the Cooper CARES progress, or want to be a partner in this mission, please contact Rev. Michael Rowe, the Executive Director.

Michael Rowe
P: (903) 243-6075
E: mrowe@cumbytel.com