Introduction

Civic Outreach Center, Inc. (COC) is a 501c3 designated charitable organization and has been a residential drug rehabilitation program since 2002. The COC provides services across parish and state lines, helping rehabilitate addicted men in the region, ages 17 and above. Courts systems use the COC program as a viable rehabilitation tool in lieu of incarceration. COC operates on donations from the public, without passing cost on to its residents.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed the Boothville, LA facility. A new facility was obtained and remodeled in rural Jefferson Parish. However, in 2008 that facility was flooded by Hurricane Gustav, resulting in many needed repairs. Join us as a financial partner, supporting this vital program.

While drug abuse and addiction are two of its major concerns, COC also helps individuals with other life-controlling issues; including alcohol, crime, and social
handicaps. It is geared to meeting the needs of the total man: physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and socially.

The results of this program are not due simply to a change of environment - a change actually takes place on the inside of the person.

Students learn how to handle conflict, guilt, temptation, anger, depression, etc., so that they can develop healthy relationships with those around them in society. The student also learns about nutrition, etiquette, arts and crafts; most classes are individualized so that each student works at his own pace.

Students are provided a variety of opportunities to develop proper work habits and to learn time management. Work assignments involve cleaning, kitchen help, clerical work, gardening, maintenance, laundry, building, and repair. The work period also motivates students to apply principles taught in the classroom.

Program Details

The Civic Outreach Center Program is 12 months program:

• 4 months discipleship training;
• 4 months leadership training;
• 4 months work therapy.

After a student enters into the re-entry phase of our program, work therapy, he will be encouraged to find gainful employment. This will help him build self-esteem and teach him how to save and budget his money; in turn enabling us to provide counseling as he deals with the day to day pressures of normal every day living.

Drug Abuse Prevention

COC teams present drug prevention programs when requested by schools, colleges, churches, civic and social organizations. Our interns captivate the student’s attention in the schools and motivate them to avoid drug abuse. Local school administrators have observed COC instructors are very effective in helping them deal with drug and gang related problems.

Training Seminars

These instructional programs include drug education and prevention, street outreach, personal evangelism, and counseling. Programs also include anger management, conflict resolution and staff training.