COCI has supported our organization, No More Victims, Inc., advocacy agency for newborns and children of incarcerated parents, Houston, TX for several years through funding, guidance and participation in our events. We are so honored to have their support. They are truly compassionate and committed to helping serve, protect and provide for children on a global scale. The administration, board of directors and volunteers are amazing individuals. COCI is a wonderful foundation with great leadership. One more thing that I would like to share is that COCI is also compassionate, caring and committed to the non-profits they support which is so very important as well. No More Victims is so proud to be a part of the COCI family. They deserve a billion star rating.
Working with COCI has provided me with an amazing opportunity to help children in need in a unique way.
I have participated with Cherish Our Children International since we began in 1993, as a Board Member,1st Executive Director, and National FUNdraising Coordinator. As a small organization, we have been a catalyst for big changes impacting the lives of children around the world. A few highlights are:
In Romania, deinstitutionalization of orphanges, Returning Montessori teaching, education and treatment for AIDS.
In Serbia, tutoring in orphanges, and providing community services for families of special needs children.
In Israel, supporting Bride for Peace, after school soccer and tutoring for the most needy children.
In U.S., Houston, supporting children of incarcerated parents to break the cycle and become Educated, Not Incarcerated!
I focused on raising funds to support these children and was privileged to see "up close" the differences in thousands of childrens lives.
Cherish Our Children is a unique and awe inspiring foundation that touches the lives of children around the world and enables young people to live their own lives, regardless of their circumstances. The organization itself is built on a strong foundation of integrity and commitment...you know where your money is going, and it's going to real programs that utilize the funds effectively and efficiently. This foundation serves to better the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of children around the world, fostering health, compassion, understanding, and love.
It is my pleasure and honor to be marrIed to the Founder of COCI, Juli Hall. As her husband, I have had the opportunity to experience up close, the dedication not only of my wife to making a difference in the lives of children in desperate situations around the world, but also of the extraordinary Team of volunteers and colleagues who continually dedicate themselves to creating possibility for these children in a world where no possibility existed. I oftentimes think of how COCI got started, because Juli happened to watch a report on television of the kids in Romania who were the victims of a government program gone bad, and we're left with AIDS and abandoned by their families. How she said to herself, this isn't right and someone needs to do something about it, and then realized if it wasn't her, then who? So she went to Romania and met the children, and COCI was born. It has me remember that it only takes one person making a decision to make a difference in the world for the world to transform. It doesn't happen overnight, but once the momentum has begun, it's impossible to stop. My wife is an inspiration to me daily, as are all of the amazing individuals who have dedicated themselves to COCI and to making the world a better place for children everywhere. Come join us in whatever way you can. Experience what it means to make a difference. Be inspired. Be an inspiration.
I am the Founder of COCI. Over the last 20 years hundreds of volunteers have gotten thousands of children out of disadvantaged situations and have given them a life they never would have had. Our volunteers go above and beyond the call of duty to provide emergency relief, education, tutoring, nutrition, nurturing - whatever is wanted and needed so that each child can make their unique contribution to the world. It has been an honor to work with kids in Romania, Bosnia, Serbia, Mexico, Kenya, Israel, and the U.S. Juli Hall
I have had the pleasure of consulting with this organization for the past year and have truly been blessed by witnessing an incredible group of dedicated volunteers from Board to athletes all creating what they can to make a difference in children's lives. The passion, sacrifice, commitment and integrity is remarkable. Highly recommend volunteering or donating to this incredibly worthy cause.
I have had the pleasure to serve on the board and experience first hand the difference Cherish Our Children is making. In Reynose, Mexico where we have helped build several schools, drilled water wells so they no longer have to trunk water in, and provide nutrition for the children while in school. Kisumu, Kenya where I have personally visited Children First who we partner with to take care of orphaned children and provide education to the local children. Serbia where we support children with physical and mental limitations attend medical treatments, physical thearpy, education, and recreational activities. Without our help they would not be able to get to the services they need. Lastly right here in the U.S. where we support No More Victims, Inc. located in Houston. Through this program children of incarcerated parents are provided a structure to not repeat the path their parents took. The children learn life skills and receive the love and encouragement to stay on the right path, finish high school and become a contributing adult. We find unique individuals making a difference and support and empower them to succeed. Come join us and make a difference.
Review from Guidestar
I am part of the Team COCI group in Houston that Helps Athletes be twice as powerful when they sign up for an athletic event and athletes support COCI by raising funds for the world's most vulnerable children (www.teamcoci.org). Being part of this team has made a huge difference in my life by living a life that is bigger then myself and is of service to others. Thank you for providing that opportunity!
After 12 years serving as the volunteer country director in Serbia and Bosnia, I have witnessed thousands of desperate children living new lives, with medical, dental, educational, and recreational services. A post-war and post-communist society marginalizes needy children, especially if they are special needs kids. COCI is changing all of that, and we've even seen 5 (working on #6) special needs children adopted by loving American families. It's been truly amazing to see how much one person, along with a small team, really can accomplish. Serving these children has been the happiest time of my life!