Since 1993 I have been involved with COTS on a donation basis. A few years ago I was introduced to some of the exciting things they were doing and got involved as a volunteer. In March of 2004, I was asked to join the Board of Directors and am currently co-Vice President of the Board. COTS is a non-Profit organization based in Petaluma that helps homeless families and individuals to get back on their feet. I am also a volunteer in the “Rent Right” program. This is a 9 week course in which the students learn everything from budgeting to how to correctly speak with a landlord. It is an exciting program.

                 In October 2005, I was nominated to be President of the Board of Directors......

	Miracles Happen Everyday at COTS......... WWW.COTS-HOMELESS.ORG
	In the past year the Mary Isaak Center opened in Petaluma . This is a state of the art facility to help homeless individuals. Families either stay at the family shelter or in shared housing. Some may also stay with local congregations.
	a little girl impacted by COTS
	What has always impressed me most about COTS is that it is not a “bandaid” program. People here have to work and strive to get to a better place. It is not just about feeding the hungry, but it is about helping these people to become a productive part of society. I have worked with many individuals who have reached major bottoms and pulled themselves up. It is incredible to see what these people can do with a little push.                                                                                                                  Receiving the "Spirit of Community Award" from Sonoma County Homeless task Force 10/6/2005
	COTS always has some events scheduled. Please check here for updates: Miracles Happen Every Day at COTS – A presentation of what is currently going on with COTS. There are also presentations by current and past clients as well as staff and Board members. This is just a one hour get together but really can give you a feel of all that COTS does for the community. Click here for Schedule Helping Miracles Happen Breakfast – This is a fund raiser breakfast. There will be food, speakers, and great information about what is happening at COTS. This years event was held November 9th at the Petaluma Sheraton. Attendance exceeded all of our expectations and it was a very successful community event......   For more information for the "Miracles Happen.....' events or upcoming fundraisers, please contact Lauren Darges at 707 765-6530 X110