Who We Are

About Us

Christian Outreach to the Handicapped (COH) is a non-profit social service agency dedicated to supporting and empowering adults with disabilities, aged 18 to 70 years old. Since our founding, we have remained committed to building an inclusive and compassionate community where every individual — regardless of ability, race, language, or religion — is valued and given the opportunity to thrive.

Mission

To empower individuals with disabilities to live fulfilling lives by providing resources in an inclusive environment that promotes their personal growth and advocates for their rights.

Vision

To create a safe and inclusive space where persons with disabilities thrive through tailored support, active inclusion in decision-making and fostering a sense of belonging.

Values

Compassion

Showing empathy and care; valuing all of God’s creation

Openness

Fostering transparency and trust in all that we do

Humanity

Demonstrate kindness, understanding in all our interactions, recognising the shared dignity and worth of every person.

Our Impact

Total Staff

Active Volunteers

Total Beneficiaries

Tampines Beneficiaries

Aged > 51 Years Old

0 %

Toa Payoh Beneficiaries

Our Purpose

To consistently enhance our programmes and services, ensuring every individual receives the respect, empathy and comprehensive care they deserve while maintaining high quality and cost – effectiveness.

Our Milestone

1979

Introduced

Humble Beginnings

Christian Outreach to the Handicapped (COH) was founded in 1979 by Reverend Alice Shae, an American Baptist missionary who struggled to find support services in Singapore for her daughter with intellectual disabilities. She partnered with Felicity Carter, an Anglican missionary and pioneer of several social service agencies including Samaritans of Singapore.

1983

Serving Young Lives

Established a Children’s Activity Centre at Ang Mo Kio Social Service Centre.

1987

A New Chapter

Relocated to Seng Poh Road.

Registered as a Society under the Societies Act (Ref No.: 265/86Rel) on July 27.

Attained full membership with the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) on August 1.

Registered as a Charity under the Charities Act (Reg No.: 0521) on November 1.

Society Reg. Date: 27th March 1987

Society Reg. No.: 265/86/Rel

1988

Expanding Our Reach

Launched the Emmanuel Activity Centre for adults with intellectual disabilities.

1989

Growing Community

Relocated to Owen Road.

1993

Empowered to Fundraise

Attained Institute of Public Character (IPC) status on July 27, enabling public fundraising. IPC No. 000364

1995

Supporting Teens with Autism

Started a programme for teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

2000

A Fresh Move

Relocated to Jalan Tembusu.

2001

Focus on Adults with Autism

Initiated a program for adults with ASD.

2002

Serving Cerebral Palsy Adults

Launched a programme for adults with cerebral palsy.

2004

Elderly with Disabilities

Introduced a program for elderly clients with intellectual disabilities.

2005

Community Integration

Began Community Integration Projects with various partners.

2008

Structural and Program Innovations

Restructured classes into clusters for clients with different disability types.

Relocated headquarters and one activity centre from Jalan Tembusu to Block 414 Tampines Street 41.

Participated in the 50th Anniversary Carnival at Esplanade Park (Aug 23–24).

Held the Abilities Roadshow (July 20).

2009

A Year of Transition and Outreach

Moved remaining activity centre to Block 171 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh.

Hosted THRIVE 2009 Microsoft Awards & IT Apprenticeship Graduation (Oct 7).

Participated in President’s Challenge 2009 (Aug 29).

Received Certificate of Participation – Sports Carnival for Special Needs (Oct 2).

2009 – 2012

The Tree of Life Project

The Tree of Life Project made significant community inroads and impact.

2012

Recognition of Service

Attended SG Cares Appreciation Lunch.

Received a Certificate of Appreciation as a valuable partner.

2013

Community Collaboration

Awarded Certificate of Appreciation from North East CDC and NTUC Fairprice Foundation – “Wish Upon a Silver Star”.

2014

Youth and Community Engagement

Participated in YMCA Community Service Programme (July).

Received Friends with Admiralty Award (Apr 5) from Admiralty Secondary School.

2015

Creative Collaborations

Awarded Certificate of Recognition for “Light Their Plight” project with Nanyang Polytechnic (Aug 11).

Folded 2,000 stars for North East CDC – NTUC Fairprice Foundation’s initiative (Mar 6).

2017

New Milestones and Awards

Received MSF Volunteer Awards (Oct 20) – Friends of MSF.

Introduced the Circle of Life trophy symbolizing unity and volunteerism.

Opened Emmanuel Activity Centre (Autism) at 161 Toa Payoh (Oct 28).

2018

Supporting Local Events

Received a Certificate of Appreciation for participating in Tampines GRC Voluntary Organisations’ Day (Apr 7).

2019

Regional Recognition

Honored with Asia’s NGO Excellence Award for Social Consciousness (Aug 16).

2022

Continued Community Support

Received Friend of ACS Independent Award.

Acknowledged for supporting the differently abled community at Shaping Hearts 2022.

2023

Supporting Families

Established the COH Caregiver Group, strengthening support for families.

2024

Facility Upgrade

Completed renovations at Block 171 Toa Payoh, enhancing service environment.