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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 adults with disabilities through personalized support, inclusive participation and fosters growth.

Vision

A compassionate and inclusive community where adults with disabilities are supported, heard and empowered to thrive.

Values

Compassion

We show empathy and care towards adults with disabilities, honouring the dignity of each person as part of God’s creation. Our service is rooted in love, respect, and a deep commitment to uplift every individual.

We foster transparency, honesty, and trust within our community by encouraging open communication, active listening, and mutual respect.

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

Our Impact

Total Staff
0
Active Volunteers
0
Total Beneficiaries
0
Tampines Beneficiaries
0
Aged > 51 Years Old
0 %
Toa Payoh Beneficiaries
0

Our Commitment

To continuously enhance our programmes and services, ensuring that every individual receives the respect, empathy and care they deserve while maintaining 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.