Christian Opportunity Center will soon end its sheltered employment program.

Executive Director Rod Braun tells KNIA/KRLS News they will no longer have the people they serve working at their locations after a federal mandate ends the practice this month. He says the decision was made to prevent segregated work settings for persons with disabilities, but feels there are many drawbacks to stopping sheltered work environments. Braun believes the decision negatively impacts many of those they serve, especially people with severe disabilities who are unable to work in a community business or industry.

He has been encouraged by the response of many local businesses to find work for the people they serve, however, and Braun also says they have expanded their life skills programs in response. Sheltered employment at COC ends April 27th.