SIGNIFICANT DATES IN COCO HISTORY

• March 14, 1977 - Informal meeting was held to discus the feasibility of developing a sheltered workshop in Cheshire.




• September 22, 1977 - Developmental disability grant, proposing the establishment of a sheltered workshop. Prepared and submitted.




• September 29, 1977 - Announcement of one-year grant award received.




• October 3, 1977 - Request for use of the facilities at Darcy to house a sheltered workshop submitted to the Cheshire board of education.




• January 1978 - COCO became incorporated as a non -profit charitable organization.




• March 17, 1978 - First week of programming, three clients served.




• August 18, 1978 - Announcement of second year renewal of developmental disability grant.




• March 1979 - First full year of program. Eight clients being served.




• July 1979 - Announcement of third year renewal of developmental disability grant.




• October 1980 - COCO Sweet Shop opened for business. Grant awarded for the growing and processing of herbs. Twelve clients served.




• Fall, 1981 - Herb grant renewed, sixteen clients now served. Peter Paul Cadbury staff donated technical assistance.




• September 1983 - Grant awarded for the manufacture of preserves and dried fruits, twenty-three clients now served.




• February 9, 1985 - Moved entire COCO program from within Darcy school to the trailers in front of the school.




• August 1, 1986 - First CARF survey.




• August 29, 1986 - Received one year CARF accreditation.




• October 1, 1987 - Received one year CARF accreditation.




• March 15, 1988 - Received a long term Strategic Planning grant from the State of Connecticut.




• June 1, 1988 - Received a contract from DMR to place five individuals into the community.




• July 29, 1988 - Relocated to 691 Business Park.