"COPES has opened my eyes to a lot of things in my life, the issues, problems, and situations I deal with on a day to day basis. It has given me the proper tools to deal with these issues and situations. I am truly grateful to have had this experience. COPES has helped me better understand myself, relationships, chemical dependency, and much more.".

"I wanted to thank the COPES program and the facilitators, Chris Kokoski and Chris West, for bringing the material and teaching the class. It was a really good program for me and I have learned a lot from it. The Getting Real book helped me so much. It was a big relief for me because I have 3 children that I have been away from for 4 years and I didn’t know how I was going to talk to them until now. So thank you all!".

"I would most definitely recommend Creating Lasting Family Connections to anyone who wants a new way of life. The COPES program has taught me how to be a better father, husband, brother, friend, employee, son and member of society.".

Dear COPES,
When I first was told of this 10 week program I was sure there was absolutely nothing you all could do or teach me to help my partner and I communicate. I was certain that I would gain absolutely nothing! Ten weeks later my relationship with my partner has gone from feeling so very distant, to now closer than ever. We actually listen to each other and respect how the other person is feeling and that was something we could not do before (someone had to be right and someone had to be wrong!). But most of all, thank you for teaching me that my feelings are REAL! And that I owe it to myself to get in touch with each and every one of them. Thanks for changing my outlook on my self worth.
You and your staff have been outstanding. God has given you a very special gift and I thank you for sharing it with me and my partner!

"The COPES’ Marriage Enhancement Program has been very encouraging and enlightening. I have learned many new skills to apply to my marriage that I was just never taught. It is wonderful that a program is in place that helps couples communicate as well as encourage skills that will give them a joyful, lasting, fulfilling relationship. The staff at COPES went out of their way to make my wife and I feel comfortable and well at ease to express [our feelings]. They were also very loving, kind, and encouraging – like family. I feel like my relationship has gone to another level – as if I’ve found a new love. ".

"I would like to express my gratitude for the COPES program. My partner and I argued almost everyday; we didn’t have a clue on how to communicate without arguing. But since we took the COPES class, our relationship has been 100% better. I was really against all and any form of outside help but now I’m so glad I became a little open-minded and took the class. I learned so much – like how my childhood carried over to my relationship, how my skills on validating were very poor. I’ve learned so much and thank God for the instructors…very professional people".

"During the past 20 weeks, while participating in the CLFC Program, I have found this entire program to be extremely informative from start to finish. The program itself is broken down into different modules or sections. In each section different information is presented and as a participant your experience will vary. Each module is very helpful but some modules can be more helpful for different individuals. I found that the module called “Getting Real” was the most helpful for me. Although I have always thought I knew how to say “no”, I have been persuaded to change my answer. This module has taught me how to say “no” and be firm while I respect the other individual’s thoughts and feelings, and in the same sense respecting myself. I would definitely encourage others to participate in this positive experience.".

"Out of the many programs that I attended, COPES was the hardest for me and for a moment I believe that I wouldn’t make it but with the help of the COPES staff I learned a lot about myself and how I approach other people. COPES has helped me become outgoing, able to express myself in a manner that’s acceptable to all and I thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this program.".

"My name is Dale Abell. I’ve recently been released from prison and invited to attend this COPES program. At first when they told me it was a 20 week program, I was very apprehensive about the whole process. As I progressed in the program I started seeing a difference in the way I saw life on life’s terms. I found that there are a lot of ways to read myself and others. I found myself watching other people’s body language, and I learned tools to deal with problems that may arise with society, me and my family. I also learned about HIV, STDS and other health problems. In addition to all that, I learned a lot about alcohol and drug prevention. I believe this knowledge along with the other information I have obtained will be instrumental in my staying sober which in turn will make me a more successful and productive part of society. Thanks so much!".