2019 Annual Report
President’s Message
Dear Friends of Isle of Wight Christian Outreach Program (COP):
We were prepared to send this, our annual report for 2019, to you early last month, but just about the time it was to have gone in the mail, Governor Ralph Northam declared a State of Emergency for the Commonwealth due to the COVID- 19 pandemic.
Routine business was set aside while we dealt with the immediate issue of serving the county’s needy in the midst of this crisis. During this past month, COP volunteers have adjusted schedules, developed procedures to protect themselves and clients, and taken whatever other steps were necessary to continue our mission of service to Isle of Wight County.
COVID-19 is the latest and most serious challenge COP and our community have faced in modern times. We pledge to continue the work begun 28 years ago by a handful of dedicated Christians who committed themselves to providing fuel oil assistance, food assistance, carpentry work and whatever else was required to give those in need at least some of the help they so desperately needed. During the past year alone COP has provided assistance to over 1,400 households.
Our projected financial needs this year are expected to exceed last year’s revenues by about $80,000. That estimate was made before the impact of COVID-19. That’s a huge funding gap, but it’s a challenge that we welcome. It is clear that the additional dollars and the service they provide is real and growing.
Please take the time to read the enclosed brochure that outlines all of COP’s programs. If you would like to see firsthand what we offer, we invite you to drop by COP’s headquarters at 402 Grace Street for a visit.
And, yes, we need your financial support. With it, COP can continue to fulfill our mission statement: “To help the poor, the needy, and the sick in Isle of Wight County.” Please use the enclosed envelope to mail your check, or donate online at our website: iowcop.net.