Our Story

Cedar Opportunities BC Society, formerly Cedar Opportunities Cooperative, is a charitable organization whose mission is to provide employment, training, and socialization opportunities for people with developmental disabilities within their community. We are a grassroots organization founded by a group of families whose adult children with diverseabilities were aging out of the school system. 

They wanted a business that would provide:  

  • Many opportunities for socialization

  • Visibility in the community

  • Diverse opportunities tailored to individuals

  • A sustainable business

THE OUTCOME:

  • A Unique Business – an enterprise whose employment opportunities serve individuals with diversabilties working together with a-typical folks

  • A Community Hub – a fully inclusive space for all members of society

  • Successful - continued community support for over ten years providing over 55,000 hours of supported employment

COCO Cafe

COCO Cafe is a bustling community hub in rural Cedar, BC where you will find a variety of menu options and friendly service from our diverse team. Our full-integration approach allows our team members, both a-typical and those with diversabilties, to work symbiotically to create a culture of inclusion that is apparent throughout your visit. To maintain the operations year-round we have developed a number of heat-and-serve options available at our Cafe in Cedar.

COCO Supported Employment Program

Our programs work to integrate individuals with developmental disabilities into a real-life food service program. Our programs are designed to provide hands-on employment training and valuable work experience in a supportive and inclusive environment.

COCO Catering

Through the Covid-19 pandemic, COCO pivoted operations and partnered with The Nanaimo Foundation to provide food security for individuals and families. Our team continues to work closely with Snuneymuwx First Nation, and community-minded organizations like Nanaimo Association for Community Living, Ladysmith Family and Friends, Nanaimo Ladysmith Schools Foundation, and Wisteria Community Association to provide meals, free of charge, to their clients. To date, we have provided thousands of meals to community members.

COCO catering is currently on hold. However, pop into the cafe and see what frozen meals and seasonal favourites are available.

 
 
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