What is R.O.O.C., Inc.

ROOC is a private, non-profit organization offering a wide range of services to individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment in Roscommon, Ogemaw, Oscoda and Crawford counties. The services we provide are designed to help people increase their independence in their personal lives, in their community, or on the job. We have a person-centered focus and individuals are encouraged to make their own choices and decisions for the future based on their strengths, wishes and needs.

Where does your funding

come from?

Most of our funding comes from local Community Mental Health organizations through contracts for the training services we offer. We also provide placement and training services for Michigan Rehabilitation Services and for some of our local schools. ROOC uses sub-contract work from local manufacturers to provide vocational training to our participants. The manufacturers pay ROOC and that money is passed through to pay the consumers who have completed the work. We operate a resale clothing store during the warm weather months. ROOC is also generously supported by local United Way organizations, the Knights of Columbus, and other private donors who help make our mission a reality.

What are your services?

ROOC provides training programs for:

* Personal skill development

* Academic enrichment

* Pre-vocational skill development

* Vocational skill development.

Services within these programs include:

* Job placement assistance

* Job coaching

* Follow-along

* Case management services

* Transition services for high school students

ROOC also provides services to local employers by providing worksite analysis and a high quality source of labor for their individual business needs.

Our Staff

ROOC staff participate in ongoing training to assure a high quality service is provided to people who receive services.  All ROOC staff received training in recipient rights, first aid and CPR.  75% of our staff are certified Employment Training Specialists.

How Can I Help ROOC?

We are appreciate the tremendous support we get from our communities and every little bit helps! Volunteers are always welcome. You can spend a few hours of time helping at an event, come in and demonstrate a skill to our consumers, talk about your job or your business in our job skills class, or set up an ongoing time to volunteer. You can help by making a donation. Although cash donations are always appreciated, we also accept donations of items for our resale shop and for use in our training programs.

How Do People Get

Referred to ROOC?

Most individuals are referred to ROOC by the program who funds the service – usually Community Mental Health, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, a local school, or an insurance company. If you would like more information on our services, need help locating a founding source, or if you would like an enrollment packet, please contact our office at (989) 275-9534.

How Can I Get

More Information?

You can get more information about our services and our organization by contacting us at (989) 275-9534 or emailing at info@rooc.org OR director@rooc.org.

ROOC’s History

In 1968, Wilma Crawford, Basil Godbold, Larry Meier, and Ralph Sperry presented the concept of establishing a sheltered workshop for adults with disabilities to the C.O.O.R. Area Parent’s Association. In 1969, through the efforts of these individuals, a satellite program of another workshop was opened.  The operation was first located in the old Gerrish Township Hall.  In 1970 the Parent’s Association filed with the State of Michigan for R.O.O.C. to become a non-profit corporation under the governance of the C.O.O.R. Intermediate School District (ISD).  After a brief time operating in the old St. Helen school building, in 1978 ROOC moved into a new facility at its current location atop Pioneer Hill in Roscommon.  In 1981 ROOC partnered with North Central Community Mental Health to expand their work operations and include day program services. ROOC continues its relationships with COOR and the COOR area schools, community mental health, and MRS.  

ROOC receives funding from Northern Lakes Community Mental Health and Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth-Rehabilitation Services