Removing Barriers. Expanding Opportunities. Changing Lives.

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The Six Barriers We Help Remove

COC’s Access Framework focuses on six common barriers. It helps us understand what people need so we can connect them with the right kind of support.

COC staff member reviewing program paperwork with a visitor at the office

Information Access

People need clear information to know what choices they have and what steps to take next.

Career Exposure woman climbing a ladder

Career Exposure

Seeing a school, job, or workplace up close can help people find a path that feels right for them.

Volunteer practicing hands-on CPR training on a mannequin

Skill Building

Develops practical capabilities to prepare individuals for success in education and employment.
Two women presenting a $500 scholarship check to a student at a College and Career Carnival

Financial Access

Eliminates monetary barriers by providing direct funding, scholarships, and low-cost learning pathways.
Volunteer packing meal deliveries into a car trunk

Proximity & Delivery

Delivers flexible learning resources directly to communities, removing physical and geographic barriers to access.
Group of students gathered outside Old Dominion University

Network Building

Connects learners with mentors and professional communities to unlock essential career opportunities.

“We identify systemic barriers and connect individuals with tailored programs, support systems, and key resources.”

Learn About the Access Framework

Why Removing Barriers Matters

Reaching an educational or career goal comes with many hidden barriers, from paying for classes and finding transportation to connecting with employers. COC looks at the whole picture to help you move forward.
  • Comprehensive Support: We bridge the gaps in funding, training, and networking.
  • Community Impact: One person’s progress creates household stability and builds stronger communities.

Programs That Help People Move Forward

The Access Framework shapes how COC works. Our programs put that work into action. They’re built around the idea that people need different kinds of support at different points along the way.

Group of students standing in front of a "Grow your future" mural

FutureU

FutureU helps students explore opportunities, build confidence, and achieve career success.

Learn About FutureU
Children participating in a hands-on STEM activity

Learning Garden

Learning Garden inspires curiosity and strengthens science skills through hands-on, garden-based STEM learning.

Explore the Learning Garden
Staff member using a computer in a workforce office

Workforce Development

Workforce Development connects job seekers with skills training, employers, and pathways to economic mobility.

Explore Workforce Development
View All Programs

See COC in Action

COC’s work is about real people working toward real goals.

See how our programs, partners, and community connections help people across Hampton Roads take their next step.

Support Across Hampton Roads

COC serves communities across eight cities in Hampton Roads.

By bringing support to the community, COC makes it easier for people to find resources without having to travel to a single central office.

Hampton Roads map

IncuHub
100 7th St.
Portsmouth, VA 23704
By appointment only

Crosscreek Apartments
2542 Bird Ln
Portsmouth, VA 23702
By appointment only

Ansell Gardens Apartments
301 Ansell Ave
Portsmouth, VA 23702
By appointment only

Friendship Village
1235 Friendship Square
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
By appointment only

Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia
4855 Princess Anne Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
By appointment only

Oyster Point Center
732 Thimble Shoals Blvd
Suite 105-A
Newport News, VA 23606
By appointment only

Suffolk Workforce Development Center
157 N Main St., Suite D
Suffolk, VA 23434
By appointment only

Belleville Meadows Apartments
5609 Plummer Blvd
Suffolk, VA 23435
By appointment only

Suffolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority
530 East Pinner St.
Suffolk, VA 23434
By appointment only

Paul D. Camp Community College – Suffolk Campus
271 Kenyon Rd.
Suffolk, VA 23434
By appointment only

Norfolk Redevelopment & Housing Authority – Envision
Center
975 Bagnall Rd.
Norfolk, VA 23504
By appointment only

Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia
1132 Pickett Rd.
Norfolk, VA 23502
By appointment only

Paul D. Camp Community College – Franklin Campus
100 N. College Dr.
Franklin, VA 23851
By appointment only

Catholic Charities of Eastern Virginia
3804 Poplar Hill Rd.
Chesapeake, VA 23321
By appointment only

Work/Place
1702 Todds Lane,
Hampton, VA 23666

See the Impact

Our work is about helping people get past barriers and reach new opportunities.

Lives Impacted Since 2008

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Students Engaged Annually

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Industry Credentials Earned

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College-Bound Students Supported

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What’s Coming Up

COC events give people more ways to learn, meet others, build skills, and take part in the community.

view all events

Help Remove a Barrier

There are many ways to support COC’s work. Helping one person move past a barrier can have an impact that reaches much further.

You can give your time, share your skills, build connections, or make a donation. Each kind of support can help make an opportunity easier for someone else to reach.

See Ways to Help
Donate

Stay Connected

Get updates about COC programs, events, and ways to get involved across Hampton Roads.