History of COPE

In 1978, Concerned Ozaukee Parent’s Exchange was initiated by the Mequon-Thiensville Junior Woman’s Club with a vision to provide support for parents via support groups and a Hotline. Calls were taken at the homes of volunteers. There were 78 calls in the first year. COPE Services, Inc. was incorporated as a non-profit organization as defined under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code in November of 1978.

In April 1981, COPE contracted with Ozaukee County to provide 24-hour access to crisis intervention and information and referral services. The first COPE office was located at the corner of Highland Road and River Road in Mequon, Wisconsin.

In September 1990, the Teen Line was added to encourage greater use by teen callers. By January 1991, it was decided to add the “Home Alone” or “Latchkey” component (as it was called at that time) to the Teen Line. Funding and encouragement for this program was provided by the Mental Health Association of Ozaukee County and the Nurturing and Parenting Support (NAPS) Collaboration.

In 1994, a grant from the Southeastern Wisconsin Office on Aging, provided funds to start the Senior Support and Information Line, staffed part-time by a Senior Specialist who not only took calls, but made calls to seniors in need of support.

In December 1999, the COPE administrative office moved to it’s current home and joined with six other agencies in the then new Family Enrichment Center in Grafton, WI.

Executive Directors of COPE:

• 1978-1981 - Louise Schreiber
• 1981-1985 - Nancy Schlaak
• 1986-1996 - Dorothy Dyken
• 1996-1999 - Betsy Collins
• 1999-2004 - Dinny Nemacheck
• 2004-2005 - Pat Longabaugh
• 2005 - present - Kathy Schmit