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1975
The educational component of the program is founded as a private, non-profit corporation and given the new name , ”The Center for Occupational and Personalized Education” or C.O.P.E.

1980
Evy Mavrellis is hired as C.O.P.E.’s Executive Director. Mavrellis would serve the agency for over 20 years.

1983
The full day, educational component of C.O.P.E. is defined as an individual program and named “The Ypsilanti/ Willow Run Center for Occupational and Personalized Education”. The Ypsilanti/ Willow Run branch of C.O.P.E. opens its doors to an expanded student population.

1991
C.O.P.E. celebrates its 20th Anniversary at the Ramada Inn in Ann Abor. It includes a tribute to Judge Francis O’Brien, C.O.P.E.’s founder. Letters of acknowledgements and congratulations are received from Governor John Engler, Mayor Elizabeth Brater, Mayor Clyde King, United States Congressmen and Congresswomen, as well as State Senators.

1994
C.O.P.E. hosts its first “Volley for Youth” Fundraiser. The volleyball tournament attracts 26 teams and raises over $10,000 for its programs.

1996
C.O.P.E. initiates a full day, self-contained classroom for 10 to 13 year old students expelled from public schools under the “weapons in school” legislation passed by the State of Michigan. This program becomes the “Middle School Alternative” program.

1998
C.O.P.E. undergoes several administrative changes. In an effort to enhance the services offered by the O’Brien Day Treatment Program, a decision is made by Washtenaw County Administration to formally separate the administration of the O’Brien Center (a county department) and C.O.P.E. (a non-profit agency).

1999
With the retirement of Evy Mavrellis, C.O.P.E. - O’Brien’s Executive Director for 20 years, C.O.P.E. becomes fully independent of the County.

2000
Bob Coller becomes C.O.P.E.’s third Executive Director. Coller was hired as Program Coordinator in 1985 and served as Assistant Director from 1987 until his promotion to Executive Director in 2000.

2001
C.O.P.E. celebrates its 30th Anniversary. Speakers include C.O.P.E.’s first Executive Director, Marlys Schutjer, former board members, staff and parents, as well as current and former students. Letters of acknowledgements and congratulations are received from Governor John Engler, Ypsilanti Mayor Cheryl C. Farmer, State Senator Alma Wheeler Smith, U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, and U.S. Representative Lynn Rivers.

2002
Ann Arbor C.O.P.E. leaves its original home on Platt Road to move down the street to its current location at 3014 Packard.

2004
C.O.P.E. hosts the10th Annual “Volley for Youth” Tournament. The tournament raises nearly $10,000 for C.O.P.E.’s programs. Some teams, including the Ann Arbor Police and Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department have played all ten years.

2005
C.O.P.E. partners with Washtenaw Intermediate School District to bring Special Education funding and services to the agency. C.O.P.E. hires special education endorsed staff.

2005
C.O.P.E. and Ypsilanti School District find a new home for C.O.P.E. at the Fletcher School Building.