COH was established by Mrs Alice Shae in 1979, an American missionary who was seconded to the Trinity Theological Colleague of Singapore by the American Baptist International Ministries. Conviction for the setting up of COH stemmed from futile searches of suitable facilities for her own daughter with disabilities. The first committee of COH was established to conduct awareness seminars towards the needs of people with disabilities & their families.

1979 - Conceived by Alice Shae
- Play group at Ang Mo Kio Social Service Centre
Apr 1983 Started ‘Emmanuel Activity Centre’ for children (twice weekly)
1987 Relocated to Seng Poh Road premise
27 Mar 1987 Registered as Society under Societies Act (Ref No.: 265/86Rel)
1 Aug 1987 Became a member of National Council of Social Service (NCSS)
1 Nov 1987 Registered as a Charity under Charities Act, 1982 (Reg No.: 0521)
1988 Adult programme started at Emmanuel Activity Centre
Oct 1989 Relocated to Owen Road premise
1995 Started programme for teens with autism (age 12 years and above)
Sep 2000 Relocated to Jalan Tembusu premise
Jan 2001 Started programme for adults with autism
Jun 2001 Started programme for individuals with cerebral palsy
Jul 2004 Started programme for senior citizens