CORA Services is known throughout Philadelphia and
the suburbs for its crucial support in aspects of community life, thriving, and healing. As the most comprehensive Resource Center in Philadelphia, CORA Services annually impacts approximately 20,000 children and their families. Operating since 1971 and utilizing a team approach to service when appropriate, CORA consists of four service divisions offering a vast range of school, community, clinical, and Good Shepherd mediation services to children and families throughout the City of Philadelphia.
“What sets CORA apart is our unique ability to holistically address the needs of our children and families while also helping them to navigate the complex systems that present challenges to their ability to access the services they need,” said President & CEO, AnnMarie McDowell.
CORA currently operates in over 250 public, private, and charter 
schools serving 39 of Philadelphia’s 48 zip codes. Services provided include, but are not limited to, academic support, psycho-educational evaluation and consultation, occupational therapy, speech and language services, school/guidance counseling, and vision and hearing supports. “CORA has been providing these services for over 50 years,” AnnMarie stated. “We pride ourselves in delivering services that address the specific needs of all the children and families that we work with.”
Like most nonprofit organizations, raising money to support their efforts is one of CORA’s primary goals. CORA’s annual events impact nearly everyone in the community. AnnMarie highlighted the upcoming CORA for Kids Golf Classic as one of three major events that CORA hosts throughout the year. “The golf outing along with our Love in Action Awards Celebration, held in the fall, are our biggest fundraisers. We also host CORAFest in the fall, which is a large outdoor festival that is free and open to the entire community.”
Like most nonprofit organizations, raising money to support their efforts is one of CORA’s primary goals. CORA’s annual events impact nearly everyone in the community. AnnMarie highlighted the upcoming CORA for Kids Golf Classic as one of three major events that CORA hosts throughout the year. “The golf outing along with our Love in Action Awards Celebration, held in the fall, are our biggest fundraisers. We also host CORAFest in the fall, which is a large outdoor festival that is free and open to the entire community.”
This year marks the 15th Annual CORA for Kids Golf Classic, once again presented by NFP, a longstanding sponsor and partner of CORA. It will take place on Monday, May 20th at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. Around 200 people come out to play golf on one of two courses, Wissahickon or Militia Hill.
Others attending, but not playing 18 holes, can participate in the beginner’s clinic, silent auction, or just enjoy the light-hearted atmosphere. AnnMarie shared that hosting this golf outing presents CORA with an opportunity to connect with its friends and partners, while also providing a space for it to attract and engage with new supporters in a meaningful way.
The money raised will be channeled directly into CORA’s programs, enabling it to expand its reach, enhance services, and make a tangible difference in the lives of the people it serves. If readers are interested, AnnMarie explained that sponsorships and foursome packages are still available and can be purchased on CORA’s website.
Another milestone for the organization was the recent Pennsylvania Impact Award given to AnnMarie McDowell who has been with CORA for 21 years and in her current role as President and CEO since July of 2015. Under AnnMarie’s leadership, CORA has grown significantly; it is now an organization that has over 500 employees, manages a $40 million a year operating budget, and operates all over the city in multiple capacities.
Those other capacities have expanded to include a variety of Professional Development workshops that are available to CORA staff and the public. The more popular workshops are those addressing current issues facing school professionals including diversity, equity and inclusion, suicide prevention and intervention, negative effects of social media on young people, vaping, and self-care for school professionals.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, CORA’s Good Shepherd Mediation program was a needed arm of care in the struggling community. Because of the sharp economic downturn during the Pandemic, many tenants were facing possible evictions once the state’s moratorium on evictions was lifted.
The Eviction Diversion Program, run by CORA’s Good Shepherd Mediation in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, was launched in September 2020. The program requires landlords, before filing for evictions in court, to go to mediation with tenants to try to work out their differences. Good Shepherd Mediation trained volunteers to act as neutral third parties.
According to AnnMarie, “Their goal was to help clients — landlords and tenants — identify and talk through problems and grievances in an effort to come to a resolution. As a result of that work, 80% of the over 3,000 landlord-tenant pairs who participated reached an agreement.”
CORA is keenly aware of the types of violence and harm that occur in the community. The Restorative Justice Department of 
CORA’s Good Shepherd Mediation recently launched the Transforming Justice Hub. According to AnnMarie, the Transforming Justice Hub was established as “an effort to stop gun violence and to empower the youth in Philadelphia who are at risk of involvement in, or exposure to, gun violence to interrupt the cycles of conflict through community organization and dialogue.”
With a focus on holistic care and community empowerment, CORA Services’ impact extends far beyond its walls, leaving a lasting impression on children and families across the city.
