Cora Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse

Family support services:Mental health services - CORA offers therapeutic counseling services. Counseling and support groups are led by trained, trauma-informed specialists. Services are available in English and Spanish and are open to survivors and their children. To maintain access to services and social distancing, services have been provided virtually through a telehealth format. During the fiscal year 2023-24, 751 San Mateo County residents received mental health services through CORA. Community Education - CORA provides education on domestic violence, including understanding relationship abuse, warning signs of abuse, power and control, tech abuse, and how to help someone who may be in a violent relationship. We also offer tailored workshops on topics such as healthy relationships for youth and preventing teen dating violence. Trained intimate partner abuse educators are available to provide workshops for any group in San Mateo County. During the fiscal year 2023-24, CORA educated 1,642 community members about intimate partner abuse.

CSS (Crisis Support Services):CORA's CSS Department serves as the front door to the agency for clients and the community. 24 hours a day, seven days a week, CSS provides a lifeline for people in the midst of a domestic violence crisis. With services available around the clock, the department serves as a first responder, offering immediate, compassionate, and skilled support to those in dire need. The department features two programs:24-hour hotline - the hotline is how the majority of those fleeing domestic violence get connected to needed services. The hotline helps someone at risk to safety plan and provides an assessment of risks and needs, moving them to emergency housing shelter or referring them to another department as indicated. It is a vital component of ensuring the community has access to intervention services in their moment of need.Emergency Response Program (ERP) is a joint project with countywide law enforcement, where CORA provides timely intervention and advocacy. This joint project bridges the gap between immediate danger and ongoing support. In collaboration with local police and sheriff departments, this program ensures survivors in crisis situations are connected to services that can help them navigate the crisis. ERP is a contact point for law enforcement officers who are dispatched to or otherwise encounter residents in need due to domestic violence. CORAs crisis counselors work with law enforcement to offer support, safety planning, and essential resources.During the fiscal year 2023-24, CORAs CSS team answered 2,169 calls and responded to 2,380 law enforcement referrals. With total revenue of $781,529, the CSS Department continues to be a beacon of hope and support, demonstrating CORA's unwavering commitment to those affected by domestic violence.