CORA - Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse

CORA serves as the most comprehensive point of assistance for those who have suffered from domestic violence. With services including shelter, legal support, financial guidance, therapy, amazing children's programs and much more, CORA fills a gap for San Mateo County and well beyond, often serving residents across Northern California. As a former board member (and chair), I was and still am deeply impressed by the commitment and care shown every day by the CORA staff for all who come requiring services. The overwhelming level of detail and support shines through for those who most need it, with thousands helped over the decades.

I am a survivor. In 2018 my former spouse attempted to murder me. CORA helped me with legal, therapy and continue to help me in my healing journey. And have built lasting relationships with the team.

I was able to get full custody and a restraining order not just for me but for my children. My children and I received therapy sessions and daycare was provided for my baby girl (5 months) at the time while I received therapy.

CORA has given me the opportunity to share my story to reach others in the community and helped me find my voice. CORA is an amazing agency that I will continue to support and represent.

CORA is a fantastic community resource! From legal and mental health services, to providing emergency safe housing, community development, education for our young people, and driving community collaboration CORA is making San Mateo County a safer place to live and thrive. Please learn more on their website and support if you can with your time, money or both. You could quite literally help to save a life!

I found out about CORA when I virtually attended one of their fundraising events right around the COVID-19 lockdowns; it brought me so much joy in a stressful time. They provide an amazing number of services--from a public health perspective, they've really considered all the social determinants of health, which is HUGE. Their staff is kind and knowledgeable. I'm so glad they are empowering some of the most vulnerable community members and setting them on paths to independence, safety, and success.

I joined the Board of CORA a year after my husband died in 2013 because I wanted to help others struggling with intimate partner abuse/domestic violence. I myself am a 44 year survivor of DV in all its forms (physical, emotional, financial, sexual). In our county of 3/4 million people, CORA is the only agency dedicated solely to helping survivors of DV and their children. Unfortunately CORA's legal, psychological, and housing assistance will be needed for many years to come. I wish I had the Dating Bill of Rights CORA recommends when I first began dating my husband in 1969. We've come a very long way, but still have far to go!

I've been so impressed with CORA leadership having showcased them in my community involvement with Commission on the Status of Women of San Mateo County as well as with the Social Impact Advisory Network. Their partnership with the community is critical and robust that is an indication of their resilience. Well done CORA!

I work at CoastPride, an LGBTQ+ advocacy non-profit in Half Moon Bay. CORA has provided LGBTQ+- and youth-centered healthy relationships workshops in our teen support group. The LGBTQ+ community is often not seen in healthy relationship/relationship abuse dialog so to have CORA give a training specific to our community and to our young people was really meaningful.

He said,” I am going to make you pay.”
I called 911 and left. The following day I was connected to Cora by the officers who helped me leave. I have two little children with me.
Cora stepped in and provided me with therapy immediately for me and my daughters. Legal assistance. A class on recovering my life. Cora became the filler in the dark spaces. I became educated on DV. I realized I had been charmed into a life with a man who would always abuse me. And even the good moments were a part of the cycle of abuse. Cora saved my life. They are why I never looked back. The resources and opportunity to walk with people is why I am alive.

I became an advocate for victims and even spoke to the rookies up at College of San Mateo on behalf of Cora. The topic was the important of the small details when you go to a domestic call. The report details. The ability to feel the room. Not just see it. Most DV will go undetected and not acknowledged in a court of law. We have to do better.

Cora is paving the way.

CORA is such a key organization in our community. Not only do they serve families but are continuously looking for ways to provide domestic violence awareness. As a partner agency, I appreciate the collaboration with CORA to find innovative ways to continue our work. They are professional, dedicated, compassionate, and a pleasure to work with. A huge shout-out to Mariluisa Diaz, CORA's Prevention and Education Manager, for her passion and support.

CORA is deeply committed to helping those affected by intimate partner abuse. As a volunteer with CORA for 15 years I have observed, and worked next to, their dedicated staff assist clients on their 24 hour hot-line, in their legal dept., counseling dept, housing dept., and more. CORA not only supports individual survivors, but also family counseling, and reaches out into the community with events and workshops. I continue to volunteer with CORA because they truly do transform lives for the better.

As a psychologist and as a member of the community, I truly appreciate the high-quality critical services that CORA provides!

It’s so good to see the work that organizations like CORA do every day to help people in the community. Thank you for all your do CORA and keep up the great work!

My daughter escaped an abusive relationship 3 years ago. He served 4 months in jail and had to attend domestic violence, animal abuse and anger management classes for a year. His restraining order is up at the end of October 2022. She is terrified!

My daughter contacted CORA. This organization is unbelievably amazing. They talked to her for hours including assessing her post traumatic stress syndrome. They offered a group therapy session that meets once a week. She feels this is very helpful.

They arranged for her to meet with a free legal team. Before the meeting 4 women from CORA met her on the Zoom call to offer their support and encouragement before she met with the legal team. This was so heart touching, Their support was so amazing. She felt that she wasn't alone and she is a survivor and not a victim. She cried "happy tears".

The legal team has spent over 8+ hours in total drafting a domestic violence restraining order as well as a criminal restraining order. Just yesterday, both were temporarily approved by the judge.

Without CORA's help this whole process would have been completely overwhelming and almost impossible.

My daughter is looking forward to work closely with CORA to ensure she stays safe while she continues to heal from her abusive relationship.

I have attended some of CORA's fundraising events as a donor and I have been very impressed with not only the organization of the events but the connection that the organization has to its current and past clients. CORA maintains a strong relationship to previous clients which speaks to the great work it does and the connections it builds.

I'm proud to be on CORA's board of directors because it's an organization of passionate, caring, kind, and intelligent people serving individuals and families overcoming domestic violence in San Mateo County and beyond. CORA staff has set a high bar for care and delivery of services.

CORA provides so many needed services to the San Mateo Community. I am in awe of all that they do for victims of intimate partner violence from legal services to housing. I am so proud of CORA in delivering what it promised to do, which is guide our community members to a future without violence and abuse. All staff and supporting members work together so cohesively and efficiently. Keep up the good work!

I partnered with CORA for many years to support those experiencing domestic violence. They provide critical services to many families, women, men and children. CORA is a pivotal part of our community.

CORA is the only organization in San Mateo County that helps women AND MEN to escape situations of domestic abuse and rebuild their lives. I became involved with CORA through my church and have seen first hand the extraordinary work they do. The client advocates work tirelessly to assist those in their care, and I have been amazed at the long hours they put in to see that each family is protected and assisted in the best possible ways as they work to establish new lives.

Support groups at CORA have given me ongoing support in my recovery from Domestic Violence. The DV dynamic is very complicated and the professional staff at CORA has helped me learn about domestic violence and sort through the complicated and difficult emotions involved. They have also given me concrete tools that I have been able to use in order to recognize abuse and stay safe.

CORA is an incredible organization. I am on the Board of Directors and have seen CORA develop, evolve, and grow its offerings in recent years in a way that makes a direct impact on so many lives. I look forward to seeing the even greater impact CORA will make in the years to come with families who are in such desperate need of assistance.

I lived here for 25 years without ever knowing about the incredible work CORA does. But I have learned that all too many of my friends and colleagues would not be where they are today if they hadn't had the support of this incredible organization. Yes, they are there when people need a place to go in a crisis, but they do so much more, providing counseling, legal services and community education. And all of it for free. The dedication of each and every staff member is inspiring, and it's a pleasure to help this organization grow and continue to make a tremendous impact on so many lives.

Broke my family apart with their connection in the county. They can keep the woman but not my child with the abusive one. The organization did not even bother to question or investigate the claims since the police referred to them. There was no physical abuse or emotional abuse but spouses argument from the dishonest actions of the other led to the total blown.
The organization used their influence with the county to obtain all the benefits under my name, filed restraining order and suddenly involved in legal matter when federal injunction was filed.
There is more to the story but it is ongoing issue that I will just leave a short one. Better not deal with this kind of organization that uses the minorities for their own benefit. My child is worth more than anything for me and it become their weapon to make my life miserable.

It is hard to leave everything behind. CORA helps families get back on their feet after a rough life. They help women and families with housing,food, clothing and medical help.
They even set up a holiday program so the mothers can buy gifts and needed items for there children to make the holidays a happy time for their family,

I volunteer with CORA weekly and have really enjoyed it. It is a great way to make a real difference in the lives of others. Everyone at CORA is so awesome!

It has been a great experience volunteerin for CORA AT SAN MATEO. I have had the opportunity to work with victims of DV. The staff at San Mateo CORA have been great mentors. I would encouraged others to support our community and assist in educating people the importance of stopping DV.

CORA provides caring and confidential support to the women of San Mateo County who need it most. I volunteered with CORA doing peer teen counseling, teen outreach, and childcare and shelter assistance. The entire staff at CORA is welcoming and supportive. They work tirelessly to ensure domestic violence survivors have a safe place to go and have their voices heard.

I worked for 6 months last year with CORA. I was very impressed with their mandatory training session for all volunteers, which lasted a week. The topics included (but were not limited to) date rape, physical, verbal and financial spousal abuse, and forced prostitution. The seminars also taught the importance of being culturally sensitive in interviewing a potential client who believed that they were a victim of domestic violence as well as assuring clients, who are undocumented immigrants that we are here to help them and the legal protection that they are entitled to.

As an volunteer in their legal department, I gained invaluable experience escorting
clients to their court hearings and helping the clients filling out court documents that included DV 110: Temporary Restraining Order DV-140 Child Custody and Visitation Order, CLETS-001 Confidential CLETS Information and the DV-150: Supervised Visitation & Exchange Order.
Because of my training and practical experience that I gained at CORA I have gained considerable experience in what goes on during courtroom hearings involved in the approval or denial of restraining orders hearings as well as the necessary supplemental forms that need to be submitted along with the original request for the domestic violence restraining orders. I am very impressed with both the level of concern that CORA pays to each of it's clients, whether on the telephone or in person and the quality of training that it provides for their employees. And to think that all these service to our clients is free! CORA offers the best services for victims of domestic violence of any non profit!

Sincerely,
Gregory "Greg" D. Johnson

CORA is amazing. I cannot say enough about how helpful and educational this non-profit is. I seriously love this place. I had referred so many people to call and get services from here. I am a volunteer and I learned so much in my training. I look forward to spreading the knowledge and word about Cora's amazing contributions to many different communities.

As a survivor or relationship abuse, I found CORA to be a beacon of light for those who are still trying to get out of abusive situations. They offer emotional, legal, and resource support for anyone who needs it, including counseling, emergency shelter, and assistance with legal matters like restraining orders, etc. The people there genuinely care, and I am honored to be a volunteer!!!

I've been involved with CORA for many years now. I learned about CORA after a friend and colleague was killed by her husband. I wish I knew about CORA before this tragedy occurred, perhaps it could have prevented it. I have had the privilege of serving on the CORA Board of Directors since 2010. Through my participation on the Board, I have personally witnessed the dedication of the staff. These people care so much about their clients and they do so much to provide a caring and healing environment for them. I'm proud to be a supporter of CORA and to be part of their Board.

I have been involved with CORA since 2005. I was initially on the Board of Directors and am currently on the Advisory Board. The professionals and volunteers that comprise the CORA staff are an energetic, dedicated, financially responsible and scrupulous group who bring great passion to what they do. Because the organization provides an incredibly vital and invaluable service to those of San Mateo County whose lives have been shattered by family violence, it deserves the unwavering support of our community.

I found out about CORA when I attended one of their fund raising events. I was very impressed with the full scope of services they provide to empower people in abusive relationships to become independent. CORA goes beyond just providing a 24*7 hot line service, they provide education, emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal services, etc. their staff is compassionate, understanding and extremely knowledgeable & professional. I'm very proud to be a member of their board.

My time at CORA shifted my views about not only domestic violence, but my ability to make an impact in working with and advocating for survivors. I began my 40-hour training in September of 2013 and volunteered for several months after until departing for graduate school. My training was incredible to say the least. I was provided knowledge and knowledge and resources by a compassionate and dedicated staff. I took away so much, but most importantly was a desire to work to aid survivors in whatever ways I could.

I began working on CORA's crisis hotline and educational outreach teams right away. Both are run with expertise and efficiency. I got the opportunity to work resource tables at high schools and LGBTQ targeted events (which was especially important to me as a gay man). Tabling felt effective, as we had ample resources to distribute that were concise and informative. As a volunteer I could suggest events as well and felt like my voice was heard in planning different tabling locations.

On the crisis line I felt like a valuable team member. I received extensive training before beginning to answer phone calls from various organizations and folks who were dealing with domestic violence situations. I was giving the same responsibilities as many employed staff, which was extremely empowering; I felt like I was making a difference each day I went in.

Finally, CORA allowed me to explore my own interests and develop my skills in a setting doing important nonprofit work. I was allowed to develop a presentation about LGBTQ domestic violence and to present this presentation as a staff training. Furthermore, I was the point person for implementing changes to CORA services to make us more visible to the community as an inclusive service provider. I was give free reign to work on this initiative, further empowering me and allowing me to grow as a soon-to-be graduate student.

Ultimately, CORA is an AMAZING place to volunteer one's time - I know I hope to continue working with them in the future after receiving my doctorate. The services CORA provide to San Mateo county are infinitely valuable as well. I feel both humbled and grateful to have been a volunteer at this organization, as the work that the staff does is nothing short of outstanding. The entire staff is dedicated entirely to wiping out domestic violence, and they are worth every word of my praise.

I joined the Board of CORA in 2013 after attending the Spring fundraiser. I am a Director for Kaiser Permanente's Department of Psychiatry in SSF. KP has an extremely active and committed program for DV. I am proud to be a partner with CORA in our efforts to treat and prevent DV.

CORAs staff and volunteers have helped countless numbers of our KP clients and staff. The do this work with such dedication and compassion. They all have an undying committment to all affected by DV.

I have been so impressed with CORA's committement to all affected by DV. We are one for few DV shelters that will accept men in our housing programs. DV is not only a women's issue and men can be abused or be in the abusive household. We have so many Asian and Latino families that have male children the household that have turned 18 but still dependent on family, We have families with elderly parents. Where are these male family member supposed to go if the shelter or housing program will not accept men? CORA also has deep committments to the LGBTI communities and provides excellent care to this community.

It has been a privilege to volunteer on the Board of an organization full of people committed to making a difference in the lives of domestic abuse survivors. The leadership team is inspirational and dedicated to the cause that most people even refuse to acknowledge.

I have just joined the CORA Board of Directors, and I feel great positive energy and inspiration from all the staff members as well as my fellow board members. CORA's team is devoted to serving as many in the community as possible, and carefully utilizing resources. I am very excited to be lending a hand on CORA's Board. Assisting people in the crisis of domestic violence is critical to healing our community.

It has been a long time since I've seen such a large number of staff from one organization demostrate the same amount of thoughtfulness and helpfullness to this community in need. Whether 40% or 100% of the needs are met, the clients who come through here are always appreciative and move on with a better state of mind.

I volunteered for CORA as a summer legal intern in 2012. I worked with legal advocates and attorneys who dedicated their career to providing assistance to domestic violence survivors. Assisting with research, court appearances and interviews, I was able to witness first hand the impact CORA has on the local community. I honestly believe that CORA save lives, helps make san mateo county a safer community and instils its citizens with a voice.

I volunteered with CORA's Legal Department for a year and it was a truly life-altering, as well as career-altering, experience. Not only did I get to work with extremely talented and social justice-conscious attorneys, but I got hands on experience with domestic violence victims and survivors. I had no idea going in that I would take away as much knowledge as I did about domestic violence and its effects. CORA works tirelessly to provide assistance, in just about every conceivable form, to domestic violence victims and San Mateo County is extremely lucky to have them.

I am a concerned citizen, residing in San Mateo County. During this period in time I am seeing more violence directed at women and children. This is an epidemic, it is local, nationwide, and worldwide. It appears anger management is needed. Are people becoming less tolerant when dealt with difficult situations?

In the last year I heard about CORA and the wonderful work they do in assisting those who are in need of rescue from their abusers. In reading about CORA I was surprised to learn that they are the only agency in San Mateo County that assists those who are verbally or physically abused. I also learned that 30% of their clients are men, I was very surprised at the high number.

My husband and I have become CORA supporters. We both feel this is a very necessary agency that needs our support, hopefully many others will acquaint themselves of the good work CORA performs and will also become supporters of this wonderful agency. Their staff is very dedicated and professional.

I proudly donate to CORA because they work tirelessly to make my community a better, safer place to live by helping victims of domestic violence break the cycle and become independent, healthy individuals and families. CORA’s dedicated staff provides emergency hotline counseling and court services as well as long-term housing, education, therapy, financial assistance and job-training support. When children in San Mateo County grow up in a safe and healthy home instead of an environment clouded by anxiety and anger, when individuals reach their full potential and contribute to the community instead of feeling powerless and helpless while living in fear and pain, I know that my money has been well spent.

I became actively involved with CORA following the tragic murder of a colleague, her 4-year old daughter and unborn baby. The more I learned about relationship abuse, and CORA specifically, the more I wanted to help.

CORA's has earned a leadership role in the community through education, strong collaboration with other agencies, and by being a clear voice of advocacy for the victims of DV. But perhaps most importantly, CORA is best know as an organization with great heart - every member of the staff is a treasure - they treat victims with deep respect while providing what they need most - hope and a way forward.

I've served on CORA's board and advisory board in the past and have recently re-joined the board. This is a very special organization that I'm honored to be a part of.

Hello,

I work for Kaiser as a social worker/therapist and have referred many clients to CORA. These clients have found their services to be incredibly helpful, more so transformative and life changing! Happy to nominate such an incredible organziation.

I am a volunteer at Cora and it has been very rewarding because I have learned many skills due to the fact that Cora works with many organizations in order to help the women who suffer domestic violence. I am very satisfied with the work that Cora is doing for the community, specially women. Congratulations Cora. Ricardo Molina

This organization does an amazing job providing their clients with a variety of services. All of CORA's staff is highly skilled and passionate about helping those going through domestic violence. Whether it is helping with child care or helping with administrative work, I've always felt that I make a difference and welcomed by the staff. This is an organization that I would highly recommend others to volunteer at or recommend to those going through domestic violence. CORA also provides an excellent 40 hour training to all of their volunteers and staff members. Volunteering at CORA has been a life changing experience!!!

I am a volunteer at Cora and is a great organization who helps women who suffer domestic violence. It not easy for a woman specially if they are financially dependent from her partner to make a decision to leave an abusive relationship but Cora give these women alternatives so they can be free from the domestic violence. Thank you Cora for helping our women in the Bay Area in this matter.

Cora is an organization that helps people get out of grave danger.
Some people live with a partner whose main desire is to subjugate
or enslave them. The dominant person will use any means to control
them..including emotional blackmail and physical violence. Cora educates
and helps the victims get real about their situation and even saves lives.
Cora does this with its legal team and its phone advice team as well
as its shelter (for battered spouses). Cora provides care in a sensitive
and caring way. It is an honor to work with Cora staff and to have learned
how to make the human experience (of living) better. Hooray Cora!

CORA is a desperately needed organization that touches the lives of individuals in need of emotional support. Not only do they provide a safe place for individuals, they provide them with donations of food and clothing. The emotional support and a safe place to go is so much more important than anyone who has never been exposed to an abusive relationship could ever imagine. With CORA's help and that of dedicated volunteers and donors a positive difference is made in the lives of those who need it the most - abused partners and children.

I have helped CORA by organizing a group of interior designers to remodel their safe house in San Mateo, CA. We also provide gifts to a family every Christmas.

The work CORA does to help abused women and their children is so important. The families are given time to regroup and a leg up to find employment and living accommodations. CORA's work is vital to the community and the desperate families they serve.

I help CORA because I too was once an abused wife, and everyone deserves a chance in life.

Leaving an abusive relationship is extremely difficult, and once you have left it can take years to recover. Many people never leave because they believe they lack the support and resources to do so. If only they knew about CORA. CORA provides both the practical resources (food, shelter, legal services, transitional housing) and emotional support victims need to move out and on with their lives.

Before I found CORA, I didn't know how I would ever get free of my abuser. CORA taught me what my legal rights were. They helped me win a restraining order and secure valuable services for my daughter. Most importantly, they helped me realize that what happened to me was not my fault, and they taught me the difference between a healthy relationship and an abusive one. Thanks to CORA, I feel I am abuse proof.

If you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship, don't wait for things to get better. They won't. Call the CORA hotline and start taking the first steps toward freedom. It's totally confidential and you are under no obligation to take action.

One has only to think about children in domestic-violence situations to understand the impact of such an environment on the psyche, and the unavoidable damage to the budding personalty.

If we want fewer criminals and psychopaths, and more happy next--generation families, this is the least we can do!

A much needed resource (unfortunately)! The work CORA does is so important to ensure everyone lives safe.

I have been on the Board for CORA for less than a year, but in that time am so impressed by the number of people that they help on a daily basis and the amount of services that they can provide. Their 24 hot line has been a life saver for numerous people. They have their shelter full at most times. When a woman (or man) or placed in their shelter their children are included and they are provided with case mgmt, food and food cards to buy food items that are perishable. They provide childcare, play structures at their shelter to make the shelter feel more like home. They go out of their way to make the children feel loved and welcomed. They also provide counseling, group and individual, and help for the future, whether it is to get involved in a school program or locating a job. CORA has only the well being of those affected by domestic violence in front of all their activities.

I became involved with CORA as a part of group of designers that rehabed their very old and original kitchen in one of thier shelters. They provide for victims of domestice abuse who would otherwise be out on the street. They give the clients the ongoing support and safe housing that is necessary to put their lives back together.

I am a physician and I , unfortunately , more often than I'd like, need to refer patients from my Internal Medcine practice to CORA, for issues of spousal abuse. On occasion, as well, I will refer a woman who is accompanied by her pimp, a situation often associate with abuse. We have her call CORA whileshe is in the privacy of our office.
The feed back I get is always very positive.
This winter some of us helped provide gifts for clients of CORA and their children. IWhile interacting with the CORA staff, I found they were efficient and professionl at all times.
Amy Portmore, MD

I have particiated in CORA's annual Adopt-a-Family program for the past 10 years and have been a group coordinatory for the past 3 years. I encourage my co-workers to participate in this event because of the excellent work CORA does in support of women and children in our community that would otherwise not have a happy holiday. CORA does an excellent job understanding their needs and helping to fill them. The CORA employees are cheerful, helpful and organized. I appreciate everything they do.