November Reflections
Inspired and Grateful
Fall seems to have come upon us overnight, the autumn staples of crisp morning air and turning leaves are officially here. As we approach Thanksgiving, I am thankful and especially reflective of the triumphs of our past year and anxiously await all that's to come.
Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of engaging in some very meaningful and purposeful conversations with CORA's board, staff and community members as part of the strategic planning process. Their perspectives have inspired me and reminded me how much CORA has done to support children and families in our community over the past 45 years. Sister Charity was driven to construct more than just a building where those in need could come to receive social services, but a safe haven where the community felt comfortable and "at home". Because our staff are so true to our mission, our clients still feel embraced by support and are encouraged to grow and succeed. We have successfully made this a safe place - where people want to be - not just an institution, and for that I am especially grateful.
In the coming months we plan on finding more ways to open our doors to the surrounding community and welcome in our neighbors.
Our storied past and our very bright future would not be possible without our loyal base of supporters, especially those who have already generously sponsored this yea r's Champions for Children Celebration coming up on Tuesday, November 22
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at the Union League. The generous support of those who stand behind the work we do is greatly appreciated. Special Recognition goes to The Sisters of Good Shepherd, Fox Rothschild, Henderson Group, American Real Estate Investors, The Plumbers Union Local 690 and Professional Capital Services for their significant contributions to the event. Welcome to our newest sponsors, Univest Trust, and Courtney Ludeman from Develop Philly! There is still time to register as a sponsor or participate as a guest to celebrate our inspiring CORA Champions.
I hope you are able to enjoy the opportunity to be with family this Thanksgiving, and often throughout the Holiday season, and reflect on those who you are most grateful to have in your life. Enjoy the holiday and thank you for all you do for CORA!
Gratefully,
AnnMarie Schultz
President & Chief Executive Officer
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CORA Kids are thankful for the many opportunities to learn, grow and have fun!
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School Services Spotlight: 2016 Peer Helper Conference
"Together We Make a Difference"
CORA services recently held its annual orientation for the Peer Helpers Counseling Program. On Wednesday, October 19, 2016 a group of 80 eighth graders, from six local elementary schools, gathered in CORA's conference room for a program called "Together We Can Make a Difference." Jack Chambers, of Creative Educational Concepts, led the students through a series of games and activities designed to stimulate conversation, build relationships and welcome the students to CORA's Peer Helpers Program. Read the Entire Article Here.
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Join us on Tuesday, November 22nd at the Union League 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are still available. |
CORA's Expansion to the Charter School Model
A Reputation of Care, Compassion and Quality Services
W
hat began as an informal meeting, has led to an exciting journey in expanding a group of school services. In the spring of 2008, CORA was approached by David Fitzpatrick, the Director of Special Education of the Mastery Charter Schools, asking if CORA might provide psychoeducational evaluations for two of their four free-standing charter schools. Mr. Fitzpatrick was seeking an agency that had a strong mission statement of helping in the community. CORA began the obvious choice. CORA hired Dr. Michelle Lodise as their first "charter school employee" to work within the Mastery Lenfest & Thomas High School campuses. It was quickly evident that the demands of the charter schools would require a different model than CORA had developed for the nonpublic schools, as the charter schools are required to follow public school guidelines. Through careful listening to the needs presented by Mastery, (and the hard work of Dr. Lodise) CORA succeeded the first year, and was asked to service the remaining two Mastery schools, Shoemaker and Pickett. .
Today CORA has a team of 30 staff who provide psychology, speech/language, occupational therapy and physical therapy services in 18 charter schools in Philadelphia and Camden.
"We are so pleased to be working with CORA's high quality psychologists and therapists. CORA Services provides extensive supervision and continues to be able to grow and evolve to meet Mastery's high expectations for student services" commented, Elizabeth Farruggia, Deputy Chief of Specialized Services at Mastery. It demonstrates CORA's continued ability to adjust to the ever changing broader community, while remaining true to our core mission of helping children and families.
Read the Entire Article Here
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Sheriff Sales & Foreclosures "How to Buy Your First Commercial Property"
34th Annual Charity Real Estate Seminar hosted by
Bill Becker, Chairman of CORA's Board of Directors
American Real Estate Investors Institute (AREII) will host a Real Estate Seminar on Saturday, December 17th, 2016. Bill Becker, who has years of successful real estate investing and mentoring experience, will share his expertise in estate foreclosures, tax sales and auction sales. This one day event will help you begin to build a rewarding real estate investment career.
This seminar is appropriate for amateurs or seasoned pros that are ready to invest at a higher level.
AREII has been teaching people how to become successful real estate investors for over 25 years. Take this opportunity and step into the lucrative investing field, or take your current portfolio to the next level now!
*All proceeds will benefit CORA Services and will enable CORA to help local families in need this holiday season.
34th ANNUAL CHARITY REAL ESTATE SEMINAR
Saturday, December 17, 2016
10 AM - 4 PM
CORA's Conference Center
8540 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19111
Call 856.489.8900 for more info.
$45.00 in advance, $75.00 at the door
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