San Mateo, California (PRWEB) May 26, 2016
CORA, the only organization in San Mateo County offering comprehensive services for those experience domestic violence, received the Cal OES (Office of Emergency Services) Victims with Disabilities Program grant. The grant – an award over $42,000 – will bring in a new era by heavily enhancing the organization’s ability to serve those with special needs experiencing abuse.
The grant will increase access and effectiveness of CORA’s services for children with disabilities and the deaf and hard of hearing community. For children with disabilities, CORA will create a Multi-Sensory Environment (MSE) for its Children’s Programs in both the community office and safe houses.
“It’s very exciting news,” said Zena Andreani, Children’s Program Coordinator at CORA. “Having MSE zones for the children will have an immediate effect. They allow us to keep the children engaged in the healing process while simultaneously soothing the severe trauma they’ve seen. It’s unique and we can’t wait to see all the good it will bring.”
For deaf and hard of hearing clientele, CORA will increase access to our programs by incorporating videophones into our safe houses, training staff in video relay services and the deaf community, training staff in basic American Sign Language (ASL), and developing policies and procedures surrounding deaf and hard of hearing clients.
“We’re always looking for ways to make our services as broadly available as possible,” said Executive Director, Melissa Lukin. “This grant will allow easy access to CORA’s life-changing programs for those with disabilities and ensure that the tools we use for healing are tailored for the best possible results.”
CORA staff are available for interviews. To schedule an interview, please contact CORA’s Marketing Director at danielh(at)corasupport(dot)org or 650-522-3948.