[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 125 (Thursday, September 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1591-E1592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CORA SERVICES, INC., 25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT A. BORSKI

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 1996

  Mr. BORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate CORA Services, Inc., 
which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Philadelphia next month, 
and to recognize its founder, Sister M. Charity Kohl, a Sister of Good 
Shepherd, for her meritorious service in the community.
  CORA Services was founded in 1971 by Sister M. Charity Kohl. It is a 
community-based, nonprofit organization, which was created by Sister 
Charity to reach out to children through prevention and early 
intervention, rather than waiting for a child or teen to get into 
trouble. The agency, which began as a small, neighborhood counseling 
center, has grown into a major provider of human services to the 
greater Philadelphia community. Each year, more than 30,000 children 
and families are served by CORA's programs.
  Educational services provided in these schools include counseling, 
psychological evaluations, reading and math remediation, and student 
assessments. These services are offered to over 60 nonpublic schools in 
northeast Philadelphia. In addition, the agency has expanded to provide 
services to certain public schools in the northwest and northeast parts 
of the city.
  Community-based teen intervention programs, a teen dropout program, 
and drug and alcohol abuse prevention and education efforts highlight 
CORA's Community Service Division. CORA also offers a summer day camp 
and an Early Years Program for children and families

[[Page E1592]]

needing day care through kindergarten services.
  This year alone, CORA has provided monetary support to meet emergency 
needs for 197 families. The agency's guidance programs offered support 
to 21,930 school children. Educational services were provided for 3,906 
students who received corrective instruction in reading and math. 
CORA's Community Services Division completed substance abuse 
assessments and referral services for 380 students through the Student 
Assistance Program in selected public schools. Also, teen intervention 
and family advocacy services, including parent training sessions, were 
provided to 452 children and families.
  For the past 25 years, CORA has provided invaluable services to the 
Philadelphia community. The agency has helped families in times of 
crisis and guided children through educational difficulties. I 
congratulate CORA Services for the important work it has done and hope 
they will have many successes in the coming years.
  In addition, I would like to personally thank Sister Charity for her 
work in the community. It is through the diligent and dedicated work of 
individuals like Sister Charity, that we can expect the young people of 
our community to grow up to be the educated and conscientious leaders 
of tomorrow.

                          ____________________