Born This Way Foundation, launched in 2011 by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta, has long championed youth mental health and kindness. In March 2026 it pledged a new grant to Atlanta nonprofit COR, following a $50,000 infusion in July 2024 under its Kindness in Community Fund. The move underscores a sustained effort to help students overcome socioeconomic hurdles.
COR runs school‑based resource centers at Carver STEAM Academy and Carver Early College, offering free counselling, after‑school activities, a grocery shop and social‑worker guidance. Students can drop in after class to connect with peers, access mental‑health counseling, and attend workshops on health and safety. The centre also operates a community store that gives youth job experience while supplying families with essential goods.
“We want students to recognize their potential and learn self‑care,” said COR co‑founder Jennifer Henn. During a visit, 17‑year‑old Isaiah Oakes explained how working at the store helped him unwind and stay productive after school. Parents report that the free groceries and furniture kits ease their monthly budgets.
The foundation’s donation will pay for the social workers delivering these services, allowing COR to expand counselling hours and recruit additional staff. COR plans to use the funds to train new professionals and extend outreach to surrounding schools. A follow‑up audit will assess the grant’s impact by September.