Core-Yare Foundation Inc. was founded by Dorian D. Funches a devoted mother, survivor, and advocate who understands trauma not just academically—but personally.

Raised on the west side of Chicago in the Austin community, her life has been shaped by both profound loss and unwavering resilience. She became a mother at 17 and, just six months later, lost her child’s father to gun violence. In the years that followed, she endured the loss of her own father to cancer, and in 2016, the heartbreaking loss of her 17-year-old son to gun violence.

Growing up in an environment impacted by violence, poverty, and limited resources, trauma became normalized. For years, she carried the weight of grief and loss in silence, until she made the intentional decision to heal—not only for herself, but for her children.

That decision gave birth to Core-Yare Foundation Inc., named in honor of her late son Corey, and rooted in the belief that true change begins within. What started as a personal healing journey evolved into a mission to help others facing similar struggles.

Today, she is committed to creating safe spaces, providing resources, and supporting individuals and families as they navigate trauma, rebuild their lives, and rediscover their strength.

Inspired by her son’s words, “Don’t be good, be great,” her work is dedicated to empowering others to rise above their circumstances and refuse to let trauma define their future.