Our Mission:
Eliminating Barriers to Justice
Through the transformative legacy of Judge Lawrence H. Cooke, this legacy fund ensures that everyone across New York State can access dispute resolution services without the burden of cost preventing them from seeking help. The fund eliminates financial barriers, making our services truly inclusive and accessible to all who need them.
Honoring a Transformative Legacy:
Judge Lawrence H. Cooke
The Lawrence H. Cooke Dispute Resolution Legacy Fund honors Chief Judge Lawrence H. Cooke (1914-2000), whose visionary leadership in the late 1970s and early 1980s fundamentally transformed how New York State approaches conflict resolution. As the driving force behind the creation of New York's Community Dispute Resolution Centers (CDRCs) program—the first statewide network of its kind in the United States—Chief Judge Cooke understood that true justice requires innovative solutions that serve all people, regardless of their economic circumstances.
Our Three-Year Goal
Over the next three years, we aim to raise $1,500,000 to support our statewide network of Community Dispute Resolution Centers. This ambitious but achievable goal will allow us to serve everyone, regardless of financial status, while expanding innovative programs that strengthen the relationship between our centers and the courts they serve.
Making a Difference
Your contribution to the Lawrence H. Cooke Fund directly supports Community Dispute Resolution Centers across all 62 counties in New York State. These centers provide essential services including mediation, conflict resolution, and restorative justice programs that help individuals, families, and communities resolve disputes peacefully and effectively.
Donate to the Fund:
Become a Founding Member on the Tree
Individuals and organizations who donate to the Legacy Fund between July 1, 2026 and October 31, 2026 will be recognized as founding members of the Legacy Fund and will be placed on Founding Member Tree at the 2026 Annual Conference as well as the NYSDRA website. Those who contribute $100 or more will be placed on selected levels within the Tree and will be honored as founding members of the Legacy Fund.
Founding Seed
Those who contribute $100 or more may add themselves or a loved one's name on the Tree as a founding member of the Legacy Fund.
Founding Branch
Those who contribute $1,000 or more are supporting the growth of the Legacy Fund while adding a branch to the Tree in the name of themselves or a loved one.
Founding Leaf
Those who contribute $500 or more are supporting the growth of the Legacy Fund while adding a leaf to the Tree in the name of themselves or a loved one.
Founding Canopy
Those who contribute $2,500 or more are helping to extend the reach of the Legacy Fund and will receive permanent recognition as a founding member of the Fund in the name of themselves or a loved one.
Make a Difference
No contribution to the Legacy Fund is too small! Every little bit helps to ensure that New York State residents receive the best Alternative Dispute Resolution services at little to no cost.
Legacy Grove Funder
Those who contribute $5,000 or more are providing a lasting grove of support to the Legacy Fund and will receive
permanent recognition as a founding leader of the Fund in the name of themselves or a loved one.
Ways to Give
We welcome contributions through various vehicles:
• Traditional donations
• Donor advised funds
• 401(k) distributions
• Stock donations
• Estate planning gifts
• Year-end giving opportunities
Stay Tuned for Inspiring Stories
We will be sharing amazing stories of how your support transforms lives in communities across New York State—stories that demonstrate the real-world impact of accessible dispute resolution services.
Get Involved
Campaign Launch: July 1, 2026
For more information about the Lawrence H. Cooke Dispute Resolution Legacy Fund or to discuss giving options, contact:
Theresa Hobbs, J.D., MBA, LPEC
Executive Director
New York State Dispute Resolution Association, Inc.
(518) 687-2240
director@nysdra.org
Established September 26, 2025, in commemoration of NYSDRA's 40th Anniversary
