We are coming into the part of the year where we are thankful for the blessings we have received and we reflect upon the past months. Since I became Executive Director six months ago, I have seen daily examples of the generosity of the community to Cornerstone. I am constantly amazed at the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. Without them we could not feed, clothe, and shelter the people who come to us during a difficult time in their lives.
Our volunteers spend hours every week picking up, sorting, and setting up food in the Food Cupboard.
At the Clothing Bank, volunteers go through hundreds of items and get them ready for display so that people have clothes to wear for home, work or school. In addition, they devote a lot of time to special events such as the Prom Boutique, costumes for Halloween, and currently the Christmas room.
At the Soup Kitchen, volunteers cook and serve meals all week long to ensure that individuals and families have a good meal for lunch and dinner.
Recently, we reopened the Youth Center in our Community Center building. Volunteers are there to make sure that teens and tweens have a safe and fun environment to come to a couple of nights a week. We also started a structured playgroup for 3 and 4 year olds with an adult.
As a nonprofit, we struggle every day to keep Cornerstone going. Besides the gift of time that our volunteers give us, we have a wonderful group of donors who support us financially and with donations of food and clothing. We are so thankful to the individuals, families, and community groups who keep Cornerstone’s mission alive.
The monthly cost to keep Cornerstone operating is about $38,000. The majority of funds we raise goes directly to the people we help. Donations cover the cost of operating two shelters, buying the food we need for the pantry in the kitchen, and paying the salaries of a small group of part-time people for the shelters and the Soup Kitchen. Luckily, Cornerstone was able to get a grant to cover my salary and part of the Assistant Director’s as well.
On behalf of all of us at Cornerstone I want to express our deep appreciation for all of the blessings we have received from all of you. When Helen started Cornerstone, she counted on the community’s good will and desire to provide a hand up to people struggling to survive and make a better life for them and their families. Thanks to you all, she and they have not been disappointed.
Sharon Redfern
Executive Director's
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