An Introduction to The Cornerstone Foundation, Inc. (2 of 2)

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We soon realized that as the need for shelter grew we needed a more permanent base. The coffee and sandwiches served at our drop-in center was not enough. As it turns out, it was a homeless person who told us of the location we continue to use to this day--One Prospect Street, Rockville, CT.  Again we prayed for the money to be able to rent the building, and our prayers were answered. Going through the proper channels we were able to open a fifteen- bed shelter. We were filled every night.

As time went on we saw a need for a bigger facility. As the need for shelter grew, we began to look for a new location and found one on 15 Prospect Street, perfect for a new and bigger shelter. It was a cold, icy, wintery night when a group of people from the state came to look at this facility.  They liked it and to our surprise since we already had a shelter we were told what we needed was a soup kitchen. ”God had a different plan for us,” so we went for it. With the blessing of the Union Congregation Church who had been serving Friday evening meals , the Cornerstone Soup Kitchen came into existence. Since then with hundreds of volunteers we now serve over 40,000 meals a year!

The legal paper paperwork that formed our 501 (c) (3) requires that I be listed as Executive Director of The Cornerstone Foundation Inc. Please just call me Helen. I like to tell my friends that God is our CEO.

It was at that time a new Board of Directors was formed and the name of the Cornerstone Shelter was changed to Tri-Town Shelter and they pursued a different mission.

Several years later the Tri -Town Shelter found a new location and moved on... As a result, the original Cornerstone Shelter location was grandfathered in and we were able to able to reclaim our shelter. I believe that all that transpired was God’s plan. The homeless need is great and with two shelters, more people could now be helped.

The Cornerstone Foundation, Inc. is a multi-faceted Faith-based agency consisting of a shelter, soup kitchen, clothing bank and community center. In coming blogs we will be having various members of the Cornerstone family contribute their thoughts. You will be able to hear from our faithful volunteers, our dedicated staff and our clients.

I have seen many miraculous things happen throughout my years serving the needy in the greater Vernon area. And I have learned that “Much can be accomplished if you don’t care who gets the credit.”

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CORNERSTONE FOUNDATION, INC

Feeding the Hungry, Clothing the Naked, Sheltering the Homeless (Isaiah 58:6-7)

 A Place of Caring and Sharing

P.O. Box 2036    Rockville, CT  06066-1436
Tel. 860.871.1823             Fax 860.896-5057

Our Mission Statement

The Cornerstone Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit ecumenical outreach organization. It is a safe non-threatening atmosphere where one can be listened to, affirmed and encouraged.

Our primary endeavor is to improve the quality of life among the people we serve. We are committed to a set of values and objectives which we believe are essential to achieving our mission and realizing our vision.

• Soup Kitchen (860)871-1823
• Youth Center (860)870-0500
• Clothing Bank (860)870-0500
• Cornerstone Shelter (860)875-6343

www.cornerstone-rockville.org