The local food pantry can’t keep enough food on their shelves. It was 2008, and the recession hit Prosper area families hard. Heavy on Jen Lutes’ mind was the families in her community, who couldn’t make ends meet. The parents who weren’t able to feed their children, let alone purchase school supplies for the upcoming school year, pressed heavily on her heart.
After repeatedly hearing about the dire food needs while sitting in church, Jen was moved to make a difference. Stepping out in faith, she determined to help her neighbors-in-need and stop the cycle of hopelessness in her local community. Thus was born, Cornerstone Assistance Network of North Texas.
Operational for the past 10 years, Cornerstone empowers their Neighbors through relationships and comprehensive services to impact current and future generations. Throughout the years, Cornerstone has assisted Neighbors struggling through a financial crisis, prolonged illness, or caught in a generational cycle of poverty. By partnering with community businesses, volunteers, and other nonprofits, Cornerstone provides coaching and resources to empower every Neighbor ready to make a positive, lasting change.
Thousands of people have benefited from Cornerstone’s services over the years. Still, one success story, in particular, stands out for Jen. A mom called Cornerstone, asking for assistance to purchase school supplies for her two children. Jen met the women and discovered the needs were much more significant than school supplies. A widow, and single mom of two, the woman was about to be evicted from her apartment. While she was asking for only $120 worth of school supplies, she needed a job, a place to live, and financial budgeting education. Cornerstone was there to help with all of those needs. After learning how to budget her finances, securing a new place to live and a new job, the mom was able to open a bank account for the first time, and start saving money. Six months later when Jen called to follow up, she learned that this woman was also able to help her dad while continuing to support her family.
COVID restrictions have negatively impacted both the community and Cornerstone’s ability to financially meet the enormous need. Many families are out of work with mortgages, car payments, and utility expenses to be paid. Through generous donations and grant money, Cornerstone has been able to bridge the gap for these people so far. However, with the continuing COVID restrictions, fund-raising has been severely impacted while the community needs continue to mount. Of Cornerstone’s two major fund-raising events, one was canceled, and one was held virtually. With double the number of people seeking assistance, Cornerstone and the Neighbors they serve are in a desperate situation. Financial donations are needed now more than ever.
In addition to online contributions, Cornerstone has a donation center to help raise much-needed funds located at 210 West Broadway Street in Prosper. If you have a large item to donate, they will schedule a convenient pick-up for you.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities and ways to donate online at www.cornerstonenct.org.