Cornerstone Cecelia
At Cornerstone, we are often asked who we serve.
A few years ago, we settled that question.
We spent a year in consultation with an organization that helped us discern a shift from a geographic neighborhood focus to a demographic focus. We essentially moved from the “where” to the “who.” When the process was completed, we identified our “who” as “Cornerstone Cecelia.”
So, who is Cecelia?
She is typically a single mother, unassisted by her children’s father, working one or two jobs, and earning just above the federal guidelines for government assistance. Cecelia is tired. She lives day to day, burdened by debt, saddened by broken relationships, socially isolated, on the verge of giving up hope… and we love her.
When individuals apply to participate in our initiatives, we invite them to interview with our staff. During these interviews, we listen deeply to their stories. If we perceive that someone is in too much crisis to fully engage with the class content, we refer them to trusted partners in other nonprofits and ministries who may be a better fit.
If we believe someone fits our definition of “Cecelia,” we ask one final question. The answer to this question determines whether they are invited to participate.
What is that question?
“Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?”
If the answer is an emphatic “yes,” they are invited into the class.
The direction Cecelia is looking makes all the difference.
If she is looking backward—comfortable in old ways and approaches—she is not a fit for us.
If she has enough hope left to dream of a better future, she is our Cecelia, ready to participate in the “Three C’s”:
Content — Curriculum. Our excellent curriculum is written with Cecelia in mind.
Care — Mentorship. Every participant is paired with a trained mentor who cheers them on and connects them with resources as they engage the material. In addition, we have a full-time staff member dedicated to community care who checks in regularly and prays for and with them.
Community — Healthy community. Mentors and facilitators are “all in” for every participant—celebrating each small success and praying with them through their struggles.
Cecelia is like anyone else. She needs to know she is valued, gifted, and loved. At Cornerstone, we have seen numerous Cecelias bloom through the care they receive from our community, moving out of crisis and into stability. We believe the reason for that success is simple: we know who we best serve.
Graduation from our initiatives is not where Cecelia’s story ends. Several former participants have become mentors for others seeking change in their own lives. I wish you could witness the dignity we see rise as Cecelia sits beside a new participant and says, “You are right where I was, too…”
We need partners who believe in Cecelia. If you would like to join us as a mentor in an upcoming initiative, go here . If you would like to help fund care for folks like Cecelia, you can go here.