Fall 2007 NewsletterArea Youth Help Improve Cornerstone Properties
Several area youth gathered together this summer with the purpose of improving the condition of Cornerstone buildings, as well as learning a healthy work ethic, self-discipline, confidence, and team dynamics. All were summer participants of the Harambee Youth Training Partnership, also known as Harambee, a Swahili word which means “let’s work together to get this job done!”
Harambee started as a ministry of New City Fellowship Church (NCF), but has become a separate 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization which partners with other local churches, businesses, and organizations. Since 1996, young people from the nearby West End and Hamilton Heights neighborhoods have worked in connection with NCF in landscaping, general property maintenance, roofing, painting, tuck pointing and framing.
The program has grown over the years, with just a handful of youth in 1996 to as many as 99 in 2007. The youth are divided into several crews with two adult crew leaders and one supervisor to train and mentor them. The groups work on the homes of others in the community. This year, as well as years past, some of the crew leaders, along with the crew, are current tenants of Cornerstone.
Cornerstone Corporation is grateful for the work that Harambee has done on our buildings located at 6006 Washington, 6003 Etzel and 5925/27 Etzel. We are also very thankful for the Cornerstone tenants who participated in this project.
Regular Workdays Scheduled with Chesterfield Presbyterian Church
Every third Saturday an eager crew of volunteers from Chesterfield Presbyterian Church arrives at Cornerstone early in the morning and leaves late in the afternoon covered in soot and debris. Between their arrival and departure a transformation occurs. A building that once sat dilapidated and abandoned now shows signs of being restored to life and strength.
Over the past few months, Kent Whittaker and the Chesterfield crew have faithfully labored to help rehabilitate 5925-27 Etzel Avenue by tearing out plaster, hauling debris, pulling old wires, and replacing rotten floor joists--the beautiful work of restoration. Cornerstone is grateful for these new friendships and looks forward to the work ahead.
If your group is interested in a Saturday work day, please contact Matt Kimbrell with Cornerstone Corporation at 314.726.2273 to see how your group can get involved in this tangible, hands-on work of restoration. Cornerstone Partners with the Saint Louis GalleriaCornerstone Corporation would like to thank the Saint Louis Galleria for their generous donations to our ministry. For over a year the Galleria collected the coins that were thrown into their fountain and gave them to Cornerstone. This amounted to several thousands of dollars when all the nickels, pennies, dimes, and quarters were added up. The money went a long way in funding repairs to buildings and general overhead of the corporation. We are always looking for other corporate partners such as this. If your organization is interested please contact our office at 314.726.2273How can you give to Cornerstone Corporation? Send your tax deductible donation to our office: 6030 Etzel, St. Louis, MO 63112 or call us at 314.726.2273 Cathajane Rieger, President; Dana Malkus, Vice-President; Jim Kern, Treasurer; Beth Kimbrell, Secretary; Jon Easterling, Phyllis Wheeler, Margaret Wilke, Board Members; Matthew Kimbrell, Tenant Relations Manager
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