Cornerstone Advocacy Service

Community and Economic Empowerment Services (CEES):The Community and Economic Empowerment Services Program focuses specifically on helping victims achieve both safety and long term economic security. The program includes individual economic advocacy, financial literacy, matched savings accounts, employment planning and a variety of group supportive and educational services. All of our CEES Advocates work to help support victims as they deal with the practical problems of living that have resulted from the violence and abuse. Cornerstone's supportive housing component, SAFE (Safely Achieving Full Empowerment), combines two years of affordable housing and intensive supportive services for 37 adults and children in 2024. SAFE families receive affordable housing as they work with Cornerstone staff to address their goal plans, participate in job readiness training, and financial empowerment courses. Our housing advocates also work on-site at an affordable housing complex, providing advocacy and resources to low-income families in order to help ensure they are able to maintain their housing. Cornerstone's Rapid Rehousing program served 62 adults and children in 2024 through the provision of rental and utility assistance, and ongoing supports as they became stabilized.

Emergency Services:Cornerstone's Emergency Services program addresses the need for life saving crisis intervention and safe housing for those in imminent danger of interpersonal violence. Crisis advocates maintain a 24 hour/7 day a week phone line and ensure callers receive the resources they need, including transportation to our shelter. If pets are in need of boarding and safety, we utilize our Protection for Pets Program. Cornerstone's 35-bed Emergency Shelter is a departure from the traditional communal-living model, instead designed with family living spaces, one of which is wheelchair accessible. This allows for privacy, respects cultural diversity and provides a home-like environment in a time of crisis. Having the shelter connected to Cornerstone's comprehensive community-based programming allows families full access to our complete continuum of services for adults and children. When the shelter is full or when shelter is not an appropriate option, Cornerstone partners with local hotels and motels in order to provide immediate safe housing to victims. In 2024, we provided 237 adults and children with safe housing for a combine 5,208 nights.

Criminal and Civil Justice Intervention (CCJI):CCJI Advocates function as a liaison between victims and the judicial system in criminal court proceedings as well as at the civil level. Cornerstone also facilitates partnerships in the criminal justice system with local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and the courts to improve the justice process and protect victims by utilizing a Lethality Screen, increasing offender accountability and developing best practices for law enforcement response to domestic calls. In 2024, we served 1861 victim/survivors in this program.

General Crime Program:Our General Crime Advocates provide advocacy, resources, outreach and support to those who have experienced any type of crime victimization and administers the State of Minnesota's Crime Victim Emergency Fund. In 2024, we provided emergency funds and/or advocacy to 815 crime victims.

Clinical Services:Cornerstone has earned a reputation as a leader in implementing innovative services to assist survivors of interpersonal violence. Our Clinical Services program provided individual therapy and support group services to 123 adults and children.

School-Based Services:Cornerstone's School-Based Services includes individual advocacy and violence education and prevention presentations on topics like consent and dating violence. 10,004 students participated in these presentations in 2024 and 182 students received individual advocacy.