Cornerstone Advocacy Service

Prevention, Education and and Clinical ServicesCornerstone has earned a reputation as a leader in implementing innovative services to assist survivors of interpersonal violence. Since the beginning, the agency has recognized the profound long term effects experiencing abuse has on children. In 1992, Cornerstone began the first comprehensive program for children in Minnesota. Today, our Prevention, Education and Clinical Services program provides services through our school based education services and our mental health clinical services. Components include direct services to parents and youth through individual advocacy and mentorship; youth, adult and family therapy; support groups; parenting education; and youth advocacy and support activities. Our school based education services provided violence education and prevention presentations to over 12,429 students on issues related to domestic violence, sexual assault and bullying. Our clinical mental health program provided individual therapy to 53 adults and children.

Community and Economic Empowerment Services 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 35 adults and children. 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 55 adults and children 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 2023, we provided 347 adults and children with safe housing.

Day One MinnesotaDay One is a statewide program that operates a 24/7 call center, providing immediate access to safety and services for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking. Day One maintains a secure and confidential online database allowing victim service agencies the ability to share information about available bed space and services. The Minnesota Day One Crisis Line immediately connects the caller directly to a safe location; annually, over 30,000 victim/survivors or concerned persons were immediately connected to an advocate. Day One also provides transportation for victims to reach safety throughout the state and provides leadership through collective victim service agencies, other professionals and community members to decrease barriers to access. Day One leads four collective initiatives, including a partnership with Communication Services for the Deaf.

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 2023, we served 2919 victim/survivors in this program.

General Crime ProgramOur 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 2023, we provided emergency funds and/or advocacy to 722 crime victims.

Cornerstone's volunteer program was significantly limited as a result of the pandemic and the restrictions placed on the number of people allowed in the building at any given time. During 2023, individuals and groups contributed 1,473 hours of volunteer service to Cornerstone. Activities included working outside on our grounds, administrative work and research projects.