Join us at Nine Mile Brewing for a night filled with great beer, good company, and a quick update on all that is new at Cornerstone.

This free, in-person event is the perfect opportunity to show your support for a good cause in a fun environment and invite a friend to learn more too. Feel free to stop by any time between 4:00pm and 7:30pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

Please email Gia D. with questions: giad@cornerstonemn.org.

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According to the Purple Leash Project, nearly half of all domestic violence victim-survivors remain in abusive situations rather than leave their pets behind.

“We often hear from victim-survivors that they are wanting to leave an abusive situation but are concerned for the safety/wellbeing of their pets,” said Cornerstone’s Day One MNAFAS program. “Knowing there is immediate care available, even for a short period, can make all the difference in the world.”

The greatest need is foster homes to keep victim-survivors’ pets safe. Fostering options include short-term (up to 72 hours) or long-term (up to 90 days).

This critical gap in services across Minnesota is why providers Women’s Advocates, Tubman, and Cornerstone are joining forces with animal welfare organizations The Bond Between, Four Winds Connections, and Animal Humane Society to create the Minnesota Pet Foster Coalition. Together, we will expand temporary pet housing services to those staying in an emergency shelter at Women’s Advocates, Tubman, or Cornerstone. Fosters choose to care for a pet for up to 72 hours or up to 90 days while their owner seeks safety. Transport volunteers are also needed to help move animals and supplies throughout the fostering process. 

The mission of this coalition is to break the cycle of abuse and eliminate barriers that prevent individuals from seeking safety in shelters by providing a comprehensive solution for the care of their pets.

“When you’re going through something very traumatic like that, your pet kind of becomes your safety net. I knew I couldn’t leave them there because I was afraid {my abuser} would hold that against me and abuse them and do something to manipulate the situation so I’d come back” ~ victim-survivor

The Bond Between and Animal Humane Society provide food, veterinary care, and any items needed to care for the pet free of charge. Four Winds Connection offers free training and behavioral support.

“One of our missions at The Bond Between is to keep people and pets together,” said Carrie Openshaw, Director of Community Outreach at The Bond Between. “We want to make fostering accessible to everybody. We provide all supplies, anything you would need—baby gates, crates, bowls, leashes—anything you can think of.”

 “It’s really important to have safe spaces for animals; it helps reduce barriers for women who need to access shelter and housing,” says Holly Henning, Executive Director at Women’s Advocates.

As a community, we can keep victim-survivors and their pets safe from domestic violence. Join our mission and apply today.

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In February, Cornerstone was delighted to be joined by Dress for Success Twin Cities, an amazing organization doing high-touch, high-impact career workplace skills development to help women achieve career advancement, career stability, and economic sustainability.

After parking their beautiful bus–the Success Express mobile confidence center–right outside Cornerstone’s main office in Bloomington, our participants were able to meet one-on-one with DFSTC in their meeting space to discuss career goals, development tools, and next steps for defining and having professional success. Dress for Success of course also assists with clothing, allowing participants to receive essential employment attire.

Through their work in the Twin Cities community, Dress for Success Twin Cities has empowered individuals to develop into long-term employees, helping instill the confidence that leads to professional and personal success, fulfilling careers, and financial security. Women who have worked with DFSTC have gone on to accomplish incredible feats, including owning their own businesses and becoming public speakers.

Cornerstone is so grateful to have a long-standing partner like Dress for Success Twin Cities helping to empower individuals in our community.

“Dress for Success Twin Cities is thrilled to continue our long-term partnership with Cornerstone by bringing our Success Express mobile confidence center directly to assist program participants where they reside with coaching and professional clothing services to help them advance their careers and uplift not only themselves but also their family,” said Megan Meuli, M.A., VP of Strategic Partnerships for DFSTC. “We greatly appreciate the warm welcome by your residents and staff in this new initiative.”

For more information about DFSTC and to learn more about how to get involved with their efforts as well, visit: https://twincities.dressforsuccess.org.

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Intimate partner violence and gun violence in the United States are inextricably linked, impacting millions of families and communities across the country.

The events in Burnsville this month have left our entire community devastated and traumatized. Cornerstone extends our condolences to the families, loved ones, fellow first responders, and community members of Officer Paul Elmstrand, Officer Matthew Ruge, and firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth who lost their lives responding to a domestic violence call. We are also thinking of Sgt. Adam Medlicott, who was hospitalized with gunshot wounds from these senseless shootings and wishing him a full recovery.

We stand in support of the children and family of those involved in the domestic violence call and this traumatic incident. Their lives are forever changed, and they have a long road ahead for healing. At such a difficult, traumatic time, they must know they are not alone. We as a community must work together to lift them up and help them feel safe once again.

The domestic violence crisis affects us all. It continues to claim lives of our community members of all backgrounds. It endangers our first responders and leaves families devastated and survivors traumatized.

If you know someone who is experiencing domestic violence, they need to know that they are not alone. There are so many community members here to help and support them.

The Minnesota Day One Program hosts the state’s 24/7 hotline for victim/survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking and can be contacted via calling (1-866-223-1111), texting (612-399-995), or chatting (dayoneservices.org).

Domestic violence is a public and community crisis. This impacts us all.

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We are incredibly honored to work with fantastic agencies across Minnesota to provide important co-advocacy services, and this month we are excited to highlight our partnership with Esperanza United.

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During the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats game this season, Minnesota Vikings cornerback NaJee Thompson donned Cornerstone-themed cleats.

Every year, the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats Games allows players to wear personalized cleats with a cause they are passionate about. We are so grateful to NaJee for choosing Cornerstone. Thank you for supporting our mission to eliminate domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, and general crime.

We are absolutely honored to be represented by NaJee and so thankful for his donation of his signed cleats. Thank you!

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The Day One Program connects survivors seeking safety and resources to service agencies across the state 24/7 via phone (1-866-223-1111), text (612-399-9995), or chatting at dayoneservices.org. Day One also hosts the Minnesota Crime Victim Support Line (Call: 1-866-385-2699) or (Text: 612-399-9977) or online chat. 

Cornerstone and the Day One Program are proud to announce the launch of the new Day One Website at dayoneservices.org. Day One hosts Minnesota’s 24/7 hotlines that provides support for victim/survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, and general crime across Minnesota. Working closely with agency partners all across the state, Day One ensures victim/survivors across the state can get connected to safety and services with just one call, text, or online chat. In 2022, Day One had over 34,000 conversations with victim/survivors 

The program’s call center includes 24/7 telephonic interpreter services, operating a secure online database that provides real-time information regarding available bed space and services among network members. Day One is the recognized first point of contact for Minnesota’s No Wrong Door/Safe Harbors Law, ensuring sexually exploited youth have access to support, safety, and shelter. Day One also partners with ThinkSelf to better equip domestic violence and sexual violence organizations across the state to serve Deaf and hard of hearing survivors. Day One’s Minnesota Alliance for Family & Animal Safety (MNAFAS) program provides safe temporary foster care for the pets of families and individuals experiencing violence. 

While the Day One URL remains the same (dayoneservices.org), the new launch comes with a new look, updated content and resources, and a new directory with more than 95 service agencies and over 40 safe places/shelters. The new website build focused on more inclusivity and accessibility, and with new features like the Network Partner Directory, providing victim/survivors with more direct information to help them make informed decisions and work with Day One advocates easier.  

Visit the Day One Website at dayoneservices.org. Individuals needing help can connect with Day One by calling the Minnesota Day One Crisis Line 1-866-223-1111 to speak with an advocate (interpreters are available), texting 612-399-9995, or chatting online at the new website. A Day One advocate is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist. 

For General Crime support, call the Minnesota Crime Victim Support Line (1-866-385-2699) or text (612-399-9977). 

See Full Press Release PDF here.

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In the past six months, we have had so many supporters’ award grants or make financial gifts to Cornerstone. 

We are so grateful for the continued partnership of the Archie D. and Bertha H. Walker Foundation, who renewed their support for Cornerstone’s Clinical Services programming. This work provides affordable and trauma-informed mental health services for victim/survivors of violence. 

We’d also like to thank Bank of the West for your grant in support of Cornerstone’s Community and Economic Empowerment Services (CEES) Program. Thank you for investing in services designed to promote long-term safety and stability for survivors. 

Thank you to the C.H. Robinson Foundation for your multi-year grant award to support Cornerstone’s Emergency Services Program, providing critical safe shelter and all basic needs for adults and families in crisis.  We’d also like to thank Kopp Family Foundation for their gift to help Cornerstone efforts to improve the functionality and accessibility of our emergency shelter, as well as the Life Church in Bloomington for their generous donations to the families in Cornerstone’s Emergency Shelter. 

We are so grateful to the United Methodist Women of the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church for our 2023 Balch Memorial Fund grant, allowing us to support families accessing emergency shelter in local hotels. We also received generous support for our critical Emergency Services programming from Ameriprise, a long-time partner in this work. 

Thank you to the Buuck Family Foundation and SFM Mutual Insurance, who made a generous gift in support of general operations, allowing us to meet the greatest needs of our participants as they arise.  

Thank you to Pohlad Companies for a very generous financial contribution in support of Cornerstone’s full continuum of services, as well as their donation of personal care items. 

Most recently, Cornerstone was delightfully surprised with a visit Think Bank’s Edina Location who made a generous financial donation and some delicious holiday treats. 

Finally, thank you to everyone who financially supported Cornerstone throughout the year, and most recently on Give to the Max Day on November 16th!  

We’d like to thank all of the individuals and groups who came to Cornerstone to volunteer their time on different projects. 

We are so grateful to the Vendor Management team at Western National Insurance Group for weeding and cleaning up Cornerstone’s Peace Garden. It is great to have a contemplative, quiet space for staff, participants and volunteers to spend time outdoors.   

Thank you so much to our friends at SFM for taking time this summer to do all sorts of outside projects including painting and gardening.  

We are also grateful for our longstanding partnership with WIPFLI. Over 20 WIPFLI employees came to Cornerstone on their annual Community Day this summer for a day of volunteering, which included fence painting, gardening, yard cleanup, and inside cleaning projects.  

We’d also like thank the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC) and IBEW Minneapolis Local 292 for their hard work and generosity at our Cornerstone office on their Day of Service in November! We are so grateful for their work. The EWMC is an international organization focused on the mission of uplifting diversity within the International Electrical Workers (IBEW) and our communities. 

A huge thank you to everyone who donated supplies to Cornerstone, helping us meet our participants’ needs as the school year began and throughout the holiday season. 

Thank you to the Brooklyn Center Police Department, Bachman’s Floral and Garden, Mainstreet Village Retirement Community, and the Bloomington Federated Women’s Club their generous donations of various school supplies to help our families get the school year off to a great start! 

Thank you to the Ameriprise Women Financial Advisors for their partnership in Cornerstone’s work. We were so grateful for the opportunity to share information about Cornerstone at their annual meeting and for their incredibly generous gift of hundreds of cleaning supplies. 

Another huge thank you to the World of Care Committee and their work with LIMA Regional General Manager’s and members of the Hyatt Regency for donating and dropping off tie-off blankets and care kits. We are grateful to our friends at the Hyatt Regency for their leadership in the community and ongoing generosity. 

We are so grateful to Edina Rotary for their generous gift of Thanksgiving Baskets for our participants to enjoy. 

We’d also like to thank the Northstar Tavern for their kind donation of winter coats! 

Finally, thank you to Minnesota United and Maddi’s Army for all they do for our community and for including Cornerstone and other organizations in their toiletries and silent auction drive this fall! We are so grateful for all they do. 

Throughout the year, Cornerstone is honored to be able to host special events and programs to provide some moments of joy to our participants. These events would not be possible without our wonderful supporters.  

Thank you to Cornerstone staff, volunteers, and participants for a great End of Summer Cookout! Not only was there delicious food, board games, and face painting, but everyone managed to stay cool with swimming, water balloon fun, and frozen custard donated by the Culver’s in Apple Valley.  

Also, a huge thank you to all our 43 different individuals, groups, and families who provided gifts for Adopt-A-Family, the dedicated individuals and groups who wrapped gifts including Optum, Newcomers of the Southwest Suburbs, Tushie Montgomery Architects, and Ladies Acts of Random Kindness (LARK), and our advocates for coordinating wish lists and deliveries. 

Finally, 2023 marked Cornerstone’s 40^th year as an organization, and we were honored by all the support we received as we celebrated this anniversary with our Luncheon Fundraiser. 

Thank you to 40th Event sponsors for making our luncheon possible: 

• Our platinum sponsor the Charlson Foundation 
• Our gold sponsor Western National Insurance 
• Our silver sponsors including WIPFLI, MarshMcLennan Agency, Carmen and Jim Campbell, and Karin Van Dyke 
• Our bronze sponsors including Birchwood Financial Partners, Bloomington Convention & Visitors Bureau, and City of Lakes Wealth Management Group Wells Fargo Advisors. 

And thank you also to Kelsey Brison, owner of K Mackenzie Design and Cornerstone Board of Directors member, for providing the beautiful floral table arrangements at the luncheon. 

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The organization was created after Steven Matula’s sister Mandy went missing in May of 2013. Steven took charge with planning and executing searches for his sister, and during that first week, learned that two other women, Kira Steger and Danielle Jelinek, were also missing. Steven wanted to do something to help all three families, and so, Minnesota United was created.

They had a tragic ending for those three women, but Steven and other members of Minnesota United leadership decided to continue to help others in our state. Minnesota United quickly became a place people turned to for help when a loved one disappeared. Not only are they known for sharing info and helping with search and rescue, but they also offer support to those who have to live the unthinkable reality of having a loved one go missing. Operating on Facebook, they have been credited, in several cases, for a missing person being found safe due to their posts.

Recently, Minnesota United, in partnership with Maddi’s Army (Finding Madeline Kingsbury), has been hosting a toiletries drive with the donations to be shared with Cornerstone and other great community partners. And on December 9th, 2023 from 5-9pm at the Unmapped Brewing Company, they will be hosting a silent auction. The proceeds from the auction will go towards purchasing gift cards for gas and groceries. All collected items will be taken to the following advocacy organizations: Advocacy Center of Winona, Alexandra House, Missions Inc. Programs, Cornerstone, and Women’s of Nations.

At the auction, they will also have a small remembrance to honor the girls behind the creation of Minnesota United as well as for the other domestic violence cases they have assisted with over the years. For those interested in attending the silent auction, visit here.

If you are unable to make it to the event and/or one of our donation drop off zones, they have also created an Amazon Wishlist of commonly needed items.

Thank you to Minnesota United for all they do for our community and for their generosity with Cornerstone and other organizations! We are so grateful for all they do. Follow them on Facebook here.

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40 years ago, Cornerstone was founded by a group of volunteers to connect women in crisis due to domestic violence with support and safety. In the four decades that followed, we have grown and become a multifaceted organization with accessible, innovative, and comprehensive services for adults and youth of all genders.

Last week, on October 27th, 2023, we were able to honor that history and support our future at the Cornerstone 40th Anniversary Luncheon Fundraiser at the Minnesota Valley Country Club. We were incredibly grateful to see all of the familiar faces of 40 years of Cornerstone in one room: original founders, previous leaders, and employees, longstanding supporters and volunteers, as well as new friends and leaders who we look forward to joining this community.

After some time to catch up with friends, the luncheon included an overview of Cornerstone’s history, a moment to honor our retiring Executive Director Meg Schnabel and a warm welcome to our new Executive Director Artika Roller, comments from our Board Chair Loren Thacker, overviews and stories from our Day One and Community & Economic Empowerment Services (CEES) Programs, a sample presentation from our School-Based Services team, and a powerful final message from our Board of Directors Member, Kelsey Brison.

To everyone who attended, helped spread the word, brought a friend, and donated, thank you! To our sponsors, speakers, and volunteers, this event would not have been possible without you. We are so thankful for every member of this community!

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