Health & Fitness
“Volunteers are unpaid, not because they are worthless, but because they are PRICELESS!”
If you’ve read our blog so far, you’ll know how Helen Syriac had her life changed by seeing a need in Vernon. For the past 34 years she has served faithfully as the Executive Director of the Cornerstone Foundation. Very few people actually realize the vital service that is being delivered to those who are the most vulnerable in our Greater Rockville community. Many people don’t realize that for decades, the Cornerstone Shelter was the only homeless shelter in Tolland County. Now there are two shelters in Tolland County, and but they are located next to each other in downtown Rockville.
Since its inception, Cornerstone has relied on The Lord to direct the proper path on which to proceed, and dedicated faith-community members have volunteered thousands of hours to make the vision a reality. Many people who volunteer at Cornerstone have their lives changed dramatically. They see the need first-hand, have a heart-change and often develop a new level of appreciation for their own abundant lifestyle. Once we truly realize how much we have to be thankful for, we often start focusing outward and are more apt to help those that are less fortunate.
It’s with these volunteers, that Cornerstone is able to accomplish what it does. We have a saying that we use at Cornerstone. “Volunteers are unpaid, not because they are worthless, but because they are PRICELESS!”
Find out what's happening in Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Our Executive Director Helen is the embodiment of this concept. She has diligently led Cornerstone since the beginning and has NEVER been on the payroll, drawing any salary or income from her job as Executive Director. Her humble servant’s heart has inspired our volunteers throughout the years.
Find out what's happening in Vernonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Speaking of servants -- we often receive requests from those who want to volunteer in person or help by donating to our mission. There are some guidelines that we adhere to, but they are common-sense rules that are generally privacy issues to protect those we serve.
Many people want to help, but they have no predetermined preferences as to what form that will take. For that reason we thought it would be good to explain the different ways people have helped and provide some examples of other unique ways.
Beyond the fact that our Executive Director serves as a volunteer for no earthly payment, Cornerstone is also unique in that we receive no Federal or State funding to provide the services we offer.
Some of our staff are paid, but none receive full-time pay. All serve under these circumstances because of the spiritual treasures we receive. There is no better feeling resulting from serving The Lord and seeing the selfless results positively affect other people’s lives!
Next … serving in the Cornerstone Soup Kitchen
CORNERSTONE FOUNDATION, INC
Feeding the Hungry, Clothing the Naked, Sheltering the Homeless (Isaiah 58:6-7)
A Place of Caring and Sharing
P.O. Box 2036 Rockville, CT 06066-1436
Tel. 860.871.1823 Fax 860.896-5057
Our Mission Statement
The Cornerstone Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit ecumenical outreach organization. It is a safe non-threatening atmosphere where one can be listened to, affirmed and encouraged.
Our primary endeavor is to improve the quality of life among the people we serve. We are committed to a set of values and objectives which we believe are essential to achieving our mission and realizing our vision.
- Soup Kitchen (860)871-1823
- Youth Center (860)870-0500
- Clothing Bank (860)870-0500
- Cornerstone Shelter (860)875-6343
On the web:
