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Janelle said Cornerstone started 35 years ago with 4 people with a phone on a table. They now have 21 beds as part of residential shelter for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Cornerstone has an office in Brighton, Port Hope and Campbellford to serve Northumberland County. Their goal is to break the cycle of family violence. They provide shelter, food and a safe place. They provide counseling, support access to legal assistance, counseling for children and youth, counseling to help find safe and affordable housing (hard as vacancy rate is so low). They have a 1-800 crisis line. They provide 24 hour service and supports. They do not have a maximum time for women staying at their residence, can be as low as 3 days to up to a year. Some women have places to go such as family. They often needs counseling to deal with trauma of abuse. Their 21 beds are always full. Last year they had to turn away 100 women and children. They have a good relationship with local police. Women are often afraid to call police for fear of their partners. Their councilors go into the schools and teach what healthy relationship look like as part of the effort to stop the violence. They provide support for family court. About 59% of there funding comes from the Province or 14 beds. They get some money from the County, United Way, grants and donations / fundraising. It costs about $125 per night per bed. They provided 6000 beds last year. Some of their programs include: Stand Up - Stay Strong - a partnership with police at high schools to teach what healthy relationships look like. Homeshare - a pilot program where a women may have a home with space and is looking for companionship. This has been going on for 2 years and they have had 4 successful matches. It takes a long time to find proper matches. Thrive Hubs - Mondays from 9 to 12 where they bring in various support services and women can access one stop shopping for supports. They depend on volunteers who may do shopping, some administrative tasks or other duties. People and organizations can raise money for Cornerstone. Their big fundraiser is 'Walk a mile in her shoes'. They held first walk in Brighton in 2019 on the Sunday of Applefest with 25 walkers. Walkers don't have to wear red high heals now, but typically red shoes or boots. Between Cobourg and Brighton walks in 2019 they raised $45,000 On March 5th they are holding their annual International Women's Day Lunch. Key note speaker is a women survivor of human trafficking for 10 years. Many women come to Cornerstone with mental health issues and substance abuse, trauma and self medication. Cornerstone has counselors and supports to help. R Daniel thanked Janelle.
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