For the past 43 years, Reston Interfaith has helped more than 250,000 individuals and families move towards greater stability and self-sufficiency.
Today I have the opportunity to let you know about an exciting new stage in the history of the organization.
The Board of Directors, after a thorough and thoughtful process, has voted to change the name Reston Interfaith to Cornerstones.
We invite you to reflect, and hope you will see the significance of a word that so perfectly connects our proud heritage and progress to the hard work ahead of us.
As Cornerstones we remain firmly rooted in the Reston community and embrace founder Robert E. Simon’s principle of inclusivity. We apply this value—that all may “live, work, play and serve”—in the many communities where we now operate.
As Cornerstones we celebrate the members of different faith traditions who in 1970 found common ground in establishing the organization, and take pride that our sponsoring religious organizations and Board of Directors have achieved our vision to be a “vehicle for the faith community and others to help those in need.”
From these beginnings, nurtured by a caring community, Reston Interfaith—now Cornerstones—has grown to become one of the most effective nonprofits in the region, providing help today for people in need and offering hope for a stronger tomorrow.
So why change now?
True to our roots, we are seeking to be ever more inclusive of all our supporters and donors, both in Reston and across the region.
Today our services are provided throughout northwestern Fairfax County. As advocates for positive change on issues that strengthen families and communities, our voice is heard throughout the Dulles Corridor and Northern VA, in Richmond and on Capitol Hill.
We know the name Cornerstones has meaning in many of our faith traditions. As one person shared with me, “We will always hold to the core values that our congregation brings to your mission. The new name, and your tagline—Hope for Tomorrow Today—is the essence of my faith.”
At the same time the name lends itself to expanded outreach to additional groups and supporters that include businesses, civic and community organizations, foundations and caring individuals who have joined our efforts to improve quality of life for all in our community.
Addressing the needs of people who are homeless or hungry, alone or struggling in this high cost of living area will require a long and sustainable investment.
As Cornerstones, we will invite new partners to join the ranks of our already committed supporters, to expand our capacity to respond to the growing human need in our community.
As the transitional line in our new logo says, “Reston Interfaith has changed its name. The mission remains the same.”
We have come this far because of the commitment and generosity of each of you. While many are struggling in our community, we have many of the answers right here in the help you so generously provide. You are the cornerstone of our work!
– Kerrie Wilson
English