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Cornerstones provides support and advocacy for those in need of food, shelter, affordable housing, quality childcare, and other human services.
We envision a community where all our neighbors in the Dulles corridor have access to affordable homes, in healthy and resilient neighborhoods, where all children, youth and families are thriving.
Advocacy in Action: Our Work to Create Meaningful, Enduring Change in our Community
The Town of Herndon Mayoral Candidate Forum: A Night of Insightful Discussion and Community Engagement
On September 30, 2024, Cornerstones, the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, Trinity Presbyterian Church, and Herndon Community Television hosted the Town of Herndon Mayoral Candidate Forum, drawing over 100 attendees, including community members and leaders. Mayoral candidates Pradip Dhakal and Keven LeBlanc discussed key issues such as affordable housing, the town’s five-year strategic plan, sustainable development, ethical governance, and resident safety, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and partnerships. Following the forum, attendees connected with the candidates during a post-event reception, sparking deeper discussions about Herndon’s future. Cornerstones extended thanks to event organizers, panelists, Trinity Presbyterian Church, and Crumbl Cookies Reston for their support.The event was deemed a resounding success, offering valuable insights to residents about the town’s leadership and future. The forum is available for viewing here, and we encourage the community to stay involved through our Advocacy in Action events and newsletter.
Advocacy Writing Workshop
On Friday, August 23, in partnership with Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and St. John Neumann Church, Cornerstones hosted an Advocacy Writing Workshop for advocates to build their skills in writing op-eds, letters to the editor, and presenting testimony to elected officials. Thank you to the advocates who joined us, to St. John Neumann for hosting us, and to Sheila Herlihy Hennessee of Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy for sharing an excellent presentation!
2024 Day for All People
On January 17, Cornerstones advocates traveled to Richmond to join Virginia Interfaith Center for 2024 Day for All People. We joined advocates from throughout the Commonwealth for workshops, panel discussions, visits to the state Capitol, and meetings with our state legislators. Members of our staff, Board of Directors, Advocacy Committee, faith partners, and Neighborhood Ambassadors came together to urge our elected officials to stand up for affordable homes, healthy and resilient neighborhoods, and thriving children, youth, and families.
Cornerstones hosts the Virginia House of Delegates District 7 Candidates Forum
On May 17, we partnered with the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce to host a Virginia House of Delegates District 7 Candidates Forum. Attended by over 100 members of our community, the event was an opportunity to meet candidates Mary Barthelson, Paul Berry, Shyamali Hauth, and Karen Keys-Gamarra. They answered questions from our panel of community leaders and shared their legislative priorities and how they plan to serve our community, if elected. Click here to view the forum recording.
Cornerstones testifies to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on the FY24 Budget
On April 12, Kerrie Wilson (Cornerstones CEO), Roberta Gosling (Chair, Cornerstones Board of Directors) and Terrance Stroman (Director, Cornerstones Community Connected Sites) presented testimony to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors at the Public Hearing on the FY24 Budget. We urged the county to invest in affordable homes, human services, and our local network of non-profit service providers.
Click here to watch the video. Kerrie’s testimony is at 48:18, Roberta’s testimony is at 58:40, and Terrance’s testimony is at 1:09:53.
General Assembly 2024
Our Advocacy Platform
“Access to Affordable Homes” means…
- Everyone can secure a safe and stable home, regardless of income level or personal circumstance.
- Homes are available at affordable price points for all, including our workforce, seniors, young families, first time homebuyers, adults with disabilities or who require support to live independently, and individuals and families at the lowest income levels.
- Tenants and homeowners are not cost-burdened (i.e., paying more than 30% of their income for housing), and that they understand their rights and have the power to advocate for themselves, their families, and their community.
- Investing in building and preserving affordable homes in neighborhoods with assets such as public transit, good schools, proximity to jobs, retail, parks, and recreation facilities.
- Dedicated adequate federal, state, and local funds to the building and preservation of affordable homes to ensure this goal is achievable.
“Healthy and Resilient Neighborhoods” means…
- All community members feel safe, valued, and connected to their neighborhood.
- Strong and healthy relationships between families and schools, law enforcement, community program providers, and community leaders.
- Access to physical and mental healthcare without any barriers.
- Availability of living wage jobs that offer benefits, including paid leave.
- Community members are aware of where and how to access help to build economic security, resiliency, and stability.
- A public transit system that works for all residents.
“Thriving Children, Youth, and Families” means…
- Affordable quality childcare is available to all families and that every preschool-age child has access to early education and kindergarten readiness programs.
- Schools receive adequate funding and resources to support all students.
- No one goes hungry. Everyone has access to healthy food.
- Households have the necessary financial resources to thrive.
Our Advocacy Committee
Our Advocacy Committee members participate in monthly meetings to develop our advocacy strategies and opportunities for action.
Many thanks to our committee members. Want to get involved or learn more? Email advocate@cornerstonesva.org
- Andy Lacher (Chair)
- Debra Allen
- Karen Courtney
- Brian Funaki
- Sara Leonard
- Gillian Sescoe
- Stephen Smith Cobbs
- Tracey White
- Amanda Caughran
- Margaret Anne Lara
- Erin Loadholtz
- Kerrie Wilson
- Ken Plum
- Monique Sharpe
- Amy Joyce
- Roberta Gosling
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