Cornerstones shares its awards and recognition with every staff member, every community partner, and every client we are proud to serve.
We are a nonprofit organization with 501(c)3 IRS status, and serve as one of Northern Virginia region’s leading anchor organizations for safety-net and human services programs. Generous support from our donors helps us provide life-changing resources including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter and food, and urgent financial assistance to help our most vulnerable neighbors living in crisis today.
As important, Cornerstones works with people beyond their instability and empowers them regain their independence by securing affordable housing, a quality education for their children, and valuable job-skills training so they can earn a living-wage. For every dollar raised, Cornerstones spends 85 cents on our programs and services so everyone has the opportunity to build stability, empowerment, and hope for living healthy, connected lives in our community.Cornerstones is a 2021 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Award Winner!
Many thanks to Chick-fil-A Foundation, Chick-fil-A North Point Village, and all our donors, volunteers, and advocates for helping us win a $125,000 grant award. Chick-fil-A’s grant will support Cornerstones’ homelessness prevention, emergency shelter and housing stability programs including our Embry Rucker Community Shelter, rapid re-housing, homelessness prevention, medical respite, outreach services, and supportive care management services.
Recent Recognition
2022 “Best Use of Social Media” Chicago PRSA Skyline award 
Cornerstones received the 2022 “Best Use of Social Media” Chicago PRSA Skyline award. This award was given in recognition of the Cornerstones 50th Anniversary social media campaign, “Celebrating 50 years of Nonprofit Support”.
PRSA Chicago’s annual Skyline Awards are Chicago’s premier public relations and communications awards competition, celebrating creativity and innovation in public relations and showcasing business impact and results.
2021 “Best Use of Social Media” Chicago PRSA Skyline award
Cornerstones received the 2021 “Best Use of Social Media” Chicago PRSA Skyline award. This award was given for digital marketing support of Cornerstone’s 2021 End-of-Year campaign.
2021 Cornerstones Covid-19 Hero Award, Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, Stars over Dulles
Cornerstones was named a 2021 Covid-19 Hero by the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce for outstanding community service during the crisis. During the pandemic, Cornerstones maintained its vital human services. The Embry Rucker Community shelter increased its emergency housing capacity and remained open. In partnership with Fairfax County, rapid rehousing was established for those coming to the shelter testing positive for Covid19. Cornerstones’ Assistance Services and Pantry Program (ASAPP), the largest food pantry in northwest Fairfax County, remained open to the public. At Cornerstones’ community centers, outdoor food distributions continued, and the Laurel Learning Center opened its doors to those in need of child day care as soon as it was safe to do so.
2018 “Nonprofit of the Year” Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Award
Cornerstones is honored to be named the 2018 “Nonprofit of the Year” by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce! Cornerstones was recognized for “outstanding and visionary contributions to the community”. Our work would not be possible without our dedicated partners, sponsors, donors, volunteers and staff. You make Hope for Tomorrow Today possible!
2018 Department of Neighborhood and Community Services Partnership Award
Cornerstones’ partnership with the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) was recognized at the 2018 NCS Partnership Recognition Ceremony. NCS awards those who have done so much to help serve the individuals and communities of Fairfax County. Cornerstones’ Assistance Services and Pantry Program (ASAPP) was recognized for providing emergency services, to include a food pantry stocked with fresh food, non-perishable items, and personal care items. ASAPP also offers short-term emergency financial assistance to people needing help with paying rent or heating and cooling bills through the EnergyShare program, Dominion Power’s fuel assistance program for anyone who faces financial hardships from unemployment or family crisis. Minnie Orozco, Program Manager of the Assistance Services and Pantry Program, accepted the award on behalf of Cornerstones.
L. Burwell Gunn Citizenship Award – May 2017
FVC Bank honored Cornerstones with this award for its work in addressing the needs of those in the community struggling to remain stable.
The Commonwealth Institute Legacy Award – September 2016
Kerrie Wilson, Cornerstones’ CEO, was presented with The Commonwealth Institute Legacy Award, which honors the contributions of Virginia’s outstanding public servants.
Past Recognition
- Virginia Housing Coalition 2015 Top 40 Network – June 18, 2015
- NCS Partner Recognition Award – May 2015
- Two Team Excellence Awards presented by Fairfax County – November 7, 2014
- Non-Profit Service Provider Project of the Year Award presented by HomeAid – November 1, 2014
- PACE Award presented by Property Management Association – October 14, 2014
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