CORNERSTONE CHANGEMAKERS
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. would you like to join their team?Profile owner : i**o@c*********************s.o*g
Mission Statement
We are committed to creating a safe and thriving community for youth by nurturing social-emotional development and teaching vital life skills through dynamic academic, recreational, and enrichment programming.
About This Cause
Cornerstone Changemakers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives by empowering underserved youth and families through mentorship, education, and community-based support. We create safe spaces that promote healing, build confidence, and cultivate leadership, especially among those impacted by trauma, generational poverty, and systemic barriers. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of changemakers by helping youth recognize their value, strengthen their voice, and reclaim their future. **Who We Serve** We focus on youth ages 2–18, particularly Black and Brown youth from low-income and underserved communities in St. Louis, Missouri. These youth often face: * Exposure to violence and trauma * Limited access to mental health and enrichment resources * Lack of safe after-school environments * Inconsistent support systems * Systemic inequities in education and opportunity Cornerstone Changemakers exists to interrupt these cycles by providing life-changing experiences rooted in mentorship, community engagement, leadership development, and healing. **Our Programs** 1. Unfolding Her Our flagship initiative, "Unfolding Her", is a holistic mentorship and personal development program for teen girls. This program helps girls develop self-worth, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills. It provides a sisterhood of support, culturally relevant conversations, and real-world experiences designed to nurture their potential. Program Components Include: * Group and 1:1 mentorship * Creative and expressive arts * Journaling and reflection * Mental wellness and self-care workshops * Healthy cooking, fitness, and personal hygiene education * Field trips, speaker panels, and college/career exploration * Parent communication via the BAND app * Community service projects to foster civic responsibility 2. The Corner - Youth Drop In (Launching Soon) We are working to open "The Corner - Youth Drop in", a safe, engaging youth center for after-school and weekend enrichment. The center will serve as a haven for youth, offering: * Academic support and tutoring * Career readiness and vocational skill-building * Recreational and creative outlets * Wellness and social-emotional support * Technology access and digital literacy * Mentorship and leadership training 3. Community Healing & Outreach In addition to youth programs, we engage families and communities through: * Family empowerment workshops * Resource drives and support services * School partnerships for mental health and mentorship programming * Community events and clean-up efforts * Volunteer leadership opportunities 4. Agents of Change This leadership training initiative empowers middle and high school students to become advocates, role models, and proactive problem-solvers in their communities. Agents of Change teaches youth how to use their voices to influence systems, challenge injustice, and lead social impact efforts. Key Focus Areas: *Civic leadership and social justice education *Conflict resolution and restorative practices *Youth-led community service projects *Public speaking and advocacy workshops *Peer mentorship and team-building *Collaborative campaigns that address local issues *Youth who complete the program become community ambassadors and are invited to help co-lead events and mentor their peers. 5. Youth Journalism Program (Launching Soon) This initiative introduces youth to the world of media, storytelling, and truth-telling. Participants learn how to research, write, and report stories that matter to them and their communities. The program builds confidence, communication skills, and critical thinking while encouraging youth to document real-life experiences and advocate through their voices. Program Highlights: *Journalism and media literacy training *Guest speakers from news and creative media industries *Digital storytelling, podcasting, and zine creation *Field assignments and local community coverage *Opportunities to publish and share their work *Focus on elevating youth voices in underrepresented communities **Why We Exist** We recognize that many communities, especially those historically marginalized, are grappling with deep-rooted trauma and disconnection. At Cornerstone Changemakers, we work to break down barriers by building up people. We believe that healing individuals helps heal families—and healing families helps restore communities. We see potential where others see problems. We believe that the young people we serve are not broken—they are brilliant, bold, and full of promise. With the right guidance, support, and opportunity, they can become powerful forces for change. **Our Core Values** At the heart of Cornerstone Changemakers are values that drive our mission and shape the way we lead, serve, and collaborate. These values are not just beliefs—they are commitments. 1. Ambassadorship We believe that every individual is a direct representation of the successes and struggles that thrive in their homes. When we step out into the world, we carry our communities with us. We strive to put our best foot forward—to model integrity, purpose, and pride—while working to dismantle harmful stigmas and prejudices that cause division. 2. Sustainability We believe that every person has a civic duty to contribute to the greater good. Sustainability to us means creating systems, spaces, and opportunities that ensure future generations do more than survive—they thrive. We build programs and partnerships with long-term impact in mind, so that the seeds we plant today continue to grow tomorrow. 3. Innovation We believe that progress requires vision, courage, and intentionality. We are not afraid to challenge the status quo or try new approaches to meet the evolving needs of our youth and communities. Through creativity and strategic planning, we build pathways that empower individuals and transform systems. 4. Collaboration We believe that it truly takes a village to raise a child and a community to create lasting change. We work hand-in-hand with families, schools, local leaders, and other nonprofits to share resources, inspire action, and promote equity. Together, we go further. **Our Impact** Since our founding, Cornerstone Changemakers has: * Provided mentorship to girls through *Unfolding Her* * Launched wellness, self-esteem, and enrichment workshops for youth * Engaged families through educational and community events * Built partnerships with local recreation centers and small businesses * Created volunteer opportunities for community members and young leaders * Raised awareness of youth mental health and equity issues in St. Louis With the expected launch of "The Corner- Youth Drop In", we anticipate reaching hundreds of youth annually, offering them a safe and empowering place to grow, dream, and lead. **How We Measure Success** We believe in accountability and continuous growth. Our success is measured through: * Consistent program attendance and retention * Growth in participants’ self-esteem, leadership, and decision-making skills * Improved school engagement and behavior among mentees * Family and mentor feedback * Increased access to community resources and support networks * Long-term follow-up and outcomes tracking We use both qualitative and quantitative data to assess the effectiveness of our programming and make data-informed improvements. **Ways to Get Involved** 1. Volunteer – Serve as a mentor, event support, program facilitator, or administrative helper. 2. Donate– Your financial contributions support programming, supplies, meals, transportation, and facility development. 3. Partner – Collaborate with us as a school, church, business, or fellow nonprofit to expand reach and deepen impact. 4. Sponsor – Sponsor a youth, a program initiative, or a community event to directly change lives. 5. Advocate – Use your voice and platform to raise awareness about the challenges facing underserved youth. **Our Vision for the Future** Looking ahead, Cornerstone Changemakers aims to: * Establish "The Corners- Youth Drop In" as a flagship safe space for after-school engagement * Expand mentorship programming to serve both boys and girls * Offer vocational and life skills training to prepare youth for future employment * Create trauma-informed support systems accessible to families * Advocate for equity in youth policy, education, and funding across St. Louis We are not just a program; we are a movement. We are building a future where young people are not just surviving but leading, thriving, and creating positive ripple effects in every corner of their community. **Our Promise** To the youth we serve: We see you. We hear you. We believe in your power. To our supporters: Your generosity fuels real, lasting change. To our community: We’re in this for the long haul. Healing, building, and growing together.