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Cornerstones of Care is dedicated to partnering for safe and healthy communities by leveraging decades of expertise and a certification in trauma-informed care to provide an array of quality prevention, treatment and support services to children and families. We strive to affect positive change, give a stronger voice to those in need, raise awareness in our communities and deliver a fully integrated approach to care.

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GeorgianeHayhow, Kansas City Corporate Challenge to Receive 2023Spirit Awards 

September 20, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)

Cornerstones of Care announced its 2023 Spirit Award recipients, honoring Georgiane Hayhow and Kansas City Corporate Challenge for their impact on Cornerstones of Care and the community we serve. 

They will receive their awards at the November 10Spirit Gala, held at the Overland Park Convention Center and hosted by Gala Honorary Chairpersons Ken and Leslie Gerling. This marks the 41styear that Cornerstones of Care has honored individuals and organizations for their workhelping to build safe, healthy communities.  

“The support our two Spirit Award winners provide is an invaluable asset to the children and families we serve,” said Cornerstones of Care President and CEO Merideth Rose. “Georgiane Hayhow and Kansas City Corporate Challenge embody their ongoing commitment to build safe, healthy communities.” 

Every August, Georgiane hosts “B Day,” a community event that includes a school supply drive for Cornerstones of Care. B Day is in honor of her late husband Brian, who was a Spirit Award winner in 2014 and passed away in 2015. Georgiane learned about the Gillis Campus and Cornerstones of Care’s work through Brian, and it has become one of her charities of choice.  

Georgiane was involved with the Cornerstones of Care’s Chiefs Charity Game Committee in 2020 and 2021 and has been a member of the Fundraising, Events & Engagement Council for the past three years. She has funded Cornerstones of Care’s holiday toy drives and sponsored youth through NASB’s North Pole. In addition to Cornerstones of Care, Georgiane’s philanthropy includes Children’s Mercy Hospital, Happy Bottoms, and Big Brothers, Big Sisters. 

“She is quick to ask, ‘How can I help?’ and she rallies her network to assist,” said Chief Development Officer Chad Harris. “The service events Georgiane leads involve her children, teaching them the importance of having a giving and caring heart. It’s a true reflection of the Spirit Award.” 

Since 2021, Cornerstones of Care has been a proud charitable partner of KC Corporate Challenge. Proceeds from the games have supported the Build Trybe program and connected the program’s youth with companies and businesses for employment opportunities. The alliance with the Corporate Challenge has raised awareness of Cornerstones of Care’s work within Kansas City’s corporate community.  

The Corporate Challenge’s closing ceremonies often feature products made by Build Trybe youth and instructors. This has provided an additional opportunity to share the entrepreneurial spirit of Build Trybe youth with the business community.  

“Kansas City Corporate Challenge has been a great alliance in elevating our brand in the community and supporting our Build Trybe youth,” said Chad. “Our relationship with the Corporate Challenge has encouraged team members to participate in the Corporate Challenge games, which has helped our own self-care.” 

This year's Spirit Gala theme, “Color Me Happy,” symbolizes Cornerstones of Care’s unwavering commitment to filling the lives of the children and families with hues of hope, joy, and growth. Honorary Chairs Ken and Leslie Gering have long been Cornerstones of Care supporters, with Ken currently serving on the board of directors. 

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Disc Golf Tournament Offers Fun for Golfers, Support for Youth 

September 12, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)

Disc golf has a lot to offer for participants of all ages: exercise, time together with friends, and a day out in nature. On Saturday, September 16, disc golfers can play to benefit the Ozanam Campus, which will take place at Thornfield Disc Golf Course. 

The tournament will feature contests, prizes, raffles, and friendly wagering in what has historically been a late-summer good time.  

Mark Twain called golf “a good walk, spoiled.” Maybe that’s because he never played disc golf. He also never met Susan Hathaway, whose unofficial title might be Organizer/Supporter for Aidan’s Aeros Advocates Disc Golf Team that will be playing in this year’s tournament.  

Susan isn’t a disc golfer; she walks the course as her husband plays with a team of friends who are also into the sport. She enjoys getting out in nature and the camaraderie of the disc golf teams. Saturday looks like a perfect disc golf day with temperatures in the upper 70s, partly sunny, and a light wind. 

“It’s a beautiful course, and the weather is nice,” she said. “We’re able to combine what people like to do on a sunny day on gorgeous grounds.” 

Disc golf dates back to the 1960s. According to the Professional Disc Golf Association, Ed Headrick is known as the father of disc golf because of his work as part of the development team at Wham-O, the company that invented the Frisbee. Headrick also designed the disc golf pole hole in 1975. The rest of the history is blurry, with several recreational camp counselors saying they created a handmade version of disc golf with their campers sometime in the 1960s.  

Aidan’s Aeros Advocates are drawn to the tournament for the fun, camaraderie, and time outdoors, but are motivated to participate to support the Ozanam Campus, the tournament’s beneficiary. For Susan, the Ozanam Campus was a difference maker for her now adult son, Aidan. In middle school, Aidan struggled with behavior issues related to his autism diagnosis. The support system for Aidan broke down and the family needed something better. 

“It was tough on him and tough on us as a family. We felt like Ozanam might be our last chance,” Susan said. “Aidan really just flourished there, and Ozanam kind of saved us.” 

The Hathaway family’s experience at Ozanam impacted them in other ways, too. They saw other youth and families in care at Ozanam who didn’t have the same support the Hathaways did. Susan remembers attending Aidan’s graduation; some of the other graduates only had their case worker there to support them. 

“I don’t know how people survive without organizations like Ozanam,” Susan said. 

Some of that support comes from the Disc Golf Tournament, which includes a “Vegas hole” for some unconventional fun. To win the round, disc golfers wager on making a hole in one. If they ace the hole, they earn double their bet, and losing bets support the Ozanam Campus. Susan said it’s customary in her group that whoever wins the bet donates that money to Ozanam as well.  

“The tournament is a way to do something that a lot of my husband’s friends like to do for an organization that we’re happy to raise money for,” Susan said. 

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2023-24 Back-To-School Roundup

August 21, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)

Across Kansas and Missouri, Cornerstones of Care team members are on the front lines, providing state-of-the-art education services through a trauma-informed lens to meet the needs of the children and families we serve. While there are many people, programs, and exciting updates that we could highlight in this Back-to-School Roundup, we’ve chosen to share just a few and invite you to follow our social media channels and check out the Cornerstones of Care website as we celebrate the impact of our school-based programs all-year-long.

First Backpack Drive-Through Giveaway in Kansas City

The 2023-24 school year kicked off with the first-ever Backpack Drive-Through Giveaway on August 15. The giveaway was held in the parking lot of the Gillis Day Treatment School and was available to children in our day treatment schools, families licensed as foster parents, and kids in foster care case managed by Cornerstones of Care.

In two hours, team members distributed 101 backpacks filled with school supplies to kids and families in foster care. Families could also choose from an assortment of donated Bear Claw snow boots, makeup, school uniforms, snacks, and more.

Cornerstones of Care has been distributing backpacks and school supplies for years; however, this was the first time the drive-through option was available to families to alleviate the effort required for case managers and licensing workers to hand-deliver supplies. This year, approximately 600 backpacks filled with school supplies were delivered to the children and families we serve.

“It’s amazing to see the excitement of the kids picking out their own backpacks,” said Lea Loudon, Community Engagement Manager. “This one choice gives them ownership of their new accessory and supplies that will help them to be successful in the new school year.”

For those who want to support our students and teachers returning to school this fall, visit cornerstonesofcare.org/summer2023 to donate.

St. Louis Schools Receive a Boost from Children’s Services Fund Grant

Cornerstones of Care is expanding its impact in St. Louis schools thanks to a $750,000 grant from the St. Louis Children Services Fund. The grant will fund two new therapist positions to provide school-based trauma-informed therapeutic counseling services in the Mehlville and Parkway School Districts. It will also bring Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST) services to 11 buildings in the Hazelwood School District.

Cornerstones of Care has been in the Hazelwood School District since 2018. This grant will allow team members to provide therapeutic services to more schools in St. Louis County and bring BIST to St. Louis in a big way.

Laura Nolan is the Clinical Manager for the school-based therapists in St. Louis and has been anxiously awaiting the integration of BIST services for years.

“I think BIST pairs well with our work because it gives everybody in the school a skillset to work with kids,” said Laura. “It uses trauma-informed language and doesn’t ask school staff to be therapists. It allows them to be the amazing and effective teachers, educators, paraprofessionals, and administrators they are.”

In addition to funding two new therapist positions, the Children’s Service Fund grant makes it possible to have a BIST Consultant, Bob Sweeny, dedicated to the Hazelwood School District.

“It’s really exciting to have somebody in the St. Louis area for BIST,” said Laura. “I think that’s a really great opportunity to continue to grow our presence in the community.”

BIST Program Attracts Impressive Numbers at Training, Reflecting Overall Program Growth

First introduced to schools in 1989, the BIST program continues to grow rapidly in all areas, including the number of attendees at BIST trainings.

In late July, the BIST program held a week-long Basic BIST training at The Pavilion at John Knox Village in Kansas City, Missouri. Approximately 850 educators and administrators joined the training in person; 250 joined virtually.

The goals of the training were to help school-based professionals develop an understanding of the psycho-educational philosophy of the BIST model, learn the skills and language to problem-solve with challenging students and develop effective communication skills with parents and other staff members.

“People walk away from the training with more than just ideas,” said Judith Soltys, BIST Manager and Consultant. “They walk away feeling like they have things they can put in place immediately. They walk away with a greater sense of community and how they can support each other.”

BIST is also increasing its presence in school districts – and homes – across the country. As of August 2023, BIST consultants are collaborating with school staff in 271 schools in 51 school districts across nine states.

“Our work has evolved beyond schools and into the community,” said Judith, referring to the increase of in-home services for parents. “This type of comprehensive care is ideal because when parents are supported and have the same language, everyone is working towards the same goal, and the kids can have the wrap-around support that they need.”

Celebrating New and Familiar Faces in Leadership at the Day Treatment Schools

This is the 41st school year at Cornerstones of Care for Pam Sanders, Director of Education at the Gillis Campus Day Treatment School, an impressive milestone rarely reached by those in school leadership. Before stepping into her current role twelve years ago, Pam was a campus trainer and then Director of Recreational Services for the Gillis Center.

Over the summer, Pam and several Gillis School team members and students attended Rotary Youth Camp, a camp specifically designed for children and young adults with special needs or other physical, mental, or emotional challenges.

“It was our first time back since COVID, and it was educational, positive, and fun,” said Pam. “We went fishing and swimming and participated in nature crafts, archery, tie-dye, and a nature walk. It was an excellent camp experience and enjoyed by all who attended.”

At the start of the school year, Pam likes to focus on building relationships and community within each classroom. She focuses on creating routines for students and team members, building expectations, and practicing the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) matrix to give the school a solid foundation for addressing behavioral challenges throughout the school year.

A few miles away, Jessica Gagewanamaker is a few months into her new role as Director of Education at the Ozanam Campus Day Treatment School. While she may be new to Cornerstones of Care, Jessica brings over two decades of diverse experience in education, most prominently in special education leadership.

“I have spent my entire career working with struggling youth in some way,” said Jessica. “Whether it’s discipline, trying to find accommodations for a struggling student, or working with parents who are very invested and involved in the school, I think having that background in special education makes for having more successful leadership.”

Her impressive resume includes her most recent job as Director of Special Education at Hogan Preparatory Academy.

Jessica is also a mom of three and has lived experience raising a child with unique behavioral and academic needs – much like the students in attendance at the Ozanam School.

“It’s a passion of mine to help that population find their own strengths and be successful.”

The Ozanam Campus Day Treatment School has made significant progress in addressing challenging behaviors in recent years and hopes to build on this growth in the 2023-24 school year with a focus on academics.

Build Trybe Opens the Doors to New Creative Learning Space

Visitors to the Ozanam Campus may notice a bright red Kansas City Southern caboose along the main drive – a renovation project recently completed by the Build Trybe program.

Thanks to a grant from The Richard and Charlotte Orear Charitable Foundation and two other family foundations that wish to remain anonymous, the train car has been transformed into a new multipurpose center for vocational education for Build Trybe.

Build Trybe apprentices and instructors were actively involved with the design and construction of the train car, which includes computers, a printer, and a meeting area. The space’s unique and engaging environment will foster powerful learning experiences, encouraging our youth to envision big ideas and explore new concepts. 

“This project was driven by people with the heart and the vision to see it through,” said Merideth Rose, President & CEO, at the train car ribbon cutting. “It’s a symbol of the heartbeat and the love that goes into our work.”

It is also one of several projects that highlights the vibrant growth of the Build Trybe program. The program recently received a $50,000 Farm-to-School grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide education and support through its Seed to Plate program, which teaches youth about agriculture, healthy eating, and the culinary arts.

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USDA Grant to Support Seed to Plate Initiatives

August 18, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)

Our Build Trybe program received a $50,000 Farm-to-School Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide education and support through its Seed to Plate program, which teaches youth about agriculture, healthy eating, and the culinary arts. 

This is the second grant Build Trybe has received from the USDA. In 2021, the program received a similar grant related to its horticulture and culinary education. USDA’s Farm-to-School Grant projects create opportunities for children to learn about nutrition and agriculture through hands-on experiences, such as planting and harvesting fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Many funded grant projects help children achieve nutrition security, which is consistent access to healthy, safe, and affordable foods essential to optimal health and well-being.

“We are grateful for the USDA’s renewed support of our Seed to Plate program,” said Cornerstones of Care President and CEO Merideth Rose. “The Farm-to-School Grant ties into our values of providing skills, knowledge, and nutritional sustenance.”

Build Trybe’s Seed to Plate program helped harvest more than 2,200 pounds of fruit and vegetables in 2022. The program provides nutrition education to youth in residential care and helps apprentices develop marketable culinary skills. Currently, the Seed to Plate program uses the produce from its gardens to help feed more than 250 youth in Therapeutic Day Treatment and Residential Treatment Programs.

This year USDA is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Farm-to-School Grant Program. Since the program’s inception in 2013, the department has awarded nearly $85 million in Farm-to-School Grants, funding more than 1,100 projects across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and Puerto Rico. These projects have reached over 28 million students in nearly 65,000 schools.

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Persistence Pays Off in Build Trybe Train Car Renovation

August 16, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)

A decades-old Kansas City Southern caboose on the Ozanam Campus got a 21st Century makeover to give it new life and make it an asset for youth in our Build Trybe program.

Cornerstones of Care leaders and team members showed off the renovated train car at an August 3 ribbon cutting. The event highlighted the community, volunteer spirit, and “the stubbornness” of the Build Trybe program, according to Build Trybe Director Theo Bunch.

“The train car shows how a community of folks got excited about the project and built a place where people could have vision and ideas that will change lives,” Theo said.

Funded by grants from the Richard and Charlotte Orear Charitable Foundation and two family foundations that wished to remain anonymous, the sweat equity for the internal renovation and outside deck was led by Theo and the Build Trybe construction team.

Purchased at an auction in the 1970s by a patent attorney, the caboose sat on the attorney’s Kansas farm for several years as he decided what to do with it. Through a friend, he decided to donate it to the Ozanam Campus. It traveled on a flatbed truck from the farm to campus.

Over the years, the caboose served as office space before informally becoming a campus meeting space. Since children also liked to play on the train car as a gathering spot, leadership decided to build the ball field and pavilion around the caboose.

The ribbon cutting, which included food prepared through the Seed-to-Plate program with produce harvested from our gardens, was attended by members of the Build Trybe program, Cornerstones of Care team members, volunteers, supporters, Merideth Rose, and Ken Gerling, a member of our governing board.

Merideth said the train car is another example of the persistence and grit that is embedded in the Cornerstones of Care’s culture. “This project was driven by people with the heart and the vision to see it through,” she said. “It’s a symbol of the heartbeat and the love that goes into our work.”

Build Trybe team members use the space for educational purposes with youth on campus.

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First-Time Fundraiser to Feature A Night of '80s Nostalgia, Music, and Philanthropy

August 9, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)

Get ready to relive the ’80s with live music from The M80s, an open bar, an ice cream truck, and all the iconic elements that defined the decade. Bright Lights, Waldo Nights, a brand-new fundraiser for Cornerstones of Care, kicks off this Friday, August 11, at 7:00 p.m. in the Gillis Campus School Gym.

The Gillis School, located at 8150 Wornall Road in Kansas City, Missouri, is home to the Gillis Campus Day Treatment Program, one of the featured programs for this special event.

Our Day Treatment Schools provide an individualized curriculum, small class sizes, and a variety of therapeutic options for students in grades K-12 who have IEPs or 504s and are referred by their home school district. Students acquire coping skills and new learning strategies to progress behaviorally, emotionally, socially, and academically. These new skills help them transition back to their school district or graduate from high school with plans for the future. 

As guests dance the night away in the gym, there will be several opportunities to learn more about the Gillis and Ozanam Campus Day Treatment Schools and our consulting and training programs that help teachers create supportive learning environments in over 300 regional schools.

Our Party Hosts will compete all night long to be named “Most Fly Fundraiser” at the dance while raising funds to support these important efforts. Paul Nyakatura, KCUR’s mid-day announcer, will emcee the event.

For those unable to attend the event in person, we encourage you to learn more about our Party Hosts and donate online to support the children and families that we serve. For those prepping to make an entrance at Bright Lights, Waldo Nights this Friday, grab your friends, put on your best ’80s attire, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!

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Hundreds of Families in Foster Care to Receive Backpacks and School Supplies this August

August 7, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)

New this year, families involved with Cornerstones of Care foster care services can pick up brand-new backpacks and a host of other school supplies by visiting the Gillis Campus Day Treatment School parking lot on Saturday, August 12 between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. 

For many years, Cornerstones of Care has provided backpacks and school supplies for families licensed as foster parents and kids in foster care that are case managed by Cornerstones of Care. The case managers and licensing workers have been solely responsible for delivering the backpacks to hundreds of kids and families in the Kansas City metro.

In 2022, 897 backpacks filled with school supplies were delivered to the children and families that we serve.

This year, Cornerstones of Care will offer a new option for families to pick up their backpacks and school supplies “drive-through style” to receive their supplies without leaving their vehicles.

“This is our attempt to get some of the families in the KC metro to come to us,” said Lea Loudon, Community Engagement Manager, who is leading the effort this year. 

In addition to backpacks and school supplies, families will have the opportunity to choose from an assortment of donated Bear Claw snow boots, makeup, school uniforms, snacks, and more. Cornerstones of Care is also once again partnering with Giving Hope & Help to provide period products as well.

Families can also enter to win two $50 Walmart and Target gift cards that will be raffled off during the drive-through.

Located at 8150 Wornall Road in the Waldo Neighborhood of Kansas City, the Gillis Campus Day Treatment School is part of the Cornerstones of Care Headquarters and can be accessed via the entrance on 81^st street. Visitors can follow the balloons and reference this Campus Map to locate the pick-up area.

After August 12, there will still be families in need of school supplies for the upcoming school year. Cornerstones of Care team members will coordinate with those families to make sure they get the things that they need. They will also make sure to supply the Ozanam and Gillis Campus Day Treatment Schools with school supplies using donations from the community.

Cornerstones of Care Receives Record-Breaking Donation from 2023 Kansas City Restaurant Week

June 27, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)

Civic leaders and Cornerstones of Care team members and youth gathered at the Ozanam Campus for a check presentation of $127,167 from Kansas City Restaurant Week, the area’s premier annual dining event.

At the June 27 event held in front of the newly renovated train car on campus, President and CEO Merideth Rose accepted the check on behalf of Cornerstones of Care, Kansas City Restaurant Week’s 2023 featured charity. Participating Kansas City area restaurants donated 10 percent of sales from each meal during KC Restaurant Week in January. Proceeds directly benefit Build Trybe’s Seed to Plate program, an apprenticeship program that teaches youth how to grow and cook healthy fruits and vegetables, preparing them for life outside Cornerstones of Care.

Kathy Nelson, President & CEO of Visit KC, and Bill Teel, President of the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Association, shared statements on behalf of their organizations. Visit KC and the Greater KC Restaurant Association are Founding Partners of KC Restaurant Week and partner with other area sponsors to spotlight regional restaurants each year.

“This is what’s great about Kansas City,” said Nelson. “It’s not only the commitment from our area restaurants but also the entire Kansas City community who turned out to support Kansas City Restaurant Week through their participation that made this donation possible.”

Rose also shared a few words at the event.

“In the last year, we harvested more than a ton of fruits and vegetables from the Ozanam and Gillis Campuses – that’s about 2200 pounds of food,” said Rose. “Not only does that food go to support our campuses, but it literally goes back to the kitchens to be used by the youth in the Seed to Plate program.

Thank you for your generosity – we will continue to be good stewards of these funds.”

Following the check presentation, students in the Seed to Plate advanced cohort served a roasted potato salad and smashed cucumber salad made with fresh ingredients harvested one day earlier. The civic representatives were then offered a tour of the campus and gardens, led by Seed to Plate Manager Haley Lucitt.

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Juneteenth Is a Reminder that Courageous Action Requires Everyone

June 16, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)

The summer of 2020 was an inflection point for much of America. The video of the May 25 murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin became public. That incident was another marker in a disturbing pattern of police shootings of unarmed African American men and women.  

The Floyd murder and the growing Black Lives Matter movement motivated corporations and organizations across America to take action. Cornerstones of Care had already begun taking bold steps to reaffirm principles rooted in 153 years of commitment to provide inclusive and equitable care. As part of its 2020-23 strategic plan, Cornerstones of Care leadership began clarifying its position on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) both internally and externally. 

In celebrating Juneteenth, it’s a good time to reflect on Cornerstones of Care’s commitment to DEI. Through a 2022 change in the organization’s paid holiday policy, Juneteenth became one of nine holidays observed by Cornerstones of Care team members. 

Juneteenth, observed on June 19, marks the day in 1865 that the order was given to end slavery in Texas, bringing slavery to an end throughout the United States. In June 2021, Juneteenth become a federal holiday to bring sweeping recognition of its historic relevance, invaluable context, and education it affords to remind all Americans of the inherent right of all people to live in freedom today.   

“We believe the premise of Juneteenth is vitally important to the hands and heartbeat of our work in support of safe and healthy children and communities, now more than ever,” said Cornerstones of Care President and CEO Merideth Rose. “We believe the celebration of Juneteenth represents more than a day off, but a daily commitment to ensure every child and family we serve will experience one of the most important freedoms of all – to be safe and healthy.”   

As Chad Harris summarized in the organization’s DEI work to date: “In 2020, Cornerstones of Care launched its welcoming, inclusive, diverse, and equitable (WIDE) Initiative in recognizing its critical role in addressing historic inequities within the child welfare sector. The board's decision to amplify existing DEI commitments and give them a renewed focus proved prescient in a year that turned out to be a watershed moment for race relations and social justice in the country.” 

Leaders formed the WIDE Committee, conducted a team member culture climate survey, and a client and stakeholder experience survey. Cornerstones of Care provided foundational training for managers, senior leaders, executive leaders, and board members. The first year of the WIDE Committee’s work culminated in finalizing a diversity statement and began sharing it with stakeholders. 

As the WIDE Committee made progress on developing an overt DEI process, it became clear that outside support would be beneficial. At the beginning of this year, Cornerstones of Care engaged social impact firm Lexicon Strategies to help the WIDE Committee expand its work, including training, community engagement, and board development.  

That expansion includes raising awareness of child welfare disparities. Over this Juneteenth weekend, several team members will staff a table on Saturday, June 17, at the Juneteenth Heritage Festival in the 18thand Vine District. Those volunteers will share with festival attendees the need for more African American foster parents to provide a cultural connection and affirming home. Black children in metropolitan Kansas City comprise 17 percent of the child population yet are 34.5 percent of the area’s foster care population. 

The disparity, which is consistent with national statistics, is complex and challenging. Cornerstones of Care is participating in a pilot program in Wyandotte and Saline counties in Kansas called Parent Youth Facilitation designed to keep youth, including youth of color, out of the foster care system. 

While it’s crucial to identify and resolve the disparity of children of color in foster care, it’s also important that these children have a caring adult in their lives as foster children. Cornerstones of Care has created the Foster Diversity campaign to encourage people of color to become foster parents.  

If you’d like to learn more about becoming a foster parent, you can start with our Become a Foster Parent 101 video series and fill out an interest form to talk with us about the foster care process. Helping a child work through trauma by being a caring adult when they most need one can be a life-changing experience for both the child and the foster family.  

“Like our organization’s courageous posture to honor Juneteenth and recognize the painful period of enslavement the observation represents, we equally lean into the hope and healing that ‘Freedom Day’ symbolizes,” said Merideth. “While stories of trauma represent the diverse, complex, and challenging pieces of a person’s lived experience, we believe a courageous approach to trauma-informed care gives way to a pathway filled with healing, resilience, and hope.”   

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Live Q&A To Answer Questions from Prospective Foster Parents

June 2, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)

Cornerstones of Care is hosting an hour-long Foster Care Live Q&A this Wednesday, June 7, at 6:30 p.m. The info-packed chat will include a facilitated conversation about the journey toward becoming a foster parent, footage from our brand-new “Become a Foster Parent 101” video series, and  stories and advice directly from a licensed foster parent.

Justin Horton, Chief Programs and Innovation Officer, will facilitate the discussion and be joined by Valyn McClellan, Senior Director of Family Support Programs, Nicole Newton, Director of Resource Development, and Randi Cunningham, a foster parent licensed through Cornerstones of Care. 

The Foster Care Live Q&A is part of a year-round effort to find caring homes for foster youth in Kansas and Missouri. In May, Cornerstones of Care released four videos as part of the “Become a Foster Parent 101” video series that featured the perspectives of several Cornerstones of Care team members and foster parents. In June, the focus will be on a #FosterDiversity campaign that encourages adults who identify as LGBTQ+ and people of color to become foster parents.

RSVP to join the Foster Care Live Q&A via Zoom Webinar by visiting our website. The live stream will also be shared on our Facebook page via Facebook Live.

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Cornerstones of Care Selects Lexicon Strategies to Support WIDE Implementation

May 30, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)

In continuing to expand and amplify its WIDE efforts (welcoming, inclusion, diversity, and equity), Cornerstones of Care has entered into an agreement with Lexicon Strategies, an Atlanta-based social impact firm with a background in DEI program development and implementation. Lexicon Strategies will begin work on June 1. 

Starting in 2020, Cornerstones of Care formed its WIDE Committee, developed a diversity statement, provided team members with educational resources, and expanded awareness of its longstanding position as an affirming organization. The WIDE Committee’s early progress highlighted the need to identify a consultant to broaden and enhance efforts.  

A DEI commitment isn’t only the right thing to do, but it’s also good business. Six in 10 U.S. adults say they won’t work for organizations that don’t speak out against racial injustice, according to a recent Edelman Trust Barometer survey.  

The team of experts Lexicon Strategies assembled has led DEI strategy and implementation efforts for a variety of organizations across the country. Cornerstones of Care’s Chief Development Officer Chad Harris, who serves as WIDE Committee co-chairperson, says Lexicon Strategies offered a partnership in growing the organization’s DEI commitment.  

“Lexicon Strategies recognized what we’ve accomplished so far and will help us build upon this foundation to create a path forward as our co-collaborator in achieving our WIDE 2.0 priorities,” Chad said.   

In addition, Lexicon Strategies impressed the search committee with its experience in working with non-profit organizations and its understanding of trauma-informed care. The first step will be to meet with Cornerstones of Care leaders, team members, and other stakeholders. The Lexicon Strategies proposal outlined five areas of enhancement:  

• Targeted training for managers and other senior leaders 
• Analyzing data to understand the client and stakeholder experience  
• Recruitment and retention of team members 
• Key community engagement 
• Board development 

Cornerstones of Care President and CEO Merideth Rose called the selection of Lexicon to support this work a big step forward in Cornerstones of Care’s growth as an organization. Rather than viewing Cornerstones of Care’s DEI work in parallel with the organization’s other goals, it is the platform that impacts all future work.  

“We talk about our three Ps that inform our commitment to children and families: purpose, people, and presence,” Merideth said. “Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as our Sanctuary commitment to trauma-informed care, is inherent in all that we do.” 

Lead consultant from Lexicon Strategies, Ryan Roemerman shared, “Lexicon is excited to get to work. We’ve assembled an expert team who have the required experience to ensure Cornerstones of Care has a sustained impact in creating safe and healthy communities.”    

The consultant team will consist of Roemerman, a partner at Lexicon Strategies, who has served as a consultant for state, national, and global organizations that advance equity and social impact. He is an expert in program development, leading innovative projects from concept to practice, and providing technical assistance for organizational transformation. 

Jenna Ortiz, a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioner, coach, operational strategist, and systems guru. She is the founder and principal consultant for Dynamic Transformations, a consultancy that guides groups of all sizes and experiences toward more empathetic and efficient work environments.  

Tim’m T. West, an educator, youth advocate, poet, hip-hop artist, and author, leveraging a broad and diverse set of skills and interests to advocate for marginalized communities. He is a facilitator for DEI experiences at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights where he also leads the LGBTQ Institute.  

Lexicon Strategies will begin a discovery phase in collaboration with Cornerstones of Care leadership throughout the summer. The firm will outline the plan to Cornerstones of Care managers at an August Leadership Summit. 

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CSF Award to Provide Additional Mental Health Support

May 25, 2023 (ST. LOUIS, MO)

The St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund (CSF) has awarded Cornerstones of Care a three-year grant to provide school-based training and therapy to three St. Louis County school districts.

The funding for the $750,000 award begins on July 1 and runs until June 30, 2026, and is the first time Cornerstones of Care has received CSF’s Core funding, which is its largest funding allocation. CSF invests in local nonprofits and governmental entities to provide mental and behavioral health services for children and families in St. Louis County through a voter-approved quarter-cent sales tax. 

The CSF funding supports the Hazelwood, Parkway, and Mehlville School Districts. Cornerstones of Care’s focus at both Parkway and Mehlville involves working with students who have been suspended, getting them back into the classroom faster, and reducing future suspensions. Cornerstones of Care will provide greater access to therapy for students and families to help with behavioral health, which will lead to reduced suspensions. In the Hazelwood School District, BIST will train, consult, and provide on-site support for teachers, administrators, and  staff to help with intervention strategies for students who are struggling with behavioral issues.

The award will provide help with behavioral health issues that will lead to reduced suspensions. The funding provides:

• Behavioral Intervention Support Training (BIST) consultants in 11 Hazelwood School District schools.
• A therapist to work with the Parkway School District
• A therapist to work with the Mehlville School District 

“This award has a tremendous opportunity to positively impact the lives of students in these three school districts,” said Cornerstones of Care President and CEO Merideth Rose. “We’ve seen outstanding results from our BIST team and providing greater access to therapists for students and families.”

The Cornerstones of Care funding meets CSF’s mission to improve the lives of children, youth, and families in St. Louis County by strategically investing in the creation and maintenance of an integrated system of care that delivers effective mental health and substance use treatment and prevention services.

Since its inception, CSF has invested more than $550 million in nonprofits and government entities serving St. Louis County kids and families since its first allocation in 2010. It is Missouri's largest children’s service fund. It is dedicated to connecting children and families to quality, accessible mental and behavioral health services, and treatment.

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Tool Donation Helps Build Trybe Apprentices Build Their Future

May 16, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)

Through its Empower Makers Grant, Stanley Black & Decker donated power tools valued at nearly $20,000 to Build Trybe to help apprentices gain valuable experience in construction.

Stanley Black & Decker developed the Empower Makers Grant to bridge the trade-skills gap in the U.S. construction industry, which will experience an estimated $550 billion of new infrastructure investment over the next decade, according to a 2022 McKinsey study. That investment is expected to create 3.2 million new jobs in nonresidential construction, which would result in a need for 300,000 to 600,000 new workers in construction every year.

Build Trybe is one of 91 programs to receive Empower Makers tool donations. For Build Trybe, the tool donation means that apprentices can gain experience with new tools to add to their marketable skills in building as they transition into adulthood and the job market. In 2022, Build Trybe trained 275 youth in its Culinary, Building, and Horticulture and Landscaping programs.

This is the second donation from Stanley Black & Decker through the grant. In 2022, the grant helped Build Trybe secure The Shop, a workshop in midtown Kansas City for youth who want to learn metal and woodworking. The tool donation includes various power tools, including drills and saws, as well as batteries and chargers.

Recently, the Build Trybe apprentices have been using the new tools to fabricate custom steel-and-wood tables commissioned by James Beard Award-winning Chef Celina Tio, as well as to construct the cutting boards, plant stands, and other products sold by Build Trybe. The high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums have allowed Build Trybe youth to safely increase dust collection efforts, which means more resin-pouring projects in the future.

“This tool donation means increased project capacity and improved workflow,” said Kendell Harbin, Build Trybe’s Building Trades Manager. The tools Build Trybe received through the Empower Makers grant also have motivated youth as they work on their projects.

“The gift of new tools says, ‘Someone believes in what I make and wants to see more,’” said Kendell. “Having a bigger toolbox also means more learning opportunities for our apprentices to gain industry-specific knowledge.”

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Give STL Day Donations Will Offer Peace of Mind

May 9, 2023 (ST. LOUIS, MO)

On Wednesday, May 10, St. Louis area residents can provide safety to children and families in foster care during Give STL Day.

Since 2014, Give STL Day has provided a 24-hour day of online giving to raise money and awareness for hundreds of St. Louis-based nonprofits. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $26 million. Give STL Day is led by the St. Louis Community Foundation. In celebration of the 10th annual giving day, the Community Foundation is adding 10 hours of online giving and more opportunities for nonprofits to win prizes. Give STL Day will end at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 11.

Donors can support Cornerstones of Care by giving to our “Give Our Children Peace of Mind” campaign to provide safety items for the families we serve. Cornerstones of Care has set a goal to raise $7,500 for St. Louis area families.

“Without safety, it’s difficult for families working through trauma to thrive and grow,” said Sally Cook, Cornerstones of Care’s Director of Development. “By supporting Give STL Day, donors can relieve stress, improve access, and give these families peace of mind.”

Donations will help purchase safety items such as:

• Cribs
• Gas cards to provide transportation to medical and other important appointments
• Car seats
• Pack ‘n Play sets.

All funds raised will stay within the metropolitan St. Louis area to support local families. To donate, look for Cornerstones of Care on the Give STL Day page or donate via the link below.  

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Golfers to Drive their Support for Cornerstones of Care at Tee It Up 

May 3, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)

Spring has finally arrived, and the annual Tee It Up Fore the Kids golf event is the perfect way to hit a few balls, have a few laughs, and support a good cause. 

Whether you are a scratch golfer or swing a club once a year, Tee It Up, from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 11 at Topgolf in Overland Park, is a great opportunity to join family, friends, and co-workers for an evening of golf, entertainment, an open bar, delicious food, and fun.

“Golfers who participated in past Tee It Up events told me how much they enjoyed a memorable evening with colleagues,” said Katie Culbertson, Cornerstones of Care’s Director of Special Events. “Tee It Up gave them the chance to learn more about the incredible work Cornerstones of Care does in our community.”

Teams can sign up for one of the bays and participate in the fun as a group. Sponsorship packages are available, including admission, an open bar, food, and exclusive promotion opportunities. Businesses can use Tee It Up sponsorships to celebrate a success or entertain clients while benefitting the children and families we serve.

In addition to golf, Tee It Up features a raffle, including tickets to a Kansas City Chiefs game of your choice during the upcoming football season. Cornerstones of Care’s exclusive Charlie Hustle T-shirts will also be available for purchase.

Tee It Up is about more than just fun. It supports Cornerstones of Care and the children and families that we serve every day.

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In Search of Imperfect People to be Much-Needed Foster Parents

May 1, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)

One of the common misconceptions about being a foster parent is that you must be perfect, never make a mistake, and be on top of everything 100 percent of the time.

In our new video series, “How to Become a Foster Parent 101,” that myth is dispelled from the very beginning.

“You don’t need to be perfect,” said Katie and RaChelle, foster parents interviewed for the first episode. Like most families, there will be dishes in the sink, there will be laundry to do, and the remodeling project you want to finish will take longer than you expect. Having a late-model mini-van with all the features or a well-manicured lawn are not necessary to become a foster parent.

What’s important is being a caring adult in the life of a child who needs you.

Throughout the month of May, Cornerstones of Care will celebrate National Foster Care Month by releasing additional videos from the new “Become A Foster Parent 101” series in the coming weeks. The first video is now available for download. Each video features Cornerstones of Care team members and current or former foster parents sharing their insights about foster parenting and the positive difference it makes in the lives of youth in their care.

The video series encourages prospective foster parents in Missouri and Kansas to help fill the gap between youth in need and foster families. Even as the number of children in out-of-home foster care in Missouri and Kansas have fallen from 2021 totals, each state has more youth in care than the number of foster homes available.

The four videos will educate prospective foster parents about the foster care system, the experience of youth who are removed from their homes and help to clear up misconceptions about foster care.

• Learn about the fundamentals of foster care in “Make a Difference in a Child’s Life.”
• “How a Child Comes into Foster Care” guides viewers through the foster care process, dispels myths, and explains trauma-informed care.
• “The Types of Foster Care” will show prospective foster parents where they may fit in the spectrum of foster care opportunities.
• “How to Get Started” prepares prospective foster families for the applications, home visits, and licensing requirements as they prepare for their first placement.

Each video will be released individually through May and in June to celebrate Pride Month. Our June Foster Diversity campaign amplifies Cornerstones of Care’s commitment to diversity and encourages prospective foster parents who are people of color or identify as LGBTQ+ to consider becoming foster parents to help meet the unique needs of the diverse children in our care.

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501c Day Open House to be Held at The Garden by Build Trybe

April 27, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)

On Monday, May 1, Cornerstones of Care will celebrate 501c Day by hosting an informal Open House from 3-5 p.m. at our Gillis Campus. Guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments, learn more about our programs, and tour The Garden by Build Trybe, an interactive outdoor learning and growing space.

501c Day, named for the Internal Revenue Service designation for non-profit organizations, is a new Kansas City-wide holiday created by Nonprofit Connect to celebrate the impact of the local nonprofit sector and the business partners and donors who support it. Cornerstones of Care recently released the 2022 Impact Report, which provides readers with a tangible look at our work in the past year. 

The Garden by Build Trybe, located behind the Gillis Campus Day Treatment School, is primarily used by elementary and middle school students in the Day Treatment School and youth in the Build Trybe program. The garden features an orchard, an outdoor kitchen for students to prepare foods from the garden, a compost and water catchment area, and raised beds for growing watermelons, beets, tomatoes, and more.

“The kids love it out here,” said Kim Stanton, Vocational Trades Instructor.

Guests who attend 501c Day will have the opportunity to meet Kim and several students who have spent many hours in The Garden. They will be helping to prepare and serve appetizers and are willing to share more about The Garden by Build Trybe and the exciting plans for the future.

Goals for The Garden include developing the seating and walking areas to accommodate more public events like 501c Day, building a chicken coop, and expanding the outdoor kitchen area to expand options for outdoor education. Learn more by visiting with our team members and joining us for the Open House.

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10 Reasons to Attend the Thyme for Kids Plant Sale This Weekend

April 25, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)

1. Proceeds from anything you purchase at the Thyme for Kids Plant Sale will support our horticultural therapy and Build Trybe programs by providing seeds, supplies, stipends, and more. By putting your money towards this annual sale, you are choosing to support programs that teach kids to regulate emotions, work together to care for plants and one another, and grow their confidence and creativity in the outdoors.
2. You will find a wide variety of tried-and-true favorites to jumpstart your summer vegetable garden at the Plant Sale, including watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
3. You can purchase plants on Friday, April 28, or Saturday, April 29, depending on which day fits your schedule best. Even better, attend the sale on Friday and bring a friend on Saturday to get the best of both worlds.
4. In addition to purchasing plants at the Thyme for Kids Plant Sale, you can see exactly where your donations are going. Check out the greenhouse where all the magic happens, visit with the youth in our horticulture programs, and meet our incredible program leaders.
5. Take advantage of the plant experts at the sale who are available to offer tips and tricks for caring for your new transplants. Megan Sperry, Expressive Therapist, has over 20 years of experience running this Plant Sale and a wealth of knowledge to share with growers.
6. You can become a Plant Sale Sponsor and get early access to the sale on Thursday, April 27. Sponsors also receive a custom garden stepping stone created by Cornerstones of Care youth and other sponsorship benefits.
7. If you attend the in-person Plant Sale, you can purchase handcrafted wood and metal items from the Build Trybe popup, including plant stands to show off your purchases.
8. You’ll feel good about your purchase knowing that each plant you bought is of high quality and was intentionally selected by Megan Sperry and planted, watered, and weeded by a team of young hands.
9. You’ll find some fun new plants at the sale to inspire you to change things up in your backyard. Even if you’ve attended the Plant Sale for years, we constantly update what we have in stock. Some of our new and notable plants include: ‘Evil Olive’ Tomato, ‘Intenz Purple’ Celosia, and ‘Cannova Mango’ Canna Lily.
10. Rain or shine, the Thyme for Kids Plant Sale will be open for visitors on Friday, April 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No matter the weather, take this opportunity to get outside, get your selection of summer plants, and give these kids the joy of sharing what they’ve grown with the community.

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2023 Caring About Community Forum Sets Stage for Strong Year Ahead

April 6, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)  On Wednesday, April 5, attendees gathered over virtual coffee for the 2023 Caring About Community Forum. Merideth Rose, Cornerstones of Care President & CEO, led the 40-minute public forum which highlighted organization-wide achievements from 2022, recognized key people, programs, and projects that impacted the organization, and informed the community about upcoming initiatives and opportunities in 2023.

Merideth began the forum by sharing two short videos, “Cornerstones of Care – About Us” and “22 Ways You Helped Improve Safety and Health in 2022,” to demonstrate the scope of our work in the past year.

“You helped make all of that possible through your support and your donation of time, talent, and treasures,” said Merideth. “Thank you so much.”

She pulled out three statistics from the 22 Things video that spoke to our overall impact as an organization.

• 126 children were safely reunited with their families
• 1481 loving homes partnered with us to provide foster care for children
• 122 youth found forever homes through adoption

“We believe that children belong in homes with families,” said Merideth. “If reunification isn’t an option, then it’s amazing when so many families step up to be foster families or to adopt young people.”

These and other standout statistics, as well as several stories of hope and healing from the past year, are featured in the 2022 Impact Report, now available for download.

In addition to Merideth, several voices from the Cornerstones of Care community also spoke at the Community Forum.

Theo Bunch, Director of Career and Technical Education, shared about the exciting growth and development of the Build Trybe program, a mentorship community that aims to build health and independence by empowering youth with employable skills. In 2022, Cornerstones of Care opened The Shop, a space in Midtown dedicated to the youth exploring woodworking, metalworking, and more.

“Ultimately, thanks to Stanley Black & Decker’s generous support in 2022, The Shop has become a vibrant new space for foster care and homeless youth and a resource for under-resourced communities who would otherwise lack access to a quality fabrication and learning facility,” said Theo.

A success video amplifying the experience of Build Trybe Apprentice Dylan Stephens and his time in the horticulture landscaping program was shared at the 2022 Spirit Gala and again at the Community Forum.

Later this year, Cornerstones of Care will release an updated strategic plan to guide the organization’s future. Karyn Finn, Senior Director of MO Youth Programs & Services and WIDE Initiative Co-Lead, spoke about our organization’s renewed commitment to amplifying our work as a welcoming, inclusive, diverse, and equitable place and space for everyone.

“I’m really proud that Cornerstones of Care is not just talking the talk about diversity, equity, and inclusion work, but we’re actually walking the walk,” said Karyn.

Among other things, the WIDE (Welcoming, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity) committee continues to support the formation of employee relations groups to help employees and community members celebrate important cultural events like Women’s History Month, Juneteenth, and Pride Month.

Thanks to generous grants and community support, our WIDE Initiative work in 2023 will be supported by an external consultant, hired to lead the way on several organization-wide priorities. These WIDE 2.0 priorities include targeted training for team members and vital community engagement efforts such as the development of diverse and affirming foster homes to support the needs of kids in foster care.

The third featured speaker was a Cornerstones of Care Governing Board of Directors member, Lexa Zacny, Project Manager with Turner Construction. She spoke about the strong, community-focused culture at Turner Construction and how their team members support Cornerstones of Care through “sweat equity” and monetary support.

To conclude, Merideth shared a vision for the future built around the foundation of our work: purpose, people, and presence. This purpose is driven by our CARE (Courageous Action Requires Everyone) commitment to create a culture where everyone feels valued.

Merideth outlined three ways that individuals can connect with our mission in 2023 by choosing to support us with a financial gift, volunteer with us, or join us at a special event this year.

“As we continue to ask the hard and courageous questions, work to ensure inclusivity and equity in everything we do, and work collaboratively with all of our partners to stretch, to evolve, and to grow, responsively and responsibly, we invite you to stay with us,” said Merideth. “There is room at the table. And great things happen when we work together. And when Cornerstones of Care is in the room.”

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New Program Seeks to Prevent Older Youth from Entering into Foster Care

February 24, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)   -- Beginning this year, Cornerstones of Care is accepting referrals for Parent/Youth Facilitation, a two-pronged, grant-funded approach that seeks to prevent older youth from entering the foster care system by engaging families in a meaningful problem-solving process and connecting them to community services and supports. 

This new collaborative service is made possible by Kansas Strong for Children and Families, a federally-funded initiative through the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Parent/Youth Facilitation (P/YF) process is just one of their strategies to improve outcomes for children and families by supporting the full continuum of child welfare services.

“Cornerstones of Care became interested in participating in the program due to the potential it had to prevent families from entering care due to concerns that might better be resolved within the family when appropriate supports were available,” said Laura Walters, Director of Client Support.                                          

P/YF is provided at no cost to families who qualify through a referral from the local prosecutor’s office. To participate in Parent/Youth Facilitation, families must reside in Wyandotte, Saline, or Shawnee County and be at risk for removal into foster care. Currently, the program is focused on youth ages 14-17.

“No one who supports families in Kansas wants to see a teen enter foster care or any other state system unnecessarily and without less restrictive interventions attempted,” said Justin Horton, Chief Programs & Innovation Officer for Cornerstones of Care.

The process begins with a referral to a prosecutor when a youth is at risk of removal into foster care. Typically, the referral is made by local schools, law enforcement, Department for Children and Families (DCF), community organizations, or other private child welfare agencies. The prosecutor refers eligible families to the Parent/Youth Facilitation process, and the family decides whether they want to participate.

If the parents decide to participate, they partner with Cornerstones of Care for the facilitation services.

Cornerstones of Care has three team members, including Laura, who are working towards their Kansas-Approved Parent-Adolescent Mediator certification. With this certification, they will have specialized training and experience to lead the facilitation process. For one to three sessions, they work with a family to discuss issues such as school attendance and performance, curfew, social life, friends, household chores, privacy, and communication.

Together, they work toward mutually agreed-upon solutions to conflict and develop a written agreement that addresses the family’s specific interpersonal issues and identifies services needed to support the family. Upon completion of the process, the agreement and a summary report are given to the prosecutor and the referring agency.

In short, Parent/Youth Facilitation is an early intervention option for families that may be in conflict or reunifying after a separation. It offers tools for families to work through their challenges with the goal to decrease the number of older youth entering foster care and keep families together whenever possible and appropriate.

“We have been told to expect things to start slow,” said Laura. In other Kansas counties, it has taken some time for families to learn about the new intervention and choose to engage with it. “We will consider success to be navigating the process from start to finish with any families that willingly participate. Eventually, we would hope to increase our expectation for participation.”

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Savor the Sound Fundraiser to Showcase Asian Flavors, Choral Music, and Nature 

January 24, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)  -- On Saturday, February 4, 2023, Savor the Sound returns to 28 Event Space in Kansas City with an immersive one-night-only celebration that fuses music, food, and visual artistry to enchant guests and raise money for Build Trybe, an educational program of Cornerstones of Care.  

The event will be headlined by highly-decorated James Beard award-winning Chef Celina Tio and Calvin Arsenia, internationally-acclaimed singer, harpist, and author. They will be joined this year by VJ Herbert, a composer and sound healer, along with his 10-person new-age gospel and soul choir, Xion Sound Waves. Other featured artists include Evan Tedlock, an animation artist who will project holographic animations inspired by the food and music, Tiffane Friesen, a social practice artist known for her flower mandalas, and Alivia Nuñez, who has built custom glass and wood pieces specifically for the event. Chris Dong is the creative director for Savor the Sound.

“It’s the same story told by different people,” said Theo Bunch, Build Trybe founder and director. “It’s very collaborative.”

A key moment of the creative process for Savor the Sound takes place at The Belfry, a local restaurant owned by Chef Tio. Members of the choir start the day by performing several songs for Celina, each to be the root of one of the evening’s courses. Then, Celina disappears into the kitchen and emerges with two dishes aimed to spark a different sound for the group’s musical interpretation.

VJ and the other singers take their time observing, tasting – even smelling – the eclectic dishes to fully experience them from start to finish, taking notes of the ingredients, textures, and garnishes.

“I wanted to give VJ something spicy to work with,” said Celina. “I always say, ‘great things don’t happen until you put yourself in uncomfortable situations out of your comfort zone.’ His zone is so chill, so I wanted to see what he would give me if I inspired him with spice.”

In the days following the tasting, members of Xion Sound Waves write two songs that will be performed live at Savor the Sound. The musicians won’t try the dessert until show night, after which they will have 20 minutes to write a brand-new composition and perform it for the audience.

This year, Savor the Sound falls on the same weekend as the Lunar New Year, so the event will have a strong Asian influence. The holiday symbolizes reunion and rebirth, encouraging growth and new beginnings – which fits well with the event theme, “Flourish,” and the mission and vision of Build Trybe.

“We rarely get the chance to be present – with our food, our sense of smell, our ears, our conversations,” said Arsenia. “I’m really proud that we get to gather, in support of a great cause, to genuinely enjoy the cross-section of the finest food, music, and visual stimulation this country has to offer! There’s nothing like it. It’s truly magical.”

For those less familiar with Build Trybe, there will be numerous opportunities during Savor the Sound to connect with the program and the youth impacted by it.

Students involved with Build Trybe will work alongside Celina and other professional chefs to prepare, plate, and serve some of the food. During the live auction, guests will bid on a selection of items, including handmade products created by the building trades students. Each attendee will receive a packet of native seeds put together by students in Build Trybe’s conservation landscaping program.

Guests will watch a video highlighting Dylan, a graduate of the conservation landscaping program and an employee of Heartland Conservation Alliance, a Build Trybe partner organization.

“Our youth are dealing with things that most adults would struggle with – placement disruption, lack of support, and lack of community,” said Theo. “Any time a youth graduates with one of my instructors, that is a moment of celebration.”

Savor the Sound is now in its fifth year, and the event planning team hopes to capture the hearts of a new group of people and raise $80,000 for the Build Trybe program.

“Savor the Sound is a celebration of what we’ve done the year before, and it’s planting the seed and building the foundation for the year to come,” said Theo. “I want people to leave feeling like they are part of something bigger – like they are building a strong place for our youth and a strong Kansas City.”

Visit the Savor the Sound event page to purchase tickets or sponsorships. Or sign up to volunteer at the event. If you cannot attend but still want to support Build Trybe, you can donate on our website.

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KC Restaurant Week to Benefit Cornerstones of Care

January 12, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)   -- Cornerstones of Care is the featured beneficiary for the 14^th Annual Kansas City Restaurant Week, which will run from January 13 to January 22, 2023. This 10-day dining event features over 200 Kansas City-area restaurants offering pre-fixe multi-course menus for restaurant-goers of all types. Participating restaurants pledge to donate 10 percent of sales from each meal to the featured beneficiary, as well as two founding beneficiaries, the Visit KC Foundation and the Greater KC Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

Cornerstones of Care has selected the Build Trybe Seed to Plate program as the primary recipient of the proceeds from KC Restaurant Week. The Seed to Plate program teaches youth how to grow and cook healthy fruits and vegetables, preparing them for life outside Cornerstones of Care. In 2023, program leaders hope to expand the Seed to Plate program to include more growing space and an advanced culinary track for youth to become proficient in cooking. To learn more about Build Trybe’s Seed to Plate program and the plans for 2023, read our latest blog.

“We are honored that Cornerstones of Care’s Build Trybe culinary program has been selected as the beneficiary for 2023 Kansas City Restaurant Week,” said President and CEO Merideth Rose. “Our mission is to build safe and healthy communities, and we’re proud to benefit from Kansas City’s strong restaurant community. We are eager to educate the next generation of culinary artists through Build Trybe’s program.”

To help promote Restaurant Week, President and CEO Merideth Rose participated in several media opportunities, including the KC Cares podcast that will air this Friday and on “Give Back Friday” on radio station 90.9 The Bridge. Cornerstones of Care is also hosting a raffle drawing on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram social media platforms to encourage individuals to dine out and support Cornerstones of Care. Participants can win local restaurant gift cards and kitchen items crafted by our Build Trybe youth.

To see a comprehensive list of participating restaurants and menus, visit kcrestaurantweek.com or download the KC Restaurant Week App.

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Cornerstones of Care Headquarters Move to Gillis Campus

Kansas City location to provide centralized office space for Executive Leadership Team 

January 4, 2023 (KANSAS CITY, MO)  -- As of January 2023, Cornerstones of Care will officially transition its headquarters to the Gillis Campus. Located in the Waldo neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri, the Gillis Campus will provide centralized office space for all Executive Leadership Team members. Other team members housed at the Hyde Park office will also relocate to the Gillis Campus and the Kansas City, Kansas office. This exciting development allows Cornerstones of Care to utilize valuable unclaimed office space and create more synergy and collaboration between team members in the Kansas City area.

Cornerstones of Care currently delivers programming and services to over 15,000 children and families from 16 locations in eastern Kansas and northern Missouri. The Gillis Campus is home to one of two educational day treatment schools that serves students ages 6-19 who require an intensive combination of special education and therapy services. It also provides essential space for board meetings, community conversations, and various classes and trainings for foster parents, youth in foster care, mental and behavioral health professionals, and adult and child caregivers.  

Cornerstones of Care is dedicated to helping children and families wherever they are, whenever they need us. To stay connected to what is happening at Cornerstones of Care, follow us on social media or sign up for our newsletter. If you have questions regarding the Gillis Campus headquarters move, please contact us directly by calling 816-508-3500.

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Cornerstones of Care Announces Market Rate Pay Increases in 2023

Organization Looks to Attract and Retain Talent in Challenging Job Market

December 16, 2022 (KANSAS CITY, MO) -- The Cornerstones of Care Board of Directors voted on December 14 to significantly invest in a 2023 compensation package that will make many key positions in the organization’s workforce competitive in the current challenging job market.  

Key positions, ranging from hourly workers to specialists, case managers and therapists, will receive salary increases, which will cover new and current employees. Cornerstones of Care employs more than 700 team members, primarily in Kansas and Missouri. Salary increases will become effective in January, and a listing of all currently open positions can be found here.  

“The decision to invest in our people is absolutely necessary,” said Merideth Rose, Cornerstones of Care President and CEO. “Today, the board saw what needed to be done, stood up, and accepted the challenge. I greatly appreciate their courageous action.” 

Ms. Rose, who was named President and CEO in July, said the decision to increase compensation is the organization’s commitment to the three Ps: purpose, people, and presence. Compensation at the organization and within the social services sector has made hiring and retention challenging as the workforce evolves from the pandemic.  

“Our Executive Leadership Team is fully committed to our people, and the extraordinary work they do,” Ms. Rose said. “We made sure that if our team members were dedicated to the work we do, that our leadership would be dedicated to ensuring they are properly compensated.” 

In addition to salary increases, a portion of the investment will cover increasing health insurance costs. The leadership team budgeted to cover the 15 percent market rate increase in insurance costs to ensure that team members won’t have to pay more for their premiums in 2023. 

The investment also includes resources for the expansion and implementation of Cornerstones of Care’s inclusion, diversity, and equity commitment, which began in 2020. Today’s announcement is part of the organization’s rally cry related to its purpose, Courageous Action Require Everyone (CARE).  

“CARE is our driving imperative, or our ‘must do’ for next year and beyond,” Ms. Rose said. “I define it as inspiring a culture of ‘all in’ courageous leadership where everyone lifts, everyone leads, everyone performs, and everyone is accountable.” 

The CARE commitment includes being more present in the communities Cornerstones of Care serves and highlighting the positive things that take place with the children and families the organization serves.  

“We want that visibility to reflect our commitment to our team members, the families we serve, and to continue to partner to build safer, healthier communities,” Ms. Rose said.  

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