To see quality provision of services in all sectors of the community where integrity in business is clearly demonstrated.

To value each person we come into contact with, and seek to benefit them in their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

To be leaders in social action projects throughout the Midlands, both resourcing and encouraging the wider Church to reach their communities.

We are governed by a Board of Trustees and the Chief Executive and two Directors currently head up operations.

Cornerstone is made up of around 70 committed staff and volunteers making a difference in the Midlands, through delivering social and comunity projects and impacting the lives of those in need by Christian love in action.

We are a non-denominational charity, but operate under the umbrella of the Evangelical Alliance and seek to represent Christ in the community.

The vision for Cornerstone began in the hearts and minds of two men, Ian Cole and Peter Combellack in 1978. It came out of a desire to see the Christian Church reach the community with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ian and Peter gave up their employment in response to God's call on their lives and stepped out in faith for the future.

Initially, they began a work called Birmingham Christian Projects, which enabled others to commence local initiatives. In 1980, however, Cornerstone was born and became a non-denominational Christian Charity. It began by working in co-operation with local churches and other groups to see a Christian presence established in the High Street. The idea of Coffee Shops was not new, but the concept of bringing them into communities as a neutral meeting place was. Fundraising began as the idea captured supporter's imaginations. The name CORNERSTONE was chosen as special to Christians - Christ the Cornerstone, and non-threatening to customers.

The first Cornerstone Coffee Shop opened in the Glebe Farm area of the City of Birmingham and quickly established itself as a centre for community activities. The outreach included youth and children's clubs, mothers and toddlers groups and support for single parent families - each becoming regular features in the life of the Centre. With full time staff and other costs, funding support was sought from local authorities and a Charity Shop was opened just across the road from the Coffee Shop. Although this centre was closed in 1990, we continued a Christian presence through a new smaller Charity Shop.

These and similar activities are now a regular part of the life of Cornerstone Community Centres. The Coffee Shops are neutral places to meet people, an oasis in a busy world. Staff and volunteers are available to talk, and share the love of God in word and action.