Gina
Before I came to Cornerstone, I wasn't really pushing myself to do anything with my potential. When Cornerstone accepted me to be one of the residents, it was like my first step up a never ending staircase. Then they helped me climb higher up my staircase by introducing me to a place called Fairbridge. They helped me rebuild my confidence and, best of all, guided me into finding a career that I would love and enjoy, which was outdoor pursuits.
Once again, the staff at Cornerstone were there to help me move further up my staircase when I met a member of staff that had experience in outdoor pursuits and was more than willing to help me. She introduced me to a place that helps people to get qualifications to do this kind of work. I applied for a place at the Pioneer Centre and they accepted me!
I am now running up my staircase to a bigger and better thing. I am moving to Kidderminster to get my qualifications to work with young people in outdoor pursuits.
Without the encouragement and support from the staff at Cornerstone, I would not have been able to find the light at the end of my staircase, and for this I am more than grateful.
Thank you!
Nadine
Nadine, a young mum, had her house destroyed by fire and after Cornerstone helped her rebuild her life, she found a different way to say thanks - by shaving off her prized locks!
Nadine's life 'fell apart' in 2001 when her son died. Her family was then plunged even deeper into crisis after last year's house fire. She said: "I nearly lost my youngest child, Bonny, in the fire and I was totally devastated".
"I just went completely to pieces and couldn't function. The only thing I had left were my children. We had lost absolutely everything we owned and I was suffering from panic attacks and anxiety".
But Nadine was put in touch with Cornerstone Floating Support, which provides support for up to 18 people aged 16+ living in the Burntwood and Lichfield area.
Cornerstone staff come alongside people with practical help which begins to move people from despair to hope. This can include help with grants, benefits, debt management, and budgeting, such as payment plans and managing rent arrears. Help is also offered to get people back into work or education and to access healthcare. The aim of the project is to enable people to live independently and to build brighter futures for themselves.
Nadine said: "Cornerstone have been absolutely wonderful and with their help I have managed to get my life back together and I can see a real future for me and my family. They have helped me where everything else has failed".
"I now have a new home in Lichfield through Homezone Housing Association and I've enrolled at college on a course in forensic science. I am really looking forward to getting back into education, and although I'm not setting any long-term goals and I now have confidence in myself".
"I have decided to do the head-shave as a way of saying thank you to Cornerstone. The aim is to help raise awareness of the service and to help them raise extra funds so this service can continue and thrive, eventually leading to the employment of an extra support worker".
"It is something I've decided to do because my hair is something that's precious to me".
Tracy Turner of Cornerstone said: "We are delighted that Nadine has decided to make his gesture on our behalf. She is a remarkably brave person who has been through a lot of tragedy and hardship but is rebuilding her life. She has enormous potential and we are all very proud of the way she is turning her life around".
Sarah
"I am a single mum with an eight year old son, Alex. I was living in a women's refuge and a notice appeared on the notice board offering the Lone Parent Family Break. I couldn't afford much, but at 35 pounds each, it was easily paid for.
All worries were taken away from me. The driving was done, good food was provided, together with a variety of activities. The Cornerstone staff were really wonderful and caring people. Their sole concern was that everyone on the holiday really benefited from it.
I since recommended this holiday to loads of other single parents, and those who have gone it have thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoyed it so much that I now work as a volunteer."
Dave
Dear Sue and Pete,
How are you? It's Dave who used to live at Cornerstone a few years ago. Hope you're ok and well.
I'm doing brilliant now myself. The last time I saw you was on Hurst Street on a ladies night out. I was a right mess, remember? Well, things went from bad to worse, but I thank God He stepped in and done a miracle in my life.
From the time I left there until about February this year I have done 14 prison sentences, all drug related, and when I saw you, I was on 100 a day crack and heroin habit, I was going to end up 6 feet under if I never did something.
So when I was in prison in February, I told the chaplain I had enough of this vicious circle I was in, and he told me about Victory Outreach UK in Wales and asked if I wanted to give it a go.
So, I applied and got accepted and within a week of applying I was in court facing more charges, looking at 12 months in prison.
But it had been arranged for me to come here and they let me out (God had his hand on my life from that day on, when I look back).
A member of the staff was waiting for me to bring me to Wales. I arrived here and there was some thing different about these people. I thought they were mad at first, because we have three Bible meetings a day and prayer times!
After about three days, the Manager told me to read John 3v16 so I did and kept saying it in my head. The next day I asked Jesus to come into my life and change me and I thank God, he did just that. He has set me free from drugs and gave me a family and a home. I feel a peace I have never felt before. Praise God!
Please pray for me and please write back to me soon.
God bless you.
Dave
Changing Lives
Stories from people who have been helped by Cornerstone