Bill Text: VA SJR253 | 2020 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending Cornerstones, Inc.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Failed) 2020-03-12 - Left in Rules [SJR253 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-SJR253-Introduced.html
WHEREAS, Cornerstones, Inc., a nonprofit organization promoting self-sufficiency by supporting and advocating for those in need of food, shelter, and other human services, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2020; and
WHEREAS, founded in 1970 by six sponsoring religious organizations as the Reston Interfaith Housing Corporation, Cornerstones has long specialized in providing affordable housing and shelter to members of the community; and
WHEREAS, changing its name to Cornerstones in the 2010s, the organization today partners with a network of religious organizations, community leaders, donors, and volunteers to pursue its mission of providing stability, empowerment, and hope to its neighbors in need; and
WHEREAS, Cornerstones promotes stability in the community by limiting evictions, providing emergency shelter, protecting individuals from hypothermia and hyperthermia, offering food and other basic needs, and transitioning homeless individuals to permanent housing; and
WHEREAS, Cornerstones empowers members of its community by helping families become homeowners, assisting with care management, conducting citizenship courses, and providing affordable child care and before-school and after-school programs to working families; and
WHEREAS, the last pillar in Cornerstones' mission, hope, is fostered by Cornerstones' tremendous advocacy network that works to ensure adequate affordable housing, better conditions for children and families, a living wage for local workers, and racial and social equity; and
WHEREAS, in its last fiscal year, Cornerstones served 15,776 individuals, including 2,576 families and 5,373 children, making it one of the most impactful charitable organizations in Fairfax County; and
WHEREAS, Cornerstones' accomplishments were made possible by the thousands of volunteers who facilitate its programs and activities each year, as well as the dozens of corporate partners and faith-based community organizations that provide essential financial and programmatic support; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Cornerstones, Inc., a comprehensive service organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families in need, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Kerrie B. Wilson, chief executive officer of Cornerstones, Inc., as an expression of the General Assembly's profound admiration for the organization's service on behalf of Fairfax County and the Commonwealth.
