Cornerstones shares its awards and recognition with every staff member, every community partner, and every client we are proud to serve. We strive to be a leader and a role model in the nonprofit sector and to develop and run effective programs to support those most in need in our community. The public recognition we receive ignites our spirit to continue to work and allows us to promote our efforts and those of our partners.
Recent Recognition
2018 “Nonprofit of the Year” Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Award
Cornerstones is honored to be named the 2018 “Nonprofit of the Year” by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce! Cornerstones was recognized for “outstanding and visionary contributions to the community”. Our work would not be possible without our dedicated partners, sponsors, donors, volunteers and staff. You make Hope for Tomorrow Today possible!
2018 Department of Neighborhood and Community Services Partnership Award
Cornerstones’ partnership with the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) was recognized at the 2018 NCS Partnership Recognition Ceremony. NCS awards those who have done so much to help serve the individuals and communities of Fairfax County. Cornerstones’ Assistance Services and Pantry Program (ASAPP) was recognized for providing emergency services, to include a food pantry stocked with fresh food, non-perishable items, and personal care items. ASAPP also offers short-term emergency financial assistance to people needing help with paying rent or heating and cooling bills through the EnergyShare program, Dominion Power’s fuel assistance program for anyone who faces financial hardships from unemployment or family crisis. Minnie Orozco, Program Manager of the Assistance Services and Pantry Program, accepted the award on behalf of Cornerstones.
L. Burwell Gunn Citizenship Award – May 2017
FVC Bank honored Cornerstones with this award for its work in addressing the needs of those in the community struggling to remain stable.
The Commonwealth Institute Legacy Award – September 2016
Kerrie Wilson, Cornerstones’ CEO, was presented with The Commonwealth Institute Legacy Award, which honors the contributions of Virginia’s outstanding public servants.
Virginia Housing Coalition 2015 Top 40 Network – June 18, 2015
Nicole de Lima Morris, Cornerstones’ previous Senior Asset Manager who oversaw the management and financial feasibility of the agency’s affordable supportive housing portfolio, was among those inducted to the Virginia Housing Coalition 2015 Top 40 Network. The award winners were recognized as leaders in the affordable housing industry and were honored for their outstanding contributions to the field. The Top 40 Network, launched in 2012, inducts new members each year. The Network brings together early to mid-career professionals working in the affordable housing sector. The Network includes the next generation of affordable housing leaders in Virginia and provides the opportunity for peer learning and relationship building.
2015 winners were formally recognized at the Virginia Housing Coalition’s Annual Awards Luncheon on Thursday, June 18th at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
NCS Partner Recognition Award – May 2015
Terrance D. Stroman III, Cornerstones’ Program Coordinator and Advocate at West Glade Community Center, along with partners from the Dept. of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) and Dept. of Family Services, were presented with the NCS Partner Recognition Award for their work with the West Glade GirlTalk program. GirlTalk brought 18 women of various ages together to learn from and laugh with each other and come to a place of better understanding. This powerful group met over a six week period and had a lasting impact on all who attended. In the words of one participant, “I don’t want it to end!”
Two Team Excellence Awards presented by Fairfax County – November 7, 2014
The Hunter Woods Neighborhood Coalition, convened by Cornerstones, was presented with the Team Excellence Award for creating a holistic, community-minded, multi-pronged response to rising criminal activity in Hunter Woods Plaza, which reduced crime by 63 percent. Police increased outreach to affected residents; meetings were hosted for the community to learn the distinction between issues of homelessness and issues of criminal activity; residents were encouraged to share their stories and report problems; new landscaping and plaza furnishings were provided; services were rendered to help alleviate illness or homelessness; frontline teams were trained to deal with difficult mental health situations; responses to homeless people were coordinated and better solutions provided as a result. It was the combined efforts toward a common cause that crossed boundaries and delivered better services as a result in Fairfax County.
Fairfax County’s Hypothermia Prevention Program, a partnership between non-profit organizations, including Cornerstones, religious facilities, and county agencies, provide the area’s homeless population with access to emergency shelters during the cold winter months. The program’s facilitation team was presented with the Team Excellence Award for ensuring that the emergency facilities met all safety requirements for overnight occupancy, without denying shelter space for any homeless resident, as well as establishing a process for private facilities to be approved for overnight occupancy in a more expedited manner.
Non-Profit Service Provider Project of the Year Award presented by HomeAid – November 1, 2014
The Non-Profit Service Provider Project of the Year Award is given to the shelter organization that has seen the greatest positive impact helping the homeless because of their partnership with HomeAid. The Cornerstones Housing Corporation was presented with the award for its H.O.U.S.E. Program (Housing OpportUnities Strengthen Everyone) which provides rapid re‐housing and a comprehensive array of supportive services to families that are homeless and families that are significantly at‐risk of becoming homeless.
PACE Award presented by Property Management Association – October 14, 2014
The PACE Award recognizes extraordinary apartment communities that are passionate about providing exceptional customer service and making their residents’ lives easier. Cornerstones and Quantum Property Management were presented with the Judge’s Choice PACE Award for the programs and services offered at Cedar Ridge Apartments.
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