About Us

 

Who We Are

Cornerstone Developing Agency is a Transitional Housing/Shelter provider committed to the advancements of marginalized populations. We employ a system of technology, teamwork, in-home stabilization services and programs that promote independent living for its residents. Since 2012, Cornerstone has provided housing for thousands through various avenues, including but not limited to county EA, GA/TANF, TRA, JJC, parolees and probationers. Our use of customized technological applications, resource partnerships, and community involvement allow us to provide a safe, progressive living environment to anyone in such need.

Our Mission

To disrupt the cycles of incarceration and poverty by helping people find their way to self-sufficiency.

Self-sufficiency is defined and measured by:

Housing

  • Rents own apartment
  • Pays monthly rent on time
  • Understands landlord/tenant laws
  • Is a cooperative neighbor
  • Maintains a clean & safe living environment

Financial

  • Has a bank account
  • Finds employment at a living wage
  • Is managing debt and understands credit
  • Has access to reliable transportation
  • Is paying personal bills and saving regularly

Health

  • Accesses healthcare
  • Develops healthy lifestyle habits
  • High standard of self-care and personal hygiene
  • Develops constructive response to stress
  • Maintains sobriety

Resiliency

  • Knows how to access other support services
  • Has the ability to recover from setbacks
  • Has the ability to set personal goals
  • Is self-motivated
  • Is reconnected with family, if desired
  • Is undertaking further education, if desired

Roommate Connection

While in a Cornerstone Facility, our clients are encouraged to make social connections and create relationships with their roommates. These interactions serve to provide encouragement, camaraderie, and motivation between individuals who are sharing in a similar life experience. Once these relationships have been established, the residents can be partnered and placed in a self-funded longer term housing solution. From there, we continue to work closely with each client to help find them a permanent place of their own.

Case Management

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  • Case Management: Each resident is given a case manager that will work closely with them to identify their strengths and risk areas by using the Life Needs Inventory (LNI) Assessment. The LNI gives personal insight into the client’s life experiences. During the assessment, questions are asked regarding every aspect of the client’s lives. For instance, their medical history, criminal history, educational background, relationships, and mental health history are discussed during the assessment.
  • Individualized Service Plan: After the LNI Assessment is completed, a service plan is developed to address the individual needs of the client. Each client will receive an individualized service plan, which will assist them with visualizing and setting goals to move forward in their journey to become independent. The case manager collaboratively works with the client to achieve the goals which were placed on the individualized service plan.
  • Case management is provided based on an individual’s need; each client will have access to management daily via phone calls. Case management would assist the individuals with remaining compliant with any service plan the Department of Corrections, Division of Social Services or Parole Officers previously had in place. The Volunteers of America Delaware Valley case managers will become a liaison for each client; case managers will advocate on behalf of each individual to ensure the client’s ability to navigate through the process of receiving assistance from their local community resources. In addition, case managers will assist the clients with navigating the application process within their local Board of Social Services, if necessary. Each case manager is well versed in various areas of assistance such as education, housing, family services, employment, etc.