By Mackenzie Hamm

Executive Director

CornerStone Community, Youth and Family Resource Center has just completed another milestone year of growth, impact, and community connection. Since its opening, CornerStone has provided a safe and welcoming space for youth and families—serving more than 300 youth through free programming and welcoming over 600 community members at special events this past year.

A place for youth 

to learn and lead

CornerStone is more than just a youth center—it’s a place where young people discover their passions, gain confidence, and build life skills. Over the past year, youth participated in 27 Native American cultural activities, 38 creative arts classes, 10 youth wellness programs, and daily opportunities for creativity, peer support, mentorship, physical activity and entrepreneurship.

One 12-year-old shared, “Whenever I go there, I always feel happy and safe. If I’ve had a tough day, the staff listen and help me feel better. CornerStone has helped me get to know more people and help at community events.” 

Another youth reflected that being part of CornerStone gave them the courage to perform music for an audience of 200—a milestone in overcoming social anxiety.

Family Resource Center

In December 2024, CornerStone became an official Family Resource Center (FRC). This model builds on the “five protective factors” proven to strengthen family stability, reduce stress, and support child development. The FRC offers navigation support to families and individuals, connecting them with resources, peer support networks, social connection activities/events, and educational opportunities—all free or low-cost to participants.

Corner Collective: 

bistro, arts and more

July 2024 marked the opening of the Corner Collective Bistro, a youth-run coffee and crepe shop located inside CornerStone. This innovative project gives high school and college students the chance to learn real-world business and entrepreneurial skills, while supporting CornerStone’s financial sustainability. 

The Bistro staff—local high school students, college students, and community members—are proud to serve Frazee with fresh coffee, crepes and more.

Powered by volunteers

CornerStone’s success is made possible by the community. In 2024–2025 alone, 286 youth and 105 adults volunteered a combined 28,782 hours to keep programs running and events thriving. From the Haunted Forest where volunteers have to Turkey Days, volunteers are the heart of CornerStone’s mission.

Looking ahead

CornerStone relies on financial funds from donors, grants and community partners to continue offering free programs. Every dollar raised goes directly into keeping the doors open and expanding opportunities for local families.

“CornerStone is about more than programs—it’s about building connections and giving families and youth the tools they need to thrive. This work is possible because of the incredible support of our community.”

How to get involved

Community members can support CornerStone by volunteering, donating, or simply eating, drinking and shopping in the Bistro. Donations can be made online at cornerstonefrazee.org/give, by mail at PO Box 113 in Frazee, or in person at the center. The Cornerstone’s biggest annual fundraiser is Sept. 6 and organizers would love for the community attend and support their youth who will be performing there.

Together, the community can ensure that local youth and families have a safe, supportive place to learn, grow, and succeed—now and for generations to come.

A gift in action

• $50 provides healthy snacks for youth for one month

• $100 provides heat for our youth center

• $250 helps fund transportation for off site youth activities

• $500 supports an entire month of youth programming supplies and operations

• $1,000 helps pay down our mortgage, freeing funds for direct services

Ways to give

• Online: www.cornerstonefrazee.org/give.html#/

• By mail: P0 Box 113, Frazee, MN 56544

• In person: Stop by the Center

• Attend Arts and Giving Gala Sept. 6

Thank you to the initial 2025 Gala sponsors:

Gold level sponsors: All in All Sinclair, Anderson Bus and Coach, Half Past Five Computer and Network Solutions, Frazee United Methodist Church, Strehlow Insulation;  Silver level sponsors: OK Lumber, BTD, United Community Bank Frazee

Bronze level sponsors: Vergas State Bank, Bethlehem Church, Tyler Shipman Memorial Fund, Solberg Insurance Agency, Lakes Iron and Metal

Volunteer

• Have a heart for the youth and community?

• So many ways to leave an impact! Stop in to see the CornerStone.

Together, the community can ensure our youth have a safe place to grow, learn, and thrive—now and for generations to come.

Visit www.cornerstonefrazee.org for the full annual report.

Thank you for being a CornerStone of the community.