By Robert Williams

Editor

CornerStone’s new space that will house the future Family Resource Center is still under construction, but was open to the public Thursday, Nov. 4, for a two-hour open house to showcase future usage of the new upper level. 

 ¶  While there is not a confirmed service schedule, staff discussed the details of the rooms and a broad spectrum of uses for future clients in the space. 

 ¶  Over the next half-decade, the center’s direction is to help youth, adults, and families build skills, strengthen connections, and access support in a welcoming community setting.  ¶  The message of the tour was the new space brings health, education and work resources closer to home.  ¶  Health and wellbeing plans include, but are not limited to, providing space for a free dental clinic to set up a few times a year to provide services. Other health services could include preschool screenings, elder care wellness, youth and adult mental health education, private telehealth access and recovery programming. There is also a food shelf area and plans for resources to help direct people to other sources of food, housing, transportation, and other immediate needs.

A carpeted family room will welcome caregivers and children for play, early learning activities, and family groups. The planned toy lending library will let families borrow toys to support learning at home. 

Future classes and activities will be shaped by community input, for example: parenting and child development education, cultural learning, arts, and opportunities to build social and emotional skills.

The center will also support work and skill building by providing computers and free internet for job searches, resumes, online applications, and workforce training. Plans also are to offer makerspace instruction, workforce workshops, and employment partnerships and connect individuals with opportunities to complete probation-related community service hours, build work skills, and support their return to the workforce.

Other areas include a handicapped-accessible private bathroom and shower to provide access to hygiene support for individuals and families who need a place to shower.

There will be two soundproof offices for an assortment of private meetings like partner appointments, family resource navigation, telehealth, employment counseling, and help with benefits or applications.

Outside agencies can also use the space to meet with clients and offer services locally.