The Cornerstone Happenings
Hey there!
We’re thankful to have a good amount of new subscribers. We can’t thank everyone enough for following along with the journey of The Cornerstone Creative. For those of you who might be wondering who we are, here’s what we’re all about!
The Cornerstone Creative is a non-profit, youth mentorship program utilizing woodworking and craftsmanship in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
The Cornerstone Creative partners with Straight Ahead Ministries by providing a supportive work and learning environment for Straight2Work participants. We provide both job readiness and hands-on work experience to address the unique needs of high risk youth who want to get off the streets, break ties with gangs, stay out of jail, and begin to pursue a new future. We work with youth four days weekly, with one group of participants from the Lawrence area 2x week, and one group of youth from Gloucester 2x weekly. We focus on practical, hands-on work experience along with character and leadership development. Youth learn how to manage their time to report to work, how to interact with supervisors, co-workers and customers, and develop a strong work ethic before being placed into long-term employment in the community. The majority of the youth we serve through this program have experienced significant interruptions in their education due to a variety of challenging life experiences. We believe that in addition to securing productive, sustainable job/career opportunities, it is equally as important for our participants to complete their education. For those who cannot return to a traditional educational setting, each participant is provided access to an online Hi-SET (formerly GED) program and support at shop on a weekly basis as they move towards their educational goals.
Our mentorship programs offer a unique opportunity for the youth of Cape Ann to come and learn the craft of woodworking while also creating meaningful relationships with peers and mentors. Our after school mentorship programs are co-ed and offered to teens ages 13-seniors in high school. Sessions are 4-months long, with classes held once a week on Tuesdays 3:30-5:30pm. Scroll down to find out how to sign up for our Fall 2024 session!
Ever wanted to try your hand at woodworking? Love to woodwork but find it boring to do it alone? Join us for a community class as we dive into a project together. Kids are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Check out our upcoming classes below!
A workshop specially designed for girls to experience a safe, judgement free and super fun environment to explore woodworking. We learn basics of woodworking, tool safety and operation, project design and, as always, creativity is unleashed! Classes will resume early 2025- stay tuned for more.
After School Youth Mentorship Program
We had such an awesome time together this spring with our after school crew! For four months we learned the basics of woodworking, encouraged each participant’s individual style and creativity, took chances, pushed out of our comfort zones, developed new relationships and had a ton of fun.
Our Fall ‘24 program begins this month we still have a few spots still open. Click below to learn more and apply today! Questions? Email info@thecornerstonecreative.org.
The Cornerstone Creative x Straight2Work
Congratulations to our recent graduates! Two participants of our daytime job training and mentorship program through the straight2work program have achieved their high school diploma and their HiSET diploma!
We were fortunate to host a youth-at-risk residential program from Germany in the shop for a day!
Morning meetings-each morning we begin with breakfast and a daily group meeting to check-in on how everyone is doing, provide support and motivation, engage in a group lesson and go over the job list and goals for the day!
Recent visit from founders and staff of Straight Ahead Ministries for morning check-in meeting
Adam teaching a new participant how to use a miter saw
One of our weekly volunteers, Pete, a skilled woodturner, teaching the basics of the wood lathe
The Cornerstone Creative x Backyard Growers
We’re thrilled to be partnering with Backyard Growers and their Community Garden Program. Our daytime job training program will have the opportunity to build, install and repair raised garden beds in Gloucester Housing Authority neighborhoods. This partnership provides our crew the chance to put their newly-learned woodworking skills to use, connect with our local community, and invest into the neighborhoods where many of our participants reside.
Adult Community Classes are BACK!
Class is back in session! We will now be offering adult community classes seasonally. Be sure to check out what’s on offer. All proceeds benefit our after school youth mentorship program. No experience necessary!
9/26 DIY clock
12/5 DIY children’s toy
3/13 DIY cutting board
In the Press
We were honored to be featured on the cover of the Boston Globe in the spring!
K-Love Radio featured The Cornerstone Creative on their Closer Look program.
1623 Studios is currently working on a film project coming soon. Stay tuned on social media for release updates!
