[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 195 (Friday, November 5, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CORNERSTONES

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 5, 2021

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 50th Anniversary 
of Cornerstones.
  Established in 1970 to address the need for affordable housing, 
Cornerstones has grown to become a significant human services provider 
and advocate for those struggling to make ends meet in Northern 
Virginia. Over the years, Cornerstones' scope of programs and number of 
clients has continued to grow. Cornerstones has expanded to cover most 
of northwestern Fairfax County and has been able to help more than 
16,000 neighbors each year who need housing, childcare, food, or 
financial assistance.
  Cornerstones promotes self-sufficiency by providing support and 
advocacy for those in need of food, shelter, affordable housing, 
quality childcare, and other human services. The wrap-around services- 
provided by Cornerstones not only addresses the immediate needs of 
their clients, but also help provide the support needed for individuals 
and families to break the cycle of poverty or homelessness and begin 
their journey to independence and self-sufficiency. Cornerstones 
continues to envision a community that values all people and shares 
resources and services to empower those in need.
  Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Cornerstones has continued to 
provide vital services and programs to the most vulnerable in our 
community that have been hit hard by COVID-19. With adjustments to in-
person services to engage people safely, and a new focus on virtual 
programs, Cornerstones has been able to continue making a positive 
impact.
  There were drastic increases in the number of individuals and 
families seeking assistance from the Cornerstones' Food Pantry, as well 
as their other services such as their youth programs, community and 
neighborhood resources, and housing counseling programs. Cornerstones 
was able to rise to the challenge and meet the demand with their 
dedicated staff and volunteers.
  Cornerstones emphasizes the importance of stability, empowerment, and 
hope through their work in Fairfax County. Their commitment and 
resilience throughout the past 50 years, and especially throughout the 
pandemic, serves as a beacon of inspiration for our county as we 
continue to work to address the systemic inequities and barriers that 
exist for so many.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Cornerstones for their 50th anniversary, and I sincerely thank their 
employees and volunteers who give their time and energy on behalf of 
our community. Their efforts provide immeasurable benefits to their 
fellow neighbors and serve as a reminder of why Fairfax County remains 
such a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

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