https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories57308a9a-3c9a-43e6-8502-2a52e44e4dd8https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2022/03/01/From-Foster-to-Forever-FamilyWe all speak a common language. Sometimes, we just have to find it. That was the case with Kathleen Herrick, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids adoption recruiter, and an 11-year-old boy she worked with. Who knew the language would be football and that the connection would help the child settle into his forever home?2022-03-01T11:29:00-06:00d46d98c6-6b17-4b67-a4cf-04d9d6888cb6https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2022/02/18/Jacobs-StoryJacob Day knows what it is like to be unsettled. Growing up, his family moved from town to town, and when Jacob was 15, he went into foster care. He was placed in two more foster homes before entering our Pathways Transitional Living Program, and later the Build Trybe program.2022-02-18T12:44:00-06:007c59edc0-1638-4c81-887b-30d12e6914b8https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2021/05/14/The-McElroy%E2%80%99s-Foster-Care-JourneyRaelynn and Justin McElroy began their foster care journey almost as soon as they were married. Raelynn’s aunt and uncle were foster parents at the time, caring for a four-year-old boy, Jackson. When it became apparent that reunification with Jackson’s birth family was not going to be an option, they found themselves having to decide whether or not they should adopt him, given their age. 2021-05-14T11:26:00-05:00023cfffe-c8a1-4605-a8ff-890852254d8chttps://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2021/04/15/Theresas-StoryOur family preservation services help Kansas families who are in crisis and are at imminent risk of being separated. Often feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to turn, our family preservation team provides individualized services directly in the family's home.2021-04-15T11:48:00-05:00cdf55005-92f2-4a7e-be8b-ed0cf3e19610https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2020/12/17/Edwina%E2%80%99s-StoryEdwina Marowell has always possessed a huge heart. Though she became one of our foster parents in 2018, she recalls feeling the desire to care for children well before that. Over the years, she has stepped up in big ways to help children whenever and however she could. 2020-12-17T11:03:00-06:00462eca43-576c-4b17-b72a-8b6d9261fba0https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2020/11/24/Livingston-Family-StoryAfter raising their own children and later housing eleven foreign exchange students over the years, the Livingstons both agreed it was time to take a break from caretaking. Helen was entering retirement and they planned to travel and simply enjoy these years. Yet, something was missing and they began to miss children in their home. Exploring options, it became clear to them that respite care might be the perfect answer. 2020-11-24T16:27:00-06:00d980d095-50b9-4e3a-b722-85a5696ce052https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2020/09/16/Ryan-and-Amys-StoryAfter 15 years as foster parents, Ryan Bales and Amy Setzer-Bales have experienced their share of joys and trials. Through all of it, they have remained committed to showing unconditional love to the children in their care and to each other.2020-09-16T13:04:00-05:0099432892-1f5d-44f4-93e3-7f941ecfbadfhttps://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2020/07/23/Moore-Family-StoryWhen our IIS Specialist, Amanda, began working with the Moore family, they had a long path ahead of them towards creating a safe environment for their family. But with a bit of hard work and a shift in mindset, the Moore family was able to keep their family together and build healthier habits. 2020-07-23T13:07:00-05:0097d4281b-1f4b-4f4e-9d3c-abc3844befcdhttps://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2020/07/13/Melissa-and-Davids-StoryDavid and Melissa Haehl have long had a heart for children in foster care. Melissa is the vice president and a founding member of KC Kansas Angels, a non-profit that supports children in foster care and their caretakers. Ready to begin fostering themselves, they received a call that changed their lives forever when they agreed to provide short-term foster care for a teen boy.2020-07-13T10:28:00-05:006763bf9e-cb2c-4e6e-92ec-0a6cbcb37395https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2020/06/08/Allisons-StoryAllison* joined our Pathways Transitional Living Program (TLP) on January 30, 2019. During her time in the program she accomplished many great things, including learning how to create and maintain financial independence for herself. Learn how Allison used her determination and resiliency to create positive experiences for herself. 2020-06-08T11:57:00-05:005fb01892-d373-4a6f-a816-c7f4fcca95f2https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2020/05/25/Anderson-Family-StoryAnnie and Eric Anderson began their foster parent journey thirteen years ago and since then they have made a huge impact on the lives of many children. Their story is one of love, heartbreak, growth and strength and shows how even the smallest of actions can make a huge difference in someones life.2020-05-25T16:04:00-05:0058fa0535-2d3b-4345-9caa-63668c5d884dhttps://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2020/05/07/Davis-and-Darlene%E2%80%99s-StoryAfter an argument spiraled out of control, Davis and Darlene were referred to our Intensive In-Home Services. With some help from Vicki, our ISS Specialist, Davis and Darlene began to work towards building healthier habits for themselves and their family. 2020-05-07T10:22:00-05:008a89e6d2-be52-40f4-afb0-dee25bf0d4f0https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2020/03/31/Staff-Stories-During-COVID-19Our team closely follows local, state, regional and federal safety recommendations to be able to continue providing critical services to children and families in this time of uncertainty. Now, more than ever, many in our community are facing food, child care, employment and transportation insecurities. Here are some of their stories — in their words — from the field.2020-03-31T07:51:00-05:007e007472-32cf-4645-8c71-ae56d1b1186bhttps://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2020/01/23/McKim-Family-StoryBecoming foster parents to a set of three-year-old twin boys, the McKims also rallied around June, the boys' biological mother. Though the original goal was reunification, June decided that asking the McKims to adopt the boys was the best choice. June and her family are still very much a part of the boys' lives and will continue to be even after the adoption is finalized.2020-01-23T21:21:00-06:006f29c550-93b9-49cd-98a5-6c84ed6efe15https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2020/01/03/Zaks-StoryWhile in residential care, Zak joined our Build Trybe program where he learned about horticulture and carpentry. After residential care, he went into our Pathways transitional living program and continued working with Build Trybe, honing his skills and expanding to learn about metal and woodworking. Zak now has a job with Allied Concrete with a good starting wage, company car and will soon be a union member, which means a sizable raise. 2020-01-03T14:08:00-06:00fb891ea5-0aa0-4527-8a63-0eb83de91931https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2019/12/23/Isaiahs-StoryIsaiah spent much of his youth in foster care, where he struggled academically. When he was adopted, he discovered stability and academic support at home, and began enjoying his education. In high school, he joined our YES program, which helps youth in foster care navigate post-secondary education and is now pursuing his college degree.2019-12-23T12:51:00-06:00bd3f7535-d653-456d-a538-6bccb16b1723https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2019/12/16/Gabrielas-StoryGabriela grew up in a very unstable home. During her teenage years, she was introduced to opioids, which led to harder drugs. When she discovered she was pregnant, she went into rehab. After her son was born, Gabriela worked with our intensive in-home services to learn parenting skills and put together a relapse prevention plan, which Gabriela says was a godsend.2019-12-16T11:05:00-06:0015350fe3-09e3-4518-8ed9-b225678e7e11https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2019/11/25/Rogers-StoryRoger Harris became a foster parent 11 years ago, earning him the name Big Poppa from the youth in his care. Now one of our Homes That Heal providers, he teaches youth that the best way to show their appreciation is to help others.2019-11-25T19:36:00-06:0028a8487d-a78b-4ced-b6e6-7aac41c12704https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2019/11/20/Essences-StorySingle but overwhelmed at the thought of dating again, Essence was in a bit of a rut and decided to give our ShowMe Healthy Relationships program a try. During the 5-week class, she learned a lot about herself, boundaries and what she was seeking. She also formed strong bonds with several classmates who have now become friends and travel mates. 2019-11-20T16:25:00-06:000cac0532-c1e8-4269-9934-0a2a13c179cfhttps://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2019/11/07/Colby--Charles-StoryCharles has been mentoring Colby through our Youth Educational Success program for 6 years, building a rapport, becoming a trusted adult and valued friend, but also giving the young man who aged out of the foster care system a surrogate family. As Colby pursues an engineering degree, Charles is by his side to answer questions, give advice and be a positive role model.2019-11-07T16:45:00-06:00dec3c6df-3a19-4127-a394-1d59b702c881https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2019/10/03/Weaver-Family-StoryWhile running a daycare, Vivia Weaver looked after a girl who had experienced severe trauma and was living in kinship care. Seeing the need up close, she and her husband Brian became licensed foster parents. In the 20+ years since, the Weavers have cared for 87 youth, adopted six children and had three biological children. James*, a young man who has lived with them for six years, openly shares his story.2019-10-03T21:17:00-05:00a0dfb60b-7677-4ab9-b3f1-b878d4888844https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2019/09/24/Nathans-StoryCircumstances in Nathan's young life necessitated that he be placed in foster care, where he struggled to regulate his emotions. He often ran away from home and engaged in dangerous behaviors. Until he was placed in a treatment foster care Homes that Heal program where he received 24/7 support in his day-to-day life at home, at school and in the community. 2019-09-24T14:43:00-05:0003e8e395-1d43-4f30-96a1-cfd3152657a9https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2019/05/24/Breeze-Family-StoryOne day Rafael stopped breathing. During their unsuccessful attempt to resuscitate him, his biological parents unwittingly caused head trauma. Now in a foster home with the Breezes, Rafael's elevated medical needs are being met while his large family is eagerly taking all the necessary trainings for him to come back home. Committed to help them complete this task, the Breezes have been creative problem-solvers.2019-05-24T14:21:00-05:004ccc2a7a-cc62-4a9d-9491-26a5f2498ce8https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2019/03/26/Bridgets-StoryPlaced in foster care herself as a teen, Bridget was unable to connect with her foster mother. That's when she decided she wanted to become a foster parent - so she could make sure the youth in her care never felt that way. Bridget has been a foster parent for 22 years now, connecting with youth and even adopting. She says it's in her blood.2019-03-26T10:39:00-05:000984da5e-f8a7-45f5-91d5-03111dddf41dhttps://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2019/02/11/Doreens-StoryDespite being placed in foster care at age 9 and moving between family members and foster placements, Doreen developed an incredible work ethic. Graduating high school at 16, she enrolled in college and our Youth Education Success program to achieve her dreams of a higher education. This spring she will graduate with her undergrad degree and hopes to enroll in law school.2019-02-11T15:39:00-06:00c2304c73-3233-495b-bbe3-85eea6d0f539https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2018/12/10/Isaacs-StoryIssac was at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex before coming to stay in our Pathways transitional living program. With our help, he was able to overcome his anxiety and lack of confidence to become self-sufficient and even start teaching cooking lessons.2018-12-10T11:34:00-06:00a58f028d-7daf-4c24-933f-3100352c7c5chttps://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2018/11/12/Elijahs-StoryElijah's is a story of fortitude and resiliency. Read and listen as he shares his story of abuse and neglect in his own words, and how he found the strength to persevere and heal.2018-11-12T14:19:00-06:004e849911-25fe-4121-8804-f183bd658d67https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2018/10/30/JEs-StoryJE spent his childhood in foster care after experiencing significant trauma. When he became a young adult, he was referred to our Pathways transitional living program where he got his GED and learned life skills while obtaining his CNA certification.2018-10-30T15:23:00-05:00ee6986d0-d46b-43a0-90ff-609c7e0fc8fbhttps://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2018/09/15/Abbott-Family-StoryStephen and Jen typically thrive despite cognitive developmental delays, but felt in over their heads after having their first child, Chloe. Lacking a support network to learn the best way to care for their baby, Chloe was removed from the home. Determined to be reunited with their child, Stephen and Jen worked with our Solution-Based Casework team to develop the tools needed to bring her home. 2018-09-15T13:21:00-05:0025547379-3d13-4d0f-bccc-9f84b9389bfchttps://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2018/08/15/Calebs-StoryWhen Caleb came to our therapeutic day treatment school, he had difficulty regulating his emotions, which lead to some issues with his reading skills. But working at his own pace in an environment where he could thrive, his reading comprehension improved as well as his ability to self-regulate.2018-08-15T13:04:00-05:004cab9ee4-6f14-48ee-a17e-3c828b4f8f61https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2018/07/15/Kirkland-Family-StoryThe Kirklands have been fostering for 17 years, helping numerous youth find their footing and start their adult lives on the right track. Initially, they were traditional foster parents, but after seeing the support their neighbors received through our therapeutic foster care (TFC) program, they decided to give it a try.2018-07-15T12:12:00-05:00b894cac3-ea54-40ad-8509-81096533e198https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2018/06/15/Justins-StoryJustin was a disrespectful teen getting into trouble with the law. Instead of sending him to juvenile detention, authorities referred him to our Functional Family Therapy program. Now, Justin communicates his feelings through words and thinks before acting.2018-06-15T12:38:00-05:00490ab7b6-ce97-43cf-b708-ea969b7c1378https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2018/05/15/Masons-StoryAnne Braun, a teacher at Woodland Elementary Schools, shares how our BIST program has helped her connect with students to help them reach their potential.2018-05-15T12:44:00-05:009f004a9b-8d15-4720-a91a-c5f9012930bbhttps://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2018/04/15/Willoughby-Family-StoryThe Willoughbys have been foster parents for 20 years, but they've never felt as supported or as part of a community as they have through our therapeutic foster care program. Read their story.2018-04-15T12:11:00-05:00eb946ce1-3cdf-44f5-ad46-a11ff6baf9b7https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2018/03/15/Jesus-StoryJesus found himself in state custody as a juvenile defender when he was 18-years old. He was lost and didn't know where to go and who to trust to help him connect with the resources he needed to get his life back on track. That's when he was referred to our Pathways Transitional Living program. 2018-03-15T13:22:00-05:002af8ee31-3024-4db1-a739-b3a7b1861db3https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2018/02/15/Vanessas-StoryRead Vanessa's journey from a single teenage mom with a high probability of becoming another unfortunate statistic to figuring out what her priorities are and how to achieve them through our home visitation program.2018-02-15T12:40:00-06:00b3401c86-11fe-43b8-9543-94a5b95fc17dhttps://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2018/01/15/Alis-StoryAli has been attending out day treatment school since she was nine. At first, school was difficult due to the trauma she experienced in her life. But with our help, she began to heal, trusting others and believing in herself again. Now she is a senior looking forward to graduating and taking on the world. 2018-01-15T13:04:00-06:00977b8e3d-f6de-4e7d-a8c7-455f3fb2e41ahttps://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2017/12/15/Wade-Family-StoryCynthia and Robert Wade have been foster parents for years, but even they continue to learn new things from the youth in their home. Recently, their foster son Ricky reminded them that they are helping these young men and women prepare for adulthood later.2017-12-15T12:12:00-06:0038fe42ea-e768-4a33-813f-2555ab198cd7https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2017/11/15/Matthews-StoryMatthew, a 10-year-old boy had witnessed and experienced physical abuse at a young age. Play therapy, a form of outpatient counseling for children, helped him learn new social & emotional learning skills to grow beyond the abuse. 2017-11-15T13:39:00-06:003596a45c-ce45-4c0a-94a1-4c4087fef7efhttps://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2017/10/15/Mrs-Ernsts-StoryA kindergarten teacher for 12 years, Mrs. Ernst practices the Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST) model of education with the help of Cornerstones of Care. Designed to decrease disruptive behavior and increase learning time, BIST facilitates a positive change youth as they become reflective problem solvers.2017-10-15T12:43:00-05:00b92ab8ca-4052-4a94-8adb-22d23b970a78https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2017/09/15/Voigt-Family-StoryBrandon and Britney Voigt have been foster parents in Clay county for seven years and are also certified trainers to license other individuals and families to become foster parents. Learn more about their journey.2017-09-15T12:12:00-05:0026796e88-ddc8-4664-a65a-2f57970e2fc3https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2017/08/15/Mr-Browns-StoryFor seven years, Mr. Brown has nurtured his gardens and countless relationships with many youth at our Gillis Campus while helping develop our Build Trybe program.2017-08-15T13:33:00-05:0073665261-b968-43c1-abc5-ce0262c3c516https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2017/07/15/Daylynnes-StoryDaylynne wanted to do all she could to be a good mother, so she voluntarily joined our home visitation program. In it, she learned about child development, answers to common parenting questions and was connected to helpful resources. When her third child was on the way seven years later, Daylynne returned to the program for additional support.2017-07-15T11:59:00-05:00f84a3b86-7a75-4723-92d2-2c672712bdc7https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2017/06/15/Durans-StoryWhen Duran first came to our therapeutic day treatment school, he had trouble sitting down and his Independent Education Plan from his previous school stated he was "unteachable." By utilizing trauma-informed positive behavior support tools, Duran is now able to stay calmly in the classroom, learning and improving his reading skills each week.2017-06-15T13:03:00-05:0036ef10ea-982f-4808-a8a6-18bdc00c8cf8https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2017/05/15/Jones-Family-StoryThe Jones family stepped into the role of being foster parents in small town Missouri. Now, they play a crucial role in keeping families safely together. 2017-05-15T11:52:00-05:0015c1fdfa-7928-47be-9c38-1d0b39ce5b8fhttps://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2017/04/15/Diegos-StoryRead Diego's journey from an angry teenager at risk of being removed from his home to a teen who could communicate his feelings through words through our Functional Family Therapy program.2017-04-15T11:59:00-05:00d9f6f5af-6f49-4edc-85b8-9a42f7d392e5https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2017/03/15/Mrs-Kahls--Reginas-StoryUtilizing BIST, a teaching philosophy that provides educators with skills to empower students to make choices and manager their own behavior, teachers are able to help children like Regina process their trauma.2017-03-15T12:43:00-05:005276f82b-1aa5-41ba-bc73-4ee4763823d8https://www.cornerstonesofcare.org/our-impact/Your-Stories/2017/02/15/Creed-Family-StoryWhen Missy and Griff Creed become licensed foster parents, they wanted to be a home that keeps sibling groups together. In November of 2011, they received an emergency placement call for three little girls. When they met the girls, their lives were forever changed.2017-02-15T09:49:00-06:00