About Us
"If one person was seeking shelter, there must be others..."
Helen Syriac, Founder
History of Cornerstone
The Foundation was started in 1982 by Helen Syriac, a local resident and parishioner at Sacred Heart Church in Vernon. She was so moved by the death of a homeless man, Vern Cook, that she decided to create a place for caring and sharing. She went to her Pastor and asked him if they could use the church library as a shelter. "If one person was seeking shelter, there must be others," she reasoned. Her Pastor agreed, and the first shelter for the homeless in the Vernon area was opened at Sacred Heart Church.
During the first year, 143 people were sheltered, many of whom were single mothers with children. This original shelter still exists today. Helen felt a strong urge to open a "drop-in" center in Rockville, to provide a Christian environment for those who needed a listening ear. She called a few friends, shared the vision, and prayed. An initial site was identified, and after praying for the start-up money, within a few hours a person called and offered a jar of coins he had saved for several years. It was the exact amount needed! From that humble beginning, The Cornerstone Foundation has become the multi-faceted community resource it is today.
Our Mission
The Cornerstone Foundation is a faith-based ministry dedicated to keeping people safe, fed, housed, and clothed. For over 40 years, we’ve served the Vernon-Rockville community through a community kitchen, three shelters, a food pantry, a clothing bank, a youth and outreach center, and many other vital initiatives—powered almost entirely by volunteers.
What began as a small nightly homeless shelter in the former library of Sacred Heart Church has grown into five programs across five buildings, providing food, shelter, and support to thousands each year.
As the needs in our community continue to rise, our mission remains the same—but our vision is expanding. While we continue to care for those facing the most urgent challenges, we’re also working to prevent crises before they begin—helping individuals and families move from survival to stability.
Staff
Our staff works hand in hand with hundreds of volunteers, local partners, and faith communities to meet both immediate needs and long-term challenges. United by a shared belief that everyone deserves safety, dignity, and hope, Cornerstone’s leadership continues to build on four decades of trust, accountability, and impact in Eastern Connecticut.
