CORNERSTONE CENTER FOR

EARLY LEARNING SEPTEMBER 2019

OUR MISSION: To provide quality, comprehensive, and affordable childcare and preschool education in a

nurturing, creative environment for St. Louis-area families of all economic backgrounds.

MESSAGE FROM JERRY EHRLICH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR People ask me all the time, “What do I enjoy the most about working at Cornerstone?” Well, I don’t know if I

enjoy doing this the most, but I do enjoy - REALLY enjoy – getting on the phone pager system and wishing

someone, whether it be a student, staff, or volunteer, a

very happy birthday. You see, birthdays are special,

and they need to be celebrated … big time!

As for Cornerstone Center, and as many of you already

know, 2019 marks our 50th birthday. Founded in 1969

as the Helping Hand Day Care because neighborhood

volunteers discovered that a significant number of

preschool-aged children were home alone during the

work week, we’ve been providing quality and

affordable childcare and pre-kindergarten education for

50 years … serving all races and economic

backgrounds for 50 years … making an impact for 50

years. And THAT is reason to celebrate … big time!

As a result, I hope you and your family will be able to join us for our 50th birthday big time celebration on

Saturday afternoon, September 28th (please see the enclosed). In fact, the celebration would not be complete

without so many of you who are receiving this newsletter. Indeed, without your support, there would be no 50

years … there would be no Cornerstone.

RSVP now to join us at cornerstonecenterstl.org/birthdaybash. Hope to see you on September 28th. It would

be my honor to celebrate with you … to thank you.

CORNERSTONE EXPANDS!!! Thanks to a generous donation, Cornerstone Center has acquired the two-story

building at 3868 Russell Blvd at the southeast corner of 39th and Russell. After

renovation (to be completed approximately January 1, 2020), the first floor will

provide staff, especially teachers, with a large meeting and work room, training

space, and a small kitchenette. The second floor will provide administrative

offices for several staff who currently occupy space at Cornerstone’s existing

buildings at 3901 Russell and 3910 Castleman (Jack’s House). Their move will

then free space for Cornerstone to make more changes to improve agency

efficiency, organization, and ambiance.

CONGRATULATIONS CORNERSTONE GRADUATES Amidst family and friends on Saturday, May 18, Cornerstone Center held a fun and meaningful

commencement ceremony, honoring 27 Cornerstone children who will be entering kindergarten in the fall, 12

of whom attended Cornerstone Center since they were infants. Congratulations to:

Indeed, we wish all of our graduates the best, and thank them for their smiles, enthusiasm, creativity, and hugs.

We thank their parents, guardians, and families for all their support and all their trust.

Yandel Bautista-Jimenez

Noah Bishop

James Brooks

Lillian Buckley

Natalie Cowin

Rosemary Cowin

Bryant Davis

Etornam Dzunu

Aubriana Franklin

Noah Gibson

Lafayette Gills

Jermory Gregory

Makhi Hood

Josiah Kelly

Raliyn Kollore

Marshall Lewis

Nolan Monroe

Zahara Luckett

Asher Madden

Kestulis Murphy

Romelle Noel

Mason Starling-Moore

Daxton Ulery

Amoni Washington

Tristynn Wellmaker

Victor Zamora

Zaidan Mayhew Zilka

STAFF MILESTONES According to Jerry Ehrlich, Executive Director, “As I always like to say, we aim to keep good people doing

good things for as long as possible.” On that note, congratulations and thanks to the following Cornerstone

staff who, in 2019, celebrated/will celebrate anniversaries of 10 or more years:

Debra Clark, Teacher

Jeanette Johnson, Teacher

Tracey Dorenbusch, Office Manager

Marian Crane, Teacher

Alice Washington, Head Cook

Jami Melton, Development Specialist

Vanessa Anthony, Teacher

Liz Mueller, Teacher

Doris Leachman, Teacher

Markie Hempen, Office & Operations Assistant

Christina Buckley, Teacher

Toni Jackson, Teacher/now Center Director

Talisha Franklin, Teacher

39 years

30 years

25 years

24 years

23 years

21 years

20 years

19 years

17 years

17 years

14 years

12 years

11 years

CORNERSTONE ENROLLMENT & DEMOGRAPHICS (JANUARY 1 – JULY 31, 2019): 167 total children served (approx. 150 children served daily); ages 6 weeks to kindergarten entry

42% from working families with annual income of under $20,000; 62% under $30,000; 32% over $50,000

41% of families paid no tuition per state income guidelines; 17% paid $1-$25/week.

51% African American; 31% Caucasian; 13% Multi-racial; 4% Hispanic; 1% Other

49% in single-parent households

83% from St. Louis city; 15% St. Louis County; 1% St. Charles; 1% Illinois

16% received developmental therapies on-site and at no additional cost to the families

9% in foster care placement

Eight staff are celebrating anniversaries of five years or more.

There are day cares. There are preschools.

And then, there’s Cornerstone!

CORNERSTONE FEATURED (AGAIN!) IN UNITED WAY CAMPAIGN VIDEO Last fall, the United Way of Greater St. Louis raised over $76,000,000 to provide

(in 2019) needed assistance to the greater St. Louis area and its 160+ member

agencies, Cornerstone Center included. A crucial part of achieving this total was

the official United Way Campaign Video - shown to tens of thousands of

individuals - featuring three success stories - individuals who credit their

respective United Way agency and the United Way of Greater St. Louis for

helping them overcome what often appear as insurmountable obstacles. In 2012, a

Cornerstone parent and Cornerstone were featured in the United Way video.

The 2019 campaign (for 2020) is under way, and its recently released campaign

video again features three success stories … three very appreciative and very

courageous individuals. One is Maya Rodriguez, a Cornerstone parent whose

daughter, Mila, is a preschooler in the Tigers Room. As Maya reveals in the interview, she experienced some

tough times … very tough times … health and otherwise. Through it all, Cornerstone was happy and honored

to assist … to be there for Maya and her family. The result: Maya is back on her feet! In fact, Maya even was

able to finish her Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice at Lindenwood University (with her mother who

received her Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management).

Congratulations, Maya, on your determination and perseverance, and thank you for all your kind words about

Cornerstone. Again, it was and continues to be our honor.

WISH CORNERSTONE CENTER A HAPPY 50TH …WE’D BE HONORED Indeed, Cornerstone could not be Cornerstone were it not for your support. As a result, please see the enclosed

remittance envelope, and please consider a donation to Cornerstone in honor of our 50th birthday. On behalf of

50 years of children and families who have benefited so significantly as a result of Cornerstone Center for

Early Learning … thank you!

FRIENDS CONTINUE TO RAISE AWARENESS & FUNDS Continued thanks to the Friends of Cornerstone, a group of young adults, primarily

in their 20’s and 30’s, who meet regularly and host Cornerstone awareness and

fundraising events and service projects. Trivia Night, Cornerstone’s 50th Birthday

Party, happy hours, landscaping and beautification projects, and more - all as a result

of the efforts, leadership, and commitment of Friends of Cornerstone. Says Claryssa

Haugrud, Co-Chair, “Cornerstone Center does such great things for children and

their families. It’s our honor to help in any way we can. Besides, we have a lot of

fun!”

For additional information on how you can become a Friend of Cornerstone,

contact Anne May, Director of Development at amay@cornerstonecenterstl.org

or 314-865-5244 ext. 314.

CORNERSTONE GRAD GIVES BACK In early April, Cornerstone’s Director of Development, Anne May, received the following email:

Hi, Anne. My name is Jordan Banks and I attended

Cornerstone back in the late 90s. I am graduating from college

and want people to donate to a cause instead of sending me

gifts. I chose Cornerstone because I believe in its mission and

have experienced it first-hand (attending myself, volunteering,

living in the neighborhood for 20+ years). I just wanted to

make sure this is okay and that I can have people make checks

out to Cornerstone Center and send them to the address like

listed on the website. I plan to send my letters early this week

so I'd greatly appreciate your confirmation.

Jordan Banks

Needless to say, we were extremely humbled and extremely happy to take Jordan up on her very kind offer.

The total donation as a result of Jordan’s efforts: $1,500 !! Thank you, Jordan, for your efforts and your kind

words. And congratulations – not merely on your graduation, but on becoming the type of person that we

hope for in all Cornerstone graduates.

MAGIC HOUSE SET FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

You are cordially invited to attend a free family night at The Magic House - St. Louis Children’s Museum on

Sunday, September 15 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. All current and past Cornerstone children, families, and

friends are invited. This eighth annual free evening is made possible though the generosity of The Magic

House and its Access for All initiative.

For additional information and to sign up, contact Jerry Ehrlich, Executive Director, at

jehrlich@cornerstonecenterstl.org or 314-865-5244 ext. 311.

CORNERSTONE CONTINUES TO DISPLAY FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY Per the 2018 and 2017 audits conducted by the accounting firm of Schmersahl Treloar and Co.:

Total Support and Revenue:

2018: $2,440,233 (37% government; 29% tuition; 12% United Way; 22% other)

2017: $2,241,414 (42% government; 30% tuition; 13% United Way; 15% other)

Total Expenses:

2018: $2,305,117 (79% programming; 21% management/fundraising)

2017: $2,172,007 (81% programming; 19% management/fundraising)

Net surplus:

2018: $134,716

2017: $ 69,407

Operating Reserves: (Note: 8% in 2010; United Way recommendation is 25-75%)

2018: 40%

2017: 39%

ADOPT A CORNERSTONE FAMILY FOR THE HOLIDAYS It’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays, and according to Toni Jackson, Center Director,

“There’s no greater joy than surprising one of our parents with a roomful of wrapped packages and saying,

Happy Holidays…to you and your family…from a caring friend.” Want to adopt a Cornerstone family for the

holidays? Please contact Toni at tjackson@cornerstonecenterstl.org or 314-865-5244 ext. 204.

Ambassador Sponsors:

Carrollton Bank; Centene Charitable Foundation;

Joseph Epplin and Margaret Zapf; PGAV Destinations

Companion Sponsors:

Anonymous; The Daniel & Henry Co.; Property

Assessment Review/ David and Lucie Dempsey

Classroom Friend Sponsors:

Patty and Steve Ackerman; Ameren Missouri; Busey

Bank; DPB Holdings; Mike and Maggie Gallagher;

Sandberg Phoenix & von Gontard P.C.; Darcy

Hardwick Smith; SmithAmundsen LLC

Other Sponsors:

ARCTURIS; Azar Printing; Behr, McCarter & Potter

P.C.; Commercial Bank; Continuum Technology

Group; Express Scripts, Inc.; Guarantee Construction;

Joey B’s Food & Drink; John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub

& Garden; Kam and Shawn Johnson; Carmin and

Adolph Pruitt; Darcy Hardwick Smith; Urban

Chestnut Brewing Company

CELEBRATION HITS LANDMARKS; RAISES CRUICAL FUNDS Celebrating Cornerstone’s 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the fundraising event (known as

Round-Up for its first 16 years), Celebration for Children was held April 27th at Windows on Washington,

attracted 300+ guests, and raised in excess of $180,000 for Cornerstone Center programs, services, and

scholarships. The evening featured silent and live auctions, dinner, raffles, fund-a-need, a moving and

inspirational address by Dan Diedriech, son of Cornerstone’s founder and first director, Wanda Diedriech, and

a proclamation naming April 27, 2019 as “Cornerstone Center for Early Learning Day in the city of St.

Louis.” For the third consecutive year, Rene Knott, KSDK Anchor and Reporter, served as Honorary Chair &

Auctioneer, and was fantastic! Many thanks to all attendees, donors, contributors, volunteers, and an amazing

planning committee headed by Chair, Robin Baima (Carrollton Bank).

Special thanks to the following major sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor Behlmann Automotive in Troy, MO. –

Behlmann Buick GMC Cadillac & Behlmann Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Benefactor Sponsors Anonymous

John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub & Garden –

in honor of Maggie Gallagher, McGurk’s Extraordinary Landscape Architect

SAVE THE DATE for the 2020 Celebration for Children - Saturday, April 18th, 2020. The event will move

to a new venue: The Marriot St. Louis Grand Hotel in downtown St. Louis.

Special thanks to Maggie Gallagher, or as the kids chant every time she comes to

Cornerstone, “MAGGIE! MAGGIE! MAGGIE!” Maggie resigned from the Board

of Directors in May 2019 after seven years of devoted service. Says Jerry Ehrlich,

Executive Director, “Maggie was one of my first recruits to the Board after coming

to Cornerstone. It’s not merely a coincidence that so much of our growth and

success occurred during her tenure.” As for Maggie, she says, “Don’t worry – I’ll

still be around to serve sno-cones, garden, and be with the children.”

Thanks for everything, Maggie!

CORNERSTONE CENTER’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS (AS OF AUGUST 1, 2019) A special thanks to these passionate and committed individuals who provide strategic, financial, and

operational oversight of Cornerstone Center for Early Learning:

Darcy Hardwick Smith, President,

(The Boeing Company)

Brian Wacker, Vice President,

(SmithAmundsen LLC)

Andy Bredemeyer, Treasurer, (PierianDx)

Lance Bryant, Jr., Secretary, (Local #1 IBEW)

Robin Baima (Carrollton Bank)

Kelly Clark (TKC Holdings)

Sririam Devanathan (Medical Guidance Systems)

Alan Dierker (Swink, Smith, Coplen & Company)

Eric Gilley (The Boeing Company)

Kam Johnson (Wells Fargo Advisors

Digital and Automated Investing)

Prudence Kramer (Community Representative)

Dr. Jennifer Ladage (SSM Health Cardinal Glennon

Children’s Hospital)

Marsha McGuire (St. Louis University Hospital)

Carmin Pruitt (Centene Corporation)

Mel Smith (Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church)

John Torbitzky (Behr, McCarter & Potter, P.C.)

Board Members Emeritus:

Leslie Goldberg (Community Representative) and Susan Goldberg (Community Representative)

WISH LIST Cornerstone Center relies on the generosity of a caring community. If you can donate any of the following,

please drop by, and thank you! If you have any questions, please contact Toni Jackson, Center Director, at

tjackson@cornerstonecenterstl.org or 314-865-5244 ext. 204.

Diapers (sizes 3,4,5) – Cornerstone Center goes through approximately 400 diapers per day!

Wipes (unscented) Sidewalk chalk Party-type plates (9”) Formula (any brand) Children’s CDs and puzzles Washable Elmer’s glue Bibs Playground balls (new/used) Glue sticks Watercolor paints Mechanical pencils Children’s paint brushes Washable tempera and markers Scotch tape Boxes of tissue/Kleenex Black permanent markers Masking tape Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D) Dry erase markers and erasers Blue painter’s tape 9-12 oz paper/plastic cups Stickers (any kind) Dixie Cups (5 oz) Blue ink pens Construction paper

NOW THAT’S A LOT OF BREAD! Another way in which Cornerstone can claim “There are day cares … there are preschools … and then there’s

Cornerstone” is that Cornerstone collaborates with other area agencies and companies to provide clothing, toys,

holiday gifts, diapers, and yes, even food to families at no cost whatsoever. For the past couple of years,

Panera has provided bread and pastries to Cornerstone families on a weekly basis. How much bread and

assorted items? In 2018, Panera provided over 9,000 loaves/items worth approximately $21,000! Thanks,

Panera – for providing so much to so many!

Founded in 1969,

located in St. Louis’ Shaw neighborhood,

the first accredited early learning center in St. Louis City:

Cornerstone Center for Early Learning provides licensed, award-winning, and affordable childcare and

pre-kindergarten education for working families of all economic backgrounds.

Cornerstone Center for Early Learning enables parents and guardians to remain in the workforce or

pursue additional education.

Cornerstone Center for Early Learning enables all children and all families to experience diversity, and

to embrace the understanding and acceptance that follows.

There are day cares. There are preschools. And then, there’s Cornerstone!

FACEBOOK.COM/

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CORNERSTONESTL

Jerry Ehrlich, Executive Director

jehrlich@cornerstonecenterstl.org

314-865-5244 ext. 311