Make a secure online contribution today. Together, we can create a society where violence in relationships no longer exists.

According to the Purple Leash Project, nearly half of all domestic violence victim-survivors remain in abusive situations rather than leave their pets behind.

"We often hear from victim-survivors that they are wanting to leave an abusive situation but are concerned for the safety/wellbeing of their pets," said Cornerstone's Day One MNAFAS program. "Knowing there is immediate care available, even for a short period, can make all the difference in the world."

The greatest need is foster homes to keep victim-survivors' pets safe.

Fostering options include short-term (up to 72 hours) or long-term (up to 90 days).

This critical gap in services across Minnesota is why providers Women’s Advocates, Tubman, and ourselves at Cornerstone are joining forces with animal welfare organizations The Bond Between, Four Winds Connections, and Animal Humane Society to create the Minnesota Pet Foster Coalition. Together, we will expand temporary pet housing services to those staying in an emergency shelter at Women’s Advocates, Tubman, or here at Cornerstone. Fosters choose to care for a pet for up to 72 hours or up to 90 days while their owner seeks safety. Transport volunteers are also needed to help move animals and supplies throughout the fostering process. 

The mission of this coalition is to break the cycle of abuse and eliminate barriers that prevent individuals from seeking safety in shelters by providing a comprehensive solution for the care of their pets.

“When you’re going through something very traumatic like that, your pet kind of becomes your safety net. I knew I couldn’t leave them there because I was afraid {my abuser} would hold that against me and abuse them and do something to manipulate the situation so I’d come back” ~ victim-survivor

The Bond Between and Animal Humane Society provide food, veterinary care, and any items needed to care for the pet free of charge. Four Winds Connection offers free training and behavioral support.

“One of our missions at The Bond Between is to keep people and pets together," said Carrie Openshaw, Director of Community Outreach at The Bond Between. "We want to make fostering accessible to everybody. We provide all supplies, anything you would need—baby gates, crates, bowls, leashes—anything you can think of.”

 “It’s really important to have safe spaces for animals; it helps reduce barriers for women who need to access shelter and housing," says Holly Henning, Executive Director at Women's Advocates.

As a community, we can keep victim-survivors and their pets safe from domestic violence. Join our mission and apply today.

After pausing the program during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Cornerstone is pleased to announce the return of ASPIRE, our after-school program that offers kids a safe and fun place to come after the school day. The ASPIRE program will be open to school-aged children connected to Cornerstone, beginning this Fall 2024 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. here at Cornerstone.

ASPIRE is an incredible program for kids, allowing them to have a place to come after school to have fun, do crafts, receive homework help and tutoring, enjoy meals and snacks, and socialize with others. And through our trauma-informed staff, the activities at ASPIRE will foster socio-emotional health skills.

How You Can Support Cornerstone's ASPIRE Program

• Volunteer Intern Opportunity - We are looking for students who want experience working with youth in a trauma-informed after-school setting. Interns will be needed 6-12 hours a week from 2:30-6:30 PM on Tuesdays-Thursdays throughout the semester. This would be an unpaid internship, but can qualify for school credit as approved by schools. No previous experience, drivers license, or car required, but interested candidates must be willing to learn trauma-informed practices.
• Supplies Needed - While we are still months away from ASPIRE beginning, it's never too early to begin thinking about supplies. Our biggest need right now is non-perishable snack donations. Please let us know if you are interested in donating or hosting a donation drive on behalf of Cornerstone's ASPIRE program.

Questions?

If you are interested in the internship opportunity or supporting the ASPIRE program, please reach out to Cornerstone's Childcare Specialist, Ely Z, at elyz@cornerstonemn.org.

On Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024, Cornerstone will be joining the six Minnesota Crime Coalitions at the Capital to connect with community members and legislators to support crime victim services. The rally is a call to invest in survivors, and we invite you to attend and voice your support as well!

The Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault will be livestreaming the in-person rally at the Capitol Rotunda from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. For more information and to register to attend or view via livestream, visit MNCASA's official event page.

Amazon Wishlist - An amazing way to support Cornerstone and our participants includes gifting any items currently listed on our Amazon Wishlist. We regularly update our Wishlist to reflect our programs' and participants' needs.

ASPIRE Program Supplies - As mentioned above, we are looking for individuals interested in donating non-perishable snacks, as well as any organizations that would be interested in holding a donation drive on behalf of Cornerstone's after-school ASPIRE program.

Group Organization and Outdoor Cleanup - Once the weather warms up, we will be in need of groups interested in coming to Cornerstone to help organize storage areas and clean up our outdoor spaces. Scheduling will be flexible.

Join Cornerstone’s Board of Directors - Want to make a difference in the lives of those who have experienced violence and trauma? We are currently seeking a diverse group of board candidates with varied backgrounds and areas of expertise to join our Board of Directors. We encourage applicants with lived experiences related to our mission and/or who identify as Black, Indigenous and people of color; and people who identify as LGBTQ+. We specifically are seeking candidates with expertise in fundraising, legal matters, public policy, and/or who are employed within a small business enterprise or have local corporate affiliations.

For more information on joining Cornerstone’s Board of Directors, contact our Executive Director Artika Roller at artikar@cornerstonemn.org.

Interested in Donating or Volunteering?

If you are interested in any of these opportunities or would like any more information, please contact Courtney P, Director of Advancement, at courtneyp@cornerstonemn.org.  

Donations may be dropped off at our Bloomington location Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. Please email Courtney once you’ve dropped off a donation so that we may record your gift and properly thank you.

MINNEAPOLIS

2249 E. 38th St. 

1501 Xerxes Ave. N.

Minneapolis, MN

952.884.0376