Latest Newsletter - Cornerstone Youth Center

Fall
Edition
Joining Forces for Good in the Community
Cornerstone recently sent out a survey aimed to better understand
the perspectives and motivations of our supporters. To the question
“Please tell us why you choose to donate to Cornerstone,”
one response stood out in particular:
“We know the impact [Cornerstone] has with the community youth,
and we as a police department share the same objectives.”
This survey response, submitted with a donation from the Elizabethtown Police Officers Association, got the Cornerstone staff
thinking about ways to build upon this relationship, and, with the upcoming Olympics Games in Rio, the idea for the Cornerstone
Olympics was born. Several representatives from the Elizabethtown Borough and Northwest Regional Police departments, as well
as firefighters from the Elizabethtown Fire Department arrived at Cornerstone on a July Friday for an evening of friendly competition
together. The officers and firefighters drafted youth from the crowd to play on their respective teams.
After getting comfortable in the Mix playing pool, foosball, and snacking on cheeseburgers and hotdogs, Executive Director John
Myers led the three teams through a series of entertaining “Minute to Win It” games, in which the fire department emerged
victorious. Following this, the group transitioned to the Pit for the main event – dodgeball! While it was all in good fun, some youth
enjoyed pelting the police officers with the nerf balls. Our local public servants, on the other hand, got to relive their grade school
glory days. After several rounds of close competition, volunteer and referee Jay Wagner declared the police team the winner. Many
played volleyball until closing, and one police officer even hopped on a skateboard to join the skaters in the skate park!
It was remarkable how even though teams competed against each other, there was a sense that everyone was on the same team.
A spirit of encouragement was present. John Myers began the evening with a timely prayer for both the safety of the officers and
firemen in the room and across the country, and wisdom for them to make the right choices. As a tall fireman left the café at the
end of the evening, a youth walked right up him, cocked his head up, and said, “I look up to you.” “Thank you,” he replied. “I don’t
have a choice,” the youth concluded in typical youthy quirkiness. Those around laughed.
We at Cornerstone understand the importance of our relationship with the Elizabethtown community, and it was a blessing to see
everyone come together. Throughout the year, we try to join forces where we can. Hosting events for Elizabethtown Area
Communities that Care, participating in the Elizabethtown Fair, serving free coffee to train riders, partnering with school counselors,
John’s involvement as a police chaplain, and welcoming the community to our annual 5k are just some of the ways we aim to do
this. In the future, we hope to continue these partnerships and form new ones to show both supporters and strangers alike that we
are all in this together for the youth of our community.
95 S. Wilson Ave., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 – 717.367.0000 – cornerstoneetown.org – email: office@cornerstoneetown.org
Building Lives on the Strong Foundation
My Cornerstone Story: Paul Hanley, Alum
An interview with John Myers
Paul Hanley came to Cornerstone as a 6th grader, and was a
regular attender through 11th grade, when he got a job and
girlfriend – Paul was growing up. Over coffee recently, Paul
updated me on his life and shared his memories from his
Cornerstone days.
Who were your closer friends? Alex Geib, Dez Brearley,
Brandon Blue, Michael Teats, Seth Stahl, Snoopy – there was
a whole group of us.
What was it you liked about Cornerstone, and do you remember any particular nights? I liked that you could go do
basketball, play pool, and meet girls. I remember one night in particular when a band came and played…can’t remember
which band, but I liked it. I also remember the time you and another volunteer took me and a few friends to a car show in
Harrisburg. I also remember the day I job shadowed you for school. You were interviewed for a Merchandiser article.
Was there any spiritual impact for you? I feel in a way the spiritual aspect did help
shape my beliefs, because I didn’t go to church at all, so it was my only outlook into any
kind of religion.
Were there any hurdles or barriers you had to overcome either then or since
your Cornerstone days? When I was 17, we had our first son, Gabriel. At that time,
we moved out into our own apartment and tried to make it on our own. I was still
trying to finish high school. I married Kori Witmer at age 20, because I just knew we
were meant for each other, and marriage was the way to say that. Two years later, we
had our second son, Oliver. We just celebrated our 3rd anniversary. I got over hurdles
with a good support system. I wouldn’t be here without my wife, and I still have a good
relationship with my mom and dad, and two sisters.
What has life looked like for you since Cornerstone? I’ve worked at Groff’s Meats
since I was 17. I cleaned up all the messes ‘til I was 19. Now I’m 23, and I work at
packaging all the meats to go out on trucks. All along, my best friend, Alex has been with
me. We moved up together. We work the same job, the same shift. I’m also in school
online at Southern New Hampshire University, studying Forensic Psychology. I like that
I can go through school at my own pace.
What advice would you have for youth who go to Cornerstone now? Keep going
to Cornerstone, because you never know what kind of impact it could have on your life.
I mean, I met my wife at Cornerstone! And it really keeps you out of trouble. It gave us
something to do, instead of walking around town.
Paul, Gabriel, and Oliver take
a walk while Mom’s at work
After our interview, I took Paul to see the fully renovated youth center. (He attended during the transition from the
square to the partially renovated building at 95 S. Wilson Ave., when the two largest rooms had no heat, air conditioning,
or even insulation!) Paul was amazed by the difference, and looks forward to any alumni events we may have in the
future!
Mission – To provide a safe and fun environment where youth can form trusting relationships,
respond to the Gospel, and find wholeness in life through Christ.
“Serving the youth of the E-Town community since 1998”
Save the Date: Saturday, October 1, 2016!
Cash Prizes
Support a Great Cause
Medals for Age Winners
Tons of Door Prizes
Beautiful Scenery
Snacks and Goodie Bags
To connect with you more
effectively and efficiently, help
us by signing up to receive
emails* from our office.
cornerstoneetown.org
New this Year:
Kids Fun Run!
(10 a.m. following race)
Race Starts at 9, a short walk from Cornerstone
Explore our colorful, interactive annual report
online at
cornerstoneetown.org/ar15-16
*Outside of direct correspondence,
you should receive no more than 2
messages per month. Thank you!
Leave a lasting legacy by including
Cornerstone in your estate planning.
Designating a portion of your estate
as a gift helps ensure the future
outreach of this needed
community-wide
ministry to youth.
Board of Directors
Kevin Smith (Chairperson)
Ken Wolfe (Treasurer), Susan Hochstedler (Secretary)
Bill Beenenga, Deb Dupler, John Fry, Joan Kotzmoyer,
Sonja Martin, Norm Smith, and Eric Stark
Along with John and Laurie, our board members are available to
speak at your church, club meeting, or in your classroom.
Vision – To continue the work of Jesus Christ by meeting the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of the youth in
partnership with the local churches and the community.
COMING EVENTS

Go to our website, cornerstoneetown.org, for more details
Cornerstone’s Dunk Tank at the E-town Fair … Mon. Aug. 22 – Sat., Aug 27 … Along the East High
Street Corridor! LOOK for returning favorites to our dunk seat, making a splash for the youth of Elizabethtown!
 Cornerstone 4th Annual 5K and Kid’s Fun Run - Sat., Oct.1, 9 a.m. cornerstoneetown.org/5k
 Cornerstone Community Night at TJ Rockwell’s – Thurs., Nov. 3, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m.
 Bring The Holidays Home 7th Annual Shopping Event & Poinsettia Sale - Sat., Dec. 3, 9-2 p.m.
Fall* Youth Hours
Monday-Thursday 3:00-6:00 p.m.
(homework help, clubs, and more!)
Friday 7-10 p.m. (Food, Fun, & friends)
Sunday 6-8 p.m. (skateboards only) Grade 6 thru Adults
*Reopening
Tuesday, Sept. 6th
Following our annual August break
Office Hours
Monday-Thursday 10-3 p.m.
(Friday and Saturday, by appointment only)
John M. Myers, Executive Director
Laurie Shepler, Associate Director
717.367.0000
Blowing cups off a table with a balloon, and playing other “Minute
to Win It” games, the (victorious) firefighters race against two
police departments at the Cornerstone Olympics
Building Lives on the Strong Foundation
WWW.CORNERSTONEETOWN.ORG
(717) 367-0000
Cornerstone Youth Center
95 South Wilson Avenue,
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
NON-PROFIT
US POSTAGE
PAID PERMIT
NO 125
ELIZABETHTOWN
Return Service Requested
Youth are treated to an annual pool
party at Ed & Pat Heffner’s home
http://www.facebook.com/CornerstoneEtown
PA 17022