Cornerstone Center for Early Learning

August, 2014
Cornerstone Center for Early Learning
At Cornerstone Center for Early Learning, we provide licensed, award-winning, and affordable
child care and preschool education for children and families of all economic backgrounds. We
serve parents and guardians who are working or pursuing additional education and, because of
Cornerstone Center, are able to stay working or in school. We provide and promote diversity, and
enable all children and all families to embrace the understanding and acceptance that follows.
On behalf of the children and families who rely on and benefit so significantly as a result of Cornerstone
Center, we thank you for any past support and interest. We hope you enjoy this “quick-hit” update.
Jerry Ehrlich, Executive Director
jehrlich@cornerstonecenterstl.org
314-865-5244.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Cornerstone enrollment and demographics (as of 8/1/14): •Approximately 150 children served daily between
the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years (kindergarten entry) •86% live in St. Louis city, 10 % in St. Louis County, 4% in
Illinois •44% from families with a household income of under $20,000, 71% under $30,000 •40% pay no tuition per
state income guidelines, 29% pay $1-$25/wk. •17% receive developmental therapies •11% in foster care placement.
Cornerstone Center currently has openings for 2 year olds as well as 3-5 year olds (including Head Start). Inquire NOW.
Cornerstone Success Story: On June 28, Daniel Belger had his high school graduation party at Cornerstone Center
where he attended for five years prior to kindergarten (and where he developed the nickname “Bugsy”). Says his mom,
Brandi, “Bugsy loved Cornerstone. Plus, if it weren’t for Cornerstone, our family wouldn’t be where we are today.”
According to Brandi, Cornerstone Center helped shape Daniel into the individual and honors student he is today. She also
credits Cornerstone Center with enabling both she and her husband to finish
school. In fact, it was Cornerstone Center that Brandi says gave her a “push
towards teaching” – a teaching career that included a couple of years at
Cornerstone Center and that now has surpassed 13 years. Brandi currently is in
the Jennings School District as a first grade teacher. She also is a Cornerstone
Center Board Member. Bugsy, a graduate of Hazelwood East High School, is now
a freshman at Illinois State University.
Cornerstone Center and Hazelwood East graduate,
Daniel “Bugsy” Belger, with his mom, Brandi, at his
High School graduation party at Cornerstone Center on June 28.
Pure Magic: Sunday, May 18 was Cornerstone Center Night at the Magic House in
which Cornerstone children and families attended at no cost. Said one parent, “With five
kids, this was our first time at the Magic House. They loved it!” Thanks to the Magic
House for selecting Cornerstone Center for this magical evening.
Cornerstone Video: What’s the true essence of Cornerstone Center? Look no further than our website
(www.cornerstonecenterstl.org) and click on the tab marked “Cornerstone Video.” It’s only about a minute
long…check it out! Please note that a longer version (with more children and more smiles) also is available.
Happy Anniversary: Much of Cornerstone’s success can be credited to the fact that, as Executive Director,
Jerry Ehrlich says, “We keep good people doing good things for as long as possible.” 17 of Cornerstone’s 39
employees have been at Cornerstone Center for over ten years, and 12 for fifteen or more years. Happy
Anniversary to the following Cornerstone staff in 2014:
Debra Clark (teacher), 34 years
Fannie Steele (teacher), 34 years
Jeanette Johnson (teacher), 25 years
Judy Brownlee (Center Director), 21 years
Tracey Dorenbusch (Office Manager), 20 years
Marian Crane (teacher), 19 years
Charlotte Lunceford (teacher), 19 years
Alice Washington (cook), 18 years
Sean Camp (Social Worker), 18 years
Jami Melton (Coordinator, Special Programs), 16 years
Fern Nichols (teacher), 16 years
Vanessa Anthony (teacher), 15 years
Liz Mueller (teacher), 14 years
Doris Leachman (teacher), 12 years
Markie Hempen (Office & Operations Asst), 12 years
Christina Buckley (teacher), 11 years
LaParish Primus (teacher), 11 years
The Bread Man Cometh: Of course, that’s Bob “The Bread Man.” Actually, we don’t know
Bob’s last name, but what we do know is that Bob is an employee of The Bridge, a center for
homeless and at-risk individuals in St. Louis. When The Bridge gets an overflow of donated food
(generally bread), Bob comes to Cornerstone Center (generally on Thursdays) and delivers part of
that overflow for the use of Cornerstone Center and Cornerstone families. Thanks Bob!
Cornerstone 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
Judy Brownlee, Center Director, at jbrownlee@cornerstonecenterstl.org / 314-865-5244.
Diapers (sizes 3,4,5)
Wipes (unscented)
Formula (any brand)
Bibs
Water color paints
Washable tempra and markers
Legos
Area carpets/carpet squares
Mats
Brooms & dustpans
Batteries (AA,C,D)
Dixie cups (5 oz.)
Dish soap (Dawn preferred)
Children’s CD’s and puzzles
Sidewalk chalk
Playground balls rubber, soccer,
volleyball, basketball
Office Supplies:
post-it notes
masking/scotch tape
#10 white envelopes
copy paper (letter)
staplers and staples
scissors
flashlights
Air pumps
And, if anyone works for or knows of a company that might donate a copier and/or a multi-person printer,
we sure could use that too!
Kindergarten Here I Come! Cornerstone Center bids farewell to 26 children, some of whom have attended
Cornerstone since they were 6 weeks old, who will be entering kindergarten this fall at a variety of public, charter,
magnet, and private schools. To these children: Thank you for your smiles, enthusiasm, creativity, and hugs.
To the parents and guardians of these children: Thank you for all your support. Thank you for all your trust.
Development and Fundraising Info:
-Round-Up, 2014: Approximately 250 people attended the April 12 fundraiser at the Crowne Plaza Clayton that
featured dinner, over 150 auction items, and live music. The result: A great time, and over $55,000 raised
for Cornerstone Center programs and services! Thanks to all sponsors and donors, financial as well as in-kind.
.
-In 2015, Round-Up rides off into the sunset with a new theme, a new venue, but a continued great time. Please
mark your calendar for this new and exciting fundraiser to be held Saturday, April 11, 2015 at the Moto
Museum in Grand Center/Midtown.
-We sincerely thank you for any past financial support. With government support diminishing, many costs rising,
and Cornerstone Center determined to continue providing meals that exceed USDA requirements as well as a
wide range of services at no extra cost to families (ie: diapers, wipes, infant formula, baby food; medical, dental,
vision, hearing, and developmental screenings), your financial assistance, whether it be continued or first-time, is
needed and greatly appreciated. Please see the enclosed remittance envelope, and thanks!
“Water Play, Water Play, Water Play!” Those are the shouts every Tuesday through Thursday during the
summer when Cornerstone children put on swimwear and have some good old fashioned fun.
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
ST. LOUIS, MO
PERMIT #2710
And just a bit more…
-Thanks to the generosity of the St. Louis Chapter of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, Cornerstone now
has an A.E.D. (Automated External Defibrillator). Along with monthly tornado and fire drills, it’s SAFETY,
SAFETY, SAFETY at Cornerstone Center.
-The Cornerstone Center Board of Directors elected its first Board Members Emeritus: Leslie Goldberg,
originally elected to the Board in 1993, and Susie Goldberg, originally elected to the Board in 1996. We are
most proud and honored to recognize these two distinguished supporters and leaders.
-Please email us at info@cornerstonecenterstl.org : 1) to provide us with your email address in order to save
time, paper, and precious dollars; 2) to address any questions, concerns, or comments you may have.
-Thanks to a $10,000 grant received from the Joseph H. and Florence A. Roblee Foundation, Cornerstone
Center’s preschool teachers soon will begin expanded training in The Creative Curriculum, a research-based
curriculum that identifies 38 objectives for kindergarten readiness, and offers Cornerstone teachers the tools to
achieve these objectives.
-And finally…“Kids DO say the darndest things” : Executive Director, Jerry Ehrlich, to 4 year old Albert:
“Heh Albert, do you like my beard?” Albert (who truly was trying to offer a helpful suggestion to our “hair
challenged” Executive Director): “Yeah, but grow it on your head!”
THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT AND INTEREST !