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Cornerstone February newsletter

Posted Date: 02/10/26 (04:00 PM)


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Cornerstone Parent School & Career Day

Investing in Your Future

Cornerstone is excited to host an upcoming Parent School & Career Day at Cornerstone- Thursday Feb 19th 10am-2pm

A free event designed to equip parents with practical tools, education pathways, and career resources to help build a stronger future.
This event is all about creating opportunity. Whether you’re considering going back to school or exploring a career change, Parent School & Career Day will connect you with resources to help you take the next step.

What You Can Expect:
  • Free Dave Ramsey Career Assessments to designed to help people identify careers that align with their strengths, motivations, and wiring.
  • Free Food — because big decisions are easier on a full stomach.
  • Free “Career Kits” to take home, filled with resources and information to guide your next steps long after the event ends.
We’re also excited to welcome confirmed community partners who are supporting this event by providing helpful resources and information for families to review and take home.

  • Centralia College Workforce Education Services, featuring:
  • BFET (Basic Food Employment & Training)
  • WorkFirst
  • Worker Retraining
  • Opportunity Grant
  • Passport
  • EAG (Educational Access Grant)
  • WorkSource, offering employment services, job search support, and training opportunities.

Stop by anytime between 10am-2pm. RSVP's are not required but appreciated. Cornerstone office: 2057 SW Salsbury ave in Chehalis.

At Cornerstone, we believe that building foundations for success starts with empowering parents. When parents grow, families grow — and our entire community grows stronger.
Mark your calendar for February 19th and join us for a day focused on opportunity, connection, and forward momentum. Your next step could start here.
 

Strengthening Our Foundation: Cornerstone’s Partnership with Clarity Consulting Partners

Earlier this year, Cornerstone had the opportunity to partner with Clarity Consulting Partners for a focused two-day Foundation Sprint—an intensive working session designed to strengthen organizational alignment, clarify priorities, and build a stronger path forward.

Clarity Consulting Partners works with organizations across sectors—from nonprofits and public agencies to executive teams and community boards—helping them navigate growth, change, and strategic planning. Their approach is rooted in customization: meeting organizations where they are and tailoring every engagement to fit their unique needs and context.

During the Foundation Sprint, Clarity facilitated thoughtful discussions, collaborative exercises, and strategic reflection with the Cornerstone team. The process created space to assess current strengths, identify opportunities for growth, and align around clear, actionable priorities.

For Cornerstone—an organization dedicated to supporting families in need through essential resources, guidance, and stability—this work was especially meaningful. By strengthening internal clarity and alignment, Cornerstone is better positioned to continue improving its programs and expanding its impact for the families it serves.
Partnerships like this reflect a shared commitment to continuous improvement and community support. We are grateful to Clarity Consulting Partners for their expertise and facilitation, and we look forward to the continued growth that will come from this important work.

Clarity Consulting website
(from left) Cecilia Jiminez, Jacey Hinkle, and DeeDee Judd listen as United Way's Annie Oien speaks during group discussion.
Participants of the recent foundation sprint gather around and discuss methods of prioritizing common hurdles of operating from day to day.
 
The staff at Essex Labs and the ladies from Cornerstone pose for a photograph with a vehicle load of Christmas presents.

Holiday Generosity in Action: Cornerstone’s Partnership with Essex Labs

For the second year in a row, Essex Labs in Chehalis has helped make the holidays brighter for Cornerstone families.

This past December, DeeDee, Jacey, and Cecilia stopped by Essex Labs just before Christmas to pick up a vehicle-load of thoughtfully selected gifts generously donated by their team. What they found was more than just presents — it was a powerful reminder of what community partnership looks like in action.

The donations will go directly to local families, helping ensure children wake up to something special on Christmas morning and easing the financial burden many families feel during the holiday season. From toys and games to essential items, each gift reflects the care and intentionality of the Essex Labs team.

Partnerships like this are at the heart of what makes our community strong. Essex Labs continues to demonstrate that building foundations for success extends beyond the workplace — it means investing in the well-being of families and neighbors.

We are incredibly grateful for their continued support and generosity. Because of partners like Essex Labs, the spirit of giving is not just something we talk about — it’s something we live.
Thank you, Essex Labs, for helping us spread hope and joy this holiday season.

Essex Labs website
Jacey Hinkle (right), opens the hatch on her vehicle as Essex Labs employees load christmas gifts.
An Essex Labs employee loads gifts into a vehicle.