Cornerstone News
September 26, 2006: "Member of board steps up to lead Cornerstone Mission"
Walter Dodds, right, kitchen supervisor, prepares potato salad for the evening meal. Checking sack lunches from left are: Patricia Becker, administrative assistant; Melissa Reaves, administrator; John Guerin, building manager; and Jeff Cornelia, assistant house manager.
Melissa Reaves served on the board of directors for nearly two years at Cornerstone Mission before taking the reins Aug. 1 as administrator. "I would not have wanted to take this position without that prior experience because I had only 2-1/2 days of training," she said. Kelly Fallis gave up the administrator's position after nearly two years to move to Texarkana, Ark. He is an ordained minister and plans to start a church in Texarkana, Reaves said.
Cornerstone Mission opened in April 2002 and is a faith-based, non-profit, homeless family resource center. Its mission is to provide the basic necessities of life in an emergency shelter including, food, clothing, showers, life skills, and most importantly, the Light of Christ, according to its mission statement.
Reaves oversees four other paid staff members and a large number of volunteers at the mission, which is located at 3049 Sycamore Ave. The majority of funding comes from private donations with a few grants helping to keep the mission open. She is responsible for all functions of the shelter, thrift store and men's fine apparel store operated at the mission. "We're getting back to the original mission statement," Reaves said. "I'm afraid Kelly got a little distracted with the men's fine apparel store. Needs of the community need to be more focused on, not just to have our hand out to help but to show we care about the community at large."
Cornerstone Mission currently houses 20 homeless men ranging in age from 18-76. They are taught living skills, participate in spiritual classes and are aided in getting Social Security benefits and GED diplomas, Reaves said. Most secure employment quickly after becoming residents. Anyone in need is welcome to visit the mission to receive food and water handouts. Staff and volunteers prepare and serve 80-100 meals a day on the premises.
Cornerstone Mission is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Anyone may come in and take a shower and get clothing. Dinner is served 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
For more information on Cornerstone Mission, call 681-3344 Ext.224 or 530-9777.
