COMMUNITY & YOUTH CENTER
Mission: Partnering to develop a healthier community by providing healthy food, mentoring, physical fitness, arts, culture, and skill building in a safe and caring environment in Frazee.
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A  SAFE PLACE FOR YOUTH TO GATHER
Special thanks to Essentia Health for their $50,000 investment in our youth! 
YOUTH WILL GATHER TO WORK, CREATE, AND HAVE FUN TOGETHER!  IN ADDITION, YOUTH WILL DEVELOP REAL-WORLD SKILLS.

For the past two years a volunteer group of engaged community members and youth have mobilized to identify what they felt is needed in the community to improve mental health and wellbeing of youth.  Even while CornerStone has been a work in progress, we have listened and acted on your ideas and have had real results. 

​In the video above, hear firsthand the impact CornerStone has had on one of our involved youth.

CornerStone’s 2020 partnership projects included:
  • Methodist Church donated their 2,811 sq ft. building to provide a home for CornerStone;
  • completed 90% of the demolition to begin the rebuilding of the Bistro and Community kitchen space;
  • allocated over $10,000 in donated materials and construction services to support the remodel project and over $15,000 worth of in kind volunteer time;
  • over 40 youth and 50 adult volunteers assisted in the many projects and activities throughout the year;
  • hiring of a part-time Executive Director to work on developing organizational sustainability and infrastructure for youth and community center programming;
  • hiring of a part-time Culinary Manager to develop a bistro and coffee shop space that will provide access to healthy food and partner in entrepreneurial programming for youth;
  • after-school and summer free arts programming in partnership with 4H;
  • hosted a Christmas tree adoption project during Merry Frazee Christmas.  A total of 33 Christmas trees were adopted by community members with the city of Frazee supporting the electric bill;
  • development of a downtown beautification project - a 16’ x32” art wall has been constructed for “Hearts for the Arts” – the painting of two public art murals will begin in the spring of2021; and
  • created a drive-in movie theater in partnership with area churches that served over 400 families.
We want to take this time to thank all community members who have supported us with their time, participation, words of encouragement, and donations.  Without you CornerStone could not fulfill our mission.  We continue to be fulfilled by the work we do to ensure that CornerStone thrives.  We believe in this community and we believe in this center.  Our promise to you is that we will continue in kindness, love, and action to build a space that creates a supportive environment for our youth and community. 
 

A PLACE FOR THE COMMUNITY TO GATHER

 There is plenty of space and opportunity for the whole community to celebrate, host meetings, and share joy together!

A MUCH NEEDED BUSINESS

There is a need in Frazee for more food options including evening dining and health-focused menus.  Cornerstone will provide sweet and savory crepes. We also need a coffee shop!  Cornerstone will not only provide that- but so much more--in partnering with the youth of the community--will teach them much needed skills for life and leadership.  We see future entrepreneurs being developed along with providing amazing food and beverage. 

A Gift that will 'Keep on Giving'

The Frazee United Methodist Congregation voted unanimously to give (for a very small fee) their historic building to continue to bless the city of Frazee through Cornerstone!  Their new church building is in Red Willow Heights-a district in Frazee.  We couldn't be more thankful for their extremely benevolent gift!