Helping victims of domestic abuse

About Cornerstone

In 2016 Immanuel gave away almost $190,000 of our offerings to support other ministries, including $10,000 to Cornerstone.  Cornerstone serves adults and children traumatized by unhealthy, destructive relationships based on power and control.  Understanding the intersections between domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking Cornerstone provides comprehensive services and support for victims of interpersonal violence, helping them to build healthy and violence-free lives for themselves and their families.

In addition to financial support, Immanuel members play a hands-on role in supporting Cornerstone families.  Each Tuesday night Cornerstone families attend support groups and other learning opportunities and a meal is provided.  On the 4th Tuesday each month, a crew of 4-7 Immanuel volunteers, led by Brian Vik, provide the Taco Tuesday meal at Cornerstone’s Bloomington facility.  For Bev Osekowsky, being a regular participant in Taco Tuesday is a wonderful way to “give back” in her community and to support a program that is changing lives.  She says she experiences directly, through the smiles on their faces, what this evening of respite means for the Cornerstone moms.  For Sharon Peterson, another regular on the Taco Tuesday crew, life experience has given her a true appreciation for the mission of Cornerstone.  She is thankful that the generous and faithful giving of the people of Immanuel helps support the work of Cornerstone.  Both Bev and Sharon are grateful that God has given them this opportunity to do this work. 

Immanuel has:

• Been serving a monthly meal of tacos - but it represents so much more in that it shows these families God’s love alive in us and that it gives people hope for the future.
• Been sponsoring a monthly meal at Cornerstone for over 7 years.
• Donated over $9,000 during that time to feed the families who are sheltered there.
• Served over 3000 people a meal – and all of them have a smile and kind word for what we have been able to share with them.
• Donated over 1000 hours of time in service to Cornerstone.

An Immanuel member shares about volunteering at Cornerstone:

“In addition to doing the monthly meals, my involvement has grown to being active in their Santa Shop at year end. This effort has involved me in helping the families find joy and love at Christmas. God works through me during that time - - and what I am able to do and how I can connect with the families has really helped me stay in touch with what Christmas is all about.“

We are always looking for volunteers to help:

• This is great faith group or family activity, but can also work for individuals who want to give back in some small way.  
• We need up to 6 people to assist with the meal service each month.
• Immanuel serves on the 4th Tuesday of each month - and all it requires is to simply sign up with Brian Vik (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)  or 952-934-7881), then show up to serve and see the smiles of the people we help.
• Cornerstone is in Bloomington. We need volunteers to arrive around 4:30 or 5:00, and we are done by 7:00.

More information about Cornerstone