BY KAREN CHANEY
317, includes a home for six disabled adults and two sta families, as well as an activities building called The Barn. Patchworked throughout the property are spaces for outdoor activities such as sports, gardening and picnics. “We started Cornerstone to meet the need of residential [housing],” Heaton said. “We wanted to provide more than just a program—we wanted to provide a family ... that is committed to forever.” Diving in deeper Cornerstone later began o ering a day program which was housed in various rented spaces. In 2012, the nonpro t opened The Barn, allowing residents and day program attendees to be in one location. Ranchers—what Cornerstone calls attend- ees—have opportunities to enhance their mental, physical and spiritual health through a myriad of activities including volunteering at local nonpro ts, daily devotionals, making candles, cooking classes and more. “The mission of Cornerstone is to empower our friends to live the abundant life they were created for,” Heaton said.
Meet the Ranchers There is not an age cap for Ranchers, who can be as young as 18 years old. Ranchers have mild to moderate disabilities and can include those with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, Williams syndrome, and those with intellectual and develop- mental disabilities. Although Cornerstone has reached capacity on the residential side, and a 60-plus person wait list exists, there is still space available for day program participants. Tuition ranges from $250-$1,000. “That’s the tuition—the cost is larger than that,” Heaton said. “Twenty percent of our total annual cost is covered through tuition, we have a fundrais- ing burden of eighty percent.” Quote of note “I truly feel so privileged to know every single one of our Ranchers,” Heaton said. “They are incredible people who have shaped me into who I am. Everyday I have an expectation in my heart that they are going to say something incredible. I feel so much love, acceptance and joy from them, and that’s really been the best thing about this job.”
Cornerstone Ranch Co-founder and Executive Director Cynthia Heaton, center, with Ranchers Sarah and Jake.
KAREN CHANEY COMMUNITY IMPACT
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3933 CR 317, McKinney www.cornerstone-ranch.com
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