Cornerstone Community Association Durham Inc.    CSC Bed Contracted: 12

Executive Director: Ed Goerz
Coordinator: Polly Peyman
Address: 133 Simcoe Street South
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 4G8
Telephone: (905)-433-0254 Fax: (905)-433-2363

History: Cornerstone Community Association was established in 1967 to provide services to individuals who were homeless and required support for reintegration to the various communities within the Durham Region. Between 1984 and 1988, Cornerstone provided 6 Day Parole Beds under contract to CSC. In 1989, Cornerstone moved to a larger facility and the CSC agreement expired. In April of 1993, Cornerstone again renewed its agreement with CSC as a 10 bed Community Residential Facility.

Description: The CRF services are provided within a three-story building emergency shelter, transitional, and permanent housing with support. In addition Cornerstone owns and operates a 28 unit apartment building at 454 Bloor Street in Oshawa as well as accessing 18 apartments committed to our organization in other housing units in the Region. The CRF has five double rooms for up to 10 men in total and separate meeting areas for programs. There is a large dining room where prepared meals are served. Cornerstone Community Association is located a few blocks from the downtown area, close to public transportation, hospitals and recreational facilities.

CRF Residents Accepted: Men from the age of eighteen (18) and older, eligible for Day Parole are assessed on a case by case basis, based on program match and willingness to adhere to the CRF policies.

Exclusions: Offenders who possess extensive histories involving dangerous sexual offenses and/or dangerous violent offenders who have been labeled by the court as :Dangerous Offender" and offenders whose medical, mental, or physical needs cannot be addressed due to the CRF limitations or lack of community support.

Admission Procedures : Those wishing to make application to Cornerstone Community Association should write to the CRF, requesting an application form. The completed application form along with the Institutional Assessment will be reviewed and actively considered. The Program Staff will visit the various institutions approximately every two months.

Program: C.R.F.: The length of stay varies from arrival until Full Parole is granted. Residents are expected to actively seek employment and/or attend school. Life skills, group in-house meetings and individual counseling are part of the program. The Durham Region provides the availability of the COG-SKILLS and CHOICES Programs.

Values: Values are consistent with those of other Cornerstone programs.
(Shelter, Trains/Permanent Housing). Several of the critical values include:

· Recognition of individual worth, uniqueness and the right to be treated with respect and dignity

· Recognition of individuals’ abilities and strengths as well as areas of limitation and weakness

· Individuals who fail need opportunities to re-establish trust in themselves and others

· Realistic expectations enhance growth and development

· Responsibility must be taken for actions when other individuals have been hurt or violated

· Confidentially of information must be respected and observed at all times.

CSC Liaison Office: Toronto East (P) Office (905)-725-7719

Revised June 2003