Cornerstone Helps Rebuild Lives, Restore Hope
Cornerstone advocates say it’s not always easy for domestic abuse victims to leave. The nonprofit helps to rebuild and restore the lives of domestic abuse victims.
“It isn’t about do they leave, it’s about do they stay safe,” said Cheryl Kolb-Untinen, Cornerstone’s prevention, education and clinical services manager.
A majority of victims are women with children. Kolb-Untinen says the more children you have, the more challenging it is to find shelter if victims do decide to leave.
“One of the issues is going to be whether or not there’s enough bed space for the size of your family,” said Kolb-Untinen.
One of Cornerstone’s programs, Day One, has a crisis line that people can call when they need shelter.”
The advocacy group helps survivors of abuse to build a foundation so they can stand on their own two feet.
“We have community services advocates who offer financial literacy classes and the ability to set a budget and work on your credit report and look for housing,” Kolb-Untinen explained.
Counselors also walk people through the criminal and civil justice system.
“Criminal no contact orders, that’s something the criminal justice system puts in place for your safety. But an order for protection, you have to initiate that and follow through and go out and get that. So that can be very frightening for somebody whose fearing for their life,” she explained.
Cornerstone advocates say it’s essential for victims to know that they’re not alone.
“I have seen people over the course of years move forward with their lives and be able to gain a violence and abuse-free life,” said Kolb-Untinen.
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