About us
Our Mission and Principles
Our Mission and Principles
Founded in 1968, Cornerstone Community Development Corporation is a minority, community based not-for-profit organization, located in the Village of Ford Heights, about 30 miles south of Chicago, Illinois. Our core mission is to improve the quality of life for the underprivileged and to assist vulnerable populations in times of crisis, emphasizing emergency, supportive and educational services to individuals and families until they stabilize.
Cornerstone's client base is primarily comprised of low income African Americans across South Suburban Cook County and East Will County, as well as parts of Chicago’s south side. Cornerstone implores an integrated, one-stop center model to abate the issues of homelessness, hunger, unemployment, and poverty that plague our surrounding communities. Many of communities in our service are food deserts and rely on our multitude of anti-hunger programs..
Our core areas of service Homelessness Prevention, Anti-Hunger Initiatives, and Vocational Training/Job Creation focus on: 1) Family Stabilization; 2) Life Skills Training, and 3) Workforce Development.
November 1968
Initially a fundraising component of the Operation Push Foundation, The Ford Heights Community Service Agency was formed.
June 2000
in 2000, our original building was constructed. Consisting of approx 5000 sqft, our service abilities and capacity was expanded.
July 2007
Angelia Smith assumed the role of Executive Director, replace the founding director and former Ford Heights Mayor, Gloria Bryant.
February 2013
Utilizing CDBG funds, the agency constructed a 5000 sqft expansion of our facilities and capacity.
August 2014
As a HUD approved Housing Counseling agency, FHCSO expanded its abilities to provide homeless prevention and housing service.
November 2018
FHCSO celebrated 50 years of continuous and uninterrupted services to the community.
September 2019
after 51 years as the Ford Heights Community Service Organization, our name was changed to Cornerstone Community Development Corporation.
Donte as much as you want! All donations contribute to keeping our doors open and our programs sustainable. Click on the donate page and submit electronically or you can mail your donation to:
attn: Executive Director
Cornerstone Community Development Corporation
943 E. Lincoln Hwy
Ford Heights, IL 60411
Our work could not be done without countless volunteers. If you interested in helping, please go to the volunteer page and submit an inquiry. Select which department you're interested in helping in and what days you're available.
Our agency serves residents in suburban Cook County. Some programs may have geographically boundaries and income restrictions. Our case managers will work to find the appropriate program or agency to help if you're outside of our service area.
Our programs are funded by public donations, the federal government, state agencies and departments and private organizations. Some of our key funders are:
Age Options
Cook County Dept of Planning and Development
Cook County Justice Advisory Council
State of IL Dept of Human Services
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
United Way
Our office hours are 9am to 1pm on Monday's and Friday's. 9am to 4pm Tuesday through Thursday. If you would like a tour of the facilities or you have a large group, please email Kamil.Walton@cornerstone-cdc.org to schedule a tour.
Help us serve the community