about us
Our story
Mission
Family units form the backbone of society and we believe in empowering them to become the strong pillars through our financial, social and emotional support.
Our goal is to equip each member from young aspiring couples to well-experienced grandparents with practical life-skills and knowledge.
For this reason, our works centre on providing family life education; financial assistance; befriending and support services, counselling and case management. We also run an active ageing centre and a few snack and thrift shops in the community to cater to various groups of people from all walks of life.
History
Cornerstone Community Services (UENS96SS0151G) is registered under the Charities Act since 11 June 1997 and is a full member of the National Council of Social Services since 15 September 2003.
We are also recognised as an Institutions of Public Character (IPCs) since 2003. We take the responsibility to ensure that we are recognised and supported by the Singapore government, and that we stay accountable to our donors and volunteers.
Our organisation relies heavily on volunteerism and charity support from the public.
We believe in continuous improvement in our programmes and services to serve our community better.
MILESTONES & IMPACT
Our Key Initiatives & Programmes in 2023
1996
2000
Launched Case Management & Counselling Services
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Provided 38 case management & counselling services in 2023.
2005
2008
2010
2013
2018
2020
2022
Launched Family Life Education & Schools Outreach Programme
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Since 2005, school outreach programmes were developed and conducted in primary and secondary schools.
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They expanded to include workshops for working adults, couples, parents and seniors. Topics range from marriage, parenting, conflict management to self-care.
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In 2023, conducted a total of 19 workshops attended by 60 couples, 391 individuals and 11 families.
Started Youth Mentoring Programme
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Each student is paired with a mentor who provide guidance and emotional support to them through their schooling years.
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Enrolled 17 youths with a total of 500 outreach hours in 2023.
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CCS also conducts monthly Lifeskills Programme for residents of Gladiolus Place, a residential refuge for teenage girls.
Set up Cornerstone
Senior Centre
In 2023 renamed as Cornerstone@ChengSan Active Ageing Centre
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The centre has a total of 915 senior members and 106 SuperSenior volunteers with an average daily attendance of 57 seniors in 2023.
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2,875 seniors participated in 78 programmes & events organised by the centre. It also collaborated with 28 external partners and social agencies.
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450 seniors have been reached through door knocking initiatives around Cheng San area and regular visits to the Love & Care Nursing Home with 330 outreach hours.
Initiated Cornerstone Achievement Programme (CAPE)
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A reading programme for children where they can join the Busy Bee Club (for 5-6 years old) or Caterpillar Club (for 7-12 years old).
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In 2023, 44 children benefitted from this programme. Also held the first CAPE awards ceremony where 16 children from Aljunied Crescent and 8 students from Cedar Primary School received certificate of achievement for their accomplishments.
Established Cornerstone Community Services (CCS)
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An approved Institution of a Public Character
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Donations from individuals and corporations are eligible for 250% tax deduction.
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Started the Couples Connect Initiative, an online Telegram group for Marriage Preparation Programme participants to build a community and advocate for strong marriage.
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Organised the Family Learning Carnival for 250 MacPherson residents.
Launched Cornerstone Development Initiatives School Allowance
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To date, more than $1.5 million has been disbursed to over 3,000 students.
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$218,560 was awarded to 257 students from 96 schools in 2023.
Set up The Barn@Katong
(Our first thrift shop)
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Expanded with more outlets at The Barn@AMK in 2018 & The Barn@Penjuru in 2020.
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Organised 4 Pop Up Barn islandwide with The Barn shopping credits given to 207 individuals from low-income families in 2023.
Started outreach initiatives to migrant workers through festive events and activities.
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Organised a total of 4 events at Penjuru & Terusan Recreation Centre respectively for 4,304 migrant workers in 2023.
Started Food Care Programme
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51 needy households received monthly food and daily necessities through our volunteers and staff in 2023.
Our team
We are a nimble team comprising 17 staff with various responsibilities ranging from case management, operations, administration, events management, finance, design and media, marketing and communications. Some of our staff also take on multiple roles as workshop trainers and counsellors.