Relief & aid Projects
Of all the projects that Cornerstone Foundation hosts perhaps this is one of our most important. These projects bring us back to “our grass roots foundation”. Seeing hungry children eating a warm meal and watching a mother receive medicine for a sick baby are rewarding experiences and you will know that one person working together with others can make a difference.
Food Projects
Hot Midday Lunches: Children in the food program are at high risk of leading a life of poverty. Feeding them is just a beginning. Principals from local schools assess children's needs and make referrals to Cornerstone's food program. These children are feed a warm midday meal that for many is the only meal that they will have for the day. Cornerstone also provides meal deliveries to several shut-ins that are unable to provide or cook for themselves.Food Bank Deliveries: Senior citizens, those with disabilities, and terminally ill patients who have little or no income or family support but who can cook their own meals receive dry goods on a weekly basis. A qualifying assessment is made prior to issuing services, and volunteers may help deliver the food packages.
Assisting With Medical Needs
Elderly, those with disabilities, and terminally ill patients who have little or no income or family support often have health needs and become Belize’s most vulnerable victims.Medical Aid: Occasionally, clients might qualify for medical relief. This might entail securing pharmaceutical donations or working with agencies and medical professionals to ensure sufficient diagnosis and treatment. Assistance may be given to families and clients in planning fundraisers to help raise the money needed for medical treatments.
Special Clinics: Volunteers may coordinate and orchestrate small clinics on specific health challenges such as diabetes and high blood pressure. We encourage volunteers to work with local professionals to determine the highest priority of health education needed and help develop and carry out objectives to meet this need. Volunteers also work with other organizations that may bring in specialized teams of professionals from time to time. By working with these organizations we are able to have an up-to-date database on these clinics so that clients may be referred appropriately as needed.
Elderly Outreach
Working with our elderly provides volunteers with an opportunity to give of them selves. Elderly are often neglected and sometimes in need of someone to check in on them and provide simple conversation.Social Events: Volunteers assist in organizing and coordinating social events and activities designed to stimulate and inspire seniors.
Nursing Center: Coordinate activities, read stories, and socialize with senior citizens at the Octavia Waight Center, a nursing home in San Ignacio.
Emergency Preparedness
From June through October, regular and special meetings of the District Emergency Management Team (DEMT) must be attended for hurricane disaster preparedness. Decisions must be made concerning Cornerstone's capabilities to assist in the case of a hurricane.Food Relief: Volunteers may help organize the preparation of meals (to feed as many as 1,000 or more at one time) for those individuals and families housed in temporary shelters. Volunteers may also assist in locating resources for dry goods or money to buy dry goods for those who have lost homes.
Shelter Relief: Volunteers work with DEMO to organize shelter management, provide staffing, and help with entertaining the children who are temporarily housed there.
Clothing and Bedding Relief: People who have lost their homes may have no clothing or bedding. Volunteers help organize relief efforts and distribute donations equitably.