As we enter a new year, I reflect back on how we got here, and I am completely amazed by how incredible our community is. We could not have gotten through 2022 without all of you.

I am honoured to be a part of such a compassionate Cornerstone community that has been there to support vulnerable women and gender-diverse people for nearly four decades now.

We have a lot to be thankful for, as we navigated another trying year. We moved back to our O’Connor shelter at the beginning of 2022. There was a sense of relief after our shelter had been on the move for nearly two years. We welcomed volunteers back into our programs, we brought back programming. There was laughter in the halls again, a real sense of community came back to life. There was a sense of relief and hope on the horizon.

We also finished the first year of our strategic framework and wow, did we accomplish a lot! However, that relief wavered throughout the year as we coped with numerous obstacles at once:

• We had an increase in omicron COVID cases and staffing shortages.
• We were confronted by an occupation right outside our doorstep.
• We, unfortunately, had a fire in one of our resident’s rooms at Booth Street, which led to resident evacuation for more than 3 months
• Food insecurity was at an all-time high for our organization as we navigated the rising food costs

With YOU by our side, we know healing and hope are possible. We are so thankful.

What I am most thankful for from this past year are the connections with new and familiar friends of Cornerstone. I look forward to reconnecting with you this year and focusing on healing and recovery for our community.

Our Cornerstone Community has not wavered - we have become stronger, more resilient, and more dedicated than ever – and for this, I would like to send my sincerest gratitude to each and every one of you. To our staff, and their families; to our donors; to our neighbours and community; to our community partners; and to our volunteers – THANK YOU!

We look forward to seeing you all in the new year as we look towards opening our newest supportive housing residence and celebrating our 40th anniversary!

Sarah Davis
Executive Director