June 7, 2010
Dear Friends,
As the principal of Cornerstone Crossroads Academy, I am pleased to share with you that nine of our students are receiving their high school diplomas this year! Many of these students have been told they would never finish high school or amount to anything, but God is at work in their lives and He has graciously allowed us to be a part of His plan.
Cornerstone Crossroads Academy (CCA) exists to expose students to the hope and abundant life found in Christ, equipping them to know God and serve Him forever. The mission of CCA is to educate at-risk high school students through hands-on, real-life experiences, so that they may develop spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically and graduate with a high school diploma.
As a 501(c)(3) faith-based organization, CCA is completely funded through donations from individuals, organizations, and churches. We are located on the campus of Cornerstone Baptist Church in South Dallas. Student enrollment comes from referrals by South Dallas Juvenile Probation Officers, counselors, churches, and by word of mouth.
Jim and Jane Beckett founded CCA in 2006. They began the school in order to reach teenagers coming out of the juvenile detention setting. They believed that students could be successful in a small family-type setting. Over the past 3 years, more than 20 students have graduated, many being the first in their families to graduate from high school. Several have come to know Jesus Christ, and all have heard the redemption story again and again. Over the next 3 years our goal is to expand the school, depending on increased funding.
For the first four years, our school was almost completely funded through one source. As of June 30, that source will no longer be available. We invite you to join with us by supporting the school with your gifts, time, talents, and skills.
There are a number of ways you can help. Since January 2010, we have raised $94K toward our $145K annual budget. God has graciously blessed us through kind and generous donors who want to be a part of the mission of CCA. We still need $50K to reach our goal for the 2010-11 school year. Giving is simple! You can donate online at www.cornerstonecrossroads.com or you can send donations to our mailing address. All donations are tax-deductible.
Another way you can help is by connecting us with community organizations and church groups who would be interested in being involved at the school. We love opportunities to partner with you for mentoring, tutoring and volunteering! Please visit our website today to download a volunteer application and find out more about the specific needs for volunteers.
CCA students experience many personal issues that present barriers to their academic success, including substance abuse, conflict at home, pressure to provide for the family, and lack of adult guidance. The majority of our students do not have an ongoing relationship with a father or father figure, and many of them are the oldest non-incarcerated living males in their extended families. Students often express concerns about pregnancies, jobs, schedules, transportation, and not having food to eat or means for clean laundry. Your donation will help make a tremendous difference in their lives. You will be helping them have an opportunity to come to know Christ and to earn a high school diploma as they learn necessary life skills to become productive and contributing members of society.
Thank you very much for your interest in our program and for taking the time to read this letter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like more information about how to support the students at Cornerstone Crossroads Academy.
Sincerely,
Kristi
