We are excited to officially welcome Cornerstone of Hope as a new member of Uptown Westerville Inc.! Located right here in Uptown, Cornerstone of Hope provides grief support, counseling, programs, and resources to individuals and families throughout Central Ohio.
Cornerstone of Hope was founded after the loss of the founders’ three-year-old son, Bobby. From that experience came a mission centered around faith, compassion, and commitment to helping others through some of the most difficult seasons of their lives. More than 20 years later, the organization continues to support communities across Ohio, including through its Central Ohio location here in Westerville.
For Jessica Cudlin, Community Engagement Officer at Cornerstone of Hope, being part of the Westerville community has been a natural fit. When the organization searched for a location that would allow it to grow while remaining accessible to the community, Westerville stood out.
“Westerville just kind of felt like home,” Jessica shared.
Since moving to the area, Cornerstone of Hope has continued to grow its relationships with local organizations, businesses, churches, and members of the community. Jessica shared how meaningful it has been to see Westerville businesses support their mission through partnerships, donations, events, and simply helping spread the word about resources available.
Support Through Every Stage of Grief
One thing that makes Cornerstone of Hope unique is its focus specifically on grief. The organization offers individual counseling, support groups, workshops, children’s programs, memorial events, and other opportunities designed to help people navigate loss.
When someone walks through their doors, Jessica says they can expect to be welcomed with open arms.
“We meet you where you’re at in your journey.”
That welcoming environment carries into the many programs Cornerstone of Hope offers throughout the year. Their memorial events include Mother’s Day Tea for mothers who have lost a child, a pregnancy and infant loss memorial, a candlelight ceremony during the holiday season, and their annual butterfly release. The butterfly release has even reached Westerville, bringing families together to remember loved ones and release butterflies in their honor.
Cornerstone of Hope also hosts Camp Memory for children ages 6 through 12. The camp gives children who have experienced a loss the opportunity to connect with others while learning healthy ways to understand and cope with grief. Jessica shared that watching children and families form lasting connections through Camp Memory has been one of the most rewarding parts of her work.
They have also introduced Family Grief Nights, where caregivers can receive grief support while children participate in activities focused on healthy coping skills. Looking ahead, Cornerstone hopes to continue expanding these family programs, workshops, support groups, memorial events, and partnerships throughout the community.
Finding Community in Uptown
For Cornerstone of Hope, becoming more involved in Uptown is about more than simply being located here. It means becoming part of the community and making sure people know support is available when they need it.
“Grief touches everybody,” Jessica said. “Not one person is immune to it.”
Jessica also shared that one of her favorite things about Westerville is the sense of connection between local businesses and community members. Whether a business offers support for an event, helps spread the word, or simply asks how it can help, she has seen firsthand how willing the Westerville community is to show up for one another.
“Even if you don’t live in Westerville, they make you feel like you’re a neighbor.”
That sense of community is exactly what makes Cornerstone of Hope such a meaningful addition to the Uptown Westerville Membership.
Stop In and Say Hello.
Jessica’s message to the community is simple: come visit.
You do not have to wait until you are experiencing a loss to learn more about Cornerstone of Hope. Community members are encouraged to stop in, tour the space, meet the team, attend an event, or learn more about how they can support the organization.
There are also many ways to volunteer, from helping set up events and preparing meals for support groups to assisting programs and other needs throughout the year.
At the heart of everything Cornerstone of Hope does is the belief that no one should have to experience grief alone. By joining Uptown Westerville Inc., they continue building connections that make that mission possible.
We are so happy to welcome Cornerstone of Hope to the Uptown Westerville Inc. community and look forward to seeing their continued impact right here in Westerville.
