About
Who We Are
Cornerstone Community Development Corporation, Inc. (CCDC) is a public charity established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization by Cornerstone Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Chris L. Simmons.
The primary focus of the CCDC is to promote community growth, development, and revitalization of the South Dallas/Fair Park Community. Its mission is to assist residents in the community through the process of breaking out of the cycle of poverty while becoming contributing members of their neighborhood.
The CCDC provides various community services and outreach programs. Its aim is to build stronger communities through impactful initiatives and sustainable development. We offer educational opportunities, meals for people experiencing homelessness, housing opportunities, medical services, and other relief and empowerment services designed to target those in the South Dallas/Fair Park Community.
We believe in fostering a sense of belonging, promoting economic growth, and providing opportunities that enhance the overall well-being of individuals and families.
In addition, we partner with several non-profit organizations to implement programs to address teen pregnancy, foster economic development, promote education, support prison aftercare, and empower at-risk boys. These programs play a vital role in accomplishing our mission at CCDC.
Our Mission:
At CCDC, our mission is to improve the quality of life for residents in the South Dallas/Fair Park Community. We are deeply committed to breaking the cycle of poverty by providing transformative programs and services designed to empower individuals to becoming active, contributing members of their neighborhood.
Our Vision:
At CCDC, our vision is to be a beacon of holistic community development, fostering positive change in the South Dallas/Fair Park area. Our vision goes beyond buildings; it encompasses the empowerment and transformation of individuals and the community as a whole. Together, we are building a foundation for a brighter, more inclusive, and spiritually enriched future in South Dallas.
Core Values
At CCDC, our core values are the guiding principles that shape our identity, inform our actions, and inspire our commitment to making a positive impact. These core values are not just statements; they are the driving force behind every initiative, the foundation of every relationship, and the catalyst for positive change. These values reflect the heart of our organization and the foundation of our mission.
We Value Every Person:
Inspired by God's Image: We believe that every person is uniquely created in God's image. Guided by this belief, we commit ourselves to love others with the same compassion that Christ has shown us, and to serve others selflessly.
We Value Community
Renewal and Revitalization:
Investing in Community Well-Being: We are dedicated to the renewal and revitalization of our communities. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, we strive to create environments that foster growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
We Value the Ongoing
Nurture and Development of Individuals:
Empowering Indigenous Individuals: We value the ongoing nurture and development of individuals within our community and discovering ways to work together to accomplish a desired end. Through education, skill-building, and support, we empower individuals to reach their full potential.
We Value Relationships and Partnerships:
Healthy and Productive Partnerships: We recognize the power of relationships and partnerships in addressing poverty. We actively seek to establish and nurture relationships that lead to healthy, productive collaborations, empowering those in need and fostering sustainable change.
We Value Listening to the Community:
Addressing Felt Needs: It has often been said, "Those closest to the problem are closest to the solution" (Just Leadership USA) but lack resources. We value addressing immediate "felt needs" to open doors for meaningful conversations.
Key Focus Areas
Community Development
Engaging in projects and initiatives that aim to improve the community's overall well-being. This includes affordable housing, real estate acquisition, and development that foster stable and thriving neighborhoods and contribute to the community's growth and stability.
Economic Development
Supporting local businesses, entrepreneurship, and job creation to stimulate economic growth within the community.
Education and Skill Development
Provides educational resources, vocational training, and skill-building programs to empower community members with the skills and knowledge needed to break the barriers of poverty, fostering a culture of continuous learning and personal development.
Health and Wellness
Addressing health disparities by promoting wellness within the community. This includes initiatives such as a medical clinic, Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB) wellness program, and a community garden.
Social Services
Provides social services to address the diverse needs of vulnerable populations within the community. This includes our clothing and shower facility, laundromat services, and supporting individuals facing various challenges such as homelessness.
Community Empowerment
The overall goal of the CCDC is to empower the community by addressing its specific needs and challenges. This empowerment is accomplished through various means, including economic opportunities, education, social support, and spiritual nourishment.
Our Commitment
Empowering Lives:
We believe in the inherent potential of every individual. Our programs are crafted to empower residents with the tools and resources necessary to overcome obstacles, realize their potential, and actively contribute to the well-being of their community.
Breaking the Cycle of
Poverty:
Poverty should not define one's destiny. CCDC is dedicated to creating pathways out of poverty by offering comprehensive support systems, educational opportunities, and vocational training that equip individuals with the skills needed to secure sustainable employment.
Community-Centric Approach:
Recognizing the unique needs and strengths of the South Dallas/Fair Park community, our initiatives are designed with a community-centric focus. We engage in active dialogue, foster collaboration, and implement tailored solutions that resonate with the aspirations of our residents.
Fostering Sustainability:
Our commitment extends beyond immediate relief. CCDC is dedicated to fostering long-term sustainability. By addressing root causes and providing ongoing support, we aim to create a ripple effect that positively influences the community for generations to come.
Our Team
President
Director of Real Estate Development
Director of Development
Director of Volunteer Services
Real Estate Development Assistant
Accountant
Senior Property Manager
Property Manager
Property Manager
Maintenance Technician
Collaborative Partnerships
A “Maternity House,” that provides temporary housing and support services to expectant teenage mothers aged 18-21 in the Dallas area.
Viola’s House utilizes a holistic approach in order to help teen expectant mothers make enduring, positive changes in their lives.
The Cornerstone Center for Economic Opportunity helps start and grow small businesses that serve unmet needs in the South Dallas community, as well as provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.
Trinity Restoration Ministries is a prison mentoring and aftercare ministry. The dual emphasis involves meeting with and mentoring inmates prior to their release from prison, counseling them, and working to help them make connections with churches and other ministries on the outside. TRM ministers not only to inmates, but also to their children and families.
The King’s Academy partners with families to provide children with an exemplary Kingdom education by investing in the whole child; spiritually, academically, and emotionally. The King’s Academy believes that children were created in God’s image and therefore have great value and purpose. TKA teachers create and maintain a learning environment where students are treated with dignity, respect, and love. Every child is unique with his or her individual rate of physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual development.
Hope Farm is a long-term leadership development program that guides at-risk boys, without the benefit of a positive male role model in their homes, from the time they are 5-7 years old until high school graduation and beyond.
Bike Friendly South DallasTM is a 501(c)(3) organization with the goal of helping the community learn about, earn, repair, and become familiar with bicycles and safe cycling. We advocate for cycling as a viable method of transportation, cycling safety, and awareness in the south Dallas community and beyond. We believe bicycles are beautiful and our mission is to get more butts on bikes!
Cornerstone Crossroads Academy is a second-chance high school helping students ages 17-25 earn a diploma, discover their purpose, and find pathways to success through rigorous academics, holistic case management and supportive vocational training.
The Well is an extension of the Trinity Restoration Ministries prison mentoring and aftercare ministry for women.