Cornerstone Kids Get In The Spirit

TAMPA HEIGHTS - Over the synchronized strings of Coleman Middle School's chamber ensemble, timid little voices provided spontaneous accompaniment.

"Fa la la la lah," never sounded so highbrow.

The Coleman musicians performed Tuesday for the annual holiday party at Cornerstone Kids, 2708 Central Ave., where inner-city youngsters receive gifts donated by the community as well as new shoes from the Krewe of Alegria's Kickin' for Kids program.

"Some places give you education and they shoo you on your way," said Marvin Lindsey, grandfather to 6-year-old Nija Capers. "Here they're more involved with the kids. It offers spiritual input as well as education, and the family members are involved. You can't beat that."

Started in 1983 as a place for neighborhood children to hang out, Cornerstone Kids Club was operated as money allowed by the House of Prayer Episcopal Church. When the church merged with St. James Episcopal Church to form St. James House of Prayer Episcopal Church, the club became a fixture. In 2002, it obtained nonprofit status, shortened its name and opened its doors five days a week with a mission to help at-risk children.

Its volunteers mentor, paid tutors help with homework and remedial exercises, and a cook provides a hot meal. The free program serves 40 students in kindergarten through fifth grade from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

"Within six months to a year, they're making a difference," director Olatha Leggett said. "We can see a child just blossom."

Brian Durham, a member of Bayshore Baptist Church, has been volunteering at the club twice a week for two years. The software developer helps maintain the club's computer center, tutors in math and helps with homework. Through the years, he has seen positive changes in the students.

"I feel like a lot of them are my little brothers and sisters," said Durham, who celebrated his last day at the club Tuesday. He is moving back to New Jersey to be near his family.

Cornerstone's $87,000 annual budget comes from grants and donations. Leggett said many churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida, of which St. James is a member, help out. Half of the food comes from America's Second Harvest.

The children come from nearby schools such as Lee and Graham elementary and Walton Academy. Leggett said about 90 percent are from single-parent homes.

The Bob Gilbertson Central City Family YMCA and the Boys & Girls Club of Tampa are not within walking distance for the children, Leggett said.

"There is nothing else here for them," she said. "This is a safe haven."

Leggett collaborates with the Ophelia Project to provide wellness programs, and the children take field trips.

She keeps track of their progress and has seen students make the honor roll for the first time, behavioral problems disappear and test scores rise.

"It's rewarding," she said. "I try to treat them the same way I treat my granddaughters."

Van Borders, 18, a freshman at Bethune-Cookman University, is a volunteer mentor at Cornerstone during his holiday breaks.

"I feel like I'm a good influence to them," said Borders, a graduate of Middleton High School. "I'm in college now. I feel I need to come back."

FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS

For information on Cornerstone Kids, call (813) 226-3066 or go to www.cornerstonekids inc.org. For information on the Krewe of Alegria, go to www.kreweofalegria.com.