Great things are happening at Cornerstone Youth Center, and you're invited to see the action firsthand when the center hosts an open house. It will be held on Friday, Oct. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. at 95 S. Wilson Ave., Elizabethtown.

The open house will offer the public an opportunity to see the new Cornerstone Cafe, which opened in August.

"We will thank those who have contributed to and helped with the Cafe renovation project," said Jim Bush, executive director. "Our students and staff will also be giving tours of the new Cafe and other parts of the building. Guests will have the opportunity to learn about our ministry by talking to our students, staff and volunteers." Coffee and desserts will be served as well.

Bush noted that it took a village of people, businesses and organizations to transform the space at the center into the coffeehouse and complete other renovations at the site. Interior design was provided by Anna and Lee Gehman of Gehman & Co. Rosalyn Gehman of Conestoga Country Kitchens provided design and drafting work. The Rotary Club of Elizabethtown presented a $5,000 grant to help with the cost of furniture, and members of the club also donated time to help paint.

Members of Victory Church painted the new entrance hallway, and Mitchell Forry Wallcovering hung wallpaper.

Numerous Cornerstone volunteers and board members helped to complete the project, including Jesse Myers, who did electrical work; Norm Smith and John Fry, who handled carpentry; Mason Brown, who installed drywall; Michelle Bush, who painted; and Ken Wolfe, who assisted with furniture delivery. An anonymous donor provided an espresso machine.

The Cornerstone Cafe is the result of requests from students who asked for a coffeehouse on-site. It's just one of the recent changes at Cornerstone. In August, the center hired Jenn Gibson as the coordinator of girls' programs and communications. "Her responsibilities will be to oversee all girls' programming, including discipleship groups, clubs and student recruitment and retention," Bush shared. "She will also be involved with planning and executing all Cornerstone student events and activities. She will coordinate the publication of our monthly newsletter, update our website and oversee our social media presence on various platforms."

Hiring a full-time female staff member was a high priority for Cornerstone after the passing of former executive director Laurie Shepler in June of 2022. "We recognized that although we have many great female volunteers, we needed a full-time staff person who could be a consistent voice into the lives of our girls," Bush said.

Cornerstone Youth Center is a 4,000 square foot facility that serves middle and high school students in Elizabethtown and the surrounding areas.

In addition to the new Cafe, Cornerstone offers an indoor skate park, a basketball court, a rock-climbing wall, ping-pong and pool tables, and a music room for students to learn the keyboard, guitar and drums. "We offer homework help and tutoring, and we provide a meal and snacks each day to our students," Bush stated. "All Cornerstone's programs and activities are offered free of charge to the students and families. We are completely funded by the generosity of local churches, businesses and individuals."

For more information about supporting Cornerstone financially or to volunteer, contact Bush at 717-367-0000, ext. 1.