Cornerstone Youth Center seeks to provide opportunities for youths to experience personal growth, and LINKBANK wants to support that mission. LINKBANK recently presented Cornerstone with a check for $3,000 to help with the costs of the youth center's Empower program.

"This program is aimed at empowering at-risk youth within our community and is designed to provide these individuals with the skills, resources and support necessary to unlock their leadership potential and become positive influencers in our community," said Jim Bush, executive director of Cornerstone Youth Center.

As Bush explained, the program focuses on five key pillars: Building a Life of Character and Integrity, Developing Healthy Relationships and Establishing Boundaries, Conflict Resolution and Overcoming Obstacles, Financial Management and Stewardship and Community Service and Civic Responsibility. The program is designed to train future leaders to be financially responsible while promoting personal growth.

"Through Empower, at-risk youth will have the opportunity to engage in a series of carefully crafted workshops, activities and mentorship opportunities focused on developing essential leadership skills, such as effective communication, teamwork, decision making and conflict resolution," Bush shared. "Some activities that help teach students these skills are archery, escape rooms, rock climbing and obstacle courses. These opportunities to face new challenges will give the students valuable insights into their own strengths and capabilities, ultimately boosting their self-confidence and self-esteem."

This year's Empower program will run on Thursdays from June 11 through July 16, 2026.

This is the third year for the program and the second year that LINKBANK has presented a grant to Cornerstone to help offset the program's costs.

"The money from the grant will provide the students with workshop materials, including workbooks, backpacks, T-shirts, lunches and admission to the activity destinations," Bush said. "Each graduate of the program will also receive a graduation jacket at the graduation dinner."

Located at 95 S. Wilson Ave., Elizabethtown, Cornerstone Youth Center is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide a safe and fun environment where youths can build healthy relationships, be introduced to the Gospel and experience wholeness in life through Christ.

"We have after-school programs for middle and high school students each day," Bush commented. "Our facility includes a skatepark, rock climbing wall, music room, cafe and many activities for students to discover new hobbies, interests or hidden talents!"

Cornerstone typically serves 20 to 30 students daily, providing programming and support for more than 150 individuals each school year.

"Our vision is to continue the work of Jesus Christ by meeting the spiritual, physical and emotional needs of youth in partnership with their families, local churches and the community," Bush remarked. "Our center is a place where young people encounter the love of Christ; receive mentoring from caring adults; and engage in purposeful activities that build life skills, spiritual depth and community awareness."

He expressed thanks to LINKBANK for the business's continued support.

"With the support of this grant, we aim to expand our impact, reaching more students with programs that inspire hope, encourage personal growth and empower the next generation to lead with integrity and compassion," he said.

As a nonprofit, Cornerstone is always seeking funding sources for its programs. It will hold its annual banquet on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate in Elizabethtown. Seth Joyner, former Philadelphia Eagle and current Eagles broadcaster, will be the keynote speaker. Banquet sponsorships are available by contacting Sammi Simmons, development coordinator, at 717-367-0000, ext. 4.

For more information on Cornerstone Youth Center, visit https://cornerstoneetown.org.