FAQ

This section is a compilation of answers to the questions most commonly asked by people seeking services. If your question isn’t answered here, please contact us. 

Q: Where is Cornerstone located?

Cornerstone has offices in Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, and Minneapolis. When you contact us to schedule an appointment, we work with you to determine which location you will visit, which is dependent on your location and the services you are seeking. 

Main Office:
1000 East 80th Street
Bloomington, MN 55420

Q: How much does it cost for Cornerstone’s services?

There are no fees for any of Cornerstone’s services, with the exception of therapy. Clinical therapy for adults, youth and families is offered on a sliding fee scale based on your financial situation.

Q: Is Cornerstone open on the weekend?

Cornerstone’s safe housing is open 24/7 and can accept new residents at any time, pending availability of open beds. However, the majority of our services are only available during the week. Please ask your Cornerstone advocate about their specific hours. Cornerstone’s Day One’s Crisis Hotline is staffed 24/7 by advocates who can assist you any time.

Q: How do I contact you after hours or on the weekend?

You’re always welcome to contact our 24/7 crisis line at 952.884.0330 with questions about Cornerstone’s services after hours. This number will connect you directly to Cornerstone’s emergency shelter. Otherwise, if you’d like to speak with an advocate for support over the phone, text, email or in an online chat, please contact our Minnesota Day One Call Center. 

Q: Do I need to be experiencing domestic violence to access Cornerstone’s services?

No. Cornerstone serves adults and youth who have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking and crime. 

Q: What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence and emotional abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically; however, the one constant component of domestic violence is one partner’s consistent efforts to maintain power and control over the other. (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)

Q: What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence is the use of sexual actions and words that are unwanted by and/or harmful to another person. It can include sexual assault, rape, attempted rape, incest, molestation or other acts of sexual intrusion, including both non-physical and/or verbal acts of violence, sexual harassment and sexual abuse.

Q: What is human trafficking?

Human trafficking refers to the sexual or labor-related exploitation of people through force, fraud, coercion or pressure for profit or monetary gain. When you’re being trafficked, it is not a choice or voluntary action. Human trafficking includes labor trafficking, sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Q: What is general crime?

General crime is a broad category of offenses, including both property crimes and crimes against persons. This includes burglary, robbery, assault, hate crimes and identity theft. According to the law in Minnesota, a crime victim is a person who incurs loss or harm as a result of a crime. You could also be a crime victim if you’re a family member, guardian or custodian of a minor, incompetent, incapacitated or deceased person.

Q: Do I need to leave the person hurting me before contacting Cornerstone?

No, Cornerstone does not always ask you to be separated from your abuser or the person who is hurting you to receive services. While each of our programs have their own unique set of requirements, we recognize that the decision to leave or stay is complicated and you know your situation best. If you decide to stay with the person who is harming you, we’ll work with you to create a safety plan and things to consider while accessing Cornerstone’s services in order to stay safe. If you decide you want to leave, our advocates will help you adjust your safety plan.

Q: Do I have to file a police report or talk to law enforcement before I can get help from Cornerstone?

You can contact us at any time to be connected to any of our programs and to receive services. We do not require you to file a police report or talk to law enforcement at any point while you are working with a Cornerstone advocate or seeking resources such as Emergency Financial Assistance after you have experienced a crime like theft or property destruction.

Q: What does Cornerstone offer for victims / survivors of trafficking or sexual exploitation?

Victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation have access to all of Cornerstone’s services, including our emergency shelter. Shelter is available for those who are 18+ and their children. If you are under 18, please contact Cornerstone’s Day One Call Center to explore safe options. 

Q: Does Cornerstone serve men and male-identified adults?

Yes, men, male-identified, nonconforming, non-binary and people of all genders can access all of Cornerstone’s services. 

Q: Does Cornerstone serve children and youth? 

Yes, Cornerstone offers specialized services for children, youth and teens. Since Cornerstone was founded in 1983, we have recognized young people as primary victims of violence and abuse with specific needs as a result of the trauma they’ve experienced. Cornerstone’s youth programming takes place at our Bloomington location.

Q: Is childcare available?

Yes, we are able to provide free childcare onsite. However, to ensure that our childcare staff, volunteers and child-appropriate spaces are available, we ask that you please make an appointment ahead of time.

Q: Are interpreters available?

Yes, spoken interpreters and ASL interpreters are available for all of Cornerstone’s services.

Q: How does Cornerstone provide services that honor my cultural identity?

Cornerstone’s advocates regularly provide support in collaboration with culturally-specific advocates at other service providers. This co-advocacy model honors your cultural identity. Some of our partners include ThinkSelf, Casa de Esperanza, Asian Women United of Minnesota (House of Peace), Anti-Violence Program of OutFront MN and Pillsbury United Communities – Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Program.

Q: Does Cornerstone serve people who are Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing and/or living with a disability?   

Yes. All of Cornerstone’s programs serve victims / survivors who identify as Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing and/or living with a disability. Video phones and ASL/CDI interpreters are available, as well as whiteboards and markers, language access posters and a “Welcome to Our Services” video for victims / survivors. We have a co-advocacy partnership with ThinkSelf, an advocacy and education organization for Deaf* adults in Minnesota. Our statewide Day One program has partnered with ThinkSelf to create easier access to train and better equip domestic violence and sexual violence organizations throughout Minnesota and their staff, including Cornerstone, to serve Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Hard of Hearing and/or living with a disability.

Video explaining our commitment to accessibility: https://youtu.be/DbMKzxQHeG4

Q.  I want to get help because I don’t feel safe. But I don’t want to leave my pet behind. Is there a way to keep my pet safe, too?

A.  Yes.  Being concerned about your pet is understandable and we will work with you to make sure your pet is safe. The Minnesota Alliance for Family & Animal Safety (MNAFAS) provides safe and temporary foster care for the pets of families and individuals experiencing violence so that they can address their safety needs and next steps. If you would like more information regarding MNAFAS or Pet Safe Housing call the MNAFAS line at 952.646.6563.

Q: Do I need an appointment before coming to Cornerstone?

An appointment isn’t always required, however we highly recommend that you call us ahead of time at 952.884.0376 to schedule an appointment. Some services are only available during certain hours and we want to be sure that staff are available to assist you. Appointments are also important if you’re in need of childcare for your children while you’re meeting with Cornerstone advocates.

Q: Can I make an appointment for a family member or friend?

We can only make appointments for adults by speaking with the person seeking Cornerstone services. Appointments for youth under 18 may be made by a parent or guardian. 

Q: What can I expect while accessing Cornerstone’s services and what is expected of me?
Q: How can I provide feedback about my experience with Cornerstone?

Your feedback is important to us and helps us to ensure that our programs are responsive, respectful and meeting the expectations of our community. Each of Cornerstone’s programs solicits feedback from participants via a survey. If you have not received a survey or evaluation form, please contact your Cornerstone advocate. 

If you have a concern regarding your experience, please follow our grievance procedure outlined here.

Additional Questions?

Please contact us at 952.884.0376 with questions about Cornerstone and our services for victims / survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking and crime in the Twin Cities. We’re happy to help you decide if we’re a good fit for you and connect you to other resources in Minnesota if needed.

Contact Us

Schedule an appointment with a Cornerstone advocate by calling 952.884.0376. To connect with us after hours, please call our local 24/7 crisis line at 952.884.0330. Interpreters are available.

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Mission & Services

Cornerstone’s continuum of service helps to create communities where individuals and families are safe and children thrive. We advocate, educate and lead the way to social change. Our ultimate goal is to reduce the prevalence of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking and general crime.

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Minnesota Day One®

A statewide program of Cornerstone, Day One® works to ensure that no call for help goes unanswered so that all in need can find safety and support. Day One connects people to experiencing domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking or general crime to help at agencies throughout the state.

Learn more

Call: 1.866.223.1111
Text: 612.399.9995

Please call 911 in an emergency.

Minnesota Crime Victims

Cornerstone’s General Crime Victim Advocacy program assists victims of assault, child abuse, impaired drivers, elder abuse, identity theft, robbery, homicide and other crimes. We also can connect you to crime victim agencies through Minnesota via our statewide Minnesota Crime Victim Support Line.

Learn more

Call: 1.866.385.2699
Text: 612.399.9977

Please call 911 in an emergency.

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