History

The Rector of the House of Prayer Episcopal Church started the program as Cornerstone Kids Club 24 years ago. The intent was to provide a safe place for the children in the Tampa Heights community to play and avoid the negative influences “on the street” and of an empty home. They met three days a week whenever funds were available with a focus on helping the children with homework and providing a snack. The club operated successfully for many years, however, as time passed, the House of Prayer experienced a dwindling congregation and it began to operate on an “off and on basis” due to the lack of financial support. On February 16, 1997, the House of Prayer and St. James Episcopal Church merged to form one church, St James House of Prayer Episcopal Church. With the merger there was a renewed commitment to keep the program alive; it became an Outreach Ministry of St. James House of Prayer. In October, 1998, the program began to operate five days a week as a 501 (c) (3) organization with the new name of Cornerstone Kids, Inc. The organization became a member of America’s Second Harvest Kids Café and began providing the children a hot meal daily on-site. Today, Cornerstone Kids, Inc. is a comprehensive After-School Program that serves 45 children in the Tampa Heights community.