Cornerstone Craftsman Celebrates Grand Opening of New Alexandria Location
ALEXANDRIA, VA — Cornerstone Craftsman, a newly established nonprofit dedicated to mentoring local youth, celebrated the grand opening of its new location on Friday, Feb. 28 at 2111 Eisenhower Ave., Suite 102. The event, held at the space donated by Simpson Development, brought community members together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a celebratory lunch catered by La Patrona Mexican Restaurant.
Roberto Gomez, Executive Director of Cornerstone Craftsman, started the organization based on his personal experience. He shared that learning trades was the catalyst for his life’s success. He gave back to his community by recruiting youth from low-income neighborhoods and providing the opportunity to learn trades, earn certifications, get paid for jobs, and even start businesses.
Terry Dorsey and Mikel King-Talbert, mentees of Cornerstone Craftsman, announced the start of their new business, Wealthy Walls LLC. After meeting Gomez and joining the mentorship program, Dorsey and King-Talbert learned home renovation skills in real-world settings and began earning money through painting and installing drywall. Eventually, the two friends opened their painting company, Wealthy Walls. When asked what message he would share with other young men in his situation who are considering a career in the trades, Terry Dorsey said: ‘Definitely do it. Stay dedicated and try to take it as far as you can.”
The ceremony celebrated not only the new space, but the local politicians, donors, and staff who helped the organization come to life. Mayor of Alexandria, Alyia Gaskins spoke about the impact she saw first-hand on the lives of the mentees. She recalls spotting Dorsey and King-Talbert at community cookouts, public hearings, and council meetings.
She asked Gomez about their attendance, and he told her, “I want them to know everything that is happening around them. I want them to be in the room where the decisions are made. I want them to know that the only way they can be successful is if they are also focused on their housing, their transportation, their education, and their jobs.”
Upon thanking the many donors and supporters of his organization, Gomez concluded by speaking about the importance of a community-wide effort to support the futures of young people: “More than just learning the trades and providing an opportunity for these kids to earn wages, it’s about how we [show up for our youth] from all angles. And if we’re not all showing up, we shouldn’t even be talking about our disappointments. And this is, I think, what Alexandria looks like when people show up.”
SEE ALSO: Virginia Tech Celebrates Grand Opening of Innovative Campus in Alexandria
