Durham, North Carolina Feb 3, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - The Courtney Jordan Foundation (CJF), a leading global force in philanthropy, is celebrating 15 years of transformative community impact. With a renewed commitment to ending poverty through education, entrepreneurship, and housing, CJF America is excited to announce the launch of Project Cornerstone America—a multimillion-dollar initiative designed to reinvigorate underserved neighborhoods by providing a network of Smart Community Centers that will offer education, workforce training, financial literacy, and critical community services.
These centers will become hubs of opportunity, offering local residents access to the tools they need to thrive, including CJF's Code School, Durham Youth Alliance (DYA) programs, and financial literacy workshops. CJF America has already made significant strides, with over $600,000 invested in its first center in rural North Carolina. Project Cornerstone America represents the next chapter in CJF's expansion efforts to bring accessible, high-impact services to the people who need them the most.
“The cornerstone of real, lasting change is providing people with access to education and the tools to build sustainable futures. Project Cornerstone America is about creating spaces for that transformation,” said Courtney Jordan, founder of the Courtney Jordan Foundation. “We are here to empower communities, not just with financial support, but with lasting partnerships that create new opportunities for generations to come.”
Programs That Build Futures
At the heart of the Smart Community Centers will be key programs that offer pathways to self-sufficiency and success:
- CJF Code School: The CJF Code School equips students with coding skills for high-demand jobs in tech. The eight-week program guarantees job placement upon completion, ensuring students leave with both the skills and resources to jumpstart their careers in the digital world.
- Durham Youth Alliance (DYA): DYA empowers Durham's youth through mentorship, education, and innovative programming. By shaping the future of young people in the community, DYA plays a pivotal role in offering guidance, resources, and opportunities.
- StartUP Fund: The CJF America Investment Fund (StartUP Fund) is fueling small businesses and entrepreneurs with over $20 million in investments. This fund supports innovative ideas that aim to make a meaningful impact in underserved communities.
- Cornerstone Program: Through the Cornerstone Program, CJF America is creating resilient communities by offering essential services such as workforce readiness, GED programs, literacy support, and access to mobile health clinics, all designed to meet the needs of underserved individuals and families.
“The vision behind Project Cornerstone America is to create thriving, self-sufficient communities where everyone, regardless of their background or circumstance, has the chance to succeed,” said Kristen Picot, President of North American Operations for CJF. “Through this initiative, we’re not just offering temporary solutions—we’re creating sustainable, long-term pathways to opportunity that will make a difference for years to come.”
Partnerships for Progress
While CJF America has made remarkable progress, including the opening of its first Smart Community Center in rural North Carolina, the foundation is focused on continuing to grow and expand its programs into new regions. By partnering with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders, CJF America is ensuring that Project Cornerstone America will have a lasting impact on the communities it serves.
“We believe that no one should be left behind,” said Nick Gallardo, Chief Financial Officer of CJF. “By working alongside community partners, we are creating spaces where opportunity, education, and empowerment can flourish. It’s not just about building physical spaces—it’s about building stronger communities.”
A Vision of Unity and Opportunity
CJF America is committed to a philosophy of community support where each individual has the chance to achieve their potential. The goal of Project Cornerstone America is to create environments that help people feel seen, heard, and valued, regardless of where they come from.
“We are proud of the work we’ve already done, but we’re just getting started,” said Rhoda Hormenoo, Senior Vice President of Special Programs and Executive in Charge of Project Cornerstone America. “We’re in the process of expanding our efforts, bringing new partners into the fold, and ensuring that our programs are accessible to the communities that need them most.”
Through this initiative, CJF America continues to lead by example in the fight against poverty, showing that true community development comes from collaboration, innovation, and a relentless dedication to positive change.
About Courtney Jordan Foundation (CJF)
Founded in 2009, the Courtney Jordan Foundation (CJF) is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through education, entrepreneurship, and community development. With a strong focus on sustainable solutions, the foundation has been at the forefront of creating lasting change for underserved communities globally. Its initiatives include Project Cornerstone America, Sunflower Communities, and various programs focused on youth development, workforce readiness, and affordable housing. Through these efforts, CJF continues to empower individuals and families to achieve long-term success and financial stability.
For more information about Project Cornerstone America and how you can get involved, visit cjfamerica.org
Media Contact:
Reagan Cartwright
Director of External Communications
CJF America
Email: rcartwright@cjfamerica.org
Phone: 919-808-5723
Media Contact
The Courtney Jordan Foundation (CJF) rcartwright@cjfamerica.org 919-808-5723 http://cjfamerica.org
