“We started working with a ministry called Young Life for high schoolers with special needs,” Heaton said. “Neither one of us had any kind of experience with special needs. When we walked into this room of 30 plus high schoolers with special needs who bombarded us with high fives and hugs, it completely changed our lives.”
In 2006, the Heatons opened Cornerstone Ranch, a residential and day program for adults with developmental disabilities, in McKinney.
The set up
Cornerstone Ranch, situated on 42 acres on CR 317, includes a home for six disabled adults and two staff families, as well as an activities building called The Barn. Patchworked throughout the property are spaces for outdoor activities such as sports, gardening and picnics.
What’s happening?
As the Heatons became more familiar with the needs of the community, they were inspired to provide meaningful activities for adults with special needs, she said. They also became aware of the concern of some parents regarding who will take care of their children when they no longer can.
“We started Cornerstone to meet the need of residential [housing],” Heaton said. “We wanted to provide more than just a program—we wanted to provide a family ... that is committed to forever.”
What else?
Cornerstone later began offering a day program which was housed in various rented spaces. In 2012, the nonprofit opened The Barn, allowing residents and day program attendees to be in one location.
“Our residents would be in the community ... and there would be other families and children with special needs saying, ‘Who are you? What are you doing? Do you have space? What about during the day?’ It really was an organic addition to our program,” Heaton said of the day program.
Ranchers—what Cornerstone calls attendees—have opportunities to enhance their mental, physical and spiritual health through a myriad of activities including volunteering at local nonprofits, daily devotionals, making candles, cooking classes and more.
“The mission of Cornerstone is to empower our friends to live the abundant life they were created for,” Heaton said.
Meet the Ranchers
There is not an age cap for Ranchers, who can be as young as 18 years old. Ranchers have mild to moderate disabilities and can include those with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, Williams syndrome, and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Although Cornerstone has reached capacity on the residential side, and a 60-plus person wait list exists, there is still space available for day program participants. Tuition ranges from $250-$1,000 monthly based on how many days participants attend each week.
“That's the tuition—the cost is larger than that,” Heaton said. “Twenty percent of our total annual cost is covered through tuition, we have a fundraising burden of eighty percent.”
Quote of note
“I truly feel so privileged to know every single one of our Ranchers,” Heaton said. “They are incredible people who have shaped me into who I am. Everyday I have an expectation in my heart that they are going to say something incredible. I feel so much love, acceptance and joy from them, and that's really been the best thing about this job.”
Get involved
In addition to financial support for the nonprofit, Cornerstone needs volunteers.
“Volunteers can work either with our property team to help keep things beautiful, or directly with our Ranchers,” Heaton said. “They might assist them at art class or with a cooking class.”
Going forward
About three years ago, Cornerstone purchased 60 acres in Celina, just north of McKinney, where they plan to relocate in the future. Upon completion, the property will have six homes that will house eight residents. Amenities will include an activities center, dining hall, chapel and indoor swimming pool.
“It's a complete community and what we've always dreamed about,” Heaton said.
- 3933 CR 317, McKinney
- www.cornerstone-ranch.com
