About Cornerstone ReEntry Project
Building a Stronger Foundation for What Comes Next
Cornerstone ReEntry Project was created with the belief that successful transition requires more than simply telling someone to make better choices or find a job. Young adults need practical skills, opportunities to practice those skills, and an environment that challenges them to grow.
Our work focuses on helping young adults strengthen the communication, workforce readiness, decision-making, and life skills needed to successfully navigate employment, adulthood, and their communities.
At Cornerstone, we recognize that many young adults have potential that may not always be reflected in their past decisions, educational experiences, or current circumstances. Our approach focuses on what comes next—helping participants identify their strengths, develop new skills, and learn how to present themselves with confidence and professionalism.
Our Mission
The mission of Cornerstone ReEntry Project is to equip young adults with practical workforce and life skills that strengthen their ability to pursue employment, make responsible decisions, communicate effectively, and successfully transition into adulthood and the community.
Our Flagship Program
The Cornerstone Workforce & Life Skills Academy is the primary initiative of Cornerstone ReEntry Project.
The Academy provides structured, experiential training in professional communication and articulation, workplace professionalism and etiquette, employment readiness, interviewing, problem-solving, decision-making, conflict management, and other skills essential to workplace and community success.
Our training model goes beyond traditional classroom instruction. Participants are expected to practice what they learn through presentations, role-play, mock interviews, workplace scenarios, group challenges, discussion, and individual feedback.
The goal is not simply to complete a program. The goal is for participants to leave Cornerstone better prepared to demonstrate what they have learned when it matters.
Why Cornerstone?
A cornerstone provides stability and establishes the foundation upon which something stronger can be built.
That idea represents the purpose of our work.
Cornerstone does not define participants by where they have been. We focus on helping them develop the skills, confidence, accountability, and preparation needed for where they are going.
For some participants, that may mean preparing for their first meaningful employment opportunity. For others, it may mean learning to communicate differently, handle conflict more effectively, rebuild after justice-system involvement, or begin taking greater responsibility for their future.
Whatever the starting point, the work begins with building a stronger foundation.
Our Approach
Cornerstone programming is designed around practice, accountability, engagement, and measurable growth.
We believe participants learn best when they are actively involved in the process. That means speaking in front of others, explaining their ideas, working through realistic situations, receiving feedback, solving problems, practicing professional behavior, and being challenged to apply new skills.
We also believe progress should be demonstrated, not assumed. Participant development is assessed throughout the program to help identify growth, areas requiring additional support, and readiness for the next step.
Partnership Matters
Cornerstone ReEntry Project is designed to work collaboratively with organizations that share an interest in improving outcomes for young adults.
We welcome opportunities to build relationships with courts, probation and reentry professionals, juvenile and adult justice agencies, schools, workforce organizations, community partners, employers, and other organizations serving young adults.
Together, we can help create a stronger bridge between where a young person is today and where they have the potential to go.
Build the skills. Strengthen the foundation. Prepare for what comes next.
Meet The Founder
With more than 25 years of professional experience in corrections, parole, juvenile justice, behavioral health, and human services, Donna Lochard brings a unique perspective to the challenges facing young adults involved in the justice system.Her career has included serving as a Correctional Officer, California Parole Agent and Acting Supervisor, Juvenile Probation Officer, Adolescent Primary Therapist, and Juvenile Detention Counselor with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. These experiences have provided her with firsthand insight into the challenges individuals face both within the justice system and as they prepare to return to their communities.Throughout her career, Donna has witnessed the importance of providing individuals with more than supervision, accountability, and instructions to make better choices. Many young adults also need opportunities to develop the practical skills necessary to communicate effectively, navigate professional environments, resolve conflict, and make informed decisions.These observations helped shape her vision for Cornerstone ReEntry Project.Donna holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, with a concentration in addiction and forensic counseling, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. She is a trained and certified Aggression Replacement Training (ART) facilitator, with additional specialized training in behavioral interventions, crisis prevention, risk assessment, and social skills development. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies at Walden University.Through the Cornerstone Workforce & Life Skills Academy, Donna seeks to bridge the gap between knowing what is expected and having the skills and confidence to meet those expectations. Her approach emphasizes hands-on learning, meaningful participation, personal accountability, and real-world application.At the heart of Cornerstone is a belief that a person's past does not have to determine their future. With the right preparation, opportunities, and willingness to grow, young adults can begin building a stronger foundation for what comes next.
