Reston Interfaith To Change Its Name on Aug. 1

Reston Interfaith, the nonprofit that has been aiding area residents facing tough economic times, will go by a new name as of Thursday.

Reston Interfaith will be called Cornerstones, a name that evokes strength, community and high aspirations, says RI Board of Directors Chair Stuart Rakoff.

"Cornerstones is about strength," he said.  "Cornerstones is about building blocks and the mortar that holds them together.  Cornerstones is about the words we engrave that express our highest aspirations. 

"I am a cornerstone because I believe deeply that it is only through service that we attain the humanity and decency we strive to achieve," he added.   "When we act in unison and strength we can create the cornerstones that sustain our community and families."

RI spokeswoman Angela Suarez said the agency did lots of research over the last year as it looked for a new name that would reflect a broader geographic outreach.
 
"I am excited," says Rakoff. "We're at a point in our development where we have very serous challenges. But we are opening a new facility in Herndon that will help people who come through the Jeanie Schmidt Free Clinic. Some of our housing we own is in Herndon and Centreville. The county looks at us as the primary service provider in this end of the county."

Starting Wednesday, the organization's website, www.restoninterfaith.org. will direct visitors to the new Cornerstones website. There will also be a series of Cornerstones kick off events coming up in the next few weeks.

Reston Interfaith has helped more than 250,000 people since its founding in 1970. It's mission to help people with food, shelter, affordable housing, quality childcare, and other human services, was begun by representatives of local faith organizations, thus the interfaith in the title.

Related: Help Kids Get Ready For School with Reston Interfaith's Backpack Drive