Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Lucy.
Hi Karen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
Often times I was told, “you are too kind”. I was faced with this statement as if it were an insult. I am proudly where I am today, the executive director of Cornerstone Center for Early Learning, not because I am the smartest or best educated. I am where I am today because I rarely declined a task asked of me and because I am kind.
Although education is important, weekly I speak with highly educated individuals that are unpleasant and share very little of their talents. They are too focused on their own image allowing so little if nothing for others. If everyone in the community refrained from sharing their talents and skillsets, we cease to learn from one another.
I intentionally take the time to listen to individuals. I intentionally take the time to listen to strangers. Yes, I am glad I am kind. At a time in our history where so much kindness is necessary, so little is witnessed.
Therefore, I am where I am today, the last child born into a family of nine siblings, a child raised by parents with a seventh and eighth-grade education, because I realize the importance of being kind to everyone.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I realize there are no smooth roads.
I was molested as a child, abused and raped as an adult, divorced three times, and estranged from my two children. You tell me, are those struggles? I am not a victim.
Those are moments in my life that create the person I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Cornerstone Center for Early Learning?
Cornerstone Center for Early Learning provides quality, comprehensive, and affordable childcare and preschool education in a nurturing, creative environment for St. Louis families of all economic backgrounds.
Cornerstone Center offers a magical environment that supports the children, families, and staff in every way possible. The high retention rate among the staff sets Cornerstone Center apart from others. Last fall a teacher with a 41-year tenure retired departing from others with 30+, 20+, and 10+ years.
When a child is in our care, we provide diapers, wipes, baby food, baby formula, two meals from our in-house kitchen, an afternoon snack, clothes are needed and the list goes on and on. Some of our families are provided with financial support for rent/mortgage, utilities and so much more.
And the staff reaches out during financial and mental struggles as well. This is truly a model for the community.
What does success mean to you?
I define success when I lay my head down at night, reflect upon the day, and feel confident I did my best for myself and those around me. I define success as when I am able to wake up in the morning and take advantage of another opportunity to try again.
I define success from the kind remarks others share about me.
Contact Info:
- Email: klucy@cornerstonecenterstl.org
- Website: cornerstonecenterstl.org
- Facebook: Cornerstone Center for Early Learning
Image Credits
Cornerstone Closet
