GREAT BEND, Kan. — Strengthening communities begins with investing in people, and Cornerstone Armory is doing just that through a growing network of outreach programs designed to support individuals and families across Barton County and surrounding rural communities.
Since officially launching in November 2025, Cornerstone Armory has served more than 215 individuals directly through outreach initiatives, food assistance, clothing support, homeless care bags, youth programming, mentorship opportunities, and other community-focused efforts. That number does not include the countless individuals impacted through donations distributed to The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus and Pawnee Valley Community Hospital through programs such as The Grin Bin and The Bright Spot.
Founded by Shane and Skylar Meeker, Cornerstone Armory was created from a belief that every person deserves to be seen, valued, and supported. What began as a desire to meet practical needs has evolved into a relationship-based outreach ministry focused on helping individuals find hope, build confidence, and create pathways toward long-term success.
The organization’s impact extends beyond Great Bend into communities throughout Barton County and neighboring areas, including smaller communities that are often underserved or overlooked. Through outreach events, food distribution efforts, community partnerships, and personal mentorship, Cornerstone Armory continues to focus on meeting people where they are and helping them move forward.
That commitment to long-term growth is reflected in several new initiatives. One of the organization’s newest programs is a monthly Youth Night that provides teens with a safe, positive environment to build friendships, connect with mentors, and develop healthy life skills. Cornerstone Armory is also preparing to launch a Job Readiness Program in August that will help participants develop workplace skills, professionalism, communication techniques, interview skills, conflict resolution strategies, and the confidence needed to secure and maintain meaningful employment.
The program is designed to serve a wide range of participants, from young adults entering the workforce for the first time to individuals facing significant employment barriers. Local employers will be invited to participate in practice interview panels and mentorship opportunities, creating valuable connections between job seekers and the business community.
These efforts align closely with the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Elevate GBK: Beyond Today strategic plan, particularly its Workforce Development and Business & People Retention priorities. By investing in youth development, mentorship, job readiness, and personal growth, Cornerstone Armory is helping strengthen the workforce pipeline while improving quality of life throughout Central Kansas.
Another key focus of the organization is collaboration. During recent discussions with community leaders and nonprofit partners, Cornerstone Armory emphasized the importance of working alongside existing service organizations to create a smoother pathway for individuals seeking assistance. Rather than duplicating services, the goal is to connect people with the right resources at the right time and reduce barriers that often prevent upward mobility.
“Strong communities are built when organizations work together to help people succeed,” said Megan Barfield, President and CEO of the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. “Cornerstone Armory is creating meaningful opportunities for connection, growth, and workforce development while strengthening partnerships that benefit our entire region.”
That spirit of service and collaboration was celebrated recently when the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce hosted a Ribbon Cutting for Cornerstone Armory. While the event marked an important milestone for the organization, the conversation focused less on the ceremony itself and more on the growing impact Cornerstone Armory is making through outreach, mentorship, workforce preparation, and community partnerships.
As Cornerstone Armory continues to grow, its focus remains unchanged: serving with compassion, building authentic relationships, and creating opportunities that help individuals and families thrive.
For more information about Cornerstone Armory, contact [email protected]; follow them on Facebook!
