The group also reflects on the largest challenge the Cornerstone has faced since its opening in 2006: the COVID-19 pandemic. The episode takes its name from the wellness check system the team devised before any guidance or directives from health and housing agencies, offering a vivid flashback to the harrowing early days of the pandemic and how the shutdown impacted both residents and staff.

Lastly, they are joined by Cornerstone residents Agnes and Suzanne, who share how they each found their way to the Cornerstone, and their experiences joining and being part of the resident community.

Lisa and Alison are joined by Nicole Hixon, an Orange County-based artist and alumnus of the Emerging Artist Fellowship, and Jean-Marc Superville Sovak, the gallery’s inaugural Artist Researcher in Residence, whose deeply moving project From the Ground UP unearthed and honored the forgotten history of African-Americans buried in, and disinterred from, what was historically known as Newburgh’s “Colored Burial Ground.” The artists share the individual journeys that brought them to Ann Street Gallery, and the ways in which its support continues to radiate through their own work and through the growing community of artists and neighbors brought together by the gallery. 

They are joined by two members of this community: Daniel Villegas, a slam poet and spoken word artist, and Gloria Bonelli, theater director and producer, talent agent, and personal manager. From hosting storytelling workshops and Salsa Under the Stars to launching the first-ever Newburgh Fringe Festival in 2025, Daniel and Gloria each have many stories to tell about the magical moments of connection that Safe Harbors has inspired. Go behind the scenes with Ken, Lisa, Daniel, and Gloria — and get a sneak peek at what’s next!