History

In 1999, David and Cynthia Heaton began dreaming of a home like Cornerstone. The Heatons were volunteering with a Young Life special needs group in Dallas, and realized that something needed to be done for these students as they graduated from high school. Without the ability to live independently, their friends with disabilities were forced into living situations that were less than ideal, and missing the abundant life they were created for.

In 2001, after graduating from college and as young newlyweds, the Heatons opened their own home to three men with special needs. Their ministry continued to grow and flourish, and Cornerstone Ranch was incorporated. In 2004, the Heatons purchased 42 peaceful acres of land outside McKinney, and they built our 10,000-square foot ranch home. In 2006, our first residents moved in. They have remained with us ever since, along with our faithful direct care staff who live on site with their own children.

While remaining true to our core values, Cornerstone Ranch is now executing the Heaton’s vision to vastly expand. In 2011, we built our Board of Directors and added a non-residential day program that now serves 50-plus adults with special needs.

We are thriving and preparing to grow into a sprawling Christian community, changing the way the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex cares for people with disabilities.