Cornstalk Institute was founded by Chris Duncan and Deryle Perryman in 1993.
The Cornstalk Institute is a community learning center that brings together caring adults and craving adolescents to restore support, meaning and guidance. It gives students the tools and experience to overcome the root causes to self destructive behavior-low self esteem, stress, isolation and poor decisions making skills.
Cornstalk promotes social and emotional competence through a range of experiential programs, including high ropes course, wilderness adventure, building, gardening and mentoring.
Cornstalk provides therapeutic and educational services. The programs blend traditional therapy and counseling strategies with hands-on projects.
Cornstalk is based on the premise that culture builds community. Enables high risk families to learn to become more sufficient, self confident and more in control of their lives.
Cornstalk is funded through grants from the State of New Mexico, through Children, Youth and Families department, the city of Albuquerque, the department of Health, and a small number of private donations.