Advocacy In Action

August 2024 Newsletter

News and Updates from Turning Point of Lehigh Valley

Supporting Students

Nurturing Self-Love: Highlights from Our Teen Empowerment Groups

Building 21 2024-2024 Spring Cohort

Each year, our child and teen advocates eagerly connect with students from various schools across the valley to educate them about healthy relationships. Our advocates are prepared for the difficult conversations often left out of classrooms. High school is a crucial time for students as they learn about themselves, and it is essential to provide them with the tools to engage in healthy relationships that enhance their lives.

Recently, our child and teen advocate, Geraldine, has been conducting female empowerment groups at Building 21 with students ranging from 9th to 12th grade. These groups have become a beacon of hope for many of the students who attend. They have shared success stories, such as recognizing unhealthy signs in relationships, experiencing the satisfaction of setting personal boundaries, and understanding that self-love is the first step to healthy relationships.

At the end of the 8-week session, all the students received a certificate of completion. Some of these students will be returning as leaders of the next curriculum, and we are very excited for this upcoming school year.

Back to School Drive

Planning a fundraiser this August? We have a ready-made flyer for you, complete with a list of items that can make a significant impact. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Our community can make a significant difference in the lives of children and teens seeking services with Turning Point of Lehigh Valley.

By participating in our Back-to-School Drive, you can help send kids back to school confidently with the essential supplies they need. Your support ensures that every child starts the academic year well-prepared and ready to succeed.

Click here for a printable version of the flyer and join us in making a positive impact!

Celebrating Our Board Volunteers

As we prepare to have new Board Members join us in October, we want to celebrate those who are finishing their 2nd term of service to Turning Point. This month, we want to recognize Danielle Adams Wiltshire, who joined us as a Board Member in 2018. In addition to serving as Vice-President and Chair of our Governance Committee, Danielle is the Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of QueenSuite Coaching. Before she leaves, we asked Danielle to share a few more pearls of wisdom with us. 

What has been the most rewarding part of serving on Turning Point’s Board? 

Being a part of a mission that is bigger than who I am and what I do as a professional feels like the most powerful way to make an impact where I live. When I coincidentally meet someone who shares their success story of how Turning Point changed their life, it makes me grateful to my Mom for telling me how my Nana rose from an abusive relationship. We are all connected, whether we realize it or not, and for me, the reward is a way to make deposits into an account that was passed down to me through generosity, compassion, and entrepreneurship. 

How have you balanced your family, work & volunteer commitments? 

Hold firm to your boundaries and build out your calendar. I timeblock, so when it’s important, I have time reserved for it on my calendar. These time blocks include drive time to and from in-person meetings, time set aside to take my mom to Costco or take my dog for walks, and times blocked for recurring board and committee meetings. To the best of my ability, I make stakeholders (client, husband, or otherwise) aware of changes and overlaps in order to serve their needs and mine well. Create a schedule where you are still the main character and be willing to negotiate before you sacrifice your boundary.  

August is National Black Business Month. What advice would you share with others aspiring to create a successful, Black-owned business? 

In short, focus on strategic planning, resilience, and leveraging available resources. Have a business plan, but don’t lose yourself in long-winded templates (unless you are looking for investors or start-up capital). Don’t shortchange the value in community and make the investment of time in building and leveraging your network. Not everyone is your customer, but everyone you meet has the potential to introduce you to your customers. Build a recognizable brand that is founded on reliable service, caring communication, and unwavering consistency.  

What do you hope your legacy will be from your service with Turning Point? 

Maya Angelou said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” During my tenure with Turning Point, I hope that Lori and her team, past and present, and my fellow board members, felt respected, valued, and proud of our commitment to eliminating intimate partner violence and changing lives one person at a time. The ripple effect that we create as an organization is far-reaching, even if we do not always hear the waves reach the shore. 

Thank you to Danielle for her 6 years of board service; she will be missed!

Unlock Your Potential: Discover Exciting Training Opportunities

Empowerment begins with knowledge, and we invite you to take a stand against domestic and intimate partner abuse by participating in any of our upcoming community training opportunities. These sessions are designed to equip you with valuable insights, resources, and skills to create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone! Visit our Events Calendar to learn more and access the details for each event.

Celebrity Casino Night

Hosted by: Strength 'n Love

Let's Talk About Digital Safety

In today's connected world, the internet is a crucial part of our daily lives, offering communication, entertainment, and information at our fingertips. However, for individuals experiencing domestic and intimate partner abuse, the digital world can also become a tool for abusers to exert control and surveillance. It's essential to understand how to protect your digital presence to ensure your safety.

Digital abuse involves the use of technology to harass, stalk, manipulate, or control a partner. This can include monitoring your online activities, using GPS to track your location, sending threatening messages, or controlling your social media accounts. Awareness of these tactics is the first step in safeguarding yourself.

According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), 97% of domestic violence programs reported that abusers use technology to stalk, harass, or control victims. Additionally, a survey by the Center for Domestic Peace found that 85% of domestic violence shelters work with victims who have experienced cyberstalking.

Knowledge is power. Stay updated on the latest digital safety practices and threats. Regularly review and implement safety plans and safety measures to keep your digital life secure. Remember, your safety is priority, and there are resources and people ready to help you through this challenging time.

To learn more on digital safety tips and additional resources, you can visit our resource section on the Turning Point website below.

Community Contributions

A huge thanks to Heather Davenport, also known as Ms. Pennsylvania, for your incredible support and generosity! Your contributions have made a significant difference in our mission to eliminate domestic and intimate partner abuse.