Advocacy In Action

June 2024 Newsletter

News and Updates from Turning Point of Lehigh Valley

New Path Forward

Healing with Horses

Turning Point is thrilled to announce our continued partnership with Equi-librium, an organization in Nazareth committed to fostering healing through the benefit of horse related activities and therapies. This partnership, funded through a grant from Two Rivers Health & Wellness Foundation, creates opportunities for domestic violence survivors and their children to build their strengths and inner-power. The goals of the program are to:

• Enhance positive communication and build confidence
• Discover self-worth
• Develop problem-solving skills and cooperation
• Learn to manage stress and anxiety
• Focus on the present moment
• Acquire health coping skills

Survivors are able to learn new things, try new challenges, take risks and demonstrate new-found abilities that allow them to experience pride and independence. This partnership creates an opportunity for our clients to find refuge and peace on the farm, even if only for a few hours. Equil-librium has created opportunities for our clients to participate in a Half-day Yoga and Wellness Retreat, 10 weeks of Horseback Riding lessons or a relaxed "Hug a Horse" experience. If you are receiving services through Turning Point and would like to learn more, talk with your advocate about how to register.

New Faces and New Places!

Clockwise from top left; Keema McGruder, Transitional Housing Director; Jodie Tawwab, Housing Advocacy Director; Chrzanoska Vasquez and Carlos Merced, Housing Advocates and Quinn Martin, Community Advocate

Join us in welcoming our new advocates who joined Turning Point this month! Housing Advocates Carlos Merced and Chrzanoska Vasquez have joined our New Beginnings team, while Quinn Martin is our newest Community Advocate. They each bring a wealth of experience and insight that our clients will benefit from.

We're also happy to announce two of our staff have recently received promotions; Keema McGruder and Jodie Tawwab! Keema had been a Housing Advocate with Turning Point and is our new Transitional Housing Director. Jodie had been working as a Safe House Advocate, and is now our Housing Advocacy Director. We're proud of their continued growth as they step into these new roles and continue working to help our clients find safe, secure and stable housing. Congratulations!

Turning Point PRIDE!

June marks the start of Pride Month, a time when we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and their journey towards equality and acceptance. But amidst the colorful parades and joyful events, it's important to remember that for some LGBTQ+ individuals, there are challenges like domestic and intimate partner abuse.

Domestic and intimate partner abuse can affect anyone, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. But for LGBTQ+ individuals, there can be extra hurdles in getting help. Discrimination and lack of understanding can make it hard for survivors to find the support that is needed.

At Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, we want to make sure all survivors feel safe and supported, no matter who they are. We offer empowerment counseling, empowerment groups, and advocacy tailored to the needs of every individual. We also partner with other community partners such as Bradbury- Sullivan. Bradbury-Sullivan offers a wide range of services specifically for the LGBTQ+ community including their LGBTQ+ Education Institute.



Pride Month is about celebrating love and acceptance, but it's also a time to remember those who are still struggling. Let's stand together to support LGBTQ+ survivors of abuse and create a world where everyone feels safe and respected.

For more information on Bradbury-Sullivan and other community resources please follow the links below.

https://www.bradburysullivancenter.org/

https://valleyyouthhouse.org/news_posts/project-silk-lehigh-valley-a-program-of-valley-youth-house-is-moving/

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 also access the details for each event.

Showered With Kindness

We're thrilled to recognize Compass One Healthcare for their generous donation of 75 "Showered with Kindness" kits! Each kit included a robe, shower shoes, a laundry bag, a face towels, scrunchies, soap, toothpaste, and a toothbrush. These kits are heading to our safe house to support survivors of domestic and intimate abuse, giving them the essentials they need to start their day with confidence.

Kits like these send a powerful message of empowerment to everyone who seeks our services. By providing new and consistent essentials, you are offering hope and encouragement.

Want to help? There are many ways to give—donate items, contribute financially, or volunteer your time. Every bit of support helps us continue to provide these vital resources and build a caring, resilient community.

A huge thank you to Compass and all our generous donors. You're making a real difference!

For more information on how to make a difference, kindly visit www.turningpointlv.org.

Ways to Give

Friends, as we enter into the final month of our Spring appeal, we ask you to answer the call alongside us. We cannot do this without your help. Join us by making a significant one-time donation or by committing to a monthly gift. Every donation counts.