Letter from the Executive Director: As the Executive Director, I rarely work directly with clients. However, a couple weeks ago, I sat in on a weekly House Meeting and Life Skills class taught by our board member and certified Life Coach, Jill McKnight. That evening we had two of the five women at the meeting who were limited English speakers. We did our best to communicate the content with the clients. I was struck at how impactful the information was that Jill shared about “mindset”. The Spanish-speaking client shared through interpretation that for the first time in her life she didn’t know what her “mindset” was…sometimes she felt strong and other times she thought about going back to Mexico where her abuser is with her children. She expressed through tears that she was conflicted. The next day, that same client, talked to her day advocate who is Spanish-speaking and said that she felt more confident in her “mindset” and was thankful for the discussion at the Life Skills class. Hearing that was moving to me because I know she did not get as much out of the lesson based on the language barriers as she might have if she understood English. It made me more resolved to do our best to use as many resources as possible to make sure that all of our services, support groups, etc. serve survivors despite language barriers. Gina Finley, MNPL Executive Director Created by Survivors: BLANK CARDS Available for purchase ($12/6 cards) Envelopes included! Email: officemanager@turningpointe.org OR call 360.426.1216If you know someone who needs our services, please have them CALL OR TEXT: 360.426.1216 UPCOMING EVENTS: COVID-19 UPDATE: The Power of the Purse committee is actively planning for this year’s event. We are committed to having the best event ever given the potential need to adjust should there be statewide guidance on large gatherings. We will continue to communicate with everyone, but the event is on and we will be creative if necessary. Buy Tickets Here! CAREER OPPORTUNITY Are you passionate about Prevention efforts? Do you want to be a key contributor to our Prevention Program? Do you enjoy training, facilitating and speaking to Youth about Healthy Relationships? We are hiring a Prevention Education Specialist. Send resume and cover letter to programmanager@turningpointe.org (NO CALLS, please) Board Member Spotlight! Becky How long have you been on the board? 2 years. How did you first hear about Turning Pointe? Through Marilyn Sayan, the founding board member. Why did you decide to join the board? My passion for being part of a community that supports those in need of services. Favorite memory/moment you associate with Turning Pointe? Our Board retreat last week! Seeing our team work together with a common passion for helping victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. One goal you have for Turning Pointe in the next 3 years? Hmmm, only one? Securing consistent unrestricted funding streams. CLIENT STORY OF THE MONTH: “Client came to me last week…said she wanted to relapse. I told her I am sorry you are going through this right now so let’s redirect you by keeping your mind on other things. So I gave her food, clean clothes, hygiene stuff and cleaning supplies. The next morning she came to me smiling so big…she said this was the first time in her life she had ever not used when she felt like that.” Staff Spotlight! Adria What is your job title, and what does that mean? Bilingual advocate, which means helping survivors navigate the legal system and a senior advocate which means I am the go-to person for direct services. Describe your journey to the position you have today. I wanted to help survivors that have had similar life experiences to me. I started at Turning Pointe working swing shift and some overnights and slowly moved to case management. Then I got started in legal advocacy and want to stay–I like empowering and being a voice for others. Favorite memory you associate with Turning Pointe, and why? The holidays. Seeing kids that have a safe place to celebrate the holidays and providing them with arts, crafts, and Christmas presents to give to their parents. Kids get to paint and design a bag and pick out presents for their mom, and because of donors we get to provide a lot of gifts and a dinner to the residents. One goal you have for Turning Pointe in the next 3 years? A goal I have for Turning Pointe is to stay open and provide the best services we can through the pandemic. Thank you Sierra Pacific and Bavarian Pro Wash for being our TWO Louis V. Sponsors for the 2021 Power of the Purse VIP Dinner and Live Auction! We are so thankful for our 2021 ADOPT A ROOM Sponsors: Skookum Rotary Hackney Family Dental Joe L. & Nancy Synder Bill & Holly Oplinger George Steele Julia Puhich Green Diamond Rob & Wendy Wilson-Hoss Ross McKnight (two rooms) Donate Now! Find us online! Follow Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center on Facebook and Instagram! |
February 2023 Newsletter
Letter from the Executive Director As part of our all-staff meetings this spring, we're collectively going through a book called "The Compassion...