December 2022 Newsletter

Jan 25, 2023

Letter from the Executive Director

While many of us are making plans with our family for the upcoming holidays, our shelter clients are often alone and isolated from their family for many reasons during this season. With help from the community and our staff’s hard work, we’re able to make holidays at Turning Pointe a little bit brighter.

I often find myself staggered by the generosity of the community. People bring fresh pies, smoked turkeys and hams, and other holiday foods. Community members donate Christmas gifts, offer to help decorate, and even dress up as Santa for children at the shelter. Our staff works for weeks leading up to Christmas decorating and planning the “shopping experience” (where moms can pick out free gifts for their children and children can do the same for their moms). Our Youth Advocate and Prevention Education Specialist plan children’s activities during the wrapping party to keep the little ones occupied.

Each year, we are always amazed at how our clients support each other during the holidays. The reality is that for a short time they are “in it together” and being together through the holidays is a bonding experience. They all feel the support from the community and staff and it makes a huge difference.

Thank you and Happy Holidays!

– Gina Finley, Executive Director, Turning Pointe

Upcoming Events

Christmas Week

Help us make Christmas special! We need gift cards and gifts for a packed week of events for our clients:

December 20th – Children’s Activity and Shopping
December 21st – Single Ladies and Mothers Shopping
December 23rd – Wrapping Social

Domestic Violence Core Training

We’re hosting trainings at our Shelton office (210 Pacific Ct, Shelton WA).

Space is limited, so register today!

Topics will include:

The history of the movement to end domestic violence
Active listening skills
Confidentiality and ethics
Legal, medical, and systems advocacy
Safety planning and crisis intervention skills

Dates:

Week 1 – January 18th and 20th, 10am-3pm
Week 2 – January 25th and 27th, 10am-3pm

Training costs $75 for community partners and $125 for the general public. For more information, contact vchavez@turningpointe.org.

Client Stories

Once a month, Peninsula Community Health Services visits our shelter with a mobile clinic to offer free medical services for clients. On their most recent visit, I happened to see a client and her son coming out of the mobile clinic, and the little boy was jumping up and down exclaiming, “That was soooo cool!” The mom responded, “Yes that was, you got to listen to my heart and lungs, huh?” “Yeah, so cool!” he added, with the biggest smile.

Moments like this speak to the safe and comfortable environment the Peninsula healthcare workers create while caring for survivors. We’re incredibly grateful for their support, and continue working to provide services for our clients while maintaining safety, comfort, and humanity.

– Courtney, Office Manager, Turning Pointe

Recently, Turning Pointe had a booth at the Thurston County Winter Distribution Event, where we shared brochures and resources for the homeless community. During the event, a woman approached our table and said years ago we helped her get out of a dangerous situation. She was now at the event as a provider helping others. She thanked us for all of our hard work and said that we truly don’t know how much we affected her and her life. She said because of our help, she now spends her life helping others in that situation.

It’s amazing to see the things our clients are able to accomplish and the positive impact they’re able to have on the community. It’s a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.

– Verenise, Prevention Education Specialist, Turning Pointe

Staff Spotlight: Luis

What is your role at Turning Pointe?
I am a Youth Advocate, which means I work specifically with the youth at the shelter and outside the shelter. I provide one-on-one advocacy, coordinate youth activities, and facilitate groups for children to help them process the trauma they’ve experienced.

What is your favorite Turning Pointe memory?
One great memory was hearing one of the youth’s parents say that their child couldn’t stop saying “trick or treat” after our trick or treat event. One of our wonderful staff also donated a costume to the child so they could tag along in the fun.

What are some of your hobbies?
I love to read. I believe education is elevation, so I have my fair share of self-help books on my shelf. I also like to go to the gym to de-stress.

What is your goal for the next ten years?
I would love to continue working with vulnerable and underserved populations, lending a hand where it is most needed.

Where are you from?
I grew up in Shelton. It’s a very humble town and filled with many people who want to see it thrive, including many of our donors who allow us to continue doing what we do

What is something we don’t know about you?
I speak a little Japanese! Ohayo gozaimas

Shelter Needs

Please contact Theresa at tcamacho@turningpointe.org if you’re able to help with any of the following items:

Blankets

Laundry soap

Shampoo & conditioner

Toothpaste

If you would like to help make the holidays brighter for our clients, contact Verenise at 360.426.1216 or vchavez@turningpointe.org.

A huge thank you to our 2022-2023 Adopt-A-Room Sponsors:

4th Dimension Construction
Belco Forest Products
Bill & Holly Oplinger
Cindi Amadio
Edward Jones Financial Advisor: Lori Morgan
George & Olene Steele
Green Diamond Resource Company
Hackney Family Dentistry
Hood Canal Communications
Joe L. & Nancy L. Synder
Laura Thomas
Melissa & Ted Lagreid
Mount Olive Lutheran Church
Rob & Wendy Wilson-Hoss
Ross McKnight (x2 rooms)
Shelton Skookum Rotary
Sue Patterson
The Weza Family