Letter from the Executive Director
As part of our all-staff meetings this spring, we’re collectively going through a book called “The Compassion Fatigue Workbook.”
What is compassion fatigue? Merriam-Webster defines it as, “apathy or indifference toward the suffering of others as the result of overexposure to tragic news stories and images and the subsequent appeals for assistance.” Our staff is exposed to trauma daily, and our hopes are that this book will help counter vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.
The book asks us if we “slime” others, or dump our trauma onto them without permission, when we debrief our co-workers, family, or friends and suggests four things to consider to counter that tendency and avoid re-traumatizing others.
- Self-awareness: How do I debrief with others? Do I just dump on others to make myself feel better?
- Fair warning: It’s important to give the listener fair warning of what you want to share.
- Consent: It’s also important to ask for consent from the listener. For example, you could say, “Hey, I had a difficult situation with a client that was very upsetting. Do you have a moment for me to debrief?”
- Limited Disclosure: Even after getting consent, keep in mind that the listener doesn’t need to know all of the details. You can share the core of the story while leaving out the most traumatic information.
Whether it’s at home or at work, we should ask ourselves, “Is this too much trauma to pass along to others?”
At Turning Pointe, we value caring for our staff, and that in turn allows us to care better for our clients. If you know someone who needs help, have them call us at 360.432.1212!
– Gina Finley, Executive Director, Turning Pointe
Upcoming Events
Valentine’s Day Healthy Families Event
TMC Dental Society Golf Tournament
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Dating violence is a major issue, especially among teens and young adults. According to CHCW, “1 in 3 U.S. teens will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before they become adults.” February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness month, and Turning Pointe is working to prevent teen dating violence in our communities.
Earlier this month, our prevention education specialist, Verenise, and our youth advocate, Luis, went to Shelton High School to facilitate a 3-day workshop talking about healthy relationships. Students shared about personal relationships, both friendships and romantic relationships, and learned how to navigate those in a healthy way. They learned about how to safely end a relationship, how to talk about uncomfortable topics, what consent is and isn’t, and how to set healthy boundaries!
Senate Bill 5398
Earlier this month, Turning Pointe staff and board members testified at a hearing for State Senate Bill 5398, which would update the model for allocating DSHS domestic violence funds. An excerpt from Executive Director Gina Finley’s testimony:
The current model for allocation of DSHS DV funding penalizes rural service providers just because of a ZIP code. If we only served Mason County residents; it might make sense. But we don’t. We do the heavy lifting with fewer resources.
Changing the antiquated funding model will incentivize DV service providers to have more beds. This would be a win-win for all survivors.
If you’d like to help support SB 5398, reach out to your state senator and tell them to support a change in the funding model! You can look up your district here. (The bill is sponsored by District 35 Senator Drew MacEwen.)
You can watch the committee hearing for SB 5398 here.
Client Stories
Recently we had a client and her son stay at the shelter. They were so happy and thankful to be here, and when we showed them to their room, the son was so excited. He jumped off the bunk bed and gave me and Tersa a long hug. Those moments make me feel like what we’re doing really matters and helps these kids who are in situations they have no control over.
– Billy, Swing Shift Advocate, Turning Pointe
Staff Spotlight: Lindsey
What is your job title and how long have you been at Turning Pointe?
I’m a housing advocate. I work with clients within the shelter and our community who have experienced domestic or sexual violence to ensure they have safe and stable housing. I have been at Turning Pointe for 7 months.
How did you get to the job you have today?
I have wanted to work at Turning Pointe for years. As a survivor myself who broke the cycle, I am passionate about empowering others to do the same. During my time at Turning Pointe, I have been a swing advocate, legal advocate, and am now the housing advocate.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone experiencing abuse?
There are so many resources out there. Please reach out because you don’t have to go through this alone.
What is your favorite memory or moment since working at Turning Pointe?
I loved watching the community come together to help the families here celebrate the holidays.
What’s your ideal Sunday afternoon?
My ideal Sunday would be shopping and taking my dog out to explore.
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 know someone who needs our services, please have them call or text the number below.
