2008 Woodie Awards
College lends a hand to community organization
Meredith Clinton
Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: News
Over the years many relationships have been formed between the College community and different organizations throughout the Lehigh Valley area. Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, a place where victims of abuse and their children can find refuge, is one of these organizations.
Turning Point's mission is to work towards the elimination of domestic violence, educate the community about the problem and provide empowerment services to victims. All services, which include a 24-hour help line for victims and their significant others, are free and confidential. Reasons for using the 24-hour help line include crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals, and to provide an empathetic ear as victims tell their stories about physical, emotional, sexual, economic and verbal abuse.
If women choose to seek refuge in either of the two emergency shelters that are provided by Turning Point, there are numerous services available for both adults and children. In addition to having access to trained counselors for either group or individual counseling, residents of the shelters are provided with linens, toiletries, and food.
Bus passes and gas cards are also available so that residents can keep any appointments they may have. "We do not tell anyone what to do. Each person seeking out help needs to decide what is best for them. They are the experts on their lives and they know what their batterers are capable of," said Pam Russell, Executive Director of Turning Point for the past four and-a-half years.
The organization also provides educational services for middle and high school students. The Jennifer Woodward Prevention Program teaches students about dating, violence, and healthy relationships. The goal of this program is to prevent abusive behavior in the future by targeting youth as they are in the process of forming relationships. "Students are taught what abusive behavior looks like and given tools to seek help if they are in an abusive relationship," said Russell.
Turning Point's mission is to work towards the elimination of domestic violence, educate the community about the problem and provide empowerment services to victims. All services, which include a 24-hour help line for victims and their significant others, are free and confidential. Reasons for using the 24-hour help line include crisis intervention, safety planning, information and referrals, and to provide an empathetic ear as victims tell their stories about physical, emotional, sexual, economic and verbal abuse.
If women choose to seek refuge in either of the two emergency shelters that are provided by Turning Point, there are numerous services available for both adults and children. In addition to having access to trained counselors for either group or individual counseling, residents of the shelters are provided with linens, toiletries, and food.
Bus passes and gas cards are also available so that residents can keep any appointments they may have. "We do not tell anyone what to do. Each person seeking out help needs to decide what is best for them. They are the experts on their lives and they know what their batterers are capable of," said Pam Russell, Executive Director of Turning Point for the past four and-a-half years.
The organization also provides educational services for middle and high school students. The Jennifer Woodward Prevention Program teaches students about dating, violence, and healthy relationships. The goal of this program is to prevent abusive behavior in the future by targeting youth as they are in the process of forming relationships. "Students are taught what abusive behavior looks like and given tools to seek help if they are in an abusive relationship," said Russell.