At my first interview, I sensed something special about this small organization. And after joining Turning Points Network, I felt the collaborative culture that my gut instinct had sensed during the hiring and orientation process.
It was clear that the leadership team–Administration and Board–weren’t just going through the motions. They were “all in” and completely committed to the success of TPN’s mission to end personal violence.
I quickly understood that the incentive for working for this organization wasn’t driven by status or recognition but rather the feeling one derives by simply doing the right thing to assist and support a fellow human being who is in less than fortunate circumstances.
This isn’t a glamorous business but it is full of rewards, knowing that you may have prevented a fatality by providing the support a survivor needs to escape a lethal relationship. I’ve never experienced such camaraderie, kindness, and energy as I have working with this small group of caring professionals.
Embodying the true meaning of not-for-profit, TPN offices are modest and staff isn’t concerned with brand-new and shiny for themselves but with creating a comfortable environment for those they serve.
With offices on 11 School St. in Claremont and 167 Summer St. in Newport, the organization attracts 45 to 55 volunteers to assist a small but mighty committed staff led by an executive director who has been the backbone of TPN for more than 34 years.
The reasons so many volunteer and donate can fall anywhere from having experienced a personal history of domestic violence or sexual abuse to having been blessed with a violence-free life and wanting to give back to those whose lives have been torn apart by abuse.
The moment a TPN client walks through the door or connects with the organization via telephone or email, they can be certain that they will not be judged. Many of their stories are heart-wrenching and difficult to tell but all are treated in the strictest of confidence. From providing compassion to more materialistic necessities, the Direct Services staff do whatever it takes to give the boost one needs to start over, to assure long-term independence from an abuser, or to heal from domestic, sexual or stalking violence.
The Shelter Manager spends countless hours working with families to establish safety, community supports, financial stability and safe, permanent housing as well as painting and cleaning the shelter, creating a welcoming and warm environment for the individuals and families in residence.
On-call advocates answer calls in the middle of the night providing victims with a calming voice and the support or action they need. And the advocates are available to jump in the car to meet a survivor at the hospital to help them through the aftermath of a physical and/or sexual assault.
TPN Educators present violence-prevention programs in area schools to educate and empower students K-12 to recognize, talk about and stop abuse. Education staff members are at community events to heighten awareness of abuse and how to access all the services that are available at TPN, including a 24-hour crisis and support line, emergency shelter, court advocacy, peer counseling, an economic independence program, support groups and Changes, our thrift store on Pleasant Street. The agency is also proud of its involvement in the Green Dot initiative, a four-year bystander intervention program with the goal of zero tolerance for violence.
TPN couldn’t provide the services it does – at no cost to those who need them — without donors and supporters who give their time, money, clothing and household items.
One of the most rewarding experiences of being part of the TPN team is participating in the Annual Steppin’ Up to End Violence Walk and fun Run, one of the largest and most successful fundraisers in Sullivan County.
After two years with TPN, I am still amazed at all the beautiful people that come together for those who only want what many of us take for granted each day – simply to live in peace, free from abuse. It makes me very proud to work for this organization and with people who give so much every day to focus on less violence and more safety for all who live and work in Sullivan County.
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