Women’s History Month is a time to honor those who have shaped our communities through perseverance and shared vision. While many organizations in Sullivan County have worked tirelessly to build safer and healthier communities, Turning Points Network’s evolution from a small, grassroots movement to a leading support organization is a testament to the dedication of countless individuals who refused to let survivors suffer in silence.
The organization began in 1977 with a simple yet powerful mission: to create a haven for individuals in need, offering education and enrichment opportunities to those facing instability due to life’s challenges. TPN has spent nearly five decades advocating for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, providing resources and empowering individuals to heal and rebuild their lives.
In its early years, the agency, then known as Women’s Supportive Services, responded to urgent crises faced by survivors. As Janet Waldron noted in a 1979 article from the Argus Times, about 100 clients sought help in the first year alone.
“They’ve often been suffering for a long time,” explained Penny Hoblin, office manager. “Sometimes they don’t come in until they’re absolutely in fear of their lives. They might have no food, no money. Just the clothes on their back.”
These early experiences highlighted the critical need for accessible services and safe spaces, laying the foundation for what TPN would become.
By the mid-1980s, TPN had expanded significantly, opening its first shelter in 1985 after overcoming political challenges and raising funds through the “Help Make Our House a Home” campaign. This milestone was a pivotal moment in Sullivan County’s history, providing safety for survivors when they needed it most. As the organization grew, so did its services — establishing violence prevention programs in schools, launching AmeriCorps partnerships, and providing court support for those navigating the legal system.
Volunteers have been at the heart of TPN’s mission throughout its history. Lorraine B. of Charlestown, who began volunteering with the group to help its cause, expressed in 1979 how her perspective shifted after just four months.
“I think the biggest thing is realizing you are not alone and there’s help available,” she reflected.
Lorraine showed pride in the empowerment message that the organization brings, emphasizing that awareness and support can change lives. Her words underscore the ongoing impact that volunteers and advocates have in breaking isolation and helping survivors feel seen, heard and empowered.
Throughout the years, TPN has continued to adapt to the evolving needs of the community. The annual “Steppin’ Up to End Violence Walk and Fun Run,” initiated in 2007, became a hallmark event, rallying hundreds of participants to support survivors while raising significant funds for survivor support programs and the agency’s prevention education for schools throughout Sullivan County. In 2023, TPN moved its headquarters to a new facility in Claremont, further solidifying its commitment to accessible, community-centered support.
Thousands of survivors have walked through TPN’s doors, finding much-needed services and advocacy. The impact of TPN reflects the broader significance of Women’s History Month. The struggle for safety and equality is ongoing, and the stories of organizations like TPN highlight the resilience of individuals who have fought against myriad challenges to ensure a future where all survivors are heard, supported, and empowered.
As we honor this month of reflection and progress, let us recognize and support the ongoing efforts of organizations such as TPN. Their contributions remind us that history is not just about the past — it is about the progress we continue to make together. By recognizing and respecting these legacies, we keep the focus on the continuing struggle for safety, justice and empowerment.
OUR TURN is a public service series by Turning Points Network serving all of Sullivan County with offices in Claremont and Newport. We provide wraparound support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking and we present violence-prevention education programs in our schools. For more than 40 years, TPN has helped people of all ages move from the darkness of abuse toward the light of respect, healing, and hope. For information contact 800-639-3130, visit our website at turningpointsnetwork.org or find us on Facebook.
