Program areas at Turning Points Network
EDUCATION- TPN provides school based prevention education programs and community based awareness, outreach and training programs. School based programs are available to students pre-school through 12th grade in all schools in Sullivan County. Programs teach youth skills to assist them with everyday challenges throughout their lives. Key topics include bullying and cyber bullying, personal safety, child sexual abuse prevention, relational aggression, respect, healthy relationships, dating violence, date rape, and work that builds a Climate of Respect throughout the school. Trainings are encouraged for staff and parents. Community based programs include trainings for other first responders, trainings at businesses on sexual harassment and domestic violence in the workplace, by-stander trainings, and general awareness programs, all focused on building a healthier community and one that is more responsive to the needs of survivors.
THRIFT STORE-Changes Thrift Store is a social enterprise that provides a service to the Sullivan County community and which generates revenue for Turning Points Network programs and services. Gently used clothing and household items are donated by community members TPN then sells items at a very minimal cost .50-5.00 on average. Families and individuals experiencing an unforeseen hardship, individuals living in the community homeless shelter, and individuals who need clothing for job interviews or for their children for school are able to shop for what they need at no cost or at a reduced cost.
DIRECT SERVICES-TPN provides direct services that bring about an immediate cessation from abuse, such as emergency shelter and court advocacy in obtaining restraining orders, as well as services that provide support for healing such as peer counseling, support groups and advocacy in accessing additional community services. Services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Services are provided by a very small staff and a significant volunteer task force. Services are provided on an empowerment and advocacy model. We help survivors make their own decisions about their safety and healing by providing safety planning, options for TPN and additional community services, information on abuse, advocacy and accompaniment. Survivors decide which services they want to access. There is no charge for services as most survivors we work with do not have the means to pay for services or could not safely access resources. We work to reduce barriers in accessing services, including transportation, child care and language. Services are provided to adults, teens and children.