Advocacy In Action 

April 2025 Newsletter

News and Updates from Turning Point of Lehigh Valley

Champions of Change:

How Our Volunteers

Make a Difference Every Day

We'd like to take a moment to highlight and thank our amazing volunteers who help support our mission each and every day.

During 2024, volunteers provided us with 1,968 total hours of service!

That works out to be an astounding 246 days of work! At Turning Point, volunteers are more than just helping hands- they are the heart of our mission. Their dedication strengthens every aspect of what we do. Some volunteers provide service directly to survivors by answering our helpline or facilitating support groups. Beyond direct service, volunteers serve on our Board of Directors, help bundle outreach materials, and organize donations- essential tasks that keep our programs running smoothly. Their time, energy, and passion supplement the daily work of our staff, ensuring we can reach and support even more survivors. We are deeply grateful to our volunteers for their commitment to making a difference.

If you’re interested in joining this incredible group, click the button below to learn how you can help.

We Need Your Help Deciding!

Our Child & Teen Advocates challenged student artists from middle & high schools around the Lehigh Valley to submit ideas for stickers that will help spread awareness about abuse.  

We were overwhelmed by the incredibly creative responses and love them all, so we need your help! 

Please click the link below & select up to 3 of your favorite choices by April 30th. The winning design will be announced in May and you can look for the new sticker at Turning Point's youth community events starting this summer.  

Spotlight: "In Her Element" Club at Northampton Area High School 

We’re honored to highlight the incredible work happening with nearly 20 dedicated young women participating in the In Her Element club at Northampton Area High School. This club holds special meaning to the community and those of us at Turning Point, as it was one that Rianna Glass—who tragically lost her life to teen dating violence—was actively involved in. 

This year, one of the students from the club reached out to our Child & Teen Team to request a guest speaker. Since then, our Youth Prevention Advocate, Kessa King, has been facilitating the I Am Her curriculum with the group. 

Throughout the sessions, Kessa has witnessed these students show deep engagement, curiosity, and strength as they navigate tough but important conversations about healthy relationships. The group has been learning to recognize red flags, set boundaries, and support one another in building a foundation of self-worth and empowerment. 

On April 8th, we will be celebrating the conclusion of their group series—a chance for the students to reflect on their growth, share what they’ve learned, and honor their journey through I Am Her. 

We’re so proud of these students and grateful for their openness, resilience, and commitment to making a difference—both for themselves and in memory of Rianna. 

This Month's Allies in Action

Guest Blog

H.R.909 -

Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025

Each year 10 million victims of crime receive help from victim assistance programs throughout the country, thanks to VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) funding. VOCA is collected from fines, penalties, and forfeitures from convicted federal criminals – no tax payer dollars are used. This is the main source of government funding for many programs, including domestic violence and sexual assault centers, victim witness programs, and Child Advocacy Centers.

For decades there have been attempts to route money out of the Crime Victims Fund to support other government projects. Because of this, the balance available is falling short to support this network of services people rely when they need it.

On February 5th, a bipartisan group of US Representatives reintroduced the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act. This Act would redirect unobligated funds collected under the False Claims Act through 2029 to stabilize the fund and ensure victim assistance programs have the support they need to keep their doors open.

Consider letting your US Representative know that you support keeping services for survivors and HR909.

Unsure how to contact your Rep? Click below!

Unlock Your Potential: Discover Exciting Training Opportunities

Empowerment begins with knowledge: We invite you to take a stand against domestic and intimate partner abuse by participating in any of our upcoming community training opportunities. These sessions are designed to equip you with valuable insights, resources, and skills to create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone! Visit our Events Calendar to learn more and to access the details for each event.

Supporter Spotlight: Makayla Kohler Ms. Motorsports 2025

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Makayla Kohler, Ms. Motorsports 2025, for her incredible support through her Queens Who Care donation drive, which provided over $450 in hygiene products to support women in need. In her own words, "Turning point is close to home and I learned a lot about it during my time in college! It just felt right to donate to them, and women in need. Thank you for allowing me to donate and for always putting others first."

Makayla's dedication to empowering others is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for her unwavering commitment to helping those who need it most.

Follow Makayla on Facebook here and Instagram here where she posts updates of races, winners, tracks or events she’ll be at each month.

Help Give Someone a Fresh Start -

Support our Spring Cleaning

Supply Drive

A Fresh Start Begins with the Basics. Cleaning supplies may seem small, but for many, they’re out of reach. Turning Point’s Fresh Start Cleaning Drive is about more than tidying up, it’s about ensuring everyone has the essentials they need. Join us in making sure no one goes without the basics!

Join us in making sure no one goes without the basics.

Host a drive or donate today!

Need a New Look for Spring?

Find t-shirts, phone cases, stickers, and hats that show your support for survivors and help spread awareness. Turning Point receives funding through every purchase. Help empower our mission to create a safer, more connected Lehigh Valley. Shop today and make a meaningful impact!