Advocacy In Action

July 2025 Newsletter

News and Updates from Turning Point of Lehigh Valley

Breaking News!

A New Chapter at Turning Point Has Begun

Dear Friends of Turning Point of Lehigh Valley,

We want to let you know about some exciting changes we will be making at the agency this Summer! 

In 2023 we adopted a 3-Year Strategic Plan that focused on improving services, expanding housing options, increasing our ability to shelter survivors who are fleeing, and raising significant capital to support these efforts.

We had vision of moving to a new centralized service location where survivors can more easily access a wider array of services, along with adding a significantly larger capacity to offer on-site emergency shelter to survivors in immediate danger.

After many months of research, including talking with other domestic violence programs across the state, we have officially decided to transition to a Survivor-Centered Housing model that offers those in danger a safe place to go, but this will no longer be provided in a traditional shelter setting. We feel confident that embracing this new service delivery model will increase survivor satisfaction with services, reduce the stigma of staying at a "shelter" and provide better outcomes related to survivor independence.

So, what does this mean?

• We will still offer all of the same services and options to survivors.
• We will still support those who are in danger and need to flee their current living situation.
• We will still have a 24-hour Helpline answered by our trained advocates.
• We can increase our ability to serve survivors throughout the entire community by offering more "mobile advocacy."
• We will expand the training and empowerment services we offer in a new community center in the near future.

All of us at Turning Point of Lehigh Valley are excited about the possibilities this change will bring, both now and in the future. There is certainly lots more detail behind everything shared here, and we look forward to providing more information in the months to come. 

Your involvement and support in helping us work toward achieving our mission is truly appreciated! 

In Peace,

Lori Sywensky, Executive Director

At Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, we believe every survivor deserves the chance to live free from fear, violence, and control. But survivor independence doesn’t follow one path; it looks different for everyone. For some, it’s finding a safe place to sleep at night. For others, it’s being able to work without constant fear, having control over their money, or simply being able to make everyday choices without someone else’s permission.

Domestic and intimate partner abuse affects people of all identities, backgrounds, and experiences. That’s why we make sure our services are survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and inclusive of everyone. We meet survivors where they are and support them in the ways that feel right for them.

True independence isn’t just about leaving an abusive situation; it’s about being supported in the healing process, rebuilding trust, learning new tools, and creating a future on your own terms. Whether that means joining a support group, working with an advocate, planning for safety at work or at home, or simply being heard, we’re here every step of the way.

We know that building a life after abuse can be challenging, but it is also filled with strength, courage, and hope. We are honored to walk beside every survivor as they move forward.

If you want to help more survivors find their path to independence, you can make a difference. Share our resources, invite us to provide a training, volunteer your time, or consider making a donation.

Independence is possible. Hope is real. No one has to walk alone.

🌟 Student Spotlight: 2nd Place Winner of the Sticker Contest 🌟

Featuring: Anusha Ramin

from Northampton High School

We’re thrilled to highlight Anusha Ramin, a talented and thoughtful artist from Northampton High School, who earned 2nd place in our Sticker Contest!

Anusha’s powerful design focused on the importance of healthy relationships, using creativity as a tool to share a message of hope, strength, and self-worth. Inspired by the real experiences of her peers, her artwork reminds us that art can speak truth, encourage change, and offer healing.

🎨 Q&A with the Artist

Q: What inspired your artwork?

"I see a lot of my friends are going through unhealthy relationships, so I wanted to show them positivity and a way out. I researched quotes, and that quote stood out to me because some people treat others like objects, so I wanted to show that it is a partnership."

Q: What would you like others in unhealthy relationships to take away from your art?

"That it is okay to reach out for help. And just because he says he loves you doesn't mean he actually does."

Q: If your 7-year-old self could see the art you made and that you won 2nd place, what do you think she would say?

"Oh my god I am famous!!!"

Stay tuned for more student features and ways we’re celebrating youth voices in our programs!

Drive of The Month

🔦Community Spotlight: Moravian University🔦

Top images: TPLV Training and Prevention Education Staff host trainings on Moravian University's campus to various groups. Bottom image: Becki Achey, Title IX Coordinator, sits at a resource table during an awareness event on campus.

Moravian University has been actively engaging students and raising awareness about domestic and intimate partner abuse on campus. They have worked hard to build a trauma-informed, compassionate campus environment through their on-campus efforts. We are grateful for their ongoing partnership and dedication to creating a safer, more informed community for survivors of abuse!

We spoke briefly with Becki Achey, Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator, and Aileen Thompson, Community Support Coordinator for Moravian about their work--- see below.

Q: What does your office do on campus for students/staff? How do you support survivors on campus?

We have a few different offices that support survivors!

• The Advocates for Survivors of Sexual Violence provides support and referrals for student survivors of sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and stalking.
• The Title IX Office provides formal and informal resolutions around Equal Opportunity, Harassment and Non-Discrimination, as well as supportive measures for survivors of abuse and/or sexual violence, as well as for pregnant students and employees.
• Finally, our Sexual Violence Prevention Committee connects MU Faculty, Staff, and Student Representatives to encourage 1.) Education and Awareness, 2.) Collaboration and Advocacy, and 3.) System Evaluation. Each member of the committee brings their area of expertise to work towards achieving these goals.

Q: How has your partnership with TPLV helped you with your work?

We've collaborated with TPLV for programming to support on-campus student organizations, spread awareness about us on and off-campus violence prevention efforts through tabling events, and have highlighted TPLV resources during focused awareness days such as: Consent Day, Domestic Violence Prevention, Mental Health Awareness Day, Take Back the Night, and Denim Day.

Q: What is one thing you wish more people understood about Title IX and supporting the campus community?

Sometimes people do not think that the Title IX Office is doing anything because they don’t get campus-wide updates. For example, if there is an alleged sexual misconduct incident between two students, many rumors start to circulate and people come up with their own conclusions; however, Title IX processes at Moravian University are conducted in accordance with FERPA regulations. These proceedings are private and all related information is considered confidential and not shared with the public.

The campus community needs to trust that the Title IX Office handles all situations according to policy and federal law. It is a campus-wide responsibility to ensure Title IX compliance and to be actively engaged in sexual violence prevention efforts.

Q: What advice do you have for anyone who may be experiencing abuse on campus?



There are various supportive resources on-campus: CAPS, Advocates, Title IX, Campus Police, Office of Spirituality and Inclusion, Health Center, and various reporting forms which can be submitted anonymously. The CAPS therapists, Health Center, and University Chaplain are all confidential resources for students. All other on-campus resources are private. Additionally, there are also off-campus resources available, such as: Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, Crime Victims Council of Lehigh Valley, Bradbury-Sullivan Center, County Crisis Hotlines, and local healthcare providers, all of which are confidential resources.

Don't forget that there are many people on campus to help you. When you make a Title IX report, it does not mean that you have to go through a formal process. The survivor is the "driver of the bus" and can decide which path works best for them.

Unlock Your Potential: Discover Exciting Learning 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.

Grab Some Gear for Summer Time!

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!