Advocacy In Action

June 2025 Newsletter

News and Updates from Turning Point of Lehigh Valley

Community Partner Spotlight

Lincoln Technical Institute

Lincoln Tech has gone above and beyond in supporting survivors and raising awareness about domestic and intimate partner abuse. From attending our Annual Vigil as a unified group to hosting fundraisers and welcoming us into their classrooms, they’ve created a truly trauma-informed, compassionate campus environment. Their staff and students have actively engaged in prevention education and interactive training, ensuring they can recognize signs of abuse and respond with care. We are grateful for their ongoing partnership and dedication to creating a safer, more informed community.

Honoring and Celebrating Juneteenth

This Juneteenth, we honor the strength and resilience of Black communities. On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free, more than two years after slavery was officially ended. As an agency working to end domestic and intimate partner violence, we know the fight for freedom continues. True freedom means being able to live without violence, fear, or control. We recognize that this fight is harder for some, especially Black survivors who face extra challenges because of systemic racism and inequality. Their bravery and efforts to heal show the same powerful spirit that Juneteenth celebrates. We believe ending domestic violence must include fighting for fairness, justice, and safety for everyone.


You can find a variety of events across the Lehigh Valley celebrating Juneteenth the week of June 14 - June 22. You can find details about events here, courtesy of Juneteenth Lehigh Valley.

Spring Appeal 2025



This Spring: Choice Starts Here


For many survivors, every decision has been taken from them. Where they live. Who they speak to. How they move through the world. At Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, we do not rescue. We empower. Through housing, advocacy, and support, survivors reclaim their voice and rebuild life on their own terms.


This spring, our appeal centers on one belief. Choice should never be a privilege. It should be the starting point. Join us in making that possible.


Donate Today and empower a survivor tomorrow.

🌟 Student Spotlight: 1st Place Winner of the Sticker Contest 🌟


Featuring: Mia Rojas Lopez

from William Allen High School 


We’re excited to spotlight Mia Rojas Lopez, the first place winner of our Sticker Contest! Her artwork received over 200 votes, earning the top spot and capturing the hearts of our community. Mia Rojas Lopez is a talented and thoughtful student who used her art to inspire others and wants to spark reflection around healthy relationships. Below, she shares her inspiration, thoughts on emotional growth, and advice for anyone navigating unhealthy spaces.


🎨 In Her Own Words: Artist Interview


Q: What inspires you to create the artwork?

Mia: The most significant things are the way we use our hands and the way we take care of the hearts in a relationship. The art represents two hands working on parts for the relationship.


Q: What do you want people to take away when they look at your art?

Mia: To reflect. I wanted to create something positive to reflect healthy relationships. We always see toxic relationships, and I wanted to create something more impactful and positive.


Q: If your 7-year-old self saw your sticker and the fact that you won first place, what do you think she would say or do?

Mia: She would be so happy and excited. She would be proud of me for still having passion for art. She will say, “You made it!!”


Q: Any thoughts or words for youth or adults in unhealthy relationships?

Mia: Sometimes we force ourselves to be in a spot that destroys us instead of giving us comfort. It is better to leave and live with the pain than to stay and suffer.


Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

Mia: Relationships are more than just love. It is two souls that create a partnership even when there are complications, the two souls will find a world of peace and growth.


We are so proud to celebrate Mia Rojas Lopez and grateful for the powerful message she’s shared through her art. Her sticker design will be distributed at upcoming events to inspire other youth across our community. 💜



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

Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center

June is PRIDE Month, which honors and celebrates the collective challenges and joys of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Unfortunately, LGBTQIA+ folk are often at an increased risk of experiencing domestic and intimate partner abuse. As such, we stand in solidarity with the organizations that support our queer community. We spoke briefly with Peter Flood, Community Programs Manager (he/him/his) of Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center. Read his words below!


Q: What does Pride mean to you?

 Peter- Pride is a continual reminder to the world that the LGBTQ+ community exists and we will fight for our rights. The world gets to choose if that fight is civil or not.


Q: What is something you wish everyone knew or understood about your work?

Peter- Because of persistent cultural shame it can be difficult for LGBTQ+ people to connect with others authentically. Part of the work the center does is give queer folks a third space to connect in. And a specifically sober third space so they aren't pressured into potentially unsafe situations perpetuated by targeted marketing by multi-billion-dollar industries like tobacco and alcohol. 


Q: Why do you host Lehigh Valley Pride during a different month than Pride month (June)?

Peter- We host LV Pride in August mostly so that we can support as many prides across the state as we can. Since most prides are in June our team is stretched pretty thin that month and don't have the time or energy to put on our own pride then. So, we celebrate in August to act as a bridge between pride month and Coming out Day in October. This was also the tradition of the organization that coordinated Pride in the Park before us. 


Q: How can the community best show their allyship and honor LGBTQ+ individuals?

Peter- There are so many great ways to support the community. Words of support, attending pride, writing to state and federal representatives on behalf of our rights, donating to nonprofits, or joining mutual aid groups. 

 

Q: What upcoming events would you like us to share during Pride Month?

Peter-

o Queer movies at the Civic Theater--

| A Nice Indian Boy- June 6th – June 8th | On Swift Horses- June 13th – 15th |The Wedding Banquet- June 20th – 22nd | Young Hearts- June 27th-29th|

o  Bethlehem Flag Raising- June 6th at 1-2pm

o  Shankweiler's Drive-in LGBTQ+ movie night- June 10th

o  Pride Night at the IronPigs- June 17th

o  Allentown Out and Proud Flag Raising- June 28th 4-7pm

o  Lehigh Valley Pride- Aug. 17th from 2-7pm


Abuse does not discriminate, and neither do we at Turning Point. Please visit our website at TurningPointLV.org to view more about our confidential services offered at no cost to ALL survivors. Also, make sure to visit BradburySullivanCenter.org to learn more about their services and supports available to the community. 

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.

Drive of the Month

Non-Perishable Food Drive


Every meal matters. This month, we are collecting non-perishable food items to support individuals and families receiving services through Turning Point of Lehigh Valley. From canned vegetables to snacks for the kids to microwaveable meals, your donations help ensure that survivors have reliable access to food during times of transition.


View the flyer below for a full list of requested items and drop-off details.


Your generosity fills more than shelves. It strengthens futures.

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!

Quick Links

Wish List Needs

Make a Donation

Schedule a Training

444 E. Susquehanna Street, Allentown, PA 18103 

 

turningpointlv.org • (610) 797-0530


24/7 Helpline (610) 437-3369

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn

Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, Inc. is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, charitable organization as defined under the Internal Revenue Service code section 501c(3). Tax exemption entity ID 23-2100651. Please consult with your professional tax advisor as to what deduction may be available to you. The official registration and financial information of Turning Point may be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.