Get to Know Our Keynote Speaker, Lainie Belcastro

Our Education and Training Director, Melissa Grimmer, had the chance to sit down with our keynote speaker earlier last month and learn more about why she felt compelled to share her survivor story.

Question: What inspired you to speak at our Annual Survivor Vigil?

Answer: "No one can really share the nightmares of domestic abuse unless you’ve witnessed or lived it, and I have. My voice has always been out there, but, recently, Chicken Soup for the Soul, published my story, "I Whispered, Yes…” in their March book release, The Advice that Changed My Life. It’s a short story, but it shares that moment when I heard my own voice to permanently leave my abusive husband. It captures all the frightening thoughts, anxieties and fears that go along with that final decision. Believing life has its way of turning its own pages, I felt it was time to return to Turning Point to offer my story of strength and healing to those who need to make that final decision to discover theirs."

Question: Could you share a personal story or experience that motivated you to take action and choose Turning Point as an organization of interest in giving back?  

Answer: "Having volunteered as a speaker many years ago for Turning Point, I have seen the good that this dedicated team of people offers those who do take that final step in leaving their abusive relationships. Unfortunately, domestic and intimate partner abuse is still so prevalent. I was blessed to have a family to go home to, but so many do not. Turning Point of Lehigh Valley is one of those generous, compassionate organizations that becomes an extended family to shelter and protect survivors of abuse. More light is needed to spotlight these survivors and all the good benefits that Turning Point offers them. I hope sharing my story will help."

Question: How do you envision sharing your story contributing to the lives of those affected by domestic and intimate partner abuse? 

Answer: "Hopefully, my words will touch the hearts of many attending the Vigil. I hope my words will make a difference, not only for the survivors, but also the corporate, political, religious, healthcare and community representatives present who need to stay focused on the prevalence of domestic abuse and the rippling effects that it causes physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Overcoming my abuse was a long process and families, professionals and the public need to be aware of the continued care, compassion and protection that is necessary."

Thanks to a Grant From Boyle Construction, We Were Able to Make Some Much-Needed Upgrades to Our Safe House

Since the onset of COVID, our Safe House has experienced a significant surge in the number of survivors and their families seeking shelter. In the past fiscal year, we provided refuge to 337 survivors and their children. Consequently, our furniture, appliances, and common areas have endured considerable wear and tear.

We are incredibly grateful for the generous grant we received from Boyle Construction, which has allowed us to acquire new, more durable furniture and carry out much-needed upgrades to enhance the quality of our Safe House. 

Thanks to the hands-on help of our Board Members Meghan Baker and Jenn Moore, we are thrilled to offer this sneak peek into the changes made to date. Those currently staying with us have really appreciated the changes, with the best review coming from one of kids who said, "This place used to look so boring. Now it is cool!"

Boyle Construction's support has been invaluable, and we eagerly anticipate further upgrades to our facilities, ensuring that we can continue offering a trauma-informed sanctuary to all survivors in the Lehigh Valley.

Turning Point's Lori Sywensky is Featured in the October Edition

We are delighted to announce that our Executive Director, Lori Sywensky, is featured in the October edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine. The article beautifully captures our agency's journey over the last several years and highlights the challenges we've faced in responding to an increasing demand for safe shelter, especially since the pandemic. It sheds light on the incredible dedication and resilience of our team as they have worked tirelessly to address this pressing need in our community. 

Get your copy today, or check out the article online by visiting lehighvalleystyle.com