This joint event will provide a collaborative space for vital conversations on domestic violence, sexual assault, substance use disorder, and human trafficking

Media Contact: Lucie Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; lucie@eafocus.com; 248.925.6726

Mount Clemens, Mich. – May 12, 2022 – Turning Point, an agency whose mission is to empower domestic and sexual violence survivors through comprehensive services and resources, is partnering with Fraser-based CARE of Southeastern Michigan, which provides substance use prevention and treatment services, to host Community Conversations on Friday, May 20, 2022 from 3:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. at Macomb Intermediate School District. Carmen Wargel, LMSW and Chief Strategy Officer of Turning Point, is one of the event hosts.

“Survivors of domestic and sexual violence or trafficking who also have substance use disorders experience unique barriers to health and safety,” Wargel noted. “By building a deeper understanding of their experiences and the challenges they face, we can develop stronger services and more empowering systems.”

Susan Styf, president and CEO of CARE of Southeastern Michigan, is pleased to be partnering with Turning Point on this important event.

“Providing trauma-informed care is essential to helping survivors gain recovery from substance use,” Styf emphasized. “We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Turning Point to best support our community.”

Community Conversations aims to:

  • Create a shared language around intimate partner violence, domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, and substance use disorders to foster greater dialogue.
  • Increase knowledge and awareness of the bidirectional impact of intimate partner violence and substance use disorders.
  • Improve partnerships and share experiences from the field in providing services to meet the various needs of those impacted by intimate partner violence and substance use disorders.
  • Explore opportunities to build an empowering, coordinated community response by bridging gaps between different areas of service and providing whole-person care.

Those interested in attending should complete this anonymous survey in advance to promote productive information sharing and will then be prompted with a link to the registration page. Survey completion and registration is required to attend.

About CARE of Southeastern Michigan
CARE of Southeastern Michigan is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), behavioral health organization that provides services to over 40,000 people in Southeastern Michigan. Our services include crisis response to first responders, parent education classes, youth focused substance use prevention programs, recovery support from substance use, behavioral health treatment, and building and strengthening our local community coalitions.

 About Turning Point 
Turning Point provides comprehensive, free, and confidential programs for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, their loved ones, and the community. Services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, housing, trauma advocacy/counseling, personal protection order assistance, legal advocacy, forensic nurse exams, first response advocacy, prevention, and community education. Second Hand Rose, another Turning Point service, provides survivors with gently used items while providing an opportunity for the community to donate and shop. Serving Metro Detroit for more than 40 years, Turning Point has helped over 100,000 survivors. Visit www.turningpointmacomb.org for more information.

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