Media Contact: Lucie Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; lucie@eafocus.com; 248.925.6726; Denise Figurski, Turning Point, dfigurski@turningpointmacomb.org; 586-463-4430 Ext. 237
Mount Clemens, Mich. – September 14, 2023 – Dr. Sharman Davenport, president and CEO of Turning Point, an agency whose mission is to empower survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking through comprehensive services and resources, is pleased to be the recipient of the Community Service Award from Alexander Macomb Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The DAR, with chapters throughout the country, is a non-political, non-partisan volunteer woman’s service organization dedicated to historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Members share lineage to an ancestor who participated in the struggle for American Independence.
“I’m honored to be recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution with this award and grateful for their of support of Macomb County organizations like Turning Point,” Davenport noted.
Davenport is career-long nonprofit leader. Her leadership at Turning Point, which she joined in 2018, has been particularly notable. In 2022, she helped secure a grant from Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, to address human trafficking in Macomb County. While different from domestic and sexual violence, survivors of human trafficking face many of the same challenges, and the grant acknowledged that Turning Point is equipped to address them.
During the pandemic in 2020, amid a frightening increase in domestic violence, Davenport secured funding and introduced new transitional and rapid re-housing programs. With safe, affordable housing being one of the top barriers for survivors, these programs empower them by providing a safe place to live and build a life away from their abusers, free from violence. Davenport also directed the creation of a full-suite of supportive services for survivors, including educational and training programs, career coaching, and employment opportunities to help survivors become self-sufficient. Turning Point’s Housing Program has provided housing to over 78 families.
Davenport holds Doctorate and Master’s degrees in clinical psychology from Wayne State University and a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Oakland University.
About Turning Point
Turning Point provides comprehensive, free, and confidential programs for domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking 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 43 years, Turning Point has helped over 125,000 survivors. Visit www.turningpointmacomb.org for more information.
# # #
