Recognition draws attention to the organization’s housing programs for survivors

Media Contacts: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; barbara@eafocus.com; 248.260.8466; Denise Figurski, Turning Point, dfigurski@turningpointmacomb.org; 586.463.4430, ext. 237

Mount Clemens, Mich. –December 4, 2023 – 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 announce it is the recipient of the 2023 Crain’s Detroit Business Best-Managed Nonprofits award. The announcement was made by Turning Point President and CEO Sharman Davenport, Ph.D.

Crain’s Best-Managed Nonprofit program honors the best in leadership and financial stewardship in Southeast Michigan’s nonprofit community. Turning Point was recognized in the nonprofit over $3 million revenue category. Applicants undergo a financial review by the nonprofit practice group at Plante Moran PLLC, and winners are selected after initial scoring and in-person interviews by a panel of nonprofit experts. This year’s contest asked nonprofits to share how they seek feedback from the people they serve and how they use that information to improve programs and services.

“Our nomination focused on Turning Point’s two housing programs, which were established in 2020,” Davenport said. “The greatest barrier to escaping an abuser and creating a life free of domestic and sexual violence or human trafficking is the ability to find safe and stable housing. Our Transitional Housing and Rapid Re-Housing programs are a direct response to that reality, and these programs are already having a positive, far-reaching impact on survivors.”

Turning Point Housing Programs offer survivors and their minor children a home as they begin to rebuild a life free of violence. Turning Point’s Transitional Housing is available for up to two years, where survivors are provided rent-free housing. The Rapid Re-Housing Program provides rental assistance for up to 12 months. Survivors contribute up to 30% of the rent, based on their income. Combined, the programs have served over 100 survivors and their children with units, houses, apartments, and condominiums acquired through local landlords – all based in Macomb County.

Survivors entering Turning Point’s housing program receive an individualized plan to meet their safety, personal/family needs and goals, as well as life skills support such as budgeting, job readiness, resume building, job search, interviewing techniques and connection to mainstream services within the community. Additionally, referrals and linkage to community partners are provided to assist with mental/physical health, substance abuse and individualized in-house counseling for survivors and their children.  Once survivors complete their time in the housing program, they receive an additional 12 months of support which provides the survivor with autonomy to reach out for assistance when needed.

When a family moves in, Turning Point provides all furniture and household and personal items necessary to create a safe and comfortable home. Some of these items are provided through Turning Point’s resale store, Second Hand Rose. Since the housing programs began in 2020, 97% of the survivors completing the program have transitioned into permanent, stable, and affordable housing with their families, 70% are employed, and 30% are receiving entitlements through Turning Point’s assistance, increasing their chances for long-term stability.

Other highlights of Turning Point’s management successes include:

  • Doubling its budget to $7 million over the past three years, due to increased fundraising, grants, and the addition of new programming, such as services for survivors of human trafficking.
  • A strategically aligned, action-oriented board of directors that supports the organization both financially and with hands-on involvement.
  • Increased community involvement, including the establishment of new partnerships with public safety organizations and community groups.
  • The hiring, retention, training and nurturing of dedicated staff who are dedicated to serving the needs of survivors.
  • Spending approximately 85% of its funding on solid, sustainable programming as the organization seeks to attract and retain quality staff, understanding that meeting the agency’s administrative needs is important for maintaining excellent and high-quality functioning programs).

“Receiving the Crain’s Best-Managed Nonprofits award is truly a great honor,” Davenport said. “It is a testament of the important work we do, but also an acknowledgement of the commitment our staff, board of directors, community partners and donors make to support our collective efforts to end domestic violence, sexual violence and human trafficking.”

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, 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.

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