About the Nonprofit
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Preventing homelessness by maintaining individuals and families in their housing is Turning Point's primary goal. Preventing homelessness reduces the stress on families that accompanies the process of eviction, it is far more cost effective, and it eliminates the need for changing schools, for finding a new landlord willing to accept a client with an eviction record, and for developing new strategies to cope with transportation changes. The great appeal of the integrated approach to service delivery practiced at the Bill Galvano One Stop Center is people have their physical, emotional and spiritual needs addressed by a caring team of paid staff and volunteers who work closely together.
Turning Points offers support for those having trouble making house payments, keeping electricity and water turned on, or looking for a more affordable housing situation in a safe environment, there are very few options for help available in Manatee County. This is what makes this organization critical to caring for those who are at risk and living on limited incomes: veterans, low income families, seniors, and those experiencing homelessness.
As a registered member of the Department of Children and Families Services ACCESS site, Turning Points offers the following: Assistance obtaining Florida State Identification Card (application and code assistance), Ordering a copy of your birth certificate (application and cost assistance), Emergency Food Assistance, Applying for Food Stamps, Other Financial assistance programs when applicable.
Additionally, employment assistance is available in our fully equipped computer lab to search and apply for jobs. Staff and volunteers offer resume writing and consultation and computer skills training. Turning Points offers use of a telephone and fax service, mailbox service so there is an address for mail and employment applications, emergency food assistance and internet access in the computer lab for access to email and online assistance tools.
On a daily basis we provide the following: Daily continental breakfast and beverages, daily lunch, mens and womens clothing, haircuts for adults and children, a hot shower and free personal hygiene kit to go, restroom facilities and a dedicated shaving area, laundry (wash, dry and fold up to 10 personal items a week), transportaion (free bus passes and fuel assistance in emergencies), bicycles when available, prescription cost assistance depending on the situation, dental and medical services.
All of this is accomplished through local, state and federal grants, along with foundation and donation support. Turning Points is blessed with volunteers who work tirelessly to support the mission and help keep overhead down so the people we assist receive the maximum benefit.
