Our Impact
Turning Point Camden is a not-for-profit community welfare and drop in centre. It is a place where men and women are empowered to make the necessary changes that will allow them to move forward with their lives. For without change, nothing changes.
We provide services that alleviate stress by meeting an immediate need, and give people options to choose a way forward. This is achieved both onsite and through our referral process.
These are examples of the challenges our community are experiencing on a regular basis that we provide support for. Food shortage, domestic violence, homelessness, mental health, addiction and substance abuse, difficulties filling out documentation, unable to navigate the court and legal system, numeracy and literacy issues, isolation, financial, fractured relationships, tenancy difficulties, disability, long term illness and unemployment. The centre is also a place of respite for carers where they can recharge and debrief.
We have a food pantry kept stocked from the support of local businesses, school and sporting clubs, interest groups and donations from the community to keep it replenished. Food shortage is the main support service we provide. Some weeks we may have up to 45 families accessing the pantry. We serve a Free light refreshments.
Our referral process connects both individuals and families to services where more specialist support is required. Referrals allow us to develop strong relationships within the welfare sector where we work together for the good of the family or individual for both the short term and long term.
The team of volunteers facilitate programs that develop confidence, self-esteem, motivate, educate and give direction. They also provide a safe space for conversation that so many of our community crave. Many of our participants experience isolation often related to their mental illness, so we work towards connecting them to each other and the wider community through these programs.
Many hours are spent in court rooms, with solicitors, at police stations, on the phone, researching information, writing support documents, at rehabilitation centres, visiting mental health units and being with a person in their darkest times. A truly dedicated team.
Our community partners include McDonald's, Telstra, Camden Family Practice, Camden Council, the local member for Camden and several local businesses providing donations, food, printing, household items and services. Community service groups such as The Rotary Club of Camden, View Club, Camden Show Society and Camden Park House. Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, The Argyle Affair, local schools, churches and an incredible number of individuals, families and our next generation of youth who are warriors for social justice. We exist through the generosity of others. To partner with us click on our ‘Donate’ button. Monetary donations of $2 and over are tax deductible.
Operating as a drop-in centre allows participants to access the centre on a needs basis. This style has proven to be the best means of support where chaplains and volunteers are able to work through the challenge at the most volatile time.
Our aim is to partner with men, women and families for the long term. To be there when they reach their turning point, to encourage them when it gets tough and to celebrate their achievements.
Through community partnership, lives are being changed and saved. To work together supporting men, women and families who are facing insurmountable pressures, even contemplating suicide as a way out because they just can't see a way forward. Let’s not leave those who are the most vulnerable behind.
Our service delivery focuses on strength-based practices where people grow in confidence and self-esteem and are able to reach that turning point.
Our mission statement is "to plant the seed of hope through acts of encouragement, support and empowerment. To approach each individual without judgement and through personal growth and community connections, enable a person to reach a turning point in their life. "