Dear Friends,

Welcome and thank you for your interest in Turning Point Community Services, Inc. I encourage you to take a moment and explore the programs and services that are offered as a resource to homeless men, women and children within our community.

As co-founders of the organization, Christine McCloud and I initiated the development of TPCS in response to the hundreds of individuals and families throughout New Jersey are homeless or on the verge of homelessness each and every day. For some, issues of substance abuse, mental illness, and/or domestic violence can create barriers to securing and maintaining a home. For others, unaffordable housing, low incomes, lack of education and training, and the changing trends in employment can create additional challenges to managing every day needs.

Our mission is to help tackle the myriad of issues and challenges that homeless individuals and families face. This can only be accomplished by dealing directly with the problems that tear lives and families apart. Realistic supportive services, combined with respect, security, and a persistent message of hope is what fosters our client's ability to take the next step towards independence.

Since February 2002, we have provided housing and supportive services to over 995 families. Of the families that have received services, 445 were adults and 770 were children - a cumulative total of 1215 individuals. Eighty-nine percent (89%) of our clients served have been of African-American descent, eight percent (8%) have been of Latino decent, two percent (2%) have been of Caribbean descent and one percent (1%) have been Caucasian.

Current programs are staffed 24 hours per day to ensure that resident needs are identified and addressed in a timely manner. The goal of the program is to provide safe and secure housing and services in order to facilitate the successful transition of an individual and his/her children from a state of homelessness to independent living.

We are making strides in the fight against homelessness but there is still so much to do. I hope that you will join us in this fight by becoming a friend, supporter and donor.

With warmest regards,

Carla Basinait-Smith

Carla Basinait-Smith
Executive Director & Co-founder