Help us reach our goal to offset COVID-19 impacts on the Turning Point Center
In the pandemic more Vermonters are struggling with alcohol, opioids, and other substances. We are reaching out to struggling Vermonters, many in isolation and alone, to encourage them to ask for help, and to support them on their path to recovery.
Please, ask for help if you need it; please contribute if you can.
The Center is open Monday through Friday 9am-5pm with extended hours on Tuesday for community group meetings. We are available virtually whenever requested and have phone support 9am-5pm Saturdays and Sundays.
Call us at 802-861-3150 or visit “What We Offer” section to learn more.
Your generous contribution sustains our life enriching work.
The facts are these: The pandemic has worsened the lives of many with substance use disorders. In Vermont substance use deaths increased by 57.6 per cent from 2019 to 2020: 118 in 2019 to 186 in 2020. Vermont had the largest increase in the United States. Alcohol consumption in Vermont is up 30 per cent. 27 individuals in Chittenden County in 2021 have died from overdoses as of August 30.
We re-opened the Center in November 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, to provide in-person assistance to those we serve, while continuing remote support. Our staff has worked courageously every day to help those struggling to seek or remain in recovery, but the harsh reality is we are witnessing much pain and suffering. Many visitors to the Center are struggling with both substance use and mental health conditions compounded by the pandemic.
Here’s the bottom line: Just when we need increased funding the most, our base funding has been cut. Grants from the State of Vermont and others that support our basic services of peer support, recovery coaches, and employment assistance have been reduced recently or — in the case of employment assistance — eliminated.
We have provided for over 194 Chittenden County residents through our Recovery Coaching Program and over 468 patient consults through our Emergency Dept. Recovery Coach Program at UVMMC throughout 2021. Our center has seen over 2,000 visits from recovery community members who thrive in our safe and substance-free environment. We have seen an increase in the demand for our services. We need to grow in our capacity to continue to meet the need.
Your financial contribution will help sustain the life-saving services we provide and will help us continue to grow.
