News

Our work began in 1835. Through our legacy organizations, we have always showed up for the children, youth, and families in Philadelphia who needed people to provide hope for a brighter future. It is from this spirit that our work was born and continues today.

As we close out National Social Work Month, we’re shining the spotlight on an international pioneer with local roots, Dr. Joe Crumbley.

This Spring, Turning Points will be introducing Youth Circles into our Older Youth Programs, an approach our staff first learned about through a conference workshop led by a Hawaiian organization Epic ‘Ohana. Youth Circles are voluntary, youth-led meetings that bring together the people a young person identifies as their support system: friends, family, mentors, teachers, coaches, and others who matter to them.

Each new year brings both a sense of renewal and reflection for us at Turning Points. There's a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to our mission as we continue changing lives, and also an important time of reflection to celebrate the wins and success stories of 2025!

The power of a promise for the youth in our programs lies in the ability to shift the focus from "at-risk" to "at-promise," by providing them with structured opportunities, life skills, emotional regulation, and safe spaces. Safe places that programs like ReUp215 and BIPS provide for youth in Philadelphia.

This National Adoption Month, Janelle and Blayr’s story reminds us that family isn’t defined by structure—it’s defined by the feelings and bonds created when caring for the special little ones who come into your life. 

October is here, and with it comes the unmistakable shift of fall. The air turns crisp, the leaves begin to change, and nature invites us to slow down and look inward. Fall reminds us that change, though sometimes challenging, can be both necessary and beautiful. It’s also a season of reflection and deep gratitude—especially for the transformations we witness every day in the lives of young people.