By Darlene Donloe
Contributing Writer
BALDWIN HILLS — In a display of community solidarity, Turning Point AOD is rolling out a day of hope and opportunity by giving back to the community with its inaugural Second Chance Resource Fair April 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot at 3756 Santa Rosalia Drive.
The special event has a mission to uplift, inspire and bridge the gap between struggle and stability, while honoring Second Chance Month, a national initiative led by organizations like Prison Fellowship to remove barriers to housing, employment, and education for individuals with criminal records.
“This is the first time we are hosting a Second Chance Resource Fair,” said Michelle Perkins, Turning Point’s executive director. “We recognize that there is a great need out there, and we want to do our part. People need help. People want and need a second chance at life. Everyone deserves that. We want to provide them with some needed resources.”
By connecting individuals and families with vital resources and support services, Turning Point AOD (not to be confused with Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Charlie Kirk that advocates for conservative politics) aims to empower community members and formerly incarcerated individuals to reintegrate into society and break cycles of despair, offering a genuine second chance at life.
Attendees can expect a wide range of community resources, including access to HIV testing, employment support and essential services promoting stability and well-being, as well as the participation of a number of vendors from the reentry space. Attendees also will have access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
The event will also feature free food, a taco truck, ice cream, music and drawings.
This event is for everyone,” Perkins said. “We are doing this for the community. At Turning Point AOD, we’re dedicated to empowering individuals to reclaim their lives and thrive in their communities. Part of our mission is to equip people with the tools and support needed to break cycles of struggle and build a brighter future.”
Perkins described the event as a reflection of her organization’s commitment to lifting individuals, strengthening community bonds and paving the way for recovery and self-sufficiency.
She added that some people might be reluctant to get help because they feel embarrassed or ashamed.
“I would like to inform them not to be ashamed,” Perkins said. “We’re here to support them. We’re here to help. There’s no judgment. Come and see what’s available.”
Perkins, who is expecting 100 attendees, said she will consider the event successful, “If everyone who needs help comes out to avail themselves of the resources.”
“I hope that people will take advantage of the resources that we will be providing,” she said. “Our goal is to equip individuals with the tools to rebuild relationships, achieve stability, and thrive in their communities.”
Community partners scheduled to participate include A New Way of Life, Anti-Recidivism Coalition, the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the Midnight Mission, Southern California Health & Rehabilitation Program and Mother’s Nutritional Center.
Turning Point AOD, founded in 2009, is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to supporting men, women, and transitional-aged youth who have been marginalized by addiction, trauma, homelessness, and incarceration.
Services include mental health support, substance abuse education, and re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. Its SAFE houses offer resources like employment services, case management and life skills training.
Turning Point is committed to delivering complete services to all individuals in a warm, inviting, and loving environment, which will allow for self-awareness, sobriety, family reunification, and respect for communities to grow.
The Second Chance Resource Fair is free and open to the community. Registration is suggested at Eventbrite.
For more information, visit Turning Point AOD’s website at www.turningpointaod.org.
Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
