Michelle Perkins knows firsthand what it’s like to be a
child with the trauma of molestation by a mother who was addicted to drugs,
being on crack herself, losing the custody of her children, being homeless,
and then ending up in prison.
Enduring just one of those would be enough to bring someone to their knees,
but not Perkins.
After several stints in prison, upon her final release, she vowed to never
return.
She decided to make her mess – her message!
After completing a treatment program at Phoenix House, she decided to
open a facility to help former substance abusers and those who had
previously been incarcerated.
In 2009, she founded Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Education Program, a
501c3 non-profit dedicated to supporting the needs of men, women, and
transitional-aged youth who have been marginalized by addiction, trauma,
homelessness, and incarceration. ( www.turningpointaod.org )
After she lost custody of her children, it would be 10 years before Perkins
reconnected with them, who were 10, six, and not even a year old when she
walked away.
Once she “Cleaned up her act,” Perkins realized, that when it came to some
of her children, the damage had been done. She eventually reconciled with
some of her children, but her youngest daughter, Deondra, wants nothing to
do with her mother. Her eldest daughter, Tanisha, works with her at Turning
Point. They are still working on their relationship.
Not only does Perkins have a story to tell, but she also wants to get the word
out about the resources Turning Point offers, and the organization’s
upcoming events including a Toy Drive, the opening of another Safe House
for women, and the annual Spring Luncheon Fundraiser.