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About UsTurning Point Foundation was established in 1988 and is governed by a board of directors drawn from the Ventura County community. Serving more than 500 clients each year through its shelter, supported housing and rehabilitation programs, Turning Point is the only non-profit agency in Ventura county that addresses the critical community support needs of mentally ill adults.
Why Turning Point is Needed in Ventura County Turning Point improves our communities by helping those facing mental illness remain or become functioning, integral community members. We are a critical support organization for families dealing with the devastation of mental illness. Our social, vocational, and residential programs focus on the development of practical skills needed to live and work successfully in our community. People diagnosed with mental illness can and do recover; by making positive choices and assuming responsibility for their own lives they can fulfill a meaningful role in the community. We help those diagnosed with mental illness deal with the day-to-day challenges of mental health issues. Because of the myths and stigmas attached to mental illness, many people struggle with its effects alone and unaware that their symptoms can be controlled by medication and the functional problems they experience can be addressed through rehabilitation and support services. We work with our clients to reverse the devastating effects of their illnesses, such as job loss, homelessness, isolation, addiction, incarceration, and even thought of suicide. Turning Point Makes a Real Difference The story of just one client can illustrate the positive changes those with mental illnesses can make in their lives, with the right help. Mike's journey to a productive life, in which he holds a job, owns a car, has his own place to live, and helps run one of Turning Point Foundation's clubhouse centers, was a long one. A graduate of Hueneme High School, Mike spent years battling schizophrenia, beginning at age 21 when he had a breakdown and spent a year in a state hospital. Though he started taking medication for his illness, these drugs were not completely helpful until he tried a new medication in 1999, whereupon his life, with the help of Turning Point Foundation, took a dramatic upswing. Mike says, "Turning Point's Ventura clubhouse gave me a second chance at life. The staff helped me believe I could have a better life and participate fully in society. They encouraged me to work and to live independently and they were true to the idea of self-help. Through counseling and group activities, I learned how to communicate with the outside world. The staff taught me to ask for what I needed. I've been working at my job for three years; I enjoy the challenges and independence it gives me. I help prepare lunch every day at the center and serve on the member council, helping to decide on group outings, paying clients bonus bucks for chores, and advising the staff on the client's perspective. I like helping other clients by setting a good example. If I can become independent, they can too." Turning Point's Director and Board Executive Director Clyde Reynolds was hired by Progress Foundation in San Francisco in 1986 to develop a crisis residential program, a transitional residential program and a socialization center and to create a local non-profit organization in Ventura County. He has more 32 years of experience managing psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery services for persons disabled by mental illness. Our Board of Directors includes community members from all walks of life. They are:
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