Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Perkins, the founder of the nonprofit organization Turning Point Drug & Alcohol Education Program Inc.
Hi Michelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story started early as a child with the trauma of molestation by a mother who was addicted to drugs. I started smoking marijuana as a teen. I was a teen mom. I started using crack in my early 20s. As a result of my drug use, I lost my children to DCFS (Department of Children and Family Services). I became homeless and then incarcerated. I went to prison in 1998. Upon my release, I wanted to change my life.
I was released to a treatment program called Phoenix House in Monrovia CA. It was in the treatment program that I learned about the 12 steps of recovery. I began to change my life. I started to have visitation again with my children and started working on myself in treatment.
In 2009, I wanted to open a facility to help former substance abusers and that is how I became the founder of Turning Point AOD, 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)
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been smooth because I had to slowly rebuild a relationship with my children. The work we do at Turning Point is rewarding. Like most non-profits, we struggle with obtaining funding.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
1. We know that you have also experienced domestic violence and were even in prison before the founding of Turning Point. What helped you maintain your strength and not break down? It takes a very strong spirit to keep living and even help others.
What helps me maintain my strength and not break down is participating in a 12-step program. Also, my faith in a higher power, seeing my therapist, and being able to help a community that has experienced the same struggles in life that I have.
2. What is the main issue for women in prison? What should society pay attention to?
The key issue for women in prison is trauma. Women in prison are at an elevated risk of experiencing trauma, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Incarceration itself can re-traumatize women, and the lack of specialized treatment can exacerbate issues. Mental health is also an issue. About 80% of women in prison have an identifiable mental illness. Women in prison are more likely to self-harm or commit suicide than men. Another big issue is not being able to have contact with their children. Society should pay attention to providing resources to women to help them reintegrate successfully back into society.
3. What is the most difficult part after release?
Securing housing and resources.
4. Is it possible to find a job just a couple of months after being released?
Yes.
5. How does your organization help with this?
We help our clients with the soft skills needed for the job market. We offer resume workshops, mock interviewing, interview clothes, and building relationships with businesses that hire the formerly incarcerated population.
6. Do all former inmates have a chance to return to a normal, happy life?
Yes, everyone has a second chance at a happy life.
7. We know you have already opened two safe houses for your clients, and a third one is planned soon. How can a woman in need stay in such a house?
Women can call and speak to the housing coordinator to have a phone assessment to assess her immediate needs. Once the assessment has been completed, we can provide her with a bed and the basic needs to help start her journey to healing.
8. Can she be assured that she will be safe there?
Yes, she will be safe at the SAFE House, (Sisterhood Alliance
for Freedom & Equality). We are part of the SAFE Housing network of A New Way of Life. There are 34 authorized SAFE members, in 20 states and four countries. Women in need of assistance can call us at 323-296-1840.
9. What needs to change at the state and government level to reduce domestic violence against women and children?
Holding the abuser accountable for their action and providing resources to victims of domestic violence.
10. We know that you also work a lot with the homeless. However, there is an opinion that in L.A., most homeless people choose this path and do not want to change anything. Do you agree with that?
No, I do not agree that people choose to be homeless.
11. We have women reading this who have already made changes or want to change something in their lives. What is the main message you would like to share with them?
My message to the women who have already made changes or want to change something in their lives is that change is possible if they have the willingness to make those changes. I am a firm believer in second chances in life and with change it takes determination and strength to succeed at change.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I do not recall any favorite childhood memories. If I had to say one, it was spending time with my grandmother.
