Archive for December, 2009
Today’s Chicago Sun-Times has a good article about Charlie Sheen’s recent arrest for Domestic Violence.
“The word is that Charlie Sheen is boozing again and that’s why he allegedly threatened his wife with a knife on Christmas Day. Ah, if only Charlie didn’t drink.
The word is wrong.
Sheen, star of the TV sit-com “Two and a Half Men,” may be drinking again, which is never good for marital bliss, but nobody should put the emphasis on booze for the sorry way Sheen apparently has treated women over the years.
Domestic violence is not about substance abuse.
Domestic violence, for that matter, is not about what the other person did wrong.
Domestic violence is about one person — usually a man — threatening or using physical violence to maintain control over another person — usually a woman.
Drunk or sober, Sheen still has a problem.”
One thing that crops up again and again in Domestic Violence incidents is that the perpetrator thinks he has a ‘perfectly good’ reason he ‘had’ to resort to violence: His alcoholism, her infidelity, their money problems. The first step is realizing that the abuser is the only one to blame and he (or she) has to take responsibility for their own behavior. You can read the whole Sun-Times story here.
December 30 2009 | In the news and Programs | No Comments »
This was a big story in 2009 and will be an even bigger one in 2010t: “By design, the budget slapped together earlier this year in the General Assembly planned to address the state’s own cash shortfalls by delaying those payments. It’s now at a stage where many agencies are saying that they are at the breaking point - if they’re not already totally broke.
“They haven’t paid us for some programs since July,” said Carl La Mell, president of Arlington Heights-based Clearbrook, which serves children and adults with developmental disabilities across the Chicago area. “So that’s over $5 million.”
After making necessary cuts early in the year, many agencies have found a way to muddle through with trickling state payments.
“As long as we can keep some money coming in, and keep our fundraisers somewhat in line, and borrow money, we’ll be OK,” La Mell said. “It’s really about borrowing money and not paying vendors. Obviously, our vendors aren’t happy.”
Not all can be pushed off, however. “It’s hard to go to Jewel and say, ‘I’ll get you the money next week,’” La Mell added.”
The system is stretched to the breaking point. You can read the thorough (and thoroughly depressing) article in the Daily Herald.
December 30 2009 | In the news | No Comments »
Turning Point offices will be closed New Year’s Eve and New Years Day. But help is available as always! Call the McHenry County Crisis Line 24/7 365 days a year at 1 800 892 8900.
December 30 2009 | Programs | No Comments »
The Women of Boulder Ridge held their annual Christmastime Luncheon to benefit Turning Point. Pictured above are some of the attendees perusing auction items. Below, the ladies who organized this huge annual event, Harriet Lindsay, Ann Weidner, Linda Wencik and Angel Lowe Presti.
December 29 2009 | Events and Fundraising | No Comments »
There is still time to make a donation to Turning Point that can be written off for your 2009 taxes!
“Contributions are deductible in the year made. Thus, donations charged to a credit card before the end of the year count for 2009. This is true even if the credit card bill isn’t paid until next year. Also, checks count for 2009 as long as they are mailed this year.” You can read more on the IRS website.
You can mail checks to Turning Point or call in a credit card donation to (815) 338 8081.
December 29 2009 | Fundraising and In the news | No Comments »
“The McHenry County Church of Religious Science will offer its annual World Healing Meditation on New Year’s Eve.
This unique meditation for peace will be at 6 a.m. Thursday at the church, 204 Spring St., Cary.
Representatives of various faith traditions have been invited to share a peace prayer or short reading from their tradition.”
You can read the whole story here.
December 29 2009 | In the news | No Comments »
You can visit this excellent website for more information.
December 23 2009 | Programs | No Comments »
A wonderful article that focuses on unusual ways to “give back” and make a difference. But don’t let your generosity end at Christmas- remember, people are hungry all year round, not just in December! If your New Years Resolutions include Turning Point, you can get information on volunteering here and our “Wish list” here.
Step up and fill the gap this season. The Daily Beast finds 20 last minute ways to give back, from donating your frequent flier miles to helping teachers buy classroom supplies.
December 23 2009 | Fundraising and Volunteers | No Comments »
“Centegra Health System in Crystal Lake handed out $4,000 in gift cards from Jewel and Target, along with gift baskets, to the Salvation Army, Turning Point, Home of the Sparrow, and Public Action to Deliver Shelter.”
Centegra’s executive team is pictured above, delivering their holiday cargo! Back Row: TP Executive Director Jane Farmer, Susan Milford, Michael Eesley, Ted Lorene, Gail Bauersachs, TP Board President Marietta Chapple. Front row, Jason Sciorra and Bob Rosenberger.
December 23 2009 | In the news and Volunteers | No Comments »
A grim headline for a grim story in today’s Herald. No one can say they weren’t warned-
“Social service providers across Illinois have warned for months that unless the state started paying its bills, the day would come when agencies would be forced to lay off workers en masse, or worse, close their doors for good. As 2009 ends, that day has come – or is fast approaching – for countless programs that rely on state money.
The problem is affecting all kinds of service providers, from groups that serve meals to the homeless or elderly, to drug and alcohol counseling and prevention, to child and adult day care. The number of closures is hard to come by, but most providers know at least one agency that’s preparing to shut down by the end of the year.
“They’re going to be falling like dominoes very soon,” said Don Moss, coordinator of the Illinois Human Services Coalition….Illinois is millions of dollars behind in making payments, and many groups haven’t been paid by the state since the fiscal year began in July, a situation that longtime providers said is unprecedented. They’ve gotten used to building their annual budgets around state funding and have been blindsided by the delays.”
Grim, gruesome, terrifying- you pick the adjective….Read it and weep here.
December 23 2009 | In the news and Programs | No Comments »
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