United Way of Greater New Bedford has awarded a $15,000 community impact grant to Turning Point, a volunteer-run organization devoted to helping individuals and families in Wareham who are homeless or in danger of losing their homes.

A program of the Wareham Area Committee for the Homeless, Turning Point assists those affected by homelessness with housing, utility bills, baby food and children’s clothing, employment information and referrals to other services aiding homeless individuals and families in Wareham.

Turning Point is one of 24 regional organizations receiving United Way of Greater New Bedford Community Impact Grants totaling $400,000 to address the basic needs of the region’s residents, provide education and opportunities to young people, deliver addiction services, secure housing and support immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community.

In addition to the Turning Point grant, Wareham will benefit directly from a $25,000 Community Impact Grant to High Point, which addresses addiction issues in the region. Other recipients serving Wareham this year include Coastline Elderly Services, Damien’s Place, Highpoint Treatment Center, Immigrants’ Assistance Center, People Acting in Community Endeavors Headstart and South Coast LGBTQ Network.

Turning Point wants to expand its program to include financial literacy training so its clients can better manage their finances and achieve financial independence. Turning Point runs Baby Point, which is directed toward the children of Turning Point clients and is offered throughout the year providing diapers, wipes, formula and sometimes clothing and equipment for infants and children under five years of age.

“Ensuring that every person and every family has a safe and secure place to live is central to United Way’s mission. Our community impact grant recipients are making a difference in all the communities we serve,” said Michelle N. Hantman, president and CEO of United Way of Greater New Bedford.

Turning Point also operates Holiday Magic, a seasonal program where sponsors are matched with clients to provide Christmas gifts. In 2022, Holiday Magic served 545 children and 228 families in Wareham, impacting over 2,100 people.

“The recent United Way award is critically important to our neighbors facing difficult times and in many cases homelessness,” said Chuck McCullough, chair of the Wareham Area Committee for the Homeless. “Turning Point provides a hand up to those facing difficulties in their lives, many of whom, without support from Turning Point, could face eviction from their home.”

For more information about the community impact grants and the full list of recipients, please visit https://unitedwayofgnb.org/community-impact-grants or contact Victoria Grasela at 508-994-9625, ext. 210 or vgrasela@unitedwayofgnb.org.