BSW Field Profiles 2019-20

BSW Kaila Venezia 2019 Agency Name: Turning Point of Lehigh Valley Profile: Turning Point is a safe place for victims and families of domestic abuse to find refuge. Their mission statement being, "to eliminate domestic violence in the Lehigh Valley through empowerment, education, and engagement". They accomplish this through providing access to a 24-hour Helpline, Emergency Safe House, Empowerment Counseling, Legal Advocacy, Outreach Education, Medical Advocacy, etc. Field Placement Responsibilities: My role at Turning Point includes providing research informed, survivor-based support to clients. I am a group co-facilitator, and also assist clients with legal advocacy through the Protection From Abuse (PFA) process. These duties include assisting the group leader with group empowerment, assisting in answering hotline calls, and being a close support through the legal systemby advocating for clients during court proceedings. Every survivor has a story, and no two are the same. Turning Point recognizes that survivors are diverse, and each survivor requires different needs. My role is to assist in making each survivor feel comfortable, and to be the support that they need in their quest for safety and autonomy. Future Goals: I plan on acquiring my master's degree in social work (MSW), and later attend law school to obtain a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree. My ultimate goal is to become a domestic violence attorney. Department of Social Work