My Nonprofit Reviews
Abby Scher
Review for Women's eNews, New York, NY, USA
People don't talk about domestic violence in NY's diverse Muslim communities any more than they do in other communities. But for more than five years, Turning Point for Women and Families has been a visible presence at Pakistan Day and other parades, at mosques, and community events letting women know that there is a place they can turn for help in their home language. Perhaps I most admire the work talented youth organizers do each week with the girls group. And girls and young women from around the city go to TP's Mecca to Manhattan workshops in the spring, learning public speaking and a range of other empowering skills.
Its Women's History Month events are always packed, and the annual mother/daughter picnic is a fun and moving moment in TP's calendar.
I've learned first hand from women who have navigated horrible home situations that the dv support is vital.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Before she joined our board, Rabia spoke at one of TP's Ramadan iftars about the care and power she absorbed from staff as she struggled with a violent husband even while her family urged her to submit. Another speaker, Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar, translated the Koran and illuminated the ways that it has been misinterpreted to support male control. TP engages with the issue of women's empowerment at every level, from direct service, to broad community discussion.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
enlarge the board. We need more hands on deck, both in oversight, event planning and fundraising. That way, we can hire the deputy director who will free our talented director Robina Niaz to contribute more broadly to the transformation we all seek.
