Thanksgiving is a time for family, friendship and feeling connected.For many in Chittenden County, that connection comes from a place designed to support people in recovery. The Turning Point Center said it is making the holiday a little warmer for anyone who comes through. This Thanksgiving, staff and volunteers are bringing people together through a free community dinner.“Connection is very important. Especially during any journey in recovery. What we do here is genuine, beautiful work. It’s important that the folks in the community are aware of what Turning Point does. And that is a safe, substance-free space,” said Imani James, the administrative manager at Turning Point Center of Chittenden County.Every year, it serves a Thanksgiving dinner, open to anyone who needs a safe place, a hot meal or just a little company on a holiday that can feel lonely.Staff expect dozens to come through their doors. “It allows them to feel like they’re part of the community and be part of the community when otherwise they might not,” said Jeremy Potvin, the operations manager at Turning Point. “It can be a pretty hard time of year for some people. And we just try to make the holidays a little bit easier for them.”The team said anyone is welcome, whether they are in recovery, supporting a loved one or just looking for a warm space this holiday.“Some folks are unable to go home or connect with family during times like this. And it just provides a safe and substance-free environment for people to enjoy a meal and connect with people in the community here,” James said. Turning Point said it hopes the meal reminds people that no one has to spend the holiday alone. The dinner is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving and is free and open to the public.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friendship and feeling connected.
For many in Chittenden County, that connection comes from a place designed to support people in recovery.
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The Turning Point Center said it is making the holiday a little warmer for anyone who comes through.
This Thanksgiving, staff and volunteers are bringing people together through a free community dinner.
“Connection is very important. Especially during any journey in recovery. What we do here is genuine, beautiful work. It’s important that the folks in the community are aware of what Turning Point does. And that is a safe, substance-free space,” said Imani James, the administrative manager at Turning Point Center of Chittenden County.
Every year, it serves a Thanksgiving dinner, open to anyone who needs a safe place, a hot meal or just a little company on a holiday that can feel lonely.
Staff expect dozens to come through their doors.
“It allows them to feel like they’re part of the community and be part of the community when otherwise they might not,” said Jeremy Potvin, the operations manager at Turning Point. “It can be a pretty hard time of year for some people. And we just try to make the holidays a little bit easier for them.”
The team said anyone is welcome, whether they are in recovery, supporting a loved one or just looking for a warm space this holiday.
“Some folks are unable to go home or connect with family during times like this. And it just provides a safe and substance-free environment for people to enjoy a meal and connect with people in the community here,” James said.
Turning Point said it hopes the meal reminds people that no one has to spend the holiday alone.
The dinner is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving and is free and open to the public.
