Rewind: Top 15 Turnstone Stories And Posts Of 2022
We couldn’t look forward to 2023 without looking back at 2022 and all the possibilities that were created within the Turnstone community. Take a look back at the top 15 stories, posts, and moments of 2022 that Gave Possibility to our mission. If you want to continue to #GivePossibility before the year is over, visit our Donation page.
- First, People: Conversations
In March, Turnstone celebrated Disability Awareness Month by uplifting the voices and stories of clients and Turnstone advocates—Clif, Tom, Lisa, and Tina. Each feature highlighted a different topic relevant to the community of people with disabilities. The month of content encouraged people to take the first step in creating more diverse communities by listening to people’s stories. Watch all the videos and read their stories.
- Center Stage: Fort Wayne’s Premier Talent Show
Turnstone hosted this inclusive talent show fundraiser for the first time to celebrate all abilities. During the event, talent acts of all kinds got the opportunity to show their talents on stage to win the cash prize. Several amazing talent acts performed on stage and wowed the audience. In the end, Los Galaxy, a local funk fusion band, took home the winning prize.
We are excited to welcome this event back in 2023! If you or someone you know has a talent they can share, submit a video submission to be in the final show. Auditions can be submitted starting January 2. Tickets to attend the final show on May 9 will go on sale in March! Visit www.turnstone.org/centerstage.
- Hoosiers for Good
This year, Turnstone was honored to partner with Hoosiers For Good athletes, Race Thompson and Trayce Jackson-Davis, to bring a broader awareness of our mission. It was great to have them participate in our Push, Paddle, Pedal fundraiser and visit to our facility to greet fans.
Watch Race and Trayce talk about their first Turnstone experience.
- Push, Paddle, Pedal and Team Turnstone
This year’s Push, Paddle, Pedal challenge had over 150 participants from across the country! These people helped Turnstone raise over $16,000 while they moved 100 miles in whatever way worked for their abilities. Team Turnstone also did their annual Fort4Fitness training during Push, Paddle, Pedal - moving 100 miles in preparation for the Fall Festival races that take place each October.
Stay tuned this spring for more information on how to join our 4th Annual Push, Paddle, Pedal challenge.
- Cami’s Story
Cami Wood was the Mission Moment client featured during the annual Board of Directors’ Gala in September. Cami has been involved in Turnstone’s Sports and Recreation program and her involvement with the program has given her the opportunity to become the stellar athlete she strives to be. Read her full story or you can also watch her video here.
- F4F Tom’s Story
Turnstone was honored to be a Fort4Fitness Charity Partner this year. Racers who chose Turnstone as their charity partner were participating in support of Turnstone’s mission. One racer, Tom Hunter, had just started getting involved with Turnstone when he decided to do his very first Fort4Fitness race. Having done all of his training at our facility with Team Turnstone, Tom conquered the 10k race, made memories that will last a lifetime, and created new goals to take on the Triple Crown in the future. Tom used Fort4Fitness as an opportunity to empower his Turnstone community. Read his full story!
- KELC Birthday Celebration
Turnstone celebrated its 79th Birthday on October 5. To join in on the celebration, the Kimbrough Early Learning Center (KELC) threw its very own birthday party featuring balloons, noisemakers, and cupcakes. Check out their fun GIF and post!
- Bartolome’s Story
Bartolome came to Turnstone all the way from the Philippines to get the care he needed after a stroke disrupted his life. He worked very hard at Turnstone to regain strength and independence through our fitness, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy programs. His story was a great reminder of hope and a testimony of what clients can achieve.
- Blind/Special Hockey
Turnstone hosted a weekend of Hockey October 21-23 featuring USA Hockey’s Blind and Special Hockey Classics as well as an exhibition between Team USA and Team Canada. 175 athletes from all over the country came to Fort Wayne to play hockey. Check out the action-packed photos we posted on Facebook!
- Adult Day Services Fall Art Show
Turnstone’s Adult Day Service program (which also celebrated its 45th year of service this past year!) hosted an art show for clients to showcase their creations. Many of the clients in the ADS program work on their works of art for months to get them just right. Check out the highlights in this Facebook post.
- Trunk or Treat
In October, Turnstone hosted its annual Inclusive Trunk or Treat event. This event drew hundreds of kids of all abilities and their families. Check out this highlight from the event!
- Rock Steady Boxing Celebrated One Year
Rock Steady Boxing celebrated its one-year anniversary at Turnstone in November with a special lunch for participants thanks to program sponsor, Chick Fil A! Rock Steady Boxing is a group fitness class for people with Parkinson’s Disease that is designed to empower boxers to ‘fight back’. The classes at Turnstone have grown very close and love to get together! Check out highlights from their one-year celebration OR read Scott’s story about his experience being a part of such a close-knit class.
- Mallory’s Story
Mallory became a Turnstone client at three months old. Now, 11 years later, Mallory is an adventurous eater and active pre-teen with an expressive personality to match. She has come so far! Her story is a perfect demonstration of the possibilities our supporters give to clients. Read her full story and share.
- Social Services’ Christmas Bureau
Every year, Turnstone’s Social Services team coordinates a Christmas Bureau to provide support to families within our community. These families can enjoy gifts during the holiday season thanks to the generous donations of Turnstone staff and supporters. This year, gifts were given to 34 families.
In addition to the Christmas Bureau, Turnstone’s social services team has been able to provide Christmas presents for about 18 other families through other avenues including Fostering Hope for Children, St. Vincent Catholic Church, Turnstone staff and other private donations. If you’re interested in volunteering or supporting the Christmas Bureau next year, contact Kathy Baer at [email protected].
- Thank You to Supporters like the Auer Foundation
Turnstone was honored to receive a final gift from the Edward D. & Ione Auer Foundation before their sunset this year. The support provided during the life of this foundation substantially impacted Turnstone clients. Read more about this gift.
We are grateful for donors, sponsors, supporters, and foundations like the Auer Foundation for their generosity. They Give Possibility to the Turnstone community and positively impact the lives of people with disabilities year-round. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can make an impact, visit www.turnstone.org/support.
2022 has been a great year at Turnstone and we look forward to the endless possibilities that are ahead in 2023! If you want to be a part of Turnstone in the coming year, you can volunteer, join a committee, donate, sponsor, or attend any of our special events.
