Turnstone Staff and Supporters Launch Online Campaign for Virtual Turnstone Support Services

FORT WAYNE, IN (March 30, 2020) – Turnstone staff and supporters have launched an online campaign to bolster the resources needed to continue Virtual Turnstone programming and support available throughout local COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

The online “It’s Our Turn” campaign currently has a goal of $25,000, proceeds of which will be used to continue Turnstone’s mission of empowering children and adults with disabilities despite social distancing measures and community health risks.

This peer-to-peer campaign follows the #ItsMyTurn campaign that ran through the month of March, featuring children and adults with disabilities in celebration of Indiana’s Disability Awareness Month.

“During the month of March we celebrated all that people with disabilities are capable of, and now we believe it’s our turn to show them we are still for them, even as the world around us feels uncertain,” said Kenna Davis, Sponsorship & Special Events Manager.

As the community and country grapple with the financial impact of COVID-19, Turnstone also faces the loss of billable services and annual fundraising opportunities with the cancellation of large group events. Turnstone staff and supporters are doing what they can to help offset these losses and navigate through this financial landscape.

“Turnstone’s 76-year history in the Fort Wayne community has been made possible in large part due to loyal and passionate support from the community,” said Rena Shown, Chief Development Officer. “We know that we are all in this together regardless of someone’s ability to give right now. The support we continue to receive from our community is incredible and our gratitude doesn’t start or end with a donation.”

Virtual Turnstone resources and support services ensure that people with disabilities continue to have access to the services and resources they need most. Every program area is actively conducting outreach, wellness, and basic need checks directly with Turnstone clients and their caregivers. This communication will happen with all clients at least once a week. More frequent communication is taking place with clients as determined by their individual needs.

Turnstone’s Social Services team is continuing to interact with current clients and community members who contact them, providing referrals and support which include but are not limited to: equipment needs; access to essential needs such as food, financial resources, and transportation; exploration and access to state and federal aid resources, etc.

Digital resources are also being developed by program staff and will be shared on Turnstone’s website at www.turnstone.org and social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube to broaden the reach of Turnstone’s resources and increase the accessibility of disability-related information for our community. Virtual access will also provide wide-ranging benefits to people across the region by removing transportation barriers and addressing the mental health risks of social isolation.