BY JAMES A. JONES JR. MAY 17, 2021
Before COVID-19, Turning Points could count on about 160 volunteers a month to help the homeless and those on the verge of homelessness in Bradenton.
Turning Points lost about two-thirds of its volunteers during the pandemic. Many were older and among the most vulnerable to the virus.
With vaccines, the number of volunteers is growing again. But the level is still about a third below the number helping in 2019.
Rick Gibson, a retired psychiatrist, signed on as a Turning Points volunteer about four months ago and works one-on-one with clients to see what they need, like getting their laundry done, visiting the clothing closet or getting a shower.
“I initially didn’t think I would like that too much, but I tell you, after a clean shower, many times they come out a new person after many days out on the streets,” Gibson said of the reward of volunteering at Turning Points.
Read more on the Bradenton Herald – https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/article251473613.html
