Strengthening Schools, Supporting Students: Our Partnership with Easton Area High School

At Turning Point of Lehigh Valley, we know that strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful impact. For nearly 9 years, we have had the privilege of working alongside Easton Area High School to support students, families, and staff.

This year marks an exciting milestone in that journey: the establishment of our first official district Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Easton Area School District, solidifying and expanding a partnership that has already made a lasting difference. This achievement would not have been possible without the support and leadership of Craig Reichl, Director of Student and Community Services, whose commitment to student well-being continues to strengthen this collaboration.

“Our partnership with the Turning Point team at Easton Area High School has created a great impact for our students and staff over the past 9 years. Their effortless approach with our students and warm care has served beyond individual case management. They have supported our students and families through school-wide events, offering resources and empowering students to advocate for themselves.”
 — Elise Symia, Site Coordinator, Easton Area High School 

Through this collaboration, Turning Point has provided:

• Preventative empowerment groups for both girls and boys
• Individual counseling for students experiencing teen dating abuse or experiencing intimate partner violence in the home
• Classroom-based presentations focused on healthy relationships 
• School-wide events and resource sharing for students and families

Our work is rooted in building trust and connection, meeting students where they are and ensuring they feel seen and heard.

“Turning Point has been an invaluable support for the students at Easton Area High School. I have personally worked with Geraldine to collaborate on a number of initiatives. She has been such an asset when looking at resources for students, consultation, and in serving our student population. Students often report feeling seen, heard, and ask for other ways to partner with Turning Point.”
 — Mrs. Jayant, School Counselor 9–12

In addition to group and individual support, our team has also engaged directly with student leadership spaces, helping to expand conversations around healthy relationships and self-advocacy.

“I have also had the pleasure of having Geraldine present to a student-led club on healthy relationships.”
 — Mrs. Jayant

Partnerships like this reflect what is possible when schools and community organizations work together with a shared goal: supporting the whole student. Whether through prevention, education, or direct support, we remain committed to showing up for students and staff in ways that are responsive, compassionate, and impactful.

We are grateful to Easton Area High School for their continued collaboration and trust and we look forward to many more years of working together to support youth in our community.