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

It Takes a Village!  Celebrating Our Partners at Easton Area High School

Strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful impact. For nearly a decade, we have had the privilege of working alongside Easton Area High School to support students, families, and staff. And this year marks an exciting milestone in that journey: the establishment of our first, official district-wide Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Easton Area School District, solidifying and expanding a partnership that has already made a lasting difference in the lives of students and their families.

The People Behind the Partnership

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, CIS Site Coordinator, Easton Area High School

Through this collaboration, Turning Point works with Elise, Craig, school guidance and Student Assistance Program professionals to identify students who may benefit from our services and offer a safe space to meet with our team.  Services offered in schools include:

• 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
• Engaging with student leadership, helping to expand conversations around healthy relationships and self-advocacy

Supporters of Innovation

Several years ago, we proposed a new type of prevention group that encouraged high school boys to talk about the dynamics of abuse.  While doubtful teenagers would actually show up, they gave us the time and space to offer this new group.  We were all thrilled when more than ten juniors and seniors regularly show up that year and actively participated, talking openly about dating relationships and expectations.  Because of that support by our Easton HS friends, we have now expanded that group – SPACES – into the Allentown and Bethlehem schools and have modified it to also be offered to boys in Middle Schools.

Our partners in the Easton ASD share our belief that any change of 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… Students often report feeling seen, heard, and ask for other ways to partner with Turning Point.”
 — Mrs. Jayant, School Counselor 9–12

The Power of Partnerships

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 kids and their families in our community!