TURNING POINT NATION

403 Pacific Ave.
Terrell, Texas 75160
972-524-4231

Turning Point was founded in 1979 by Michael “Shorty” Powers. After an injury at age 17 left Shorty without the use of his legs he began looking for opportunities to become involved in the outdoor recreational activities that he had always loved. He found no organized activities that were available to people who had major mobility impairments. Not willing to give up his love of fishing, kayaking, scuba diving and hunting, Shorty established Turning Point to assure that outdoor activities were readily available to people with many types of physical challenges. Turning Point is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization designed to teach people with mobility impairments the skills necessary to fully enjoy the outdoors, and to provide free or low cost activities. Turning Point provides the encouragement and support needed for people who have major physical challenges in life to fully participate in the adventure of living.

Turning Point sponsors a wide variety of activities. An annual “Extravaganza” at Bachman Lake in Dallas introduces people to activities and adaptive equipment for scuba diving, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, archery, hunting, waterskiing, sailing, hand cycling, tennis and basketball. This day of fun is also a day of learning, and camaraderie. The Extravaganza sets the stage for other activities during the year. Extravaganzas are being planned for several other cities in Texas, as well as for the chapters in other states.

Fishing - The first national fishing tournament for people with mobility impairments was sponsored by Turning Point. This annual bass tournament, at Lake Caddo, Texas, draws participants from Texas as well as numerous other states and even other countries. A youth division provides an exciting time for children and their families to fish and enjoy the beauty of the lake. Turning Point also sponsors several other smaller fishing tournaments at other lakes, and fishing day trips on lakes and private property. The chapter in Galveston sponsors a Drum Fishing Tournament which has become a popular activity for newly disabled veterans. Fishing is a cornerstone activity for the chapters, as it provides a way for people with any disability level to develop new skills in a relaxing and beautiful setting, and gives participants a sense of both adventure and accomplishment.

Boating - Turning Point owns adapted bass boats, pontoon boats and kayaks. The pontoon boats are especially popular with children and their families and with those who have difficulty transferring into standard boats. The kayaks are easily balanced and maneuvered, and give a wonderful sense of freedom and confidence. Volunteers teach sailing, skiing and handling personal watercraft. Lakes, rivers and the ocean all provide great places for exploration and skill development, whether it is a leisurely boat ride on a calm lake, skiing behind a fast boat, sailing the ocean, or rafting or kayaking rapids.

Hunting and targets - Trips to private leases are arranged during hunting season for both youth and adults. Hunts include deer, turkey, dove and boar. Instruction is provided in use of rifles, shotguns and archery and field dressing game. Many go along more for the outdoor experience, photography opportunities, camaraderie and target practice than for the hunt itself.

Hand cycling - For those who are unable to manage a standard style bicycle, a hand cycle provides a great option. The hand cycles are especially popular at the Bass Tournament at Caddo, the Extravaganza and on the strand in Galveston. Hand cycling is rapidly becoming the number one exercise for people with physical challenges.

Camp for Newly Injured - The newest Turning Point activity is a four-day camp for teens and adults who are newly recovering from spinal cord injury. Many of the participants arrive discouraged, depressed, dependent, and reluctant to attempt new activities. They leave full of excitement, confidence, new skills and enthusiasm for their future. It is as much a learning experience for the families as for the participants. Both are amazed at the change in attitudes and abilities in such a short time. The camp concept will be a major initiative for Turning Point in future years.

Team Challenge - Perhaps one of the most inspirational activities has been the development of a world-class professional bass fishing team. This team of nine members from six states, all of whom use wheelchairs, travels to tournaments nation-wide to encourage people with physical challenges to participate in this sport. This very visible group challenges the perceptions of people who are “able-bodied” about the world of people who have a physical challenge. Turning Point also sponsors a variety of other activities, depending upon the location. These may include snow skiing, photography, scuba diving, camping, mountain climbing or horseback riding. All activities conform to Turning Point standards, and are designed with the well-being of the participants foremost, but keeping in mind a sense of adventure, learning experiences and camaraderie.

Speakers Bureau - Turning Point is fortunate and honored to have many exceptional people affiliated with the organization as volunteers, participants, Board members and staff. The Speakers Bureau helps to publicize the availability of these world-class athletes, outdoorsmen and women and disability advocates for presentations to a wide variety of groups. International Para-Olympic gold medalists, Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame members and experts in spinal cord rehabilitation, this group is ready to inspire, whether speaking to staff of Fortune 500 companies or to staff and clients at small rehabilitation centers.

Any person who needs an assistive device for mobility or who has otherwise serious mobility impairment is welcome to participate in activities. Quadriplegia, paraplegia, amputation, spina bifida, stroke, multiple sclerosis, post polio and cerebral palsy are all conditions that participants might have. The majority of participants use a wheelchair. Activities are age appropriate. Some activities engage children as young as two. There is no limit on the upper age of participants. There is no geographical limitation on participation in activities. Turning Point does not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, religion, race or ethnicity.

Turning Point has five active chapters in Texas, with others in the planning stage. Currently providing Turning Point approved activities, in addition to the Turning Point Nation office, are:

Turning Point Gulf Coast - Galveston, TX

Turning Point Dallas - Dallas, TX

Turning Point Piney Woods - Marshall, TX

Turning Point Indian Nation – Gore, OK

Turning Point N. Carolina – Mooresville, NC

Turning Point Tahoe – Truckee, CA

Turning Point Kentucky/Tennessee – Nashville, TN

Funding is provided through a variety of sources. A contract with Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife provides a foundation for activities within the state of Texas. Several major individual donors help Turning Point to meet administrative expenses and fund activities and special projects. Corporate sponsorship from businesses that target products for people with mobility impairments and those that market to outdoor sports enthusiasts underwrite activity expenses. An annual fundraiser, currently a casino night, supports general administrative needs. Turning Point has operated bingo in Texas since legislation passed to allow bingo games to fund nonprofit activities. Through the generosity of individual donors, Turning Point has the use of several pieces of well-equipped property for hunting and fishing. One sponsor is providing use of a retreat center in East Texas for Turning Point activities. An annual independent audit is available for review.

Turning Point maintains an office in Terrell, Texas which is open 8:00 - 5:00, Monday through Thursday and 8:00 - 12:00 on Fridays. Key staff members are available by cell phone at other days and times.