Bay Area Turning Point

From Survival to Voice: Valerie’s Story In October, the room fell quiet as Valerie stepped forward—not as a survivor defined by what she endured, but as a woman reclaiming her voice. At Bay Area Turning Point’s Poetry Slam, Valerie shared her poem, “You Are Free to Fly,” a piece born from her journey through trauma, healing, and rediscovery. Once a client seeking safety and support, Valerie now stood confidently in front of a community ready to listen—not to her pain, but to her power. Her words spoke of release, boundaries, and love redefined. Of learning that healing doesn’t mean carrying everything forever. Of choosing peace. Of becoming. As she read, there were tears, nods, and long moments of silence—the kind that happen when truth lands gently but firmly in the heart. Valerie’s poem reminded everyone in the room that survivors are not broken. They are becoming. This is the impact of Bay Area Turning Point. Because of the safety, counseling, and unwavering support Valerie received, she was able to move from surviving in silence to standing in her truth—using her voice to inspire others still on their journey. Her poem is now shared with permission as a symbol of hope for those who may not yet have the words themselves. When you support Bay Area Turning Point, you’re not just providing shelter or crisis intervention—you’re helping survivors rediscover who they are beyond the trauma. You’re creating space for healing, dignity, and voices like Valerie’s to rise. And when they rise, they remind us all: You are not broken. You are becoming.