Category: Turning Point

Youth Enjoy a World-Class Experience at the FIFA Club World Cup

Youth from ACH's Wedgwood Transitional Living Programs attended the FIFA World Cup.

Thanks to the generosity of the North Texas Sports Foundation, youth from ACH Child and Family Services’ Turning Point and Wedgwood Transitional Living programs recently had the opportunity to attend a FIFA Club World Cup match between Japan and the Netherlands.

A total of 10 youth and 10 staff members from Turning Point, Doss, and Morris attended the game, experiencing the excitement of international soccer firsthand. 

“The feedback was overwhelmingly positive,” said Jean-Michele Goede, program supervisor at Turning Point. “The youth were excited to attend and really enjoyed being able to watch the game live. Staff shared that the event provided a great opportunity for positive interaction, team building, and creating lasting memories.”

ACH is grateful to the North Texas Sports Foundation for making this special experience possible and for helping create meaningful opportunities for the youth we serve. Moments like these remind our young people that they are valued, supported, and connected to the broader community around them.

Finding His Footing Again

A two-week stay at Turning Point helped Nolan rebuild confidence, develop coping skills, and refocus on his future.

When Nolan arrived at Turning Point, school had slowly slipped out of focus. At 17, he was carrying the weight of self-doubt, past trauma, and a deep need for reassurance. A conflict at home had escalated quickly, leaving him overwhelmed and unsure how to manage his emotions in a healthy way. His foster family was also overwhelmed and sought professional help.

That’s what brought Nolan to Turning Point, a structured, supportive program at ACH Child and Family Services designed to help him reset. At the two-week program, his days were intentionally planned from morning to night with therapy sessions, group activities, time to reflect, or just decompress by taking a walk in the program’s private park. That consistency helped him feel safe enough to slow down and begin rebuilding confidence.

“A lot of what our kids need is validation,” said Jean‑Michele De Goede, Turning Point program supervisor. “They need to hear that they are good kids and that they matter.”

Nolan participated in daily individual therapy and multiple group sessions focused on coping skills, communication, and emotional regulation. These skills were especially important as he prepared to return home and reengage with school. Staff helped him practice handling frustration, asking for support, and managing peer and family conflicts in ways that would not derail his education.

One thing stood out during Nolan’s time at Turning Point: He thrived during one-on-one moments. Whether it was a walk outside or talking through a tough day, personal attention helped him feel seen.

“Once kids feel safe and know someone is really listening, you start to see real change,” Jean‑Michele said.

By the time Nolan returned home, he had not only stabilized emotionally but also gained tools to help him stay focused on school and his future. Turning Point helped him move beyond crisis and rediscover a path forward grounded in stability, self-worth, and hope.

About Turning Point

Turning Point is a unique, short-term crisis intervention and stabilization program for youth in foster care ages 10 to 17. Designed as a safe, home-like alternative to hospitalization, the program helps youth and families navigate moments of crisis while preventing placement disruptions. Turning Point offers intensive mental health support, including psychiatric services, individual and group therapy, and structured daily routines that promote stability and healthy coping skills. Family involvement is central to the program, with counseling and personalized support focused on strengthening relationships and supporting successful reunification. The program is available to foster families throughout Texas.

Learning Structure, Building Stability

At 16, he was at risk of losing his footing at school and home — until a two-week intervention changed his trajectory.

For Darin*, school had become a source of constant conflict. At 16, he was smart and capable, but without consistent routines and support, those strengths often showed up as frustration, poor choices, and strained trust at home. Disruptions at school and increasing tension with his foster parents made it clear he needed more support than discipline alone could provide.

When it felt like more than his foster family could deal with, they found Turning Point. This two-week program from ACH Child and Family Services is designed to help foster families avoid placement disruption.

Creating Structure, One Day at a Time

From the start, Darin’s days at Turning Point were structured and intentional. Clear routines helped him rebuild habits he would need both at home and at school, such as getting up on time, practicing personal hygiene, organizing his space, and following daily expectations.

“A lot of our kids haven’t had structure in a long time,” said Jean‑Michele De Goede, program supervisor at Turning Point. “Once they feel safe and know what to expect, you really start to see them settle in.”

Education was a central focus. Group sessions emphasized accountability, decision-making, and managing impulses, skills that directly translate to the classroom. Darin also participated in activities that strengthened problem-solving and self-reflection, helping him understand how his choices could affect his future.

Family Forward

Family involvement played a key role in his progress. Through visits and family sessions, Darin’s foster mother stayed engaged, reinforcing new routines and expectations he would carry home.

“Turning Point helps families get through a stressful situation, but it’s critical the whole family stays involved in our work so changes actually stick when kids return home,” explains Jean-Michele.

By the time Darin prepared to leave Turning Point, he had gained more than short-term stability. He left with practical skills, renewed confidence, and a clearer path forward, ready to re-engage with school and rebuild trust at home.

*Name and likeness changed for privacy purposes.

About Turning Point

Turning Point is a unique, short-term crisis intervention and stabilization program for youth in foster care ages 10 to 17. Designed as a safe, home-like alternative to hospitalization, the program helps youth and families navigate moments of crisis while preventing placement disruptions.

Turning Point offers intensive mental health support, including psychiatric services, individual and group therapy, and structured daily routines that promote stability and healthy coping skills. Family involvement is central to the program, with counseling and personalized support focused on strengthening relationships and supporting successful reunification. The program is available to foster families throughout Texas.