The Turning Point Home was founded in 1970 by a small group of people who saw a glaring lack of resources for women struggling with alcohol in San Diego — and decided to do something about it.
What began as a modest home for women in need has grown into a trusted leader in women's recovery, blending time-tested 12-step principles with modern, evidence-based, trauma-informed care. Since those first days, more than 3,000 women have found help and hope through our doors.
[ Placeholder — founding story detail from the org: who the founders were, how the house was acquired, early milestones. ]
A home first
Through every change, The Turning Point Home has remained first and foremost a home: a warm, structured sanctuary where each resident is met with understanding and encouragement. Women often arrive feeling broken and afraid. What they discover is a community that believes in their strength.
We recognize that the women we serve are capable, resilient, and powerful — our role is to partner with them in bringing out those strengths. Counselors, many of whom are in recovery themselves, work alongside residents in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Treatment is trauma-informed: we honor each woman's experiences and make sure she feels safe and heard at all times.
It's like a home and family where everyone is supporting and learning together.
A sisterhood that returns
Many alumnae — our Butterflies — come back to give back: attending meetings, mentoring current residents, even serving on the board. That multigenerational sisterhood keeps our founding spirit alive, so the caring touch of 1970 still welcomes each new woman seeking hope.
Today
We are still intentionally small — one home, where every woman is known by name. Our residential program is licensed by the State of California and contracted with San Diego County Behavioral Health Services, and no woman is turned away for inability to pay. Our mission is what it has always been: to help women achieve long-term sobriety in a safe, supportive, structured, alcohol- and drug-free environment, through guidance and education.
If you would like to support the years ahead, the Donate page is the most direct way. To meet the people who do this work, visit Our team — or write us via Contact.