Central Carolina Community Foundation (CCCF) staff presented Turn90 with the David W. Robinson Catalyst Award at their Columbia office on Dec. 11. On Dec. 15, CCCF Program Officer Trimease Carter shared the news during the nonprofit’s board meeting.
The Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees selected Turn90 as the 2023 recipient of the Catalyst Award for their exemplary leadership. Each year, CCCF presents the award to an organization that makes a significant difference in the Midlands and demonstrates:
• Persistent effort to find a solution to a complex problem
• Creativity in exploring alternative approaches toward a solution
• Community collaboration
• Specific outcomes toward meeting a community need
“This was a tough decision for the board because all of the Catalyst Award nominees do remarkable work, but several things about Turn90 stood out,” said Carter. Ultimately, the board arrived at its decision due to the nonprofit’s creative programming to address a critical need affecting many families and communities, its holistic approach incorporating strategies to address mental health and job placement issues, and Turn90’s rigorous evaluation to ensure outcomes for its participants.”
Approximately 62 percent of incarcerated individuals in the United States face rearrests within three years of their release. Turn90 works to combat this statistic by providing cognitive behavioral classes, one-on-one supportive services, transitional work and job placement to incarcerated men at the highest risk of rearrest.
“The immersive experience we provide at Turn90 creates an incredible familial atmosphere that allows the men to grow,” said Amy Barch, Turn90 executive director.
“Receiving the Catalyst Award shows us that the Columbia community sees us and stands behind our mission,” said Amy. “We know we are in the right place at the right time doing the right thing.”
The Catalyst Award was established in 1994 by inaugural board member David W. Robinson’s family to acknowledge organizations within the Foundation’s 11-county service area that demonstrate leadership, creativity, vision, and commitment toward addressing critical issues in the community.