Tipping Point Community Holds Fourth Annual Awards Breakfast

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 7, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Tipping Point Community, the Bay Area's leading poverty-fighting organization, honored grantees Fresh Lifelines for Youth, New Door Ventures and Shelter Network at its Fourth Annual Awards Breakfast this morning. The event was held at the Julia Morgan Ballroom in San Francisco.  

Presenters at the breakfast included Tipping Point Board Chairman Alec Perkins, Tipping Point Board Members Jed York and Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, and Leadership Council Chairman Wyatt Gruber.

"We have to dig deep and sacrifice because we have an obligation and a responsibility to improve the livelihoods of our neighbors," said Daniel Lurie Tipping Point Founder + CEO. "There are more than 1 million people in the Bay Area that cannot meet their basic needs."

Each year, Tipping Point Community honors Bay Area organizations working to prevent poverty in the region. The 2010 honorees will each receive a grant of $50,000 from Tipping Point.

The 2010 Tipping Point honorees:

Christa Gannon, Founder + Executive Director, Fresh Lifelines for Youth (FLY)

Fresh Lifelines for Youth reduces juvenile crime by providing legal education, leadership training and positive role models to at-risk youth, equipping them with the tools to make positive life decisions.

"In high school I got caught with drugs and a weapon and was put on probation. FLY helped me get back my self-respect.  Without them, I never would have graduated high school.  Now I have a job I love as an office manager and medical assistant. Today I am a strong young woman, who is focused, dedicated, and responsible." — Darshaie Smith, Former Client, FLY

Tess Reynolds, Chief Executive Officer, New Door Ventures

New Door Ventures rebuilds the lives of at-risk youth through mentoring, job training, educational support and employment.

"Young people at New Door are fighting histories of homelessness, addiction and crime. Most have never had a positive role model. Without intervention, without New Door, they would have no chance at a real future. We're so grateful to be a part of this community that gives young people a chance at winning, and the more they do, the better our city becomes, for generations to come." — Tess Reynolds, CEO, New Door Ventures

Michele Jackson, Executive Director, Shelter Network

Shelter Network provides housing, case management, childcare, educational and employment support services to more than 4,000 homeless families and individuals throughout San Mateo County.

"Yes, Shelter Network provided me with food, clothing and a roof over my head. But, they did so much more than that. I walked out of Maple Street Shelter a better person than when I walked in.  And not better than a man living in a car with his cat, but a better man than I had been all my life." — Steve Carey, Former Client, Shelter Network

About Tipping Point Community

Tipping Point Community screens non-profits rigorously to find the most effective groups connecting Bay Area individuals and families to the services and opportunities needed to break the cycle of poverty and achieve economic self-sufficiency.  Tipping Point's board underwrites all operating and fundraising expenses so that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly toward fighting poverty.  More information about Tipping Point Community is available at Tippingpoint.org.

SOURCE Tipping Point Community