> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Many happy returns Battered woman regains life
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/many-happy-returns-battered-woman-regains-life/
- Published: 2004-06-19T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T04:33:20.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Community, Downtown, #archive-import, Homeless, Homelessness

*Clients go from down on streets to up on their feet*

*By DANIELE HAMAMDJIAN Special to the Daily Press*

DOWNTOWN — Fostering the belief that every human being has the right to dignity, Turning Point Transitional Housing, a 55-bed shelter for the homeless, celebrated over 20 years of community service by recognizing the contribution of volunteers and private donors at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel last Sunday.

“It’s good to see them become citizens, paying they’re own taxes,” joked Hal Ross during a speech given to the 200 attendees. Ross, a retired public accountant, is one of the five founding members of the Turning Point Resource Board and was one of the three honorees at the brunch. Turning Point recognized Ross by giving him the Generous Spirit Award.

Event Chair, Donna Gentry, presented the Brilliant Star Award to Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel for its outstanding contribution by a corporation, and for its loyalty and commitment to Santa Monica — the St. Monica Parish community received the Open Heart Award.

Turning Point is a project of the Ocean Park Community Center’s (OPCC) network of shelters and services. Since 1983, Turning Point has been assisting the homeless in reaching self-sufficiency by providing everything from clothing to computer training. Today, secured with permanent housing and employment, more than 2,500 individuals can give thanks to the program for a successful transition.

Prior to its well-organized digs on 16th St., Turning Point was housed in a church basement in Santa Monica, where volunteers like Ross would sometimes spend the night in order to lend a helping hand. Prior to joining the program, Ross and his wife Shirley tried rescuing families from the Santa Monica and Malibu streets and parks by offering them hotel rooms and emergency money. The couple quickly realized their generosity would not provide a permanent solution. After reading about OPCC and its many services, the couple took action.

Following the 1994 Northridge earthquake, Ross made a few phone calls, and with the support of many other donors, transformed Turning Point into a project now funded by the City of Santa Monica, the State of California and private donations.

“You can’t believe the background of some of these people who end up being homeless,” noted Ross during his acceptance speech.

John Maceri, executive director of OPCC, took time to remind the audience that the project gave the homeless a chance at a life most people take for granted, and congratulated the former residents for their accomplishments.

The celebration included champagne and a silent auction wherein articles on bid varied from porcelain dolls to vacation getaways.

“I couldn’t think of a more beautiful organization to celebrate,” said Patricia Scalan, who graduated in November of 2001.

Scalan found her way to the shelter through a family friend after 25 years of alcohol and drug addiction. Virgil Hill, Turning Point project manager, introduced the audience to a choked-up Scalan, who admitted she had never rented an apartment or owned a check book before the completion of her stay at Turning Point. Cheers and applauds followed when a smiling Scalan, now program coordinator of assessment and referral at the Clare Foundation, told the audience she was presently living in a one-bedroom bachelorette pad.

“Now we go to the same pedicure and manicure salon,” added a laughing Gentry.

Actor Mark McGraw, brother of country singer Tim McGraw, was also on hand, after hearing about the event and wanted to show his support.

Turning Point seeks to break the cycle of homelessness and to help integrate homeless individuals back into society. The program has a maximum stay of nine months, during which residents are required to save 80 percent of their income. The money they are able to save is critical to their transition. There is currently a three-month waiting list to become a resident.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/061904-02_01.jpg)

Hal Ross, a founding member of the Turning Point Resource Board, accepts the Generous Spirit award last week at an event honoring Turning Point Transitional Housing. (Photo: Daniele Hamamdjian/Daily Press)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 19, 2004.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/061904.pdf?ref=smdp.com)