43
Turning Point, executive director part ways
By Kalea Hall
YOUNGSTOWN
Joseph Sylvester is no longer the executive director at Turning Point Counseling Services Inc.
Sylvester’s last day was Friday at the counseling center with offices in Youngstown, Struthers and Sebring.
“Joe has given us great years of service, and we appreciate all he has done for Turning Point and how he has served this community and the behavioral-health community,” said Tracey Winbush, president of Turning Point’s board of directors.
Turning Point, a nonprofit corporation, provides evaluation for behavioral-health care and substance and alcohol abuse. The center offers crisis intervention, counseling and psychotherapy, individual and group community support programs and emergency services, according to its website.
“We don’t turn anyone away,” Winbush said.
Sylvester has been with Turning Point for at least 15 years, Winbush said.
“We are just going in a different direction,” Winbush said. “We wish him the best.”
Sylvester’s contract with Turning Point had expired years before his departure.
Turning Point’s board of directors will meet this month and discuss a selection process for a new director.
“We are seeking to expand our services so we can serve the clients who need us,” Winbush said. “We have not gone out for a search as of yet.”
Duane J. Piccirilli, executive director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board, which provides funding to Turning Point, said the board was informed of Sylvester’s departure from Turning Point on Friday.
The board was assured the “high-quality services” at Turning Point would continue.
“It is one of our major agencies providing services,” Piccirilli said. “We look forward to continuing the contractual relationship with Turning Point. We think highly of the organization, the staff and the services they provide.”