In the heart of North Minneapolis, Turning Point Recovery continues to serve as a vital resource for those struggling with substance use disorders. Founded in 1976 by addiction counselor Peter Hayden, the organization has long focused on providing culturally responsive treatment for Black communities, a population historically underserved in addiction services.
“Addiction doesn’t discriminate, but the systems meant to help people often do,” said Hayden, reflecting on his decades of experience. “When we created Turning Point, we wanted a space where people could feel seen and supported, where their culture and experiences were understood rather than ignored.”
Turning Point offers a variety of services, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, counseling, relapse prevention programs, case management, and community education initiatives. Executive Director Marcus Johnson emphasized the organization’s holistic approach. “We look at the person as a whole—housing, employment, mental health—because recovery isn’t just about stopping substance use. It’s about rebuilding a life,” he said.
The need for such comprehensive support has grown in recent years as Minnesota faces a persistent opioid crisis. In 2024, the state saw a significant decline in overdose deaths, with a 6% decrease in synthetic opioid-related fatalities, including fentanyl, dropping from 949 in 2023 to 892 in 2024, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. However, fentanyl remains a significant concern, involved in over 95% of opioid-related deaths in Hennepin County.
“Families are losing loved ones at alarming rates,” Johnson noted. “Programs like ours are not just treatment centers—they’re lifelines for the community.”
Turning Point also prioritizes education and prevention. Program Director Lisa Carter explained that much of the work involves building trust and awareness. “We can’t just wait for someone to walk through our doors,” she said. “We go out into the neighborhoods, into schools, and talk openly about the risks of opioids, the signs of addiction, and the options for help.”
For participants, the organization offers a supportive community that many describe as transformative. Jamal Thompson, a recent graduate of Turning Point’s recovery program, shared, “Coming here changed my life. I finally felt like people believed in me, and that gave me the strength to believe in myself.”
Looking ahead, Turning Point plans to expand its outreach and services to meet growing demand. Hayden reflected on the organization’s ongoing mission: “Our work is never done. Every person who comes to us is part of a larger story of resilience in this city. If we can give them the tools and the support to rewrite that story, we’ve done our job.”
Turning Point Recovery is located at 1234 North Broadway, Minneapolis, MN 55411. For more information or to access services, call (612) 555-6789 or visit www.turningpointmn.org.
