Domestic violence agency names leader

CLAREMONT — Turning Points Network, a violence prevention nonprofit serving Sullivan County, will begin a new era of leadership next week with the naming of Pascale Graham as organization’s new executive director.

Graham, who currently serves as assistant director, will step into the lead role beginning on Sunday, in succession of the outgoing executive director, Deborah Mozden, who is retiring after 40 years of service.

Founded in 1977, Turning Points provides direct assistance and support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence as well as school-based and community educational programs pertaining to healthy relationships, safety and understanding sexual and domestic abuse. The nonprofit’s support services include a 24-hour crisis and support line, emergency shelter and safe home network, peer support counseling, legal advocacy, referrals and information resources.

Graham, who joined Turning Points in 2021, has an “extensive” background in advocacy and public policy, according to a press statement issued Wednesday by the nonprofit. Prior to coming to New Hampshire, Graham spent 12 years at McGill University in Montreal, where she obtained a doctorate and taught at the Institute of Gender, Sexuality and Feminist Studies. From 2005 to 2008 Graham served as the director of Domestic Violence Policy for the Mayor’s Office in New York City.

“We are excited to share Pascale’s new role leading Turning Points Network,” said Christina Hill, President of the Turning Points Network Board of Directors. “Her advocacy expertise, academic and teaching experience and commitment to supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence will help guide (Turning Points) in the years ahead.”

Graham, in a written statement, said she is grateful for this opportunity to work “with an amazing group of advocates” and supporters.

“Turning Points Network is an incredible organization that touches the lives of thousands of Sullivan County residents,” said Graham. “I am grateful to have this opportunity to work with an amazing group of advocates who tirelessly support victim-survivors in our area. Together we will further TPN’s mission to make our communities free of domestic and sexual violence.”

Turning Points will also begin its long-awaited relocation to 231 Broad Street, a former professional building donated to the nonprofit by the Pierzchala family in 2018. The building underwent a $2.8 million renovation this year to build a two-story addition with 3,856 total square footage, including an additional 1,732 square feet of office space per floor.

The renovated headquarters includes a modern classroom and conference space, a kitchen, a multitude of offices and common areas and a private side-street entrance that offers additional privacy to clients.

Turning Points officials, while excited about the organization’s future under Graham’s leadership, said they greatly miss Mozden, who has served as the executive director since 1983.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Deb Mozden for over 10 years,” said Turning Points Programs Director Amanda Mace. “She’s a leader whose compassion and care for her staff and the survivors we serve are unparalleled. I speak for all staff when I say Deb has been a great leader for our organization and has made a tremendous impact. Deb has built a legacy (here) and will be missed deeply.”

Mozden will remain in the organization in an advisory capacity, according to Hill.

“She has been a visionary leader and has built Turning Points Network into an agency at the forefront of advocacy, offering exceptional programs in domestic and sexual violence prevention and financial empowerment while actively participating in the schools in Sullivan County all with the goal of interrupting the cycle of violence,” Hill stated.

Mozden was unavailable on Wednesday for comment.

Patrick Adrian may be reached at (603)727-3216 or at padrian@vnews.com.