Turning Point Founder Honored by 100s at Yankees Game

The roar of the crowd at Yankee Stadium on Friday night was for more than just a home run. It was a standing ovation for a local hero, a man whose work has created countless new beginnings. The turning point founder, David Chen, was honored on the field in a moving pre-game ceremony, celebrating his profound impact on New York City’s at-risk youth.

A Special Night at the Stadium

The electric atmosphere of a classic New York Yankees game was amplified by a palpable sense of community pride. Hundreds of attendees, including students, alumni, staff, and supporters of the Turning Point Foundation, filled multiple sections of the iconic stadium. They wore custom shirts and held signs, not for the players on the field, but for the man who gave them a second chance.

For many, it was their first time at a major league baseball game, an experience made possible by the very foundation being celebrated. The event, sponsored in part by the Yankees’ HOPE Week initiative, was designed to shine a spotlight on grassroots organizations making a tangible difference in the five boroughs.

The evening was a testament to the power of one person’s vision. It was a celebration of perseverance, community, and the belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to change their life’s trajectory. The Yankees organization highlighted Chen’s work as a “grand slam for the community.”

Who is the Turning Point Founder?

So, who is David Chen, the turning point founder at the heart of this celebration? Chen, a former software engineer, grew up in the very neighborhoods he now serves. He witnessed firsthand how a lack of resources and mentorship could create insurmountable barriers for talented and driven young people.

Haunted by the “what ifs” for friends who went down the wrong path, Chen left his lucrative tech career behind over a decade ago. He used his own savings to rent a small storefront in the Bronx and established the Turning Point Foundation. His mission was simple yet ambitious: to provide a turning point for youth aged 16-24 who were out of school and out of work.

The foundation offers a unique blend of services, including GED preparation, vocational training in high-demand fields like IT support and green energy, and, most importantly, one-on-one mentorship. Chen’s philosophy is that true change comes from consistent support and genuine belief in an individual’s potential. He is known for his hands-on approach, often personally tutoring students and making calls to potential employers.

The Ceremony on the Diamond

Just before the first pitch, David Chen was escorted to the area behind home plate. Joined by Yankees legends and team executives, a video montage played on the stadium’s massive screen. It featured emotional testimonials from former students who credited Chen and the foundation with saving their lives.

One young woman, now a successful graphic designer, shared through tears, “David didn’t just give me skills; he gave me a family. He was the first adult who didn’t give up on me.” The camera panned to Chen on the field, visibly moved by the tribute.

Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman presented Chen with the “Community Champion” award, a custom-engraved baseball bat, and a significant donation to the foundation. In his brief remarks, Chen was characteristically humble. “This isn’t about me,” he said, his voice echoing through the stadium. “This is for every student who walked through our doors, for every volunteer who gave their time, and for a city that, at its best, gives people a chance to prove themselves. This is for our shared belief in second chances.” Learn more about our mission on our foundation’s page.

More Than Just a Game: The Impact of Turning Point

The honor at Yankee Stadium is a milestone, but the foundation’s true success is measured in the lives it has transformed. To date, the Turning Point Foundation has helped over 2,500 young adults earn their high school equivalency diploma. More than 70% of its graduates secure full-time employment or enroll in higher education within six months of completing the program.

These aren’t just statistics; they are stories of hope. They are former gang members who are now certified electricians, single mothers who have become certified nursing assistants, and young men and women who broke cycles of poverty to become the first in their families to build a stable career.

The foundation’s success stems from its holistic approach. It addresses not only education and employment but also the underlying issues of housing insecurity, mental health, and lack of a support system. The “turning point” is more than a name; it’s a promise of comprehensive support. The support from major New York institutions like the New York Yankees helps amplify this promise, bringing much-needed awareness and resources.

Looking Ahead for the Foundation

The recognition from the Yankees is a massive boost for the Turning Point Foundation. The financial contribution will help expand their tech lab, and the public visibility is already generating a surge in volunteer applications and corporate partnership inquiries.

David Chen hopes to use this momentum to launch a new initiative focused on entrepreneurship, teaching graduates how to start their own small businesses. “Our goal isn’t just to find them jobs,” Chen explained in an interview after the ceremony. “It’s to empower them to create jobs and build wealth within their own communities.”

As the Yankees game played on under the bright lights, the cheers for the home team mingled with a deeper sense of celebration. It was a powerful reminder that some of the biggest victories in New York City happen far from any baseball diamond, driven by the quiet, relentless work of heroes like the turning point founder, David Chen.