GREENSBORO, N.C. — A Triad woman is helping those in need by paying their rent and utilities.

What You Need To Know

  • A mom of nine, Edwina Turner turned her life around after experiencing homelessness

  • She is paying it forward with her nonprofit, A New Chance on Life, which helps Triad residents pay utilities, rent and other bills

  • Turner said her experience has helped her become the community servant she is today

Edwina Turner's agency, A New Chance on Life, has been assisting in the community for 15 years.

The organization is funded through local church donations, but this year it became an official nonprofit. 

Turner said now she can apply for grant funding, and her organization will have more means to serve a growing list of clients. 

“Last year, it was up to 50, and this year, we are already at 10. So I would say that we grow tremendously every year,” Turner said. 

Turner said she developed a passion for helping others after experiencing homelessness firsthand.

She said her mission is to ensure her community is aware of the available resources and to help people going through a hard time. 

“For me, the breaking point was losing my children. I had lost three children to social services, and I was pregnant again, and I wanted to make a change. I just wanted my children, and I wanted to live," Turner said.

Turner has been clean for more than 25 years and went on to study mental health and substance abuse. 

She said it makes her feel good to be able to use her experience to serve others. 

“I just made up my mind that I want to help people and give back,” Turner said. 

To learn more about the services at A New Chance on Life or to donate, click here.