The former foster child, who now works for the child-welfare organization Place of Hope in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., lives at the Villages of Hope, a support community for emancipated foster youths. She is part of the direct-care staff at Joann’s Cottage for pregnant and / or young mothers and the Seven Stars Emergency Shelter for boys removed from their homes.

Turner’s path brought her to the Villages of Hope after she became homeless, following a childhood traumatized with abuse and neglect. Her mother suffered from drug and alcohol abuse, which left her lost, angry and fearful. Turner changed her life with the help of a surrogate mother and then the Villages of Hope.

On her birthday, Turner achieved homeownership, which involved volunteering and earning a paycheck. The Breakers in Palm Beach sponsored Turner’s new home.

The groundbreaking event took place at Kennedy Estates in Jupiter and featured comments by Place of Hope board members, a representative of The Breakers and Turner, along with a blessing of the ground and a groundbreaking with ceremonial shovels.