Turning Point Center for Youth & Family Development Celebrates 15 Years of DUI/DWAI Services in Northern Colorado
For 15 years, Turning Point Center for Youth & Family Development has provided DUI/DWAI education, therapy, and recovery support services to individuals and families across Northern Colorado.
What began as a commitment to helping community members navigate difficult moments has grown into a long-standing program focused on accountability, healing, education, and long-term behavioral change.
As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect not only on the years of service—but on the thousands of lives impacted through compassionate, evidence-based support.
Supporting Northern Colorado Since 2011
Since launching our DUI/DWAI program in 2011, Turning Point has worked with individuals from throughout Northern Colorado who are navigating the legal, emotional, and personal consequences of impaired driving offenses.
Our program was built around a simple but important belief: People deserve the opportunity to learn, grow, and move forward.
Over the years, our DUI/DWAI services have supported clients at many different stages of change—from first-time offenders seeking education and accountability to individuals working through deeper substance use and behavioral health challenges.
More Than a Requirement—An Opportunity for Change
For many people, entering a DUI/DWAI program can feel overwhelming or intimidating. At Turning Point, we strive to create an environment that is respectful, nonjudgmental, and focused on meaningful growth.
Our licensed clinicians and trained professionals work with clients to:
understand patterns related to alcohol and substance use,
strengthen decision-making skills,
reduce the risk of repeat offenses,
build healthier coping strategies,
and develop long-term recovery goals when needed.
While accountability is an important part of the process, we also recognize that sustainable change happens when people feel supported—not shamed.
A Continuum of Behavioral Health Support
One of the strengths of Turning Point’s DUI/DWAI program is its connection to broader behavioral health services.
Because Turning Point Center for Youth & Family Development provides both mental health and substance use disorder treatment services, clients can access additional support when appropriate, including:
substance use treatment,
and trauma-informed care.
This integrated approach helps address the underlying factors that may contribute to substance misuse, impaired driving, or ongoing behavioral health concerns.
Serving Individuals, Families, and the Community
The impact of DUI/DWAI services extends beyond individual clients.
Safer roads, reduced impaired driving, healthier coping skills, and increased treatment access all contribute to stronger families and healthier communities throughout Northern Colorado.
Over the last 15 years, Turning Point has remained committed to:
accessible care,
evidence-based programming,
community collaboration,
and reducing barriers to treatment and education.
We are grateful to the many referral partners, probation departments, courts, clinicians, and community organizations who have partnered with us in supporting this work.
“Our partner agencies have really helped us to grow within the last 2 years. We have doubled the amount of clients we were at, which is due to the relationships we have made and our staff doing such a great job with the clients.” shared Christy Malara.
Staff member Jamie McQuarrie has been leading the program since its inception in 2011. Christy Malara stepped into leadership of the program in December 2025, after being a part of it for the last 4 years. They both serve the program in a way best shared through client feedback.
What are clients saying?
Our participant survey asks clients, "Is there a staff member whom you would like to give praise to? What did this person do?"
And, with most rating the program 5 or 5, many shared:
"Jamie was amazing, He really listens and tries to understand his patients... Keep rocking on!"
"Jamie, he was always super helpful and was caring towards me."
"Both Christy and Jamie were very helpful throughout this whole experience."
"Jamie, he always made me feel that I could openly express myself in group and his classes were all very informative."
"Jamie was fantastic, very understanding, and made everyone feel very welcome in groups."
"Christy and Jamie were amazing! Kind and helpful during a tough time."
"Jamie and Christy were both incredibly patient with me, and for that, I am grateful."
"Christy Malara - empathetic, direct, relatable, honest."
"Christy is amazing!!!"
"Jaime was always engaged and had a positive attitude."
"Both Christy and Jamie were very helpful throughout this whole experience."
Many clients also agree with the following statements:
The services are helping me accomplish personal goals,
I appreciated the convenient meeting time/place,
The services are affordable,
The services are helping my family work together better
Looking Ahead
As behavioral health needs continue to evolve, Turning Point remains committed to expanding access to compassionate and effective care across Northern Colorado.
We know recovery and behavioral change are not always linear. Every person’s journey looks different. But for 15 years, our DUI/DWAI program has remained focused on helping individuals take meaningful steps forward—toward accountability, stability, and healthier futures.
We are honored to continue serving our community and look forward to the years ahead.
To learn more about Turning Point Center for Youth & Family Development’s DUI/DWAI education and therapy services, visit our website or contact our team directly.
