Turning the tables on homelessness and exploitation
A faith-based ministry, Turntable, helps San Francisco’s at-risk youth find safety, stability and belonging – with your partnership.
By Ministry Pacific
While Turntable’s housing ministry offers refuge and shelter in San Francisco, its vision comes from a Land Down Under.
Founder and Aussie Robynne Jeisman began envisioning ministry in America when she was only 16.
But she wasn’t just California dreaming. Robynne worked in Australia as a high school chaplain, youth pastor and nonprofit staff member. Her responsibilities included ministry to homeless teens, foster children and exploited women.
Through these connections, Robynne became aware of a shadowy world co-existing with her area’s wealth and ocean views. She was shocked to discover a subculture of poverty, disconnected youth, and danger.
For Robynne, a turning point came when she received a call to help a teen girl at a train station who was exchanging sex for alcohol and cigarettes. Despite wanting desperately to help, Robynne had no place to house the girl, no resources and no answers to relieve her plight.
That interaction led her to repeatedly wonder, “Who is going to help girls like that?” The answer soon became clear: “It’s me.”
Ministry on the move
While Robynne’s commitment to ministry remained unwavering, she felt a divine calling to a new location: San Francisco. After some back-and-forth between the United States and her homeland, she began Turntable with the help of local, faith-based partners in 2020.
The name of the ministry, Turntable, was inspired by several ideas, including the opportunity to “turn the tables” in life – going from a position of weakness to strength.
Robynne said Turntable is the only faith-based transitional housing organization in the San Francisco area. The nonprofit provides housing for young adults in crisis, but it’s much more than a roof overhead.
“It’s a housing ministry that helps young adults have a safe place of belonging and grow into healthy individuals,” she said.
“We’re not a real estate program. We’re a healing and development ministry.”
Each resident is assigned a case manager, who provides personalized direction and support. Participants, who are aged 16 to 25, pay modest rent and also juggle school and jobs. Although there’s no pressure to leave, most stay an average of three years or less.
Prevention and protection
In addition to providing shelter and community, Turntable reflects Robynne’s passion to combat human trafficking. Although this cause is not the organization’s specific purpose, it has been involved in rescues. She’s aware of youth being targeted for the sex trade, slave labor and even organ harvesting.
However, most of Turntable’s work is on the preventative side of trafficking. By helping its residents get education, employment and a spiritual foundation, they’re less likely to fall into predatory environments.
Olivia (a pseudonym), came to Turntable when she was 19 after leaving her parents and moving in with a partner who became abusive.
“That’s when I found Robynne,” she said. “I was looking for a way out and to improve – to find a safe place. I found a home where I am welcomed and feel loved.”
Celebrating Thanksgiving at TurnTable in San Francisco
Partnering with Turntable
The ministry houses up to a dozen people at a time, and Robynne has aspirations for growth. Turntable is chiefly funded by contributions from individuals, although it has received a few grants.
Robynne said most churches desire to help people who are homeless or in danger of exploitation. But houses of worship often lack resources and expertise. When that’s the case, partnership is the best way forward. She encourages individuals and churches to join Turntable’s work by sharing “time, talent and treasure.”
Although all types of generosity are appreciated, consistent monthly gifts help Turntable make the biggest impact. Beyond cash, the ministry can use contributions of real estate to expand its housing network.
In the San Francisco area, volunteers including lawyers, therapists, dentists and case managers serve young adults at Turntable. Robynne welcomes inquiries about service.
“What Robynne accomplished is nothing short of extraordinary. ”
“What Robynne accomplished is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Fritz Hahn, founder of Ministry Pacific Insurance Services. “She arrived in a foreign country with no pre-existing relationships, limited financial resources, and was dependent on raising her own support. Yet she proceeded to build a nonprofit from the ground up.”
As the ministry matures, Robynne’s focus is on building and expanding a team of supporters, prayer partners and volunteers. She routinely travels, speaking to groups and sharing a vision for the ministry.
“This is not a solo effort,” she said. “From the beginning, it’s been a work of partnership. I love to talk to people about how they can join this ministry of refuge. When they do, they also share in the reward.”
Learn more about TurnTable