This helper will, eventually, let you access the points functions from anywhere in Magento.

<code php>
<?php

class Mage_Points_Helper_Data extends Mage_Core_Helper_Abstract
{
    public function getCustomerPoints()
    {
        $currentPoints = Mage::getModel('points/points')->getCustomerPoints(Mage::getSingleton('customer/session')->getCustomerId());
        return $currentPoints;
    }
}
</code>