Turning Point Domestic Violence Services recently announced the winners of four awards given to people who support the organization.
Jackson County Prosecutor Jeff Chalfant received this year’s Mission Partner Award.
“Jeff has always been supportive of our mission and this year has gone above and beyond to help the victims of domestic violence and law enforcement to bridge communication gaps,” said Charlotte Moss, a representative for Turning Point in Jackson County.
Chalfant has participated in law enforcement trainings with Turning Point and encouraged the importance of collaboration to ensure victims’ needs are being addressed, Moss said.
“Jeff has also helped our staff look at ways we can be more accessible to court staff for referrals and develop a presence at the new courthouse,” she said. “Thank you, Jeff, for being such a supportive partner this year.”
The Community Partner Award went to Jackson County Jail Commander Chris Everhart.
“Chris stepped into his role with determination and a plan to continue the support network between the inmates, Centerstone and Turning Point,” Moss said. “I would say he has absolutely done well with that goal.”
Even though Everhart is busy, Moss said he takes time to answer questions and ask questions to ensure inmates receive the knowledge they need in order to deal with domestic violence issues when released from jail.
“Thank you for giving Turning Point the opportunity to educate the inmates,” Moss said.
The Volunteer of the Year is Jill Willey with the Jackson County Public Library. She is the adult mentor who attends monthly Teens for Change meetings.
“She has been instrumental in assisting with events and supporting the teens as we discuss ways they plan to bring awareness to the community,” Moss said. “She never misses a beat as the conversations bounce back and forth with student plans. Thank you for all your support.”
A new award, Teen Volunteer of the Year, went to Grant Elliott, a Teens for Change ambassador at Brownstown Central High School.
“Grant has taken on a leadership role in the last two years and never backs down from a challenge,” Moss said. “It has been my pleasure to watch the growth in his leadership skills and know that he will lead this community in the future in some manner. I am very proud to know that Turning Point has been a part of his journey.”