For nearly 50 years Turning Point Domestic Violence Services has remained dedicated to protecting clients and their dependents from interpersonal violence.
A large part of this effort includes the thousands of safe shelter nights Turning Point provides annually at its emergency shelter serving Jackson, Bartholomew, Brown, Johnson and Shelby counties.
The shelter has served as a haven for countless individuals over the years and remains a pillar of the organization’s programming, according to a news release from the Columbus-based organization. In 2020, the agency provided 5,123 nights to adults and children that were actively seeking safety.
Turning Point will be working to raise funds for the project through this year’s Giving Tuesday on Nov. 30. All gifts will be matched 1:1 up to $25,000 by Turning Point supporters Lori and Jerry Cobb.
To learn more about the nonprofit agency’s services or to contribute to the Giving Tuesday project “Safety is Key,” visit Turning Point’s website at turningpointdv.org.
While the organization has been successful in mitigating instances of violence surrounding the shelter, there continues to be a substantial increase in lethality. There is always a greater risk to personal safety as individuals await clearance to enter the shelter. Working with a team of professionals, the organization has identified the immediate need for a safer building entrance.
“It is absolutely imperative that we provide a safe environment for our program participants, volunteers, and staff. Our plan is to add a dual-door, two-step security process ensuring the greatest level of protection,” said Lisa Shafran, Turning Point president.
“While our current entrance to the facility is secure, it does not provide the increased level of security that is needed in today’s climate,” she said. “The level of violence that we’re experiencing is unlike anything we’ve seen to-date.”
The agency has been working with local contractors to design the crucial improvements and are actively seeking funds to complete the project.