Our Mission Turning Point (TP) is committed to “turning our community away from domestic violence” and providing victims of domestic violence and their dependent children with safe shelter while they learn how to break free from their abuser. Professional staff, survivors and volunteers educate the community about the devastation caused by violence in the home and the social injustices women endure as a result of domestic violence. Staff and volunteers teach clients how to live an independent and violence free life through counseling, case management, victim’s advocacy and a variety of other services tailored to meet the needs of each client. Our History 1985 Started offering support and advocacy to victims of domestic violence. 1986 Crisis Line established and later support groups were included. Turning Point became incorporated and tax exempt. 1988 Opened temporary shelter in vacated homeless shelter; later that year placed in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath house. 1989 Purchased a 4 bedroom house – provided adequate living space for 16 clients, privacy, a safe enclosed playground for the children, and an opportunity for individual counseling. Became a member agency of the United Way of the Central Carolinas. Started receiving funding from: NC Council on Women, Union County, City of Monroe and surrounding municipalities, yearly fundraisers, community donations, and grants from private foundations. 1990 Received recognition and support from local law enforcement and human service agencies that endorsed and supported our services. 1991 Hired its first full time Executive Director. 1992 A grant from Family Violence Prevention funded a children’s program that targeted elementary school systems. This program enabled teachers to identify at-risk students. The United Way of Central Carolinas granted Turning Point $5,000 to paint our permanent shelter. 1993 The North Carolina Baptist Men’s Association provided free medical care to our clients who had no other resources available to help pay for medical treatment. Cassie’s Place, our transitional housing program, opened – it helps battered women make the transition from living in the emergency shelter to independent living. The Foundation for the Carolinas saw the need to provide transitional housing and awarded Turning Point a $5,000 grant to defray operational costs incurred through services offered at Cassie’s Place. 1995 United Way forgave the $33,000 balance on an interest-free loan. 1996 Turning Point received a $15,000 appropriation from the North Carolina General Assembly, thanks to the hard work of Senators Aaron Plyler and Richard Conder. 1998 Turning Point received a $25,000 grant from the Sisters of Mercy to begin a Children’s Program called The HERO Program. Turning Point contracted with UNCC Urban Institute to do a feasibility study. This study determined Turning Point needed a 40-bed facility. 1999 Groundbreaking Ceremony was held for the new Turning Point facility. An Early Childhood Counselor was added with funds from the United Way Focus Grant and the Smart Start Grant 2001 Turning Point completed an 11,000 square foot new facility with 42 beds. 2007 Started the Hispanic Outreach Program Turning Point still continues to provide many services to victims of domestic violence and their children.
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