Turning Point Domestic Violence Services will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Aug. 5. The group has offered services to southern Indiana residents impacted by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking since 1975.
The organization was founded by sisters Rickie and Barbara Steeb as the Columbus Regional Women’s Shelter, one of Indiana’s first emergency shelters for women escaping domestic violence. The service was originally operated from the Woodlawn Motel in Columbus. It has since grown into a regional service provider across a six-county area, including Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson, Johnson and Shelby counties. The shelter officially rebranded as Turning Point Domestic Violence Services in 1980, extending its services to support survivors and work to end the cycle of abuse.
Turning Point’s mission and reach continue to grow. Below are some examples of how Turning Point has impacted individuals in 2024 alone.
· 7,374 nights of emergency shelter provided to survivors in need
· 1,087 families supported through non-residential services
· 1,164 prevention education programs and professional trainings delivered
· 452 volunteers contributed 4,797 hours to support Turning Point’s mission
For their 50th anniversary, Turning Point invites the community to celebrate with them by making donations in honor of the resilience of survivors and reaffirming the commitment to creating a world free from violence. Any donation can make an impact.
Community gifts can make the following impact:
- $1,000 provides 1 week of safe emergency shelter and services for a family in crisis.
- $500 provides a survivor of domestic violence much-needed case management services.
- $250 maintains the 1-800 24/hr, crisis helpine for those who are in need of immediate assistance regarding domestic violence or sexual assault.
- $100 allows staff to present Preventing Dating Abuse/Caring Relationships to a classroom of students.
- $50 provides supplies and materials for a group session in Shelter or with a community group
- $25 offers a client gasoline for their vehicle to get to work to support their family
- $10 provides a game or activity to utilize at Family Game Night out in the community
“Fifty years of service would not be possible without the incredible support of the community,” said Turning Point President Whittney Loyd. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has stood by us and helped us grow into the agency we are today. The need for safe, stable services for survivors is more urgent than ever, and we remain committed to providing a lifeline to those in crisis.”
Donations made in honor of the organization’s 50th anniversary can be submitted at www.turningpointdv.org/50.
