In May of 1977, a group of concerned citizens, led by Kay Stout, A.C.S.W., met for the first time to discuss the problem of domestic violence in the Marion community. Immediate goals were developed to provide peer support and to begin educating the community about the issue of domestic violence. A long range goal emerged to establish a shelter facility where survivors of domestic violence could seek refuge.
In August of 1978, a corporation by the name of Concerned Citizens Against Violence Against Women was formed. Through C.C.A.V.A.W.’s efforts, funding was obtained and, in April of 1979, the dream of a shelter became a reality. Women and children now have a safe place to turn when challenged with domestic violence – a Turning Point that enables survivors of domestic violence to live a life free of violence.
History of Turning Point
Brief History of the Battered Women’s Movement
Prior to the 1970’s, partner abuse remained a horror that was housed behind closed doors. It was not until women gathered in the late 1960’s to share their stories that violence in the home became a public issue. With this emergence of women’s voices came what is known as the Modern Women’s Movement.
The Modern Women’s Movement challenged the existing conditions of women and served as a catalyst for the Battered Women’s Movement that emerged in the 1970’s. In the following years, the battered women’s movement dramatically changed society’s response to domestic violence.
In the early 1970’s, there were no battered women’s shelters in existence. Today, there are more than 1,500 shelters serving women, children and men who are victims of domestic violence.
Turning Point Board of Directors
Officers
Chris King, President
Director of Business Development, Sphere Electric (Union County)
Beth Matune, Vice President
Assistant Prosecutor, Delaware County (Delaware County)
Vicki Kimmel, Secretary
Director of Lean/Operations, Nationwide Insurance (Marion County)
Randy Coleman, Treasurer
CFO, Scotts Miracle-Gro (Union County)
Members
Lieutenant BJ Gruber
Marion City Police Department (Marion County)
Paula Alves
Chapter Leader, Blue Thong Society (Marion County)
Sheriff Russell Martin
Delaware County Sheriff (Delaware County)
Sheri Hunter
Paralegal, Greif Packaging, LLC (Delaware County)
Pam Sonagere
Human Resources Director, City of Columbus Auditor's Office (Delaware County)
Adrienne Corbett
Retired, Executive Director (Delaware County)
Tara Dyer
Retired Educator (Marion County)
Brett Kowalczyk
Quality Management Systems Lead Engineer, Whirlpool Corporation (Marion County)
Marilyn McClure-Demers
VP/Associate General Counsel, Nationwide (Delaware County)
Funders
Thank you to our supporters! Turning point relies on the generosity of our funders and communities to achieve its mission of providing support, counseling and shelter to victims of domestic violence and their families.
Turning Point is funded by the Delaware/Morrow Mental Health and Recovery Services Board; the county commissioners in Crawford, Delaware, Marion, Morrow, Union, and Wyandot Counties; the United Ways in Crawford, Delaware, Marion, Morrow, and Union Counties; Crawford County Job and Family Services; the Ohio State Office of the Attorney General; the Office of Criminal Justice Services; Marion Municipal Court; and donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations.
