Shelter

Turning Point provides victims/survivors of domestic violence and their children with safe, secure, temporary shelter in a comfortable atmosphere. The shelter is designed to meet the victims’ physical needs by providing housing, food, clothing and personal items, as well as their emotional needs through support services. The shelter also features designated rooms for male victims. When possible, families are provided with their own rooms with bathroom, while other areas such as the living and dining room and kitchen are shared. The shelter is also handicapped accessible.

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Food

The shelter has a fully equipped kitchen and a nicely stocked pantry to provide for families’ nutritional needs. The kitchen is never locked, allowing the individuals to eat on their personal schedule. Some products are supplied through private donations and government programs.

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Transportation

Transportation to the shelter for families in danger can be arranged with the local law enforcement for their safety. Transportation during shelter stay is available on a limited basis for those who do not have their own vehicle.

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Individual Education and Support

Turning Point offers individual education and support to help victims cope with the trauma they have experienced and the effects it has had on their families. Residents of the shelter meet individually with advocates to talk about their needs and goals, develop safety plans and receive other supportive services.

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Group Education and Support

Residents and other clients participate in support groups. An advocate leads the group in discussions on self-esteem, assertiveness, safety planning, parenting and other issues. Individuals find support by sharing knowledge and experience with others who are in similar situations.

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Survivors of family violence attend groups to resolve issues and deal with the remaining effects of abuse, while current victims examine options and plan for their safety. Topics discussed in the support groups include the effects of domestic violence on family members, related parenting issues, forms of abuse, victims’ rights, red flags and warning signals, characteristics of abusers, safety planning and others.

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Victims’ Rights Advocacy

A Turning Point advocate can familiarize clients with Ohio laws that pertain to their situation. The victims’ rights advocates can help answer questions regarding custody, criminal charges, protection orders, dissolution and divorce and property issues. Advocates can help victims understand the judicial process and attend legal and court appointments with the victim as requested. While the victims’ rights advocates are not attorneys, they can provide referrals to affordable or even free legal services.

In addition, advocates are available to meet face-to-face with individuals who are considering using Turning Point’s services. Advocates can meet at police departments or other safe places. Any individual with visible injuries may call and request a photo and written documentation of the injuries for possible future use. Parties with specific questions can meet with an advocate to have their concerns addressed.

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Advocates can assist with Victim Compensation applications and referral to local attorneys for assistance with filing when necessary.

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Information and Referral

Turning Point can link clients with other agencies and affordable services as needed. Staff members inform clients about housing, education and employment opportunities. Medical services, mental health issues, batterers’ treatment and resource needs are also addressed.

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24-Hour Crisis Line

(740) 382-8988 for local and business calls
(800) 232-6505 for callers outside of Marion

Turning Point’s crisis lines provide victims with supportive listening, information and referral resources and access to agency services. Individuals concerned about the safety of a battered person may also call for information on the best ways to assist victims without jeopardizing anyone’s safety.

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Transitional Housing

Turning Point provides extended shelter for victims of domestic violence and their families in order to bridge the gap between an emergency shelter stay and permanent housing.

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Ohio Reformatory for Women (ORW) Outreach

The ORW outreach program is funded through the State of Ohio and is for incarcerated women who have been identified as using violence or have been a victim of domestic violence. The types of classes include a Domestic Violence Educational Class for victims and survivors of intimate partner violence, Domestic Violence Choosing Peace Educational Class for survivors who are now using power and control tactics with their partners, and Domestic Violence After Care Educational Class for those wishing to focus on healing from trauma through writing, art, and other means.

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Community Education

Turning Point’s community education program stresses the importance of a violence-free society. Efforts include free public speaking to many clubs, church groups, civic organizations and college classes, and professional training to organizations such as hospitals, departments of job and family services, counseling centers, crisis hotlines, local law enforcement agencies and schools.

In addition, Turning Point utilizes broadcast and print media; literature distribution including posters, brochures, and newsletters; creative advertising; special events and public displays at shopping centers, libraries, health fairs and more.

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Teen Advocacy

Turning Point provides up-to-date programming regarding healthy relationships and dating violence to local students, staff, parents and community members. Presentations have been developed in compliance with House Bill 19 which requires dating violence education in middle and high school health classes and education regarding the issue to teachers, administrators, counselors, nurses and psychologists. These are offered at no cost to schools.  Contact Robin McNeal or Doryan Miller for more information regarding this program.

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Other Services

• Language interpretation services available for LEP clients – all languages

• DWAVE and Sorensen Relay System available for deaf clients