SERVING MARION, DELAWARE, CRAWFORD,
MORROW, UNION & WYANDOT COUNTIES
At Turning Point, we offer a safe and secure temporary shelter for victims/survivors of domestic violence and their children. Our shelter is designed to meet their physical and emotional needs. We provide housing, food, clothing, and personal items to ensure their comfort and well-being. The shelter features designated rooms for male victims and is also handicapped accessible. Whenever possible, families are provided with their own rooms and bathrooms, while common areas like the living room, dining room, and kitchen are shared.
24-HOUR CRISIS LINE
For immediate assistance and support, we operate a 24-hour crisis line. If you are calling locally or for business purposes, please dial (740) 382-8988. If you are calling from outside Marion, please dial (800) 232-6505. Our crisis lines offer supportive listening, information, referral resources, and access to our services. If you are concerned about the safety of a battered person, we can also provide guidance on the best ways to assist victims without compromising their safety.
FOOD
Food is an essential aspect of our shelter, and we have a fully equipped kitchen and a well-stocked pantry to meet the nutritional needs of our residents. The kitchen is always accessible, allowing individuals to eat according to their own schedules. Some of the food supplies are obtained through private donations and government programs.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is a crucial concern for families facing danger. We can arrange transportation to the shelter with the help of local law enforcement for their safety. During their stay at the shelter, we offer limited transportation assistance for those who don’t have their own vehicle.
INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION & SUPPORT
We understand that the trauma of domestic violence affects victims and their families deeply. That’s why we provide individual education and support to help victims cope with their experiences and address the impact it has had on their lives. Our advocates meet with residents individually to discuss their needs, set goals, develop safety plans, and offer other supportive services.
GROUP EDUCATION & SUPPORT
Group education and support are also integral parts of our program. Residents and other clients participate in support groups facilitated by advocates. These groups cover topics such as self-esteem, assertiveness, safety planning, parenting, and other relevant issues. By sharing knowledge and experiences, individuals find support from others who are in similar situations. Survivors of family violence attend groups to resolve issues and deal with the effects of abuse, while current victims explore options and plan for their safety.
VICTIMS RIGHTS ADVOCACY
We also provide victims’ rights advocacy services. Our advocates are well-versed in Ohio laws related to domestic violence and can provide information on custody, criminal charges, protection orders, dissolution and divorce, and property issues. Although they are not attorneys, they can offer referrals to affordable or free legal services. Advocates can accompany victims to legal and court appointments and help them understand the judicial process. We can also arrange face-to-face meetings at police departments or other safe locations. For individuals with visible injuries, we can provide photo and written documentation for possible future use.
INFORMATION & REFERRAL
Information and referral services are available at Turning Point. We can connect clients with other agencies and affordable services as needed. Our staff members provide information about housing, education, employment opportunities, medical services, mental health issues, batterers’ treatment, and resource needs.
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING
To help victims transition to permanent housing, we offer transitional housing services. This extended shelter program serves as a bridge between emergency shelter stays and finding a permanent home.
OHIO REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN OUTREACH (ORW)
We also have an outreach program specifically for incarcerated women at the Ohio Reformatory for Women (ORW). This program, funded by the State of Ohio, provides classes on domestic violence education and healing from trauma through writing, art, and other means
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
At Turning Point, we believe in the importance of creating a violence-free society, and our community education program reflects that commitment. We actively engage with various groups and organizations to raise awareness and promote positive change.
One aspect of our community education program is public speaking engagements. We offer free presentations to clubs, church groups, civic organizations, and college classes. Through these speaking engagements, we aim to educate the community about domestic violence, its impact, and how we can all work together to prevent it. We also provide professional training to organizations such as hospitals, departments of job and family services, counseling centers, crisis hotlines, local law enforcement agencies, and schools. By equipping professionals with the necessary knowledge and tools, we can improve the support and services available to domestic violence victims.
TEEN ADVOCACY
We offer up-to-date programming that focuses on healthy relationships and dating violence to local students, staff, parents, and community members. In compliance with House Bill 19, which mandates dating violence education in middle and high school health classes, we have developed engaging and informative presentations. We also provide education on the issue to teachers, administrators, counselors, nurses, and psychologists. These presentations are offered at no cost to schools, ensuring that students and educators have access to vital information and resources. For more information about our teen advocacy program, please reach out to Robin McNeal or Doryan Miller.
