Turning Point 30th Anniversary Dinner Event to Honor Supporters

After three decades of serving victims of domestic violence in McHenry County, Turning Point continues its role as a safe haven, advocacy center and community partner. The organization celebrates 30 years at its annual dinner, set for Thursday, Oct. 20 at Jameson's Charhouse in Huntley. Cash bar begins at 6:30 p.m., and dinner at 7:30 p.m.

Executive Director Jane Farmer said while the occasion is a fundraiser, it's primary focus is to express gratitude to those who keep the organization going.

"It's a way of saying thank you to the community," Farmer said.

Turning Point is actually the county's only crisis agency, with a team available 24/7 to support and aid victims of domestic violence, Farmer explained. Support includes meeting victims at police stations or hospitals.

"We help the medical staff to do what they do best since we are doing the advocacy, and they can focus on their work," Farmer said. Sometimes, staff go to the emergency room and begin discussing safety plans, legal rights and available services with victims.

"And it could be that (the victim) is terrified and the police have not located her abuser, so we might shelter her, right from the emergency room," Farmer said.

On the legal end, victims of domestic violence also face challenges with child care and filing criminal charges or complaints.

"Turning Point has staff at the courthouse to assist clients in writing out an Order of Protection and helping them through the difficult and stressful time of going through that," Farmer said. In addition, individual and group counseling, and children's services, are available.

The October 20 event will also focus on specific individuals who've impacted Turning Point.

Katherine M. Keefe, Clerk of the Circuit Court, will be presented with the Peace & Justic Award.

"Kathy has been really instrumental in supporting the work of the advocacy at the courthouse," Farmer said. "She really works hard to make sure that anybody who needs courthouse services can get them, and she is a really solid person who makes a difference at the court house."

Dreamweaver awards will be given to volunteers Sarah Baker, Judy Luecht and Jessica Cassidy; and Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock will receive the Partnership Award.

Turning Point served 1,970 clients in 2011.

The dinner will feature a 50/50 raffle, and tickets for the event are $75. They can be purchased by calling Turning Point at (815) 338-8081. More information is available at the agency's website, www.mchenrycountyturningpoint.org.