When a new client arrives at Turning Point, all of their belongings will be treated by a new bed bug system, an effort that should help the agency from infestations that have plagued it in the past.

Earlier this year, the women’s shelter was awarded a $3,282.94 Operation Round Up grant to help cover the project cost. The new system will help exterminate lice, bed bugs and other contaminants from client belongings. It replaces a system that was not quite as effective or efficient.

With Turning Point embarking on a capital campaign to renovate and expand its facility — a project that will allow it to have 36 beds available — the need is more urgent.

“With the new system, it will create a safer, clean living environment for the clients to live in, and a better environment for staff to work,” Executive Director Linda Buschman said.

Founded in the mid-90s, Turning Point operates an emergency shelter for victims of adult sex trafficking and domestic and sexual violence. The organization primarily serves victims from Warren, Lincoln, St. Charles, Montgomery, Gasconade and Franklin counties. In addition, the agency provides a number of advocacy services.

For more information or to make a donation, visit turningpointdvs.com.

Grant funds are donated by Cuivre River Electric members who participate in Operation Round Up by rounding up their electric bill payments each month to the next highest dollar. The funds, administered by a seven-member volunteer board, are available to help individuals, families and organizations.

For more information contact Tim Schmidt, Operation Round Up coordinator, at tschmidt@cuivre.com or 636-695-4837.

Cuivre River Electric Cooperative is the largest member-owned electric distribution cooperative in Missouri. It provides service to more than 65,000 residential, business, commercial, industrial and agricultural members in Lincoln, Pike, St. Charles and Warren counties.