Turning Point, a local shelter and service organization for victims of domestic violence, is asking the city of Warrenton to commit $20,000 in funding to the organization’s mission.Executive Director Jolynn Houchins delivered the funding request to the Warrenton Board of Aldermen March 5. She said Turning Point has increased the number of people it serves, including residents of Warrenton.“In our total number served we saw a 48 percent increase” within the 2017 and 2018 fiscal years, Houchins said. Part of that increase was the addition of new beds at the shelter, she explained, adding that over 380 people were served in 2018.“Likewise, we saw an increase in the number of Warrenton city residents we were serving,” Houchins continued. “In 2017, we served 48 individuals (from the city). In 2018, we served 59 individuals.”Turning Point provides shelter, counseling and advocacy services for the victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, all at no cost to the victims, Houchins said. Clients come from throughout Warren County and several neighboring counties.Houchins said some of the people or family groups stay at the shelter for only a couple weeks, but others require much more time to find stability while leaving violent situations. Funding from the city would help pay for operational costs to provide shelter and service to those victims, Houchins commented.There already is $3,900 set aside for Turning Point in the city’s current budget, Houchins said. The organization is asking the city to release that money while it considers the larger funding request.Houchins said Turning Point also receives funding from sources in St. Charles County and from government grants.Ward 2 Alderman Gary Auch, who in the past has supported funding for social services, said the normal process for a funding request is to be considered as part of the city’s next annual budget. The city’s fiscal year begins in July, which is when any new budget items would usually be added.Auch added that many people aren’t aware of the need for services such as Turning Point.“We don’t really see victims. We don’t see what’s going on. The police see it. Educators see it. But the average citizens doesn’t see,” Auch commented. “It’s always helpful to highlight what’s really going on.”Turning Point