Capital Campaign News

June 2012

Turning Points emergency shelter is a vital part of metro Detroits safety net. After 30 years of sheltering women and children fleeing abuse, Turning Points shelter facility is no longer able to meet the increasing demand for services. The aging facility has only one handicapped bedroom, just four showers and one bath tub, over crowded bedrooms due to the increasing demand for shelter, and it has no programming space for children. We have planned a new 12,000 square foot facility to be built in Mt. Clemens, that incorporates the renovation of an existing building, adds 7,000 square feet of residential space for 12 flexible suites, and integrates our existing childrens play yard. This new emergency shelter will increase our capacity to shelter families, is completely handicapped accessible, and most importantly will offer families in crisis the privacy and dignity they need to heal. The new facility will also add vital programming space such as a childrens play therapy room, computer area, and childrens activity area. Latest News Turning Point recently completed our competitive bid process to award the construction contract to build our new emergency shelter in May 2012. Bernco Construction from St. Clair Shores, MI was the lowest qualified bidder at $2,374,000 and was awarded the contract. This amount was higher than orignially budgeted. We are reviewing areas where we can cut some expenses and are continuing to raise funds. Construction is planned to begin this month! It is anticpated to be a 9-12 month project and will create over 60 constuction jobs. We remain on track to have our grand opening in the Spring of 2013. Brandon Jennings from BJ Construction, Patrick Findlan, AIA, from Lehner and Findlan Associates and other volunteers will be providing project oversight during the construction phase. Community Involvement The American Society of Interior Designs has partnered with us on the project. This volunteer group of designers from across Metro Detroit are raising funds, connecting us with vendors for donations, and will be providing design concepts for the childrens play room and other areas of the new shelter. We are so grateful for their involvement! Turning Point staff has been making presentations to a variety of community groups, such as the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, to inform them of this exciting project and generate involvement from the community. If you would like to know more on how you or your group can become involved, please contact Sue Coats or Lynn Wilhelm at 586-463-4430. Current Fundraising Total $2,000,000