Press Release: MJ Fund for Survivors

Apr 5, 2022

Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center Opens Agency Endowment Fund Thanks to $1 Million Donation from the Margery Jones Charitable Trust

Shelton, WA, March 2022 – Domestic Violence Awareness Month happens every October and aims to foster awareness for both the issue of domestic violence and resources for those experiencing it. Turning Pointe Survivor Advocacy Center, the only domestic violence shelter in Mason County, hosts its annual Power of the Purse auction and dinner event during October as a celebration of the work, the community, and mission. In October 2021, as preparations were heavily underway for the auction, Turning Pointe received another reason to recognize their community.

The Margery Jones Charitable Trust was established by longtime Mason County resident Margery Jones’ family in honor of her and the community she was a part of. After being a supporter of Turning Pointe for many years, a simple, white envelope arrived at the shelter on October 8, 2021. Inside was a $1 million donation from the Margery Jones Charitable Trust.

The nonprofit’s mission strives to better serve clients and prevent domestic and sexual violence in Mason County and in the state of Washington. Currently, almost 80% percent of Turning Pointe’s funding comes from local, state, and federal grants. While undoubtedly helpful, grant funding comes with rigid guidelines for use and is historically inflexible when emergency needs arise—for example, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After months of research and deliberation, the Turning Pointe board members fulfilled their fiduciary responsibility to fulfilling the center’s mission by establishing its first agency endowment fund. Margery Jones’ incredible donation and the subsequent fund opened with the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation—called the “MJ Fund” for Margery Jones—is a historic first for the survivor advocacy center. It will preserve and further the organization principals by providing a steady, fluid source of income to support Turning Pointe’s mission and staff.

When asked about the donation, Margery Jones’ family member and trustee Chris Sjoholm said, “Margery Jones loved Mason County and she cared deeply for women who found themselves in difficult situations. We are honored to support Turning Pointe as they help survivors of domestic and sexual violence set new courses for their lives.”

Turning Pointe hopes that the MJ Fund will be the first of many ways the organization can diversify its funding and rely less on government grants. A next step for the advocacy center is a soon-to-be-announced legacy giving society. If you are interested in donating to the MJ Fund or legacy giving, please email Executive Director Gina Finley at executivedirector@turningpointe.org.

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