Tucked away behind a gate in Delaware County, Turning Point Home will soon open its doors to victims of domestic violence.
"When I took this job, I don’t think I really believed in evil," said Paula Roller, executive director for the organization.
For more than 2 decades, Roller has led a staff of people in protecting and assisting people trying to escape abuse.
"We really focus on intimate partner violence," Roller explained. "It's hard to imagine what one human being can do to the other, especially when it's the person that is your most intimate partner — that is supposed to love you, treasure you — that you trust. But, it is oh so real."
On Monday, Turning Point will open a location in Delaware County, becoming the first domestic violence shelter in the county.
Delaware County is the largest county in Ohio that did not have its own domestic violence shelter.
Turning Point will offer free job and legal assistance, while housing men, women, children, immigrants and the elderly.
"Our oldest client, I think, was 84," Roller explained. "Think of elder abuse... in this case it was her caregiver."
The newly remodeled facility was purchased with $3.2 million of donations.
The reconstruction didn't come easy. The building was hit by vandals in November of 2017.
"They broke out a lot of windows... just created a lot of hassle," Roller said. "But a lot of concern because the property was vacated at that time. So, we've been eager as this progresses to get it occupied."
Turning Point will have a soft opening on Monday as families from their Marion location begin to move in.
If you or someone you know is in need of shelter away from domestic violence, call the Turning Point Crisis Line at 1-800-232-6505 for help.